Devotionals

Philippians 4:10-13 TPT Paul Thanks the Philippians for Their Support
10 My heart overflows with joy when I think of how you demonstrated love to me by your financial support of my ministry. For even though you have so little, you still continue to help me at every opportunity. 11 I’m not telling you this because I’m in need, for I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance [to give up everything I have]. 12–13 I know what it means to lack, [to be humbled] and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty [translates: to master all things].

Life brings many challenges these days to people on a global level. Even though, as God’s children, we are experiencing the love and blessing of the Father each day, there are still areas in our lives experiencing lack—needing the work of the Savior. It makes sense to me that these challenging times would come, because we are a people in need of God’s righteous work in our lives. He is so good to bring the abundance of his presence to our confessed areas of lack as we yield to his love and work of grace; what he can do in our behalf.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians—regarding his challenges—really prompts me to broaden my thoughts about the variety of challenges in my own life. Paul’s initial focus is about his financial challenges and need for support, but in my spirit it translates to reflect truth for every difficulty we face in life. God is for us! (Romans 8:31). In verse 13 from our passage today, Paul shares his testimony: “And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” To conquer every difficulty is to spiritually master it or to take dominion over it.

How do we “master” the difficulties? Well, God has given us a measure of faith—even a small grain of faith can move mountains—so, we must use our faith and place our confidence in God (Mat 17:20). God has connected us to Christ who has been made Wisdom for our benefit to free us from sin, so the challenges we face are an opportunity for the Spirit in us to bring salvation, restoration, reconciliation, deliverance, and other renewing works directed by the Father (1 Cor 1:30). So, when difficulties come, we can spiritually master each one in Christ’s strength and wisdom for God’s glory, because he has promised to make it all work for our good (Phil 4:13; Rom 8:28). The Lord fights for us, goes before us in all our battles, and is greater than anything the enemy can throw our way (1 John 4:4).

Prayer: Lord, I pray my faith in you causes me to overcome every lack; may my faith in you be greater than the challenges the enemy sends to rob, steal, and destroy. Thank you for the abundance you provide each day and for helping me live in awe and gratitude. Open my eyes to see the work of your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 3:12-17 (TPT) Love One Another
12 You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. 13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. 14 For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark [be a girdle] of true maturity [perfection].

15 Let your heart be always guided [umpired] by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ live [grow] in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts!

17 Let every activity [commitment] of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!

People like to talk about peace and how to achieve it; but according to Scripture it will always escape them unless they yield to God. If the world would live in the love of Christ, peace would certainly follow. Without the love of Christ, the world can know no real peace. People have to be willing to turn away from evil; then, they can seek and pursue peace (Ps 34:14). Enforced peace is a possibility, but that did not work to bring lasting change for Rome in 180AD and it will not bring lasting change for peace today. The only way to know true peace is to know the Prince of Peace—Jesus. When we know Jesus, he imparts peace that passes all understanding and the love necessary to sustain lasting peace (Phil 4:6).

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul gives a strategy that can help Christians live for God each day: 1) imitate Christ’s forgiving attitude; 2) let love guide your life; 3) let the peace of Christ rule in your heart; 4) always be thankful; 5) keep God’s Word in you at all times, and 6) live as Jesus Christ’s representative. Always remember, as a Christian, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Ro 12:18).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being peace. You have told your children to expect a lack of peace (tribulation) while in this world, but to remain faithful because you have overcome the world. I am so grateful that I can enjoy peace as I live each day with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 1:9-11 (TPT)

9 Since we first heard about you, we’ve kept you always in our prayers that you would receive the perfect knowledge of God’s pleasure over your lives, making you reservoirs of every kind of wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We pray that you would walk in the ways of true righteousness, pleasing God in every good thing you do. Then you’ll become fruit-bearing branches, yielding to his life, and maturing in the rich experience of knowing God in his fullness! 11 And we pray that you would be energized with all his explosive power from the realm of his magnificent glory, filling you with great hope.[patient endurance]

Every now and then someone will describe another person as being “a wealth of knowledge.” In other words, the person being described possesses a great deal of knowledge about a subject or many subjects. It certainly can be a lovely compliment, but an even better one is revealed in our passage today. The Apostle Paul prays for God to make each member of the Body of Christ at Colosse “reservoirs of every kind of wisdom and spiritual understanding!” What an amazing prayer! May we begin to pray this prayer over our lives.

