Philippians 4:10-12
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
If there's one prayer a person should never pray, it's "God, teach me to be patient". If there's a second prayer a person should never pray, it's "God, teach me to be content". I know I've said this over and over again throughout this study, but PAUL IS IN PRISON!!!!! You wanna talk about someone backing up his words with actions!?! It would be easy to read this and say "Yeah, but Paul never went through what I'm going through." And you'd be right. I'm sure he never had to deal with his best friend getting a new video game, when all you have is this old one. All he had to deal with was Prison (twice), shipwreck (three times), beaten with rods (three times), stoned (not the good kind :p) (once). Not to mention the verbal attacks which I'm sure were constant.
When you have nothing it's easy to go into survival mode. It's when we start to get a little bit that we look around and say, why can't I have that? That's when we need to learn to focus on what God has given us, and look for ways to be a blessing to others (by the way, the word "concern" above could be translated as giving money).
-Jeff-
Philippians 4: 1-3
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
I feel bad for Euodia and Syntyche, and not just because their parents hated them (I know this because their parents gave them such awful names!), but because when we get into a fight, maybe our friends hear about it, and sometimes the whole school hears about it. But in this case, everyone who's read the New Testament for the last 2,000 years has heard of their fight! I wonder what it was? Part of me thinks it was probably a fight over what color the new church carpet should be. Or maybe it had to do with whether the Bible study should be on Mondays or Tuesdays. Whatever it was, these were mature Christian women who got into the Bible for their fighting. I read this as Paul saying, "Oh come on... Just get over it already!"
And how many times do we fight with people over stupid stuff, when the whole world is at stake? What would happen if we shifted our thinking from getting our own way to how to win the lost more effectively? Why does this stuff always consume us?
Here's a trick I've learned: "I'm sorry, you're right, I'm an idiot" Say that and fights end almost instantly. There are times when you'll have to stand up to someone, but most of the time it's just petty. Our church secretary Lynnette says we need to learn to be more like ducks, and allow all of the bad things to just roll off our backs.
-Jeff-
Philippians 3: 18-21
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
If your God is really your stomach, does that mean my God is bigger than yours? Sorry, I couldn't resist... Nevermind... Anyways... If you've ever gone on vacation for a period of time you know that eventually your thoughts turn towards home. I doesn't matter how much fun you're having, you start to miss your friends, or your routine, or your Wii. When Tiffanney and I got married we went to Hawaii for our Honeymoon. It was glorious! We had so much fun there, laying on the beach, then swimming in the ocean, then swimming in the pool, then laying next to the pool, it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. But something strange happened around day four or five. We found ourselves longing for home. That's right, we wanted to leave HAWAII and return to rainy, dreary, cloudy Washington! (We've vowed that when we go back, we won't make that same mistake, lol).
If you are a Christian the Bible says that you are born again and that you become a citizen of Heaven! And as a citizen of Heaven we should be focused on that eternal prize, rather than on food, pleasure or any of the other things that so often sidetrack us. So forget those things today and try to live life looking towards the prize!
-Jeff-
Philippians 3: 10-11 Part 4
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Make sure you take the time to read parts 1-3 in the sidebar on the right. The word Christ is a greek word that is the same as the Hebrew word Messiah. The word Messiah literally means "The Anointed One". The word anoint means to pour, or to smear on. In the old testament (the first part of the Bible), when someone would become a leader, or a king, they would be "anointed" with oil as a symbol of their new power. The Bible says that we've been given a new power too.
The Bible says that the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is at work in us. That same anointing that Jesus had, which allowed Him to perform miracles, heal the sick and raise the dead is the same anointing that God has placed on us. When we come to know Christ, that anointing that was poured on Him will rub off on us. That's what Paul means when he says he wants to know the power of God. I know that's what I want. I want to see God use me to perform miracles. How cool is that, right?
The last part of this verse talks about the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings. God wants us to walk in the power of God, but if you remember back to our study of Phil 2: 9-11 the reason that Jesus was exalted was because he humbled Himself. When you go out of your way to reach out to someone, it's not because you're trying to be the bigger person. When you humble yourself to serve someone else, don't think of it as being humiliating. Because when you do those things, God honors that and gives you more of His anointing. If Jesus was the ultimate servant, and we want to be closer to Him, we need to be willing to serve.
-Jeff-
Philippians 2: 12-13
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
This last Wednesday night I told a story about a shipwreck. I asked the audience to imagine they were in a rescue boat trying to find the survivors of a shipwreck. What are signs you would look for to tell if people were still alive? You'd start by looking for motion. If their arms are moving, that's a good sign they're alive. Also if they are breathing or yelling to you, that's a good sign. You know what's a bad sign? Floating face down in the water. If you're doing that you're probably not alive (unless you're Rose trying to catch a last glimpse of Jack as he floats to the bottom 'cause there wasn't enough room on the door for both of you!).
In this passage Paul reminds us that salvation isn't a one time event, but it's a process that we go through throughout our lives. Sometimes it's hard to understand why living the Christian life is so difficult, it's hard to see why we are constantly facing temptations. Yet all of this makes us more like Christ, which is truly what God wants for us.
