Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your

ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work

with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect

of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

There are just some seasons in life that seem loud. I'm in the middle of one of those right now. The middle son is graduating in two days. It's been a joy to send out announcements and attend parties. We've planned a great family dinner, relatives are coming for the celebration and the list of things to do is still growing. It is truly a beautiful time... but it is a bit noisy around here.

Seasons of noise come and go, but if our lives seem stuck with the volume knob turned to ten it might be time to take a serious look at Paul's words. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. The world we live in just doesn't like quiet. Silence often leaves us feeling like we are missing something and it takes a little practice to find comfort in the midst of no sound.

Let's take some time today to be still and quiet before the Lord. Find a place to sit and just be. Consider your own thoughts in the light of His Spirit. Listen to what God is speaking into your heart. Relish in the thought that you are a daughter or son of the Most High. You are loved and cherished... the apple of His eye. You are His.

Lord, I still my mind so I can hear You.

I still my heart so I can sense Your presence.

I still my will so I can give this time to You.

Speak Lord, for I am listening.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other

and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

I heard a very frank preaching once that still impacts me today. The teacher was speaking about the sin in our lives when it comes to loving others. He talked about the impossibility of making ourselves care for someone or changing our own hearts when it comes to issues of racism and bigotry. What intrigued me the most was the preacher's challenge. Basically he challenged listeners to just be honest with God and ask Him to change our hearts.

Seems easy enough at first thought, but who really wants to be honest with God about such things. It is a humbling moment to realize you cannot orchestrate a change in your heart through willpower alone. It is even more humbling to turn to God and honestly confess it before Him. We're a funny people at times... trying to hide something from a God who sees it all. The truth is God knows it already. It's our own pride that keeps us from saying it out loud.

I was ironing shirts the day I heard that message. I can see it clearly as if it were just a moment ago. There I am steaming iron suspended over the board and smiling to myself. This teaching is a life changer. It is not my job to will my way into loving someone. My job is to admit when I can't and ask God to do the loving through me.

Paul prays that the Lord would increase the Believer's love for each other until it overflowed. He will do the same for us. Go on... give it a try. Think of that person or group of persons that you are finding hard to love. The ones you might avoid in the grocery store or feel annoyed with when you see them coming. What someone leaves you frustrated every time you talk to them?

Now that you have someone in mind let's pray.

God, you know my heart and my mind. You know I am finding it hard to love ______________. I get so frustrated with _________________, but mostly I'm frustrated with me. Forgive me for being prideful and hiding what I know you already see. I can't love ________________, but you can. Love them through me Lord in a way I never could. Increase my love for them until it is overflowing. In Jesus name... amen. 

I've said this prayer so many times over the years and He is always faithful to answer. No, it doesn't always happen over night, but little by little our hearts will shift and change. And one day what frustrates you doesn't even bother you anymore. You'll find yourself reacting so differently in a circumstance that there is only one explanation. The explanation has a name... Jesus.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading

the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one

would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are 

destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you 

that we would be persecuted.

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4

Unsettled... the word sort of sticks in my spirit this morning. Webster's defines the word as "nervous, upset, or worried; not comfortable."  When I find a word in scripture that sort of floats up to the top I begin to ask myself questions.

Am I feeling unsettled about something lately?

What am I worried or upset or nervous about?

Where am I uncomfortable?

This is how God works in me. He asks the questions and I answer... truth is revealed. Won't you take a moment and do the same? What things come to mind as you answer the questions? Is there a common theme in your answers?

Paul's words are clear. We are destined for trials and there's no getting around them. The big question is not what trials are we facing, but how is it with our spirit. How are we handling them? What is our reaction in the face of persecution and trouble? Life is full of unsettling circumstances but it doesn't have to unsettle us. He is our calm in the storm... our comfort in the uncomfortable. May we choose peace in the face of upset and worry this day.

Father God, when I sense an unsettling in my spirit, in my heart,

remind me to bring it to You. You are never unsettled by anything,

nothing ever surprises You or catches You off guard.

