Philippians

May 25th – Philippians 2:3

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Philippians 2:3

We all love a little pat on the back along with acknowledgement and appreciation. But when our own egos become the main focus, no longer are we working for God. Instead we’re working for the pleasing of our own vanity. Jesus, who was fully God, willingly gave up the privileges of deity and, “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in the appearance of man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2: 7-8) Christ 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. In light of His great sacrifice, our words and actions should reflect the honor and humility of our Savior.

May 25th – Philippians 2:3 Read More »

May 5th – Philippians 3:13

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Philippians 3:13

We can be our own worst enemies. Always replaying past mistakes in our head, never forgiving ourselves, and feeling too worthless for God. No wonder many believers seem to get stuck in the mud. Always spinning their wheels and unable to move forward. But Jesus made it clear that having a relationship with Him involves growth, change, and action. And the action needed is letting go of our past mistakes and instead focusing on our future. The glorious future planned for us as followers of Christ. We all sin daily, and need God’s forgiveness. And He’ll give it freely and generously when we come to Him in true repentance and sorrow. More than that when we confess, God promises to wipe our slates clean. He’ll remember our sins no more and remove them as far as the east us from the west. (1 John 1:9) So if God can forget our past, who are to remember? All we need to do is learn from our mistakes, and move forward with renewed focus and determination.

May 5th – Philippians 3:13 Read More »

April 6th – Psalm 131:1

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Psalm 131:1

Psalm 131 is a little Psalm that packs a big punch. For in its few lines lies the secret to happiness, success and victory. The secret being humility and contentment. This is victory that I myself so desperately yearn for. Because like David, I too want to have a humble heart before the Lord. I too want to be content, happy, and thankful in all things, placing my complete trust in God alone. David’s message of humility and contentment is a big contradiction to a world that says more is better, and to value ourselves above all others. But as Christians we don’t live like the world. We live like our Lord. And no one exampled humility greater than Jesus. For as it says in Philippians 2:8, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” If our Lord could let go of any pride, be content in all things, and trust God completely, so can we.

April 6th – Psalm 131:1 Read More »

March 1st – Philippians 4:1

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Philippians 4:19

An old Indian proverb says, “a harvest of peace grows from seeds of contentment.”  A wonderful but difficult sentiment. Especially in a world that constantly bombards us with images of how we should look and what we should have in order to be happy and successful. Discontentment is one of Satan’s most powerful tools of the trade. He loves for our focus to be on what we don’t have instead of all that we do. But what we want isn’t always what we need. And no one knows that better than God. That’s why He promises to always supply everything we require, not everything we desire. From His abundant grace and love, our Heavenly Father is faithful to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual. And as His children, we can have confidence in His faithfulness goodness, love, and provision.

 

March 1st – Philippians 4:1 Read More »

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!

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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)

September 24th – 2 peter 3:4 Read More »