Prayer: Lord, please make me a reservoir of wisdom and help me walk in righteousness, so that I may please you in every good deed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 61:5-8 (TPT) A Psalm of Prayer by King David, Cont.
5
You have heard my sweet resolutions
to love and serve you, for I am your beloved.
And you have given me an inheritance of rich treasures,
which you give to all your devoted lovers.
6
You treat me like a king, giving me a full and abundant life,
years and years of reigning,
like many generations rolled into one.
7
I will live enthroned with you forever!
Guard me, God, with your unending, unfailing love.
Let me live my days walking in grace and truth before you.
8
And my praises will fill the heavens forever,
fulfilling my vow to make every day a love-gift to you!

While walking Gracie the other day, I had one of our local police officers pull his car up along side me and initiate a conversation. I have spoken to him on many occasions in the past, but I have always initiated the conversation. We laughed and shared a bit about family, pets, and integrity—yes, they all go together! lol! He is a kind and honorable man and I told him how much I appreciated the safety he provided for us in our neighborhood. The officer smiled at me, paused, and said, “Thank you so much!”

In our passage today, David’s prayer continues as he praises the Lord for the inheritance of grace that covers devoted worshipers: 1) those who fear or reverence God and his authority, 2) those who run from offending God by humbly acknowledging their need for his guidance, and 3) those who live with praise and gratitude for God’s chosen plan to protect and care for his own. We either believe that God has strategically positioned around us other spiritual children who are devoted to love and honor the Father, as well as serve their fellow neighbors, or we do not. I believe this police officer is positioned by God to protect this small community; so, I welcome his care, pray for his safety, and praise God for protecting us. By trusting in God’s grace, I can live each day as a love-gift to the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing abundant life for me. I am so blessed. You are always guarding and protecting me so I do not need to be afraid; rather, I can walk in confidence by love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 61:1-4 (TPT) A Psalm of Prayer by King David
1
O God, hear my prayer. Listen to my heart’s cry.
2
For no matter where I am, even when I’m far from home,
I will cry out to you for a father’s help.
When I’m feeble and overwhelmed by life,
guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered.
3
Lord, you are a paradise of protection to me.
You lift me high above the fray.
None of my foes can touch me
when I’m held firmly in your wraparound presence!
4
Keep me in this glory.
Let me live continually under your splendor-shadow,
hiding my life in you forever.

Although it was wonderful to venture away and do some exploring on our recent vacation, it was also wonderful to come home. We may have been away from our physical home and spiritual church home in Florida, but we never left our privilege to commune with God. We carried an awareness of God with us and brought our devotion to Him along while we were on our adventure. In fact, John, Mary, and Jesus enjoyed fellowship—meaningful communication—in Michigan through a variety of new experiences each day.

In our passage today, King David finds himself away from his home, but he prays with faith and understanding that God is with him, guiding him, and protecting him. God is always present no matter where we go—revealing his omnipresence or his ability to be present everywhere at the same time. God is always aware of how to guide us to abundant places—revealing his omniscience or all-knowing wisdom for our good and well-being. God is always ready to protect us—revealing his omnipotence or all-powerful ability to deal with every unholy enemy. God is always everything we need, so let’s remember we must always commune—abide and be in close communication. Glory be to God!

“He who communes with God is always home…our residence with God is not for a limited period of time, but for ages of ages, for time and for eternity; this is our highest and most heavenly privilege.” Charles Spurgeon

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this great privilege and promise to be my home even away from home. I love you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (TPT)
20 Now may the God who brought us peace by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant 21 may he work perfection into every part of you giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. And may he express through you all that is excellent and pleasing [beautiful] to him through your life-union with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever! Amen!

Christ’s death and resurrection sets us up to receive God’s work in making our lives pleasing to him; as we yield this is a picture of worshiping in Spirit and Truth. Certainly, we desire to please God, but only the Spirit can bring the power to accomplish it as we trust and obey him. As well, it is the work of the Spirit to equip us so we can do the work that pleases God; this is a picture of true mission. The Spirit will inspire and lead us into being fruitful with the work of our hands, as well as the message of the Gospel. What a privilege it is to know God is always right there to help us step into the beauty and glory of his plan.

In our humanity, we tend to use our thoughts and ideas to decide how God is going to do things. Afterall, some of us have been Christians for many years and we do have experience, right? But rather than being an advantage, this mindset can be a disadvantage. The Prophet Isaiah reminds us what God said about this very thing, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Therefore, we need to remain devoted to doing things God’s way; to allow him to do the work in us and through us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many gifts you have bestowed on your children for the benefit of your Kingdom. May we all find our places where we shine and make a difference. Lead and guide us Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 17:22-28 Paul Speaks to the Leaders of Athens
22 So Paul stood in the middle of the leadership council and said, “Respected leaders of Athens, it is clear to me how extravagant you are in your worship of idols. 23 For as I walked through your city, I was captivated by the many shrines and objects of your worship. I even found an inscription on one altar that read, “To the Unknown God. [translates “Hidden God”] I have come to introduce to you this God whom you worship without even knowing anything about him.

