Romans 1:5-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.
As I rest, relax and enjoy this Thanksgiving break, I have so much to be thankful for. Family … friends … fellow saints in the Body of Christ. As I think of you all, I am thankful to God for the many blessings (each one of you), He has poured out on me from His abundant storehouse in Heaven.
I have something new to be thankful for this year that has never been a part of my thank you list before. God has blessed me in the past with ministry opportunities in His church but this past October 15th,2008, He called me to the position of pastor of the Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church in Mendenhall, MS. The people of Nazareth have opened their hearts to my wife and I and made us feel unconditionally loved. Our love for them is overflowing. This is making this Thanksgiving very special!
Now put on top of that the wedding of my youngest daughter this coming Saturday evening and I am about to bust wide open, like that stuffed turkey, with joy and happiness.
I pray your Thanksgiving is also filled and overflowing with the joy we only get from God.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
NO LONE RANGER
Philippians 2:19-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Commends Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.
25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.
28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.
From the very beginning of the Christian church, the work of spreading the gospel was done by groups, not individuals. Jesus called a group of twelve disciples and taught them this strategy. He them out two by two (Mark 6:7). The Apostle Paul had two ministry companions that he praised for their work in ministry, in keeping with this no Lone Ranger strategy.
Who has partnered in ministry and had an impact on your spiritual growth? This would be a great time to say thank you. Who has partnered with you on a work to spread the gospel? Have you paused to say well done? Use this season of Thanksgiving as an opportunity for ministry commendation.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul Commends Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.
25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.
28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.
From the very beginning of the Christian church, the work of spreading the gospel was done by groups, not individuals. Jesus called a group of twelve disciples and taught them this strategy. He them out two by two (Mark 6:7). The Apostle Paul had two ministry companions that he praised for their work in ministry, in keeping with this no Lone Ranger strategy.
Who has partnered in ministry and had an impact on your spiritual growth? This would be a great time to say thank you. Who has partnered with you on a work to spread the gospel? Have you paused to say well done? Use this season of Thanksgiving as an opportunity for ministry commendation.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
SHARED JOY
Philippians 2:12-18
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
When those you are ministering to, follow God’s instructions … it brings joy.
When they are working hard, spreading the gospel … it brings joy.
When they are obedient to God, above reproach, living clean, innocent lives … it brings joy.
When they are bright lights to the dark world ... it brings joy.
When they don’t complain or argue, doing the work that is pleasing to God … it brings joy.
When they hold firm to the Word, never wavering … it brings joy.
The Apostle Paul experience this joy because of the faithfulness of the Philippian church and exhorted all of them to share that joy. Personal joy is great. Shared joy is fantastic!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
When those you are ministering to, follow God’s instructions … it brings joy.
When they are working hard, spreading the gospel … it brings joy.
When they are obedient to God, above reproach, living clean, innocent lives … it brings joy.
When they are bright lights to the dark world ... it brings joy.
When they don’t complain or argue, doing the work that is pleasing to God … it brings joy.
When they hold firm to the Word, never wavering … it brings joy.
The Apostle Paul experience this joy because of the faithfulness of the Philippian church and exhorted all of them to share that joy. Personal joy is great. Shared joy is fantastic!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
CHOOSE HUMILITY
Philippians 2:9-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
An old preacher once told me that when you see ‘therefore’ in scripture, you take a look back to find what the ‘therefore’ is there for. This therefore points us to the ‘I’m Third’, Christ-like attitude we have discussed for the past two days. The ‘therefore’ says because Christ was humble in His attitude …
Whether we or the world want to admit it or not, the highest place has been given to Christ. The greatest name is the name of Jesus. The day is coming when believers and non-believers alike will bow before Him.
I would rather humbly choose to bow than be forced to my knees. Jesus is coming soon. Begin practicing humility today.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
An old preacher once told me that when you see ‘therefore’ in scripture, you take a look back to find what the ‘therefore’ is there for. This therefore points us to the ‘I’m Third’, Christ-like attitude we have discussed for the past two days. The ‘therefore’ says because Christ was humble in His attitude …
Whether we or the world want to admit it or not, the highest place has been given to Christ. The greatest name is the name of Jesus. The day is coming when believers and non-believers alike will bow before Him.
I would rather humbly choose to bow than be forced to my knees. Jesus is coming soon. Begin practicing humility today.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
THE CHRIST-LIKE ATTITUDE
Philippians 2:4-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Christ ‘took the humble position of a slave’. Christ ‘humbled himself in obedience to God’.
Where does humility fit in your personal list of character qualities? When others observe you … hear you … interact with you, does your pride blind them or does your humility glow through? Christ has many positive character qualities … compassion … empathy … courage … boldness … to name a few. We should purpose to develop all these positive qualities in our own character. It seems that the Apostle Paul puts humility at the top of the list. Why? Because humility will enhance the worlds view (the glow) of all the other qualities and humility leaves no room for the blinding light of pride.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Christ ‘took the humble position of a slave’. Christ ‘humbled himself in obedience to God’.