You are in control and have purpose for all You allow in my life...

even those things that seem unsettling. You are my Rock,

the foundation of my life. You keep my life on solid ground.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
(Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God,

which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is,

the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Lately I've had a few encounters which revealed how others in my life view God's Word. Just a few days ago one of my own and I were discussing an issue. He was struggling and a Scripture settled in my heart. I spoke it out loud to him and his response... well let's just say it was a little disheartening. I get it really. He's just not there yet. It is tough to rely on a book full of words when you haven't quite come to terms with the fact that these are not human words.

The very same day I'm teaching second and third graders about the Bible. I begin to explain to them how when I was just a little older than they, I became hungry for His Word. I still remember the first Bible I began to take notes in, and another one I used through the hard times in my young adult life. From as early as I can remember, holding a Bible in my hands stirred up awe inside of me. For me, these are not human words, they are God's words and God has proven faithful through His Word too many times to count.

Have you considered what you really believe about God's Word? Have you accepted these are not mere human words? If so, how is God using His Word to work in and through you?

Lord, open my heart to Your Word. I want to know without a doubt

it is Your Word. Bless me with the faith to test Your Word in my life

through obedience to what it says. I love You and want to know You.

Thank You for the Bible so those of us who seek You can find You.

Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1
(No Bible handy? Just click on the Scripture reference above.)

My Bible study sisters and I just finished an in depth study on Thessalonians by Beth Moore. It was a wonderful time of growth and sharing. I am excited to finish this month's devotions concentrating on this book.

Scholars think this may be the first letter Paul wrote to a group of Believers. He was forced to leave this fledgling church in a hurry and you can feel his love and care for them through his words. At the very beginning of our study Beth had us do something that felt quite uncomfortable. She challenged us to use Paul's words when we addressed each other throughout the week. So the greeting would go something like this...

" Hello, sister loved by God" or "Good Morning, brother loved by God."

We study together on Fridays and I all but forgot about the challenge over the weekend. I'm in the back room of the shop getting ready for the work day and setting up the machines when Carol walks in and says...

"Good morning, sister loved by God."

It sort of took my breath away. It is not that I don't believe God loves me, but something about hearing it out loud from someone else took me by surprise. This greeting changes perspectives. It reminds us we are loved by God and the person we are talking to is loved by God. When we think of this first... it changes things.

So, let me extend the challenge to you. Some time today before you say hello to someone or write the greeting of an e-mail consider using these words... sister or brother loved by God. Yes it feels weird, but it might just be the one thing someone needs to hear today.

We love hearing from you... how God is working in your life through Beyond the Gospels. Won't you share your challenge experience with us in the comment box at the bottom of this screen? To find it from email or on the blog, click the post title then scroll to the bottom.

Thank You, Lord, for loving me.

Help me to remember Your love for me and for others

by greeting those in my circle as sisters and brothers loved by You. 

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Reading: Colossians 4:7-18
(Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

Today we finish the book of Colossians. Paul wraps up his letter with his final instructions to the Believers and some of his last words catch my attention.

Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry

you have received in the Lord."

Colossians 4:17

Ministry is not just something the preacher or church staff does. Every believer has been gifted with a ministry to build God's kingdom here on earth. Have you thought about it? What is your ministry? How are you building the Kingdom?

Sometimes we don't recognize what God is doing through us as ministry, but it is. As we close this short book I want to encourage you in the words of Paul. "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." Press on... keep going... choose faith in the face of fear... never, never give up! He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

Father God, help me to recognize and receive

the ministry You have given me in Christ Jesus.

Embolden me to exercise my faith by serving others

with whatever gifts You've blessed me with.

Help me to remember You are with me and are faithful

to complete what You've begun.

