Philippians

January 20th – Philippians 2:2

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Philippians 2:2

One of the most wonderful things about the Gospel, is that it’s all inclusive. Because God loves each of us equally. And no one member of the church is more important than the next. So as members of the body of Christ, it’s important that we put ourselves aside and strive to meet the same goal in love, joy, and unity. That goal being sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and advancing God’s kingdom on earth. We all love a little pat on the back along with acknowledgement and appreciation. But when our own desires become our main focus, no longer are we working for God. Instead we’re working for the pleasing of our own egos. And that goes against who Jesus is and what He teaches. For Jesus lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a humiliating, excruciatingly painful death nailed to a Cross. He willingly became our substitute for sin, paying the debt that we owed. All in accordance to the will of God and out of love for us!

January 20th – Philippians 2:2 Read More »

December 15th – 2 Peter 3:9

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2 Peter 3:9

Because God takes no pleasure in the destruction of His children, He implores each of us to turn away from our wickedness; crying, “Repent and Live!” But repentance isn’t easy, and if you’re like me, it’s usually two steps forward, one step back. God knows and understands our weakness. All He cares about is that we keep trying, and trust in Him to change the wickedness of our hearts. That means not just confessing and apologizing for our transgressions, but actually turning aside from that sin. And believing that change will come through the strength of Jesus (Phil. 4:13) Unrepentant sin brings with it a host of consequences. Consequences God wants to spare His children. Which is why His own heart aches for the wicked to turn aside from the path of sin leading to death, and back to Him and everlasting life. Gods wants all His children to live eternally by His side, and to experience the perfect, love, joy, and peace that He alone can give!

December 15th – 2 Peter 3:9 Read More »

November 8th – Mark 16:15

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Mark 16:15

I’m thankful for the privilege of being able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ 

Never once did Jesus stray from fulfilling God’s will. He followed the Father’s plan to the letter, no matter the cost to Himself. And before He ascended to the right hand of God, Jesus passed down the commission to share His gospel throughout the earth. This command was given not only to His disciples, but to us as well. The mission of saving souls is a serious one. It was the reason Jesus, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:7) His entire ministry was dedicated to evangelizing the world. And when He ascended into heaven, His work on earth ended and ours began. Now it’s up to us to go out throughout the lands and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. And knowing that each soul saved brings great joy to God, (Luke 5:10) how wonderful it is to be able to spread the Good News of His everlasting mercy!

November 8th – Mark 16:15 Read More »

October 25th – Philippians 4:7

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Philippians 4:7

God’s promise- “My great peace will guard your heart and thoughts in Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. And unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by stress and drama, without it they feel incomplete. Sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives with His perfect peace. So how do we receive God’s peace? First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

October 25th – Philippians 4:7 Read More »

A Fig Tree Can’t Produce Olives – James 3

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James 3

When we think of sins that grieve God, at the top of the list usually aren’t the wrong doings we commit with our tongue. After all, how much harm is there in sharing a bit of gossip or exaggerating a little here and there. And doesn’t everyone from time to time say things that we regret? Don’t we have more important sins to worry about than the words we speak?

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A Fig Tree Can’t Produce Olives – James 3Read More »

A Fig Tree Can’t Produce Olives – James 3 Read More »

September 24th – 2 peter 3:4

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2 Peter 3:4

Throughout history people have denied the existence of God, and scoffed at His Word. They reject His gift of salvation calling it folly, and ridicule those who follow Him. His holy name should be spoken with reverence, fear, and love. Yet even by Christians, it’s used as a form of cursing and thrown around like just another word. And when warned of the soon return of Jesus, many fearlessly mock the message. But those who dare scoff at God and profane His name would do well to not mistake His patience for weakness. A patience stemming from His perfect love and desire that everyone would receive the chance to accept His gift of salvation. (2 Pet. 3:9 ) But make no mistake. God will not wait forever. The day of the Lord will come, and on that day all will bow before Him. (Phil. 2:10–11) Jesus is returning soon. Upon His glorious appearance, the truth will no longer be denied, scoffers will forever be silenced, and all will say, “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name!” (Mat. 6:9)

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August 4th – Philippians 2:3

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Philippians 2:3

I once heard humility described as not thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less. In his writings, the apostle Paul stressed the importance of humility in the Christian walk. As exampled by Jesus, humility and kindness go hand in hand. And if we want to mimic our Lord, we can’t have overinflated egos that leave no room for the needs of others. Jesus lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a humiliating, excruciatingly painful death nailed to a Cross. He willingly became our substitute for sin, paying the debt we owed. All in accordance to the will of God and out of His love and kindness for mankind. We are Christ’s ambassadors on earth. And although we’ll never be able to repay His wonderful gift of salvation, making sure our actions reflect His humility and kindness is a great place to start!

August 4th – Philippians 2:3 Read More »

July 30th – Leviticus 25:10

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Leviticus 25:10

For Israel, every 50th year was set apart as the “Year of the Jubilee.” Literally meaning, “ram’s horn”, it was a year of rest for both the people and the land. The Jubilee was filled with celebrating and rejoicing, for it was a time of freedom and restoration. Both slaves and prisoners were released, all debts were considered paid in full, and property was returned to its original owner. And the people refrained from their labor, trusting God to provide for their needs. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for believers every day is a Jubilee. Because of His work on the Cross, the Lord paid our debt, freed us from the bondage of sin, and restored us back to God. And no longer do we have to work in our own strength. For God promises to, “supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

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July 18th – Philippians 4:4

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Philippians 4:4

When we’re hurting, being told to rejoice seems not only impossible, but particularly cruel. After all, how could God expect us to find joy in pain? But did you know that of all the books in the Bible, among the most joyful are the “prison epistles”? These are the letters written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. The apostle had been falsely arrested, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, beaten, and eventually beheaded. Yet through it all, Paul never lost his joy. Because his gladness wasn’t found in his circumstances. Rather, Paul’s joy was in the One who provided the love, peace, and strength he needed to endure every trial. And by following Paul’s model we too can rejoice always; even in the worst of circumstances. We don’t rejoice over the hurt, but we can rejoice over the Lord. Because He will use our situation both for our good, and His glory.

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July 11th – Philippians 2:3

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Philippians 2:3

God doesn’t want us to just be good, He wants us to be great. Being great is twofold. Because to be great is to serve God, and serving God means serving others. Each day we are called to make ourselves available to Jesus. Ready and willing to be used in His service. And whatever it is He asks of us, we are to do with love, humility, and joy. Not with an attitude of resentment, or with the “woe is me” spirit of a martyr. And especially not for our own ego, or for our star to shine. All things should be done for the glory of God alone. As believers we are given at least one spiritual gift and are commanded to, “employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”, (1 Pet. 4:10). When our hearts and minds are focused on pleasing the Lord and helping others, we can find a deep fulfilling joy. One that comes with being a humble servant of the Almighty God.

July 11th – Philippians 2:3 Read More »