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April 22 – Philippians 3:17-21 Devotional – Hope in God Alone

APRIL 22 – PHILIPPIANS 3:17-21

HOPE IN GOD ALONE

Today, we are reminded that our hope is in God alone. Many in this world are led by their appetites and desires for things, materials, and possessions. They focus on the earthy things and the things that do not matter. All of this is especially convicting for me as someone who struggles with self-control and discipline, especially when it comes to food. In this passage, Paul again called on his readers to follow his own example and not that of the Judaizers.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Key Takeaways:

  • Paul says: “Follow my example of living, not the example of those who walk after the world.”
  • Righteousness cannot be gained by our works; it is found only by faith in Christ. Therefore, forsake all things, just to know him; and press toward the goal of spiritual maturity, keeping in view the goal of your eternal home in heaven.
  • Our Hope is in God. Look forward to that day with Him
Read More »April 22 – Philippians 3:17-21 Devotional – Hope in God Alone

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

APRIL 21 – PSALM 18:1-2

GOD IS MY ROCK & FORTRESS

Today, we look at a short section of Scripture to remind ourselves of who God is. Just as David did, it is good to remember who God is and how He is our Rock, shelter, fortress, and stronghold, especially in times of trouble. Throughout this lengthy Psalm, we see David remember many ways in which God delivered Him. During these difficult times, it is good for us to do likewise in remembering the ways God has provided and cared for us.

1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15

APRIL 20 – PHILIPPIANS 2:12-15

LIGHTS IN THE WORLD

Continuing our reading plan, we stay in Philippians 2 by looking at verses 12-15. In this section today, Paul returns to the exhortations which he began earlier in verses 2-4. Verses 14-15 (and 16) give specific instructions on how to work out God’s “good purpose” (v. 13) concerning daily Christian living. Paul had shown them in 1:27-2:13 the kind of attitude and actions they were to follow. They were to demonstrate in their corporate and individual life this kind of conduct that would prove worthy of the great calling that God has given them. He uses all things to emphasize the inclusiveness of this command.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10

April 16, 2020

PSALM 9:9-10 GOD IS OUR STRONGHOLD

Today’s devotional is a quick reminder about who God is, especially during times of trouble. We are attacked often during these trials to trust ourselves, others, or other means, but this psalm speaks to the value of trusting God.

9 The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 15 PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION

April 15, 2020

PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION

Today, we finish Philippians 1 by looking at Paul’s command to live on a mission with a heavenly perspective, standing in faith, and being united as Christians and united in purpose to glorify Christ and share the gospel.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain….

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (NASB)

Key takeaways:

  • “striving together”
    • Paul asks the church at Philippi to compete together as a team of athletes to help advance the faith that comes through the preaching of the gospel.
  • Shift perspective from earthly to heavenly
    • “let your conduct” is the first command of Philippians and Paul instructs them to shift their perspective from the earthly realm to the heavenly one. They should live in this world as citizens of another world, the heavenly kingdom. Their conduct should reveal their heavenly citizenship.
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 15 PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

April 14, 2020 – The Majesty of God:

Today, we turn our attention to the Majesty of God. We focus on the only God there is and whose handiwork is all around us. Today, we look at Psalm 8 and look to follow the example of David by acknowledging God and His majesty:

1 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The majesty of God
    • The word majestic suggests splendor and magnificence. It is a fitting note of praise for the Lord of Creation.
  • We are created as majestic creatures
    • We and all other human beings are valuable because God Himself created us in His own glorious image
  • God’s plan
    • God can use all of us no matter how strong or weak to silence evil

Context/summary:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

April 13, 2020 – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

“His Kingdom”

Today, we continue our “Unshakeable” reading plan by looking again at Philippians 1. This time we look at verses 15-18. The passage reads:

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (ESV)

Key Takeaways:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22

April 7, 2020 – Psalm 22

Today we look at Psalm 22 which talks of the Messiah being pierced. Due to time and size of discussion on this classic psalm, I will skip the verse-by-verse and instead give an overview. Much has already been said about this psalm in detail that we will skip here. There are a few verses that I want to touch on, but this is really a general overview about this classic psalm.

General Overview:

David apparently felt forsaken by God, as he was surrounded by his enemies’ scornful persecution. He lamented his tremendous suffering and his desperate struggle with death, pleading with God to deliver him from such a horrible end. Apparently, his prayer was answered, for he was able to declare to the elect and to the world that the Lord answered his prayer.Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22