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Reading: Colossians 3:18 - 4:6
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, masters... for the sake of today's devotional let's consider the word slave as employee and master as a boss or leader. Take a look at the list again, and let's go back to the scripture. Instead of using the generic word place your name in the text instead. For example I would read, "Stacy, submit to your husband, as is fitting to the Lord."  Paul is not writing generic words to generic people. He knew many of the people he was writing to personally. These instructions were fitting in the years Paul wrote them and they still are today. We would be wise to put them into practice.

Paul wraps it up by encouraging Believers to devote themselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. When is the last time you devoted yourself to prayer for someone or something? Yesterday I was listening to the radio as I drove along and the speaker talked about how she was passionate about the end of human trafficking. Everyday at noon she spent some time in prayer for this issue.

Let's devote ourselves to prayer this week. What will you pray for daily this week? Maybe it is our church... a sick loved one... your marriage... your child. Does your heart burn for some issue others face? the hungry, the homeless or the orphans in our community? Set an alarm on your phone and devote the time to pray.

We want to hear from you. Leave a comment in our comment box and let us know how you are praying this week. May the Lord use our prayer to change lives and bring His love and peace.

Father God, You have a way and not the way for us to live

in every area of life. Work in my heart, bring my life more in line with Your way.

Show me who or what to pray for this week. I devote my life to You.

[Note: The comment box can be found by clicking on the post title, scroll to the bottom of the post and there you will find it. Follow the directions. That's it. Thanks for sharing.]

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Reading: Colossians 3:1-17
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.---Colossians 3:2

This may surprise some of you. I remember when I realized it for the first time. It was one of life's turning points for me. Here it is... we have the power within us to control our thought life. This Scripture points directly to the fact. Paul says, "Set your mind..."

Sometimes we don't realize it. I've heard it said, "I can't help what I think." Other times thoughts spin out of control before we even notice, but when we recognize through Christ we have authority over our thoughts it is life changing.

In Corinthians Paul writes, "...we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ." The Message puts it this way:

...fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.---2 Corinthians 10:5

It's not an easy task... learning to grab hold of thoughts and place them under submission. It takes a lot of practice. As you go about your day may you become more aware of the thoughts you have. Set those thoughts on things above. Allow the Spirit to literally change your mind.

Lord, make me aware of my thought life.

Teach me how to set my mind on things above.

Enlighten me with Your Word that I may increase

my understanding and ability to discern 

between things above and earthly matters.

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

(Click on the link to read the verses.)

We would like to think we are so much different than the religious leaders in Paul's time, but we're not. Since the beginning, man has attempted to make religion all about rules. Remember the garden? God gave Adam and Eve one rule... only one. The enemy twisted the one rule for Eve and that was well... history. Isn't it funny (well, not really) how we are caught up in the making and breaking of rules?

Now, don't get me wrong. There is a place for law in our world. God set the law for the Israelites for good purpose. The problem is when left to ourselves the law becomes THE PURPOSE. You can see it from the writing down of the Ten Commandments to Colossians, God's people have rule issues and when we're honest we have the same issue.

Paul reminds us that making rules our focus disconnects us from the head of the body. It leaves us feeling guilt and shame... judging others... creating a body with no head. As you can imagine, the body cannot function without the head. 

How then, shall we live? Do we ignore the law God has set before us? This is a hard teaching, Something that has taken me years to learn. I'm a rule-follower for the most part. I want the approval of others, to please man and to please God. I used to work hard to follow all the rules. I thought it would please God. It doesn't. Pleasing God is not a rule thing... its a heart thing. 

When we seek to love Him with our heart, soul, mind, and strength He is pleased. Following His way... His law... becomes a natural part of who we are when we focus on Him. He will let us know when we are caught up in some sin. His gentle voice brings us back to righteousness when we are listening. Rules don't grow us up... make us better. Jesus does.

Father God, remind me, it's not about rules, it's about relationship.

When I love You rightly, I will be, do, and act rightly.

Help me let go of rules and people-pleasing.

Fill me instead with love, grace, and mercy.

Connect my heart to the Head which is Jesus Christ.

