Philippians 1:27-2:4 Video Devotional

Posted on Apr 1, 2020 by admin in Video Devotional | Tags: , , ,

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2)
 
Yesterday’s devotional looked at how Paul was participating in the life of Jesus; today’s turns the focus to our participation with Christ in His suffering and how we are to live it out. Unity is the key repeated theme in this section: stand firm in one spirit, one mind, having the same love in full accord. Put others and their interests first.
 
Nita and I are currently in the middle of a home purchase negotiation. Yes, it is a difficult and interesting process during the current health and financial crisis, but what has stood out more is our unity through this process. We have always been pretty good about being on the same page with things, but God has given us a seemingly supernatural bond of unity. He has also very clearly steered this process, making it clear that this is something He wants us to follow through.
 
As we unify with Christ, the church (His body of believers) will visibly become more unified. This can be seen in both local and global contexts. We have seen this is our church for the last couple of years, specifically, where we have witnessed and enjoyed a familial unity that has led to significant deepening of people’s faith as well as a growth of those who are seeking real unity in Christ.
 
How have you seen unity in your life with other people as a result of your focus on the deeper life with Jesus?

Philippians 1:1-11 Video Devotional

Posted on Mar 30, 2020 by admin in Video Devotional | Tags: , , ,

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
 
Nobody really likes change. It is difficult and sometimes violent; certainly it never waits until we are ready for it. There was no one sitting there, ready and waiting for COVID-19 to start. And yet it did anyway, catching the world off guard and forcing us all to change on the fly. It has created challenges and difficulties, yet has provided us an opportunity.
 
Scripture teaches us that God is consistently working in us for our growth as Christians. We are not a finished product and won’t become one until we reach Glory. So what is the best opportunity for growth? Challenge. And challenge is a natural by-product of change. Though difficult and possibly even scary, we are being given an opportunity to grow through this event and come out of it closer to God in our relationship with Him, as well as being better sharers of the grace and love He offers us freely.
 
The church in Philippi faced many challenges in their day. There was resistance and persecution, at least enough that it caught Paul’s attention (while he himself was in jail) and spawned a letter to them encouraging them in their situation and reminding them that discipleship is not a one-time thing. It is a lifetime of growing in the Lord, and the difficulties we face help mold us daily into looking more like Him.
 
Yes, we are all facing challenges. I hope that you seem them as such, and as reminders that the more we turn towards God, the more of Him we will get and the more benefit experiences like this will give us. Stay healthy, but stay actively engaged in your relationship with the Creator. He is working this situation out for good in your life; both now and eternally.
 
Your challenge today is to read all 4 chapters of Philippians. Read the book straight through and let me know that you did. Blessings to you all!

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