24 “The true God is the Creator of all things. He is the owner and Lord of the heavenly realm and the earthly realm, and he doesn’t live in man-made temples. 25 He supplies life and breath and all things to every living being. He doesn’t lack a thing that we mortals could supply for him, for he has all things and everything he needs. 26 From one man, Adam, he made every man and woman and every race of humanity, and he spread us over all the earth. He sets the boundaries of people and nations, determining their appointed times in history. 27 He has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to him, and find him—for he is the God who is easy to discover! 28 It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have said, ‘Our lineage comes from him.’[from his genes]

In January of 2012, I stood upon Mars Hill—the very place where, in our passage today, the Apostle Paul delivers his message to the leaders of Athens. Paul witnesses the entire city being entrenched in idolatry with manmade shrines. He uses the shrine to the “Unknown or Hidden God” in order to speak about the one true God to whom they cannot see, but is actually the Lord of everything in heaven and on earth; in fact, he tells them their very breath is a sign of his existence and sovereignty. Therefore, this God is the One they should worship. Paul reminds the Athenians, every race—including their own—flows from the lineage or gene pool of this God. And, this God has chosen to send his Son into the world to die for sin, so the people of the world could choose to serve this Savior and know peace with God.

Much like the people of Athens, many people even today think about idolatry in terms of some graven image. But, although that is an expression of idolatry, true idolatry is about the devotion of the heart. I want to share the perspective and quotes of two respected theologians that should help us understand the nature or soul of idolatry. First, A.W. Tozer taught, ”The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him.” Idolatry is trying to make God fit into our finite human thoughts and understanding, as well as thinking he will dismiss our practice of sin simply because he is merciful. Second, Samuel Rutherford proclaimed, “Verily, we know not what an evil it is to indulge ourselves, and to make an idol of our will.” Our culture seems to thrive on exalting self—idolatry—but Jesus said we are to deny self. Our souls—mind, will, emotions—may hate being denied, but our spirits will rejoice as we apply the Truth, because it brings salvation and peace with God. In this way, we are offering our bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God (Ro 12:1). Let’s serve the One True Master.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson about idolatry and how easily we can fall into it. Guard my heart from demanding my own way and help me to honor your name and sovereign plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 1:15-23 Made Holy through Christ
21–22 Even though you were once distant from him, living in the shadows of your evil thoughts and actions, he reconnected you back to himself. He released his supernatural peace to you through the sacrifice of his own body as the sin-payment on your behalf so that you would dwell in his presence. And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored,[no indictment against you] 23 “if” indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world.

Every day I grow in the revelation that grace and faith are essential for every aspect of my life. Twenty-four hours a day I need the grace of the Lord; I place my faith there. Grace is all about God’s favor covering me even though I do not deserve it. Grace is a priceless Gift of salvation given to me (and you) at a great cost to God. Any sin in my life—the sin I have committed against God’s Word of which I am aware or even unaware—is enough to convict and sentence me to death; so, God provided grace as the Life-Giving solution. God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for the sins of the world; but, we must place our faith in the work he has done, reject sin, and become devoted to God. Without a connection to Christ, I have no way to be forgiven for the sins I have committed. As well, without the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, I have no way of understanding what He calls sin or the wisdom on how to use my faith so I have the power to overcome it.

In our passage today, we see the conjunction “if” that serves as a conditional clause. A conditional sentence is made up of a “main clause” that expresses an action that can only take place when connected to the clause with the “if” that follows. Let’s look at one of our verses for a minute. “And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored, [no indictment against you] 23 if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon.”

Faith is the confident trust that God will do what he says he will do in his Word. So, “if” we are advancing in faith, we are growing in that trust, not only in our belief that we are forgiven of sin and will one day join God in heaven, but that we are trusting him with everything we need each day…even the things we view as simple, my friends! We overcome by faith, so let’s be honest enough to recognize our advancement in true faith will be painful to our flesh because we must grow in the likeness of Christ (Mat 16:24). Our sinful wills, attitudes, and actions must die, so Christ’s godly will, attitude, and action will live through us instead (Ro 5:13). Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Ro 10:17). Our lives are changed and brought into godliness through faith and trust in Christ. Make a decision today to advance in faith and in the likeness of Christ. Grace is sufficient and is there for you! (2 Cor 12:9).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me aware of this conditional standing. You love me unconditionally, but if I am really loving you the way you deserve, I will grow in the likeness of Christ. After all, he is the Vine and I am a branch of his life to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 7:31-34 (TPT)
31 Jesus continued, saying, “How could I describe the people of this generation? Can’t you see? 32 You’re like children playing games on the playground, complaining to friends, ‘You don’t like it when we want to play Wedding. And you don’t like it when we want to play Funeral. Why will you neither dance nor mourn?’