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Reading: Colossians 2:6-15
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,

and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

As I write this morning in the quiet place I have a beautiful view of my front yard. My yard is full of trees and in the center of the yard are two large trees that were there when we built our home some twenty years ago. I'm always amazed when I look through old pictures at how much they have grown. It is a slow process, I wouldn't even recognize if it weren't for those pictures.

The Bible often uses a tree as a symbol of our Christian life.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither

---whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:3

Paul's words remind me we must be rooted in Him. What happens under the ground... in the dark... where no one sees... is what makes a tree strong. It makes us strong, too. By faith we pray, study, praise, and God uses those very things to grow us up in Him. Like my tree in the front yard, sometimes we do not even recognize our own growth. We go from little saplings to full grown, providing fruit and shade for others and it takes an old picture before we realize what God has done.

Imagine a snapshot of who you were before Jesus captured your heart. Now take a look at who you are today. Give thanks for how you've grown.

Lord, my desire is to grow to be like You.

Teach me to root my life in You, strengthen me,

encourage me with revelation of growth,

fill me to overflowing with thankfulness.

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Reading: Colossians 1:24 - 2:5
(Click on the link to read the verses for the day.)

Paul sheds a little light on his vision when it comes to the people he serves.

And He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. ---Colossians 1:28

Paul's vision when it comes to Believers is clear... to present everyone fully mature in Christ. Years ago before we moved into our new church building I began to ask myself, "What is the vision or goal for the children here at our church?" This was no simple task and I did not take it lightly. There were so many choices out there. Literature, books, and conferences gave tons of great information and ideas. I couldn't quite figure out which way to go. God just kept prompting me..."What one thing would you want kids to know who participate in any part of the children's ministry?"  It took me some time, but I finally put it into words and wrote it down. It has not changed since that day and it helps me to focus all areas of ministry in the same direction whether Sunday School, summer camp, or Wednesday afternoons.

Proverbs reminds us: "Where there is no vision the people perish..." You've heard the saying "running around like chickens with their heads cut off"? This is the picture of people with no vision. The kicker is most of us have goals or visions for our finances, our careers, our marriages. We have goals for retirement and our children, but what about our spiritual vision? Could you answer, if asked, "What is your goal for Bible study... or prayer... or spiritual growth?" Where is the focus when it comes to spiritual maturity? Friends, I would love to say attending church once a week will bring you to maturity in Christ, but I can't. Church is important but as followers of Christ we must take responsibility for our own spiritual growth and maturity.

It all begins by setting a goal. Where do you want your prayer life to be in a year? How about Bible study? What do you want your relationship with Christ to be like next month, or year, or decade? Ask God to give you vision... write it down... tell someone.

Our youth are listening to a new song lately in the Christian music world. It seems new to them, but it's not. The original was published in 1912, and again by Abingdon Press in 1964. The writer understood vision when they wrote:

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

naught be all else to me, save that thou art.

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

waking or sleeping thy presence my light.

Want to hear the "new" version? Just click on the link below.

[Email subscribers click here to view on YouTube or click the post title to view on Growing in Faith at FUMC.]

Father God, bless me with vision for my spiritual growth.

Fix my eyes and thoughts on things above, not on the things of this earth.

Let Your vision for my life be my vision for my life.

In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"...in Him all things hold together."

Consider what this means. The holding of all things together. Every. Single. Thing.

... planets and their moons
... atoms forming matter
... molecules bound together that enter our lungs and give life
... gravity holding our feet to the ground

In Jesus everything... all things... hold together. He is the glue that holds our entire creation together. It is the same holding we find when He comforts our broken hearts... hears our cry for help... leads us along the right path. How can it be God is so enormous and so personal all at the same time?

In this moment, I am humbled at the very thought of it all. As you go about your day, may you be mindful of all that He holds together just for you.

Lord Jesus, thank You for holding me together:

my being, my marriage, my family, my faith,

my relationships, my peace, my world...

Beyond the Gospels: Colossians

Today's Verses: Colossians 1:1-14
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

It's Friday and we end the week with the beginning of Colossians. Reading the first few verses gives us a little insight into the Believers who lived there. Paul calls them faithful... lovers of God's people.

