That’s some hardcore faith right there.
Ben spoke those words in response to Paul writing about being content in all things — hungry or well-fed, in need or fully satisfied — content. In all things.
I was reading the book of Philippians aloud to him. I’m doing that every day in an effort to memorize it (the whole book) with Ben. We memorized the first chapter last year, but stopped short of the entire book when life got busy. But still, we’ve read all 4 chapters no fewer than 50 times. We’ve discussed many sections, usually finding a new nugget each time we read it. On this day it would be verses 11-13 of chapter 4.
Because we have discussed the life of Paul before he came to know Christ — the Hebrew law-keeping, persecutor of Christians, Pharisee that he was — Ben understands what an amazing testimony Paul has, to be content while imprisoned for serving Jesus. He’s correct when he says that’s a hardcore faith. I shared with Ben that I pray for him to have this kind of faith himself. And for myself as well.
After the Gospels, I think the book of Philippians is one of the best books of the Bible to read AND memorize with your kids. It is so full of wise and comforting words that will help you have “the mind of Christ,” giving you the ability to recall important truths when you (or your kids) need them.
Memorizing the book of Philippians is doable for kids and adults of most any age. There are only a total of 104 verses, and many of them will likely be very familiar; you may even have some memorized already (especially from chapter 4):
1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you . . .
1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
2:10-11 . . . so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
4:6 . . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
See . . . I’m thinking you probably already know most of these, right? So that’s 11 down and only 93 to go!
Philippians in 28 Weeks is one of our favorite resources from Home School Adventure Co. We love everything they publish, but this Scripture memory tool is the one we use most. Ben’s success in memorizing the first chapter of Philippians is because of this resource. You can read a review I wrote for Philippians in 28 Weeks here for a full picture of how Philippians in 28 Weeks works. You can see sample pages on the website, but I believe you will love this product as much as we do (or I wouldn’t be telling you about it, right?).