-Jeff-
Philippians 1: 28-30
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.
At some point in our lives we've all been picked on. We've all had people say things behind our backs, or take our lunch money or whatever. Here Paul tells us not to be afraid when people say things about us, why, because we are citizens of Heaven! Jesus tells us not to fear people who can hurt us physically, but instead to fear God and do what He wants.
Sometimes when you read the Bible through you get the idea that God wants us to be in pain. In verse 29 it even says that we've been given the privilege of suffering for Him. Later in Philippians it talks about fellowshipping with suffering, like it's fun to hang out with or something. But when we know that God has a plan, when we realize that this is not our home, and when we know that He's right there with us, everything gets easier to handle. I don't like to hurt, but when my hurt draws me closer to God it's worth it.
-Jeff-
Philippians 1:12-14
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Have you ever noticed that tragedy is a catalyst? Something about going through hard times makes people focus on what's really important, and it draws them back to God. I remember after the 9-11 attacks that rocked our nation (I know I'm dating myself) that there were many people who turned to God. Many churches experienced a 10-20% increase in attendance following those attacks, because people were searching for answers. You've noticed this in your own life, when your parents start fighting, or when you have a test coming up in school, you pick those moments to cry out to God.
News of Paul being in prison got around. People looked to him as a pillar of the faith, and now he was being taken away. I'm sure this drove people to their knees, and when they were down there God spoke to them about people that they needed to be witnessing to. What the enemy meant for evil (removing Paul), God turned around for good (now there were many people talking about Christ). And this hadn't stopped Paul either, he was witnessing to everyone he had contact with. So the gospel was actually moving forward because of his chains. That's pretty amazing.
When you're going through hard times, do you expect God to turn it around for his glory?
-Jeff-
Dealing with Offense part 2
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Often when we read this passage, we focus on the people and their intent to trick Jesus (otherwise, why didn't they bring the man? It takes two...). And it's true. The only reason they brought this woman was because they wanted to see what Jesus would do. But I want to look at this passage from a slightly different angle.
Leviticus 20:10 says this:
10 " 'If a man commits adultery with another man's wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.These men had the law on their side. Forget the fact that they were probably waiting outside her house so they could capture her, they were in the right. The law clearly says she should die. And no one would have given Jesus a hard time for agreeing with the law. But instead Jesus says "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And at that, the men dropped their stones and walked away.
We've all been in situations where someone has hurt us, and according to the law we have the right to get them back. We say things like: "It's okay for me to hate them, you don't know what they did to me." or we talk to our friends and say: "Just thought you'd like to know, so and so did this to me." And you take those rocks in your hands and begin to throw them at the person, because it's your right to do so.
But Jesus had a different take on this. Have you ever sinned? Have you ever cut someone off in the hallway at school? Have you ever gotten carried away and done something you regretted? If you have, and you've been offered forgiveness, it is your responsibility to do the same to others. When someone hurts you, you have a choice to make. I can take the stone in my hand and throw it at them, or I can drop it and walk away. But as you're thinking about your choice, remember that God took the rock that had your name on it, and instead he threw it at Jesus.
-Jeff-
Matthew 5:10-12 The Beatitudes
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Recently I was driving around town and happened to see a guy dressed as the statue of liberty selling something, auto insurance I think. What possesses someone to do that? First off, why do companies think this is a good idea? I think the reasoning is that if they humiliate one of their employees long enough, people will take pity on that person and go buy something from their store. And let's be serious now, don't you feel a little bad for them? I mean, I spent so much time feeling bad that I can't even remember what he was selling!
Obviously this person is doing this because he lost a bet of some sort. Or maybe for a paycheck, but if that's true it better be a good one.
My point is, what does the reward need to be in order for you to humiliate yourself? If I gave you a million dollars, would you tell people about Jesus? What about $10,000? $1,000? What about if I gave you Heaven? Would that be enough to endure persecution? Something to think about.
-Jeff-
Matthew 5:7 The Beatitudes
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
One of the sayings of Jesus day went like this: "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." That meant that if someone did something bad to you, you had the right to get even. Interestingly, the reason that was put in place was to limit the amount of payback you could get. So if someone stole your cow, you couldn't go kill them, you just took a cow back. But that's not the point of this verse. Mercy is defined as compassionate treatment of those under your power. According to the law, you have the right to take revenge, you have the power over them. But according to mercy, you're going to give them a pass. If you do that, the Bible says that you will be shown mercy. And let's be honest, before God all of us have messed up waaaayyyyy more than we'd like to admit.
Find someone who's wronged you today, and give them a little of the mercy that you've received.
-Jeff-
James 5:10-12
10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
12 But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.
Yesterday we talked about trying to press God for things when He wants us to wait on His timing. But what about when you're going thru something and you're waiting for Him to act? How is your patience then? Are you willing to trust in God to keep you from harm, or do you look to bail at the first opportunity?
Look at the prophets. Hebrews paints a pretty rosy picture of what they went through:
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
When you're in trouble, where do you turn? Is God the first and only place you turn, or do you have a plan B?
-Jeff-
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