I wonder what Paul would write about me, about you, about us as a church. Would he call us faithful? loving? It is something to think about and it may leave us squirming in our pews. I've worked over twenty years in our church and been a member my entire life. There are times I've been faithful and times I've given up. I've loved and been loved... I've failed at love many times.

There is one thing I have learned: the only one I can control... the only one who has the power to choose faith and love... is me. I can choose to have faith in the good times and the hard times. I can choose love in the face of adversity. And when I fail... I can choose repentance.

Have you been choosing faith and love lately? Are you finding faith hard in the midst of a tough circumstance? Is there someone you cannot love on your own? You may see this as a problem... I see opportunity. These are the places where God has the opportunity to do His greatest work. All we have to do is ask.

Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all wisdom

and understanding that the Spirit gives, so I may live a life worthy of You

and pleasing to You in every way. 

(Colossians 1:9-10)

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Word: Philippians 4:10-23
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Several verses in this passage may sound familiar to you, though you may have learned or heard them in another version of the Scriptures.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.---Philippians 4:13

Paul's words before this verse caught my attention today. Paul tells the Philippians he knows what it is to live with plenty and he understands what it is to live without. He has been filled and hungry, rich and poor, free and imprisoned. He knows the secret in every circumstance, the way to be content no matter what.

Content is described as not needing more... satisfied. We spend a lot of time striving for more. More money... more time... more success. We want more things... more vacations... more happiness. The truth is the more we get, the more we want. It's a vicious cycle leading straight to emptiness most days. 

What would happen if we decided to stop the cycle? What if, like Paul, we grabbed on to the secret of contentment? Paul not only believes through Christ anything is possible, he also reminds us there is only One who will always, no matter what, meet all our needs.

And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 4:19

Two very strong phrases I can... God will. No ifs or maybes. There is no question in Paul's mind about what he can do through Christ. He is certain where his provision comes from. Have you noticed some area where you just can't seem to get enough... be enough? When you find yourself having thoughts about it today, remember these words and begin to desire Christ more and more.

Lord, the only thing I need is You.

Fill me with a desire for more of You.

Nothing in this world will satisfy me but You.

You are my strength and provision.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Verses: Philippians 4:2-9
(Click on the link to read the Scripture.)

You could click on the link to read today's Scripture, but you might want to find your Bible. Grab a highlighter and mark the words. I've repeated these words so many times to myself through the years. When storms approach and howling winds circle me, I often go to this very page in God's Word. Paul wraps up how to live in a few short verses. Let me break it down for you:

Rejoice... be gentle... remember the Lord is near.
Be anxious in nothing... pray, pray, pray... give thanks.
Think of things that are true, noble, right... concentrate on those things that are praiseworthy.
Put into practice what you have learned.

I love the words "and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The same message of peace echos again in Paul's closing words. I've tested the words so many times, I know it's true. When we rejoice, pray, give thanks... lay down our worry and think of Him, peace reigns in us.

I feel a need to challenge you today. Memorize these words, not mine, but Paul's. Write it out on an index card and plant them deep in your heart. This is the road map to living peace. When we have Peace within we can give Peace to others. This my friends, is what the whole world needs.

Lord, may my thoughts and actions reveal the truth of Your Word.

Fill me with joy, gentleness, and reminders that You are near.

Fill me with Your peace and right thoughts.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Scripture: Philippians 3:12-4:1
(No Bible handy? Click on the link to read today's Word.)

Have you ever had one of those conversations with someone that sort of takes you by surprise? It happened to me yesterday. It wasn't a disagreement or bad conversation. My friend was sharing her heart about some things that have happened to me in the last few months. When I left... well my mind started churning. I waded through thoughts of how I handled things and if I could have... should have done something different. I remembered the hurt and anger and pain. Frustration rose up in me and in the time it takes to walk about 100 feet my entire attitude was different.

You've been there right? Reliving... rehashing... over and over... and to what end? Honestly, there is never an end to this kind of thinking, and it won't change what has happened. Paul has a great way of putting me in my place.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
I press on...---Philippians 3:13-14

Paul knew what he was saying. This was the man who held coats for those who stoned Stephen. At one point his very goal in life was to completely stop the message of Christ. His past could have kept him from moving forward. So can ours. There is only one thing to do when I find myself living in the past... forget. Forget what is behind me and strain toward what is ahead.

Have you been caught up in something from your past lately? Today is the day to let it go, lay it down, forget it. May we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Father God, help me to remember, in Your sovereignty,

You are bigger than my past mistakes, failure, and sin.

You alone work all things for the good of those who love You

and are called according to Your purpose.

Lord, I love You, and long for You to use all of me for Your purpose,

even my past.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Reading: Philippians 3:1-11
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Further my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! ---Philippians 3:1

Paul begins this chapter with one instruction... REJOICE! It is Monday and maybe this is the way we should begin our week. Maybe instead of  thinking about all the things we didn't get done over the weekend, or the mile long list of things we must accomplish in the next five days... we should take time to rejoice.

Webster's defines rejoice as "to feel or show great delight; to feel or show that you are very happy about something." 

Where can you find delight this Monday? Instead of making a new list of things to do, let's make a gratitude list. Let's get this week started off right. Let's give thanks and rejoice.

Lord, Your love for me is enough to fill me with joy.

Help me to remember Your love today and all through the week.

I choose to rejoice in Your name!

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Verses: Philippians 2:19-30
(Click on the link to read the Scripture for today.)

These verses serve to remind us that Paul was not only a great leader, teacher, and follower of Christ... he was human like us. As I read these verses today Paul's love for new Believers and those dear to him jumped off the page. Paul talks of his concern for the Philippians, his close relationship with Timothy, and his joy that Epaphroditus lived. He speaks of  the sorrow he faces and his own anxiety over others.

We can identify with this side of Paul in so many ways. We too face anxiety and sorrow. We are concerned for loved ones and those who are ill. Good news brings us joy and even Paul seems to need a good cheering up at times. Take time to read the verses again and notice the emotions there in Paul's words.

What or who comes to mind as you read? Is there someone you've been concerned about? a loved one who is ill? Are you filled with sorrow over some loss in your life? Sometimes it is good to know we are not alone in this. Someone has been there... done that. Paul's words remind me, and I hope you too, we are never alone. In Christ we have each other, and this alone gives me hope.

Take a step of faith today. Like, Paul send a letter of concern and encouragement to one of those people on your heart. Let them know they are not alone, that you care, and are praying from them.

Father God, thank You for this picture of Christ-centered community.

Increase my love and trust in You through the Believers You've

brought into my life. May we love each other as You have loved us.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Reading: Philippians 2:1-18

(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

Paul encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" and goes on to say, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

It makes me wonder... how exactly do we do this working out stuff? What does it look like? Why fear and trembling? It seems the next part is opposite of the first. We work out salvation, God works in us. This is one of those mysteries too grand to completely wrap our minds around.

I used to think I was in charge of the work. I came up with a list of what a good Christian might be like. I strived... I worked... I toiled and in the end I failed. I just couldn't live up to my own expectations. Over the years I've learned God has a different list and our working it out allows Him to work in us. It is a mystery of how it works, but make no mistake... it does work.

Three simple things I do each day allow God to do his work. The list is short and sweet.

--Talk to God all day, every day. No special time or words needed, just turn your thoughts into prayer.

--Read and study His Word daily.

--Listen. Learn to hear His voice. He speaks to us in so many ways... be still and listen.

This is our work... our job to do. All the rest is His work in us and He is faithful to complete it for His good purpose.

Lord, teach me to seek You in Your Word and Your world,

remind me to talk to You all day and listen with an open heart for Your voice.

Bless me with the faith to hear You and the boldness to obey what I hear,

that You may have full access to my spirit to work out Your will in me.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Scripture: Philippians 1:19-30

(No Bible handy? Just click on the link to read today's verses.)

"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." ---Philippians 1:21

I have a confession to make. Yesterday, I caught myself complaining. The complaint was real but I didn't really need to share my discomfort with the whole room. I'm driving home when that still, small voice reminds me my comfort is not that important. Not something I needed to share in the moment.

I realize Paul is talking about death here. He's pointing out that literal death would be his gain. Paul's words go much deeper than the literal. Everyday we have a choice to die to self and gain Christ. My complaining was all about me and the Spirit gently reminded me I must die when it comes to my wants, my needs, my comfort. This death is the place where we gain Christ in so many ways.

Each day we can choose to nail our discomfort, needs, and desires to the cross. When we choose to pour out ourselves for the sake of Christ and others, we gain mercy, grace and love. Have you found yourself complaining lately? Maybe like me, you've been focused more on your own comfort and desires than Jesus. Hammer those things to the cross, consider them death... and gain Jesus.

Lord, as long as I live in this body, may I continually be gaining You

through death of my self. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians 1:12-18

Today's Reading: Philippians 1:12-18
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Paul tells the Philippians it is clear his imprisonment is advancing the gospel. All those around him, making sure he remains locked up, are aware of the reason he is jailed.

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard, and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ---Philippians 1:13

Most of us have our chains... our own place of feeling like we are in prison... hemmed up in some way. We fight to get free and work to break the chains, but maybe these are the places where God is working to advance the gospel.

I have a friend whose son is in prison. His punishment will last for decades. I can't begin to explain how hard this has been for my friend and his family. I often ask how he's doing and am humbled by his reply all these years later. He'll tell you how God is moving in the son's life. How prison has made a way for the son to come to Christ but it doesn't end there. This friend's son now spends each day sharing the gospel with others on the inside. A true picture of imprisonment advancing the gospel.

Christ was chained, too. Chains took the form of nails holding Him to a cross with no hope of getting free. God used those nail chains to begin an advancing work that will never end. We could learn a lesson from Paul in these verses. Instead of fighting to break free, maybe freedom comes from rejoicing in the fact that through our own chains, the message of Jesus is proclaimed.

Lord, remind me of Your sovereignty in all things.

Whether I'm chained emotionally, spiritually, physically, or relationally 

show me how You will use me in my chains to advance the gospel for Your glory.

Beyond the Gospels: Philippians

Today's Reading: Philippians 1:1-11
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

"... he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus".---Philippians 1:6

Funny how God works. If you haven't noticed yet, Carol and I switch off writing from month to month. May begins a new month and like a relay, the writing baton has been handed off to me. I pick up the calendar to begin this week and think, "I'm just not sure I can do this again." Life has been somewhat pressing and May is looming with a very full calendar.

The calendar of Scriptures was set long ago and so I had no idea what today's reading would be. I read today's passage and as I drew close to the end... there it was. This is not some new verse I just came across. I've committed this one to memory... I say it pretty often. I guess I just needed a reminder in black and white.

He who began a good work in you, is faithful to complete it. When we trust him with the work, He will complete it. I have experienced over and over, when God calls us to do something, He will complete it in us and through us. I know as I trust Him each day of this month, each moment of each day, He will provide the words and inspiration to write. I know it. I was just having a hard time remembering it this morning. When I work to do something "all by myself," I find myself in the most trouble. It would serve us well to say these words each time we look at our crazy calendars. It does a heart good to know God is faithful to complete what He starts.

I wonder, what have you been trying to finish up on your own? to complete all by yourself? Maybe it's a project, or deadline... some work you do daily that you've grown weary in doing? Perhaps now is the time to remember God begins a good work in each of us, and He is faithful to complete it.

Father God, thank You for completing what You begin.

I pray all that I'm doing is something You have started.

If there are things I'm working at that are not in Your 

plan for me, reveal them so I can let them go.

I trust You with what You've started.