33 “When the prophet John came fasting and refused to drink wine, you said, ‘He’s crazy! There’s a demon in him.’ 34 Yet when the Son of Man came feasting and drinking, you said, ‘Look at this man! He is nothing but a glutton and a drunkard. He spends all his time with tax collectors and other notorious sinners.’

35 “Nevertheless, the wisdom of God will be proven true by the expressions of godliness in everyone who follows me.”

In our passage today, Jesus basically tells the Pharisees there is just no making them happy. Although their messages were similar—proclaiming the need for a relationship with God—John the Baptist was perceived very differently than Jesus. John invited people to repent, be baptized, and get ready for the Messiah; to move beyond dead religion in order to enjoy a relationship of blessing with God. The Pharisees rejected John’s message, because it was outside the Temple, too sad, required self-sacrifice (rather than animal sacrifice), and he was too odd and extreme for them as an individual; therefore, they labeled God’s messenger demonic. They would not accept that John actually spoke under the loving unction of God’s Spirit, so they could be prepared for the liberating Bridegroom and the Wedding feast Messiah would soon offer to the world.

Then, Jesus is revealed—as the fulfillment of John’s prophecy—and he is feasting, drinking wine, healing the lame, restoring broken lives, and performing miracle after miracle, and the Pharisees see him as too casual, self-indulging, lawless, and unprofessional to be their Messiah or Bridegroom; therefore, they labeled him demonic, too. The very Grace that offered them salvation was rejected, because this messenger of God did not make them happy either. Remember, arrogance opens the door to deception; we are to come humbly to God. Deception causes people to proclaim what is actually holy and true to be demonic and false because it does not make their flesh happy.

Interestingly, both John and Jesus accomplished the purpose for which they were sent whether or not anyone believed them. The proof of Truth is found in changed lives: 1) If we believe God sent John with the message of repentance, we will turn from wickedness and cry out to God for salvation; and 2) If we believe God sent Jesus to shed his blood in order to save and forgive us, we will welcome and respond to the work of grace and the godliness extended to us by the Holy Spirit. How could Jesus describe the people of this generation?

Prayer: Lord, I have heard the message of John and Jesus; please guide me toward expressions of godliness, so others will know I am following your Holy Spirit. Manifest your presence in and through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 142: 1-4 (Voice) Prayer of David
1 
I call out loudly to the Eternal One;
    I lift my voice to the Eternal begging for His favor.
2 
I let everything that’s going wrong spill out of my mouth;
    I spell out all my troubles to Him.
3 
When my spirit buckled under the burdens I bear,
    You knew my way.
They conspired to trip me up and trap me
    on the path where I was walking.
4 
Take a look around and see—to the right, to the left—
    no one is there who cares for me.
There’s no way out of here;
    no one cares about the state of my soul.

David has been running from Saul, who is trying to kill him, and he finds shelter in a cave. He is trapped by life and waiting for the salvation of the Lord. He has time to think about his life and his destiny. He is suffering from the attacks of his enemies, the rejection of his family, the indifference of his friends, and the temporary silence of His Lord. He knows God wants to be his refuge and deliverer; yet, here in this cave David hides in his troubled state. What does he do? He prays. Prayer is David’s weapon and it is ours, as well.

Sometimes we may feel trapped by our circumstances while we are waiting for God to work in our behalf. Even though God is using our difficulties to grow our character, endurance, and our faith; like David, we may feel the darkness has delivered us to a dead end. In his prayer, David is real with God: 1) real in his burdens and 2) real in his desire for blessing. David confesses his physical suffering and his emotional burdens, but he knows God is his answer. Every difficulty, whether physical or emotional, needs an eternal spiritual answer and a supernatural move of God, because every good and perfect gift comes from the God who never changes in his love for his creation (James 1:17). When we feel alone and discouraged, we always have an Advocate in Jesus. So, be real with God in your prayers for help, because no one cares more for your soul than Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the freedom to call out to my Advocate for relief and blessing. Help me to focus my attention upon you and the answers you alone will bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen.