Philippians 3:12-16 Video Devotional

Posted on Apr 8, 2020 by admin in Video Devotional | Tags: , , ,

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:12-16)

Today, I am feeling a little frustrated. The quarantine is feeling very long right now and the stress of trying to keep myself, my wife and my kids healthy (while not truly being able to protect them), while at the same time trying to keep both Nita and I working is feeling a little much. And working through a house purchase at the same time just adds to the stress.

As we’ve discussed over the last few days, Philippians really centers around the idea of participating with Christ, which means joyfully participating in His sufferings, which we do by suffering for the gospel. This seems extra hard because the suffering we are facing right now is more about keeping ourselves safe than fighting for our friends’ eternal homes. At least that’s how it seems.

We don’t understand why God is allowing this to happen and what He is doing in the midst of it. All we know is that we need to be Christ’s body in whatever way He calls us. Being in the middle of a race or a journey is often confusing – you can’t remember everything form the beginning and the end is still to far to see; but you do the best you can to push through. All we can do is press on toward the goal and trust that God will see us through. Remember, friends. This is temporary. Heaven is eternal (both now and later). Focus on being in the presence of Christ and put one foot in front of the other.

I hope these are an encouragement for you. Is there anything specific you are doing to keep your mind focused on Christ and good things as you endure this situation? Please share.


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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