Where does humility fit in your personal list of character qualities? When others observe you … hear you … interact with you, does your pride blind them or does your humility glow through? Christ has many positive character qualities … compassion … empathy … courage … boldness … to name a few. We should purpose to develop all these positive qualities in our own character. It seems that the Apostle Paul puts humility at the top of the list. Why? Because humility will enhance the worlds view (the glow) of all the other qualities and humility leaves no room for the blinding light of pride.
Monday, November 17, 2008
I’M THIRD
Philippians 2:1-3
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
We live our lives running after being first. We want to be the top in our class … first in line … leader of the pack. There is nothing wrong with that as long as you keep an ‘I’m 3rd’ attitude in achieving your goals.
To get by the obvious question, “How can you be first and third at the same time?”, see if you can grasp the ‘I’m 3rd’ principle.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
We live our lives running after being first. We want to be the top in our class … first in line … leader of the pack. There is nothing wrong with that as long as you keep an ‘I’m 3rd’ attitude in achieving your goals.
To get by the obvious question, “How can you be first and third at the same time?”, see if you can grasp the ‘I’m 3rd’ principle.
- God 1st
- Others 2nd
- I’m 3rd
Give God first place in all things in your life. Humbly regard the feelings, interests and needs of others before yourself. Give them second place. Lastly, set your course, work your plan, achieve your goals, always remembering that your success never makes you better than someone else. The real winner in the Christian race can proudly proclaim, ‘I’m 3rd’.
Friday, November 14, 2008
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE
Philippians 1:27-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Live as Citizens of Heaven
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 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.
I don’t have to tell you that life is a struggle. We are living in perilous times and the struggles we face, while not all the same, are common to all mankind. A worldwide economic crisis … unemployment and foreclosure figures rising daily … communities devastated by crime and drugs … school campuses under lockdown … the constant threat of terrorism. I think we can agree that life is a struggle.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that in the midst of these struggles, believers are to live differently from the world. This world, with it’s struggles, is not our real home. We are “…citizens of heaven…” and we must live on this earth that way.
In the midst of all of life’s struggles, our main struggle must be for the faith. In all things … in all circumstances … keep your main thing the main thing. The main thing is the Good News of Jesus Christ. You have it … share it!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Live as Citizens of Heaven
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 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.
I don’t have to tell you that life is a struggle. We are living in perilous times and the struggles we face, while not all the same, are common to all mankind. A worldwide economic crisis … unemployment and foreclosure figures rising daily … communities devastated by crime and drugs … school campuses under lockdown … the constant threat of terrorism. I think we can agree that life is a struggle.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that in the midst of these struggles, believers are to live differently from the world. This world, with it’s struggles, is not our real home. We are “…citizens of heaven…” and we must live on this earth that way.
In the midst of all of life’s struggles, our main struggle must be for the faith. In all things … in all circumstances … keep your main thing the main thing. The main thing is the Good News of Jesus Christ. You have it … share it!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE MODEL
Philippians 1:20-26
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Life for Christ
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Life for Christ
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
What is the model for the Christian life?
- Never be ashamed of Christ
- Be bold for Christ
- Bring honor to Christ
- Live for Christ
- Do fruitful work for Christ
- Grow in your faith in Christ
- Experience joy in Christ
- Take pride in Christ (give Him the glory)
- Die anticipating being in the presence of Christ
In the Christian life, everything you do has Christ in focus.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
REJOICING IN CHAINS
Philippians 1:12-19
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached
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.
15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
I have seen a similar reaction to incarceration. Many mock jailhouse religion. They say it is only an act to portray a rehabilitated soul for the sole purpose of gaining parole. While I’m sure this is true in some cases, there are also cases of those who rejoice about coming to prison because of a legitimate conversation … a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul’s conversion happened prior to his arriving in prison. His joy came from the opportunity to share the Good News while he was there and from the Good News being spread by others because he was there. That is an awesome picture of prison ministry and an encouragement for all who have this calling. If we only reach one with the gospel of Jesus Christ, we rejoice for that addition to the Kingdom.
Pray about God using you to reach those who are in prison and pray for those who have already responded to God’s call. Pray continually for free access to the prison vineyard and for the lost to come to Christ.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached
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.
15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
I have seen a similar reaction to incarceration. Many mock jailhouse religion. They say it is only an act to portray a rehabilitated soul for the sole purpose of gaining parole. While I’m sure this is true in some cases, there are also cases of those who rejoice about coming to prison because of a legitimate conversation … a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul’s conversion happened prior to his arriving in prison. His joy came from the opportunity to share the Good News while he was there and from the Good News being spread by others because he was there. That is an awesome picture of prison ministry and an encouragement for all who have this calling. If we only reach one with the gospel of Jesus Christ, we rejoice for that addition to the Kingdom.
Pray about God using you to reach those who are in prison and pray for those who have already responded to God’s call. Pray continually for free access to the prison vineyard and for the lost to come to Christ.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
MY PRAYER FOR YOU
Philippians 1:7-11
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
The list of you who receive these devotions or those of you who follow my blog has grown over the years. I am grateful to God for each one of you, not just for allowing me to clutter your inbox but to share what God puts on my heart each morning. This is my daily quiet time. This is how God has chosen to speak to me. As I put these together each morning, my prayer is that God speaks and that I don’t get in the way.
I also rejoice that you have Jesus Christ in your heart, that you are showing the “… righteous character …” Jesus is producing in you to the lost in the world, and that your love and joy is overflowing as you grow in the Lord. Your overflow draws those who need salvation to Jesus.
Yes, you have a special place in my heart just as the Church in Philippi had for the Apostle Paul.
I love you with the love of Jesus Christ!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
The list of you who receive these devotions or those of you who follow my blog has grown over the years. I am grateful to God for each one of you, not just for allowing me to clutter your inbox but to share what God puts on my heart each morning. This is my daily quiet time. This is how God has chosen to speak to me. As I put these together each morning, my prayer is that God speaks and that I don’t get in the way.
I also rejoice that you have Jesus Christ in your heart, that you are showing the “… righteous character …” Jesus is producing in you to the lost in the world, and that your love and joy is overflowing as you grow in the Lord. Your overflow draws those who need salvation to Jesus.
Yes, you have a special place in my heart just as the Church in Philippi had for the Apostle Paul.
I love you with the love of Jesus Christ!
Monday, November 10, 2008
BETWEEN NOW AND THEN
Philippians 1:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
The ‘now’ is today. We can’t change yesterday. That is already recorded in the annals of time. What we did or did not accomplish yesterday, can only be impacted by what we do today. It has been said that today is the first day in the rest of your life.
The ‘then’ is “…when Christ Jesus returns.” Jesus is coming back again. He will appear in the clouds and gather to himself His church. When ‘then’ comes, there will be no time left to do anything.
Between ‘now’ and ‘then’, we have the privilege to be “…partners in spreading the Good News about Christ…”.
Joyfully embrace this privilege, knowing it will only be finished when we are caught up with Jesus in the air.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
The ‘now’ is today. We can’t change yesterday. That is already recorded in the annals of time. What we did or did not accomplish yesterday, can only be impacted by what we do today. It has been said that today is the first day in the rest of your life.
The ‘then’ is “…when Christ Jesus returns.” Jesus is coming back again. He will appear in the clouds and gather to himself His church. When ‘then’ comes, there will be no time left to do anything.
Between ‘now’ and ‘then’, we have the privilege to be “…partners in spreading the Good News about Christ…”.
Joyfully embrace this privilege, knowing it will only be finished when we are caught up with Jesus in the air.
Friday, November 07, 2008
A GRACE CALLED GIVING
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Generous Giving
1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
We are entering the season of the year when we will be asked, over and over, to give. The Apostle Paul has given us some guidance for this topic.
Paul praised this church who gave in support of his missionary work. They gave when times were difficult for them and they would have had a good excuse not to.
They gave according to God’s will … first to the Lord (their tithe) … and then to Paul (their offering). Offerings start when the tithe has first been given.
They gave joyfully … they gave out of free will … they counted giving as a privilege … they excelled in the grace called giving.
And so should we!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Call to Generous Giving
1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
We are entering the season of the year when we will be asked, over and over, to give. The Apostle Paul has given us some guidance for this topic.
Paul praised this church who gave in support of his missionary work. They gave when times were difficult for them and they would have had a good excuse not to.
They gave according to God’s will … first to the Lord (their tithe) … and then to Paul (their offering). Offerings start when the tithe has first been given.
They gave joyfully … they gave out of free will … they counted giving as a privilege … they excelled in the grace called giving.
And so should we!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
WE HAVE THE VICTORY
Romans 8:28-39 (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This passage from Romans 8 is one of my favorites. It reminds me today that the real victory, the only victory that really counts, is the victory we have through Jesus Christ.
His victory on the Cross gives me victory over hate … sin … death … and the grave. Without the Cross, all these things would have varying degrees of control (dominion) in my life. Because God loves me (so much that He sent His Son to die for me), I too am a conqueror over each of them. Yes, they will touch my life but they won’t separate me from God’s love.
Because of God’s love for me, I can live loving others and I can die resting in the assurance of eternity in His presence. Thank you Jesus!
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This passage from Romans 8 is one of my favorites. It reminds me today that the real victory, the only victory that really counts, is the victory we have through Jesus Christ.
His victory on the Cross gives me victory over hate … sin … death … and the grave. Without the Cross, all these things would have varying degrees of control (dominion) in my life. Because God loves me (so much that He sent His Son to die for me), I too am a conqueror over each of them. Yes, they will touch my life but they won’t separate me from God’s love.
Because of God’s love for me, I can live loving others and I can die resting in the assurance of eternity in His presence. Thank you Jesus!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
THE LOT IS CAST
Proverbs 16:32-33, 18:17-19 (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
32 Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
17 The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
It is the morning after and the lot has been cast. The votes were counted and the lot has fallen to President-Elect Barack Obama. Our democratic process has yielded this result which has made some happy and left some disappointed.
For the happy, God calls us to humility.
For the disappointed, God calls us to trust … “…every decision is from the LORD.”
Let us pray for our nation, our president-elect and all our leaders. Let us pray for God’s guidance. May we all be sensitive to His direction and obedient to His will.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
32 Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
17 The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
It is the morning after and the lot has been cast. The votes were counted and the lot has fallen to President-Elect Barack Obama. Our democratic process has yielded this result which has made some happy and left some disappointed.
For the happy, God calls us to humility.
For the disappointed, God calls us to trust … “…every decision is from the LORD.”
Let us pray for our nation, our president-elect and all our leaders. Let us pray for God’s guidance. May we all be sensitive to His direction and obedient to His will.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
RENDER UNTO CAESAR
Matthew 22:15-22
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Taxes for Caesar
15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.
Today is a day to render unto Caesar. No it is not tax day but voting day. Rendering unto Caesar is participation in the process. Rendering unto God is using His guidance as you vote your choice. When you cast your vote, choose the candidate(s) who you see best reflecting The Great Commandment (loving God, loving your neighbor). It is interesting that it comes just a few verses after Jesus response to the test concerning Caesar.
The bottom line … GO VOTE!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Taxes for Caesar
15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.
Today is a day to render unto Caesar. No it is not tax day but voting day. Rendering unto Caesar is participation in the process. Rendering unto God is using His guidance as you vote your choice. When you cast your vote, choose the candidate(s) who you see best reflecting The Great Commandment (loving God, loving your neighbor). It is interesting that it comes just a few verses after Jesus response to the test concerning Caesar.
The bottom line … GO VOTE!
Monday, November 03, 2008
ROOTS OF THANKSGIVING
Leviticus 7:11-15
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Further Instructions for the Peace Offering
11 “These are the instructions regarding the different kinds of peace offerings that may be presented to the Lord. 12 If you present your peace offering as an expression of thanksgiving, the usual animal sacrifice must be accompanied by various kinds of bread made without yeast—thin cakes mixed with olive oil, wafers spread with oil, and cakes made of choice flour mixed with olive oil. 13 This peace offering of thanksgiving must also be accompanied by loaves of bread made with yeast. 14 One of each kind of bread must be presented as a gift to the Lord. It will then belong to the priest who splatters the blood of the peace offering against the altar. 15 The meat of the peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the same day it is offered. None of it may be saved for the next morning.
As we begin the month of November, we look forward to the end of the month and Thanksgiving. We can look back in scripture to the Old Testament Law and find the roots of thanksgiving. As Moses gave the instruction for the “…peace offering … an expression of thanksgiving…”, it was to “… be presented to the LORD.” Living in grace, we are not required to prepare the Old Testament sacrifices. That being said it would be good … it would be expedient to keep the focus of our thanksgiving on the LORD.
He is the One worthy to be praised!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Further Instructions for the Peace Offering
11 “These are the instructions regarding the different kinds of peace offerings that may be presented to the Lord. 12 If you present your peace offering as an expression of thanksgiving, the usual animal sacrifice must be accompanied by various kinds of bread made without yeast—thin cakes mixed with olive oil, wafers spread with oil, and cakes made of choice flour mixed with olive oil. 13 This peace offering of thanksgiving must also be accompanied by loaves of bread made with yeast. 14 One of each kind of bread must be presented as a gift to the Lord. It will then belong to the priest who splatters the blood of the peace offering against the altar. 15 The meat of the peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the same day it is offered. None of it may be saved for the next morning.
As we begin the month of November, we look forward to the end of the month and Thanksgiving. We can look back in scripture to the Old Testament Law and find the roots of thanksgiving. As Moses gave the instruction for the “…peace offering … an expression of thanksgiving…”, it was to “… be presented to the LORD.” Living in grace, we are not required to prepare the Old Testament sacrifices. That being said it would be good … it would be expedient to keep the focus of our thanksgiving on the LORD.
He is the One worthy to be praised!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
