05
May '22
God Is All In
05
May '22
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11)
Paul was in prison when he wrote this to the church.
He was encouraging them and thanking them for prayer and support as he shared the gospel city to city.
He was speaking from a place of experience with hardship.
God has not changed, He knows what He has asked you to do and is never just an observer in your life. God is all in… every detail, every step and through all your tears.
Paul spoke of an inner strength and peace he had that made no sense. His peace truly passed all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
It’s okay to confess that you can’t do something, just don’t stop there! We do what we can and He does what we can’t.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
“God is all in”, how many of you have had to remind yourself of that truth time and again. It’s easy to get caught up in a web of lies when in reality, we can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us. He is faithful through and through. I count myself blessed to have such incredibly powerful devotions, full of such truth, to share with you.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
25
Nov '21
Thanksgiving Perseverance
25
Nov '21
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
Here is a part of the Thanksgiving story you may not know. While the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in October of 1621, it was not until October of 1777 that all 13 colonies celebrated Thanksgiving, for the first time. At one point, our first president, George Washington, proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving, but conflict and difficulties among the colonies put an end to its observance.
It was a magazine editor, Sarah Josepha Hale, whose work led to the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday we observe today. Hale wrote letters to governors and presidents, and editorials in magazines, books and newspapers, promoting the observance of Thanksgiving. In 1863, after 40 years of letter writing and campaigning (that’s not a typo, she really wrote letters for 40 years), Hale’s persistence paid off and President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Since then, every president has supported Thanksgiving. Forty years of dedication, persistence and passion, all to make sure that this country would celebrate a National Day of Thanksgiving each year. Impressive.
We can learn from Hale’s perseverance. It took her 40 years to accomplish what she set out to do. Just like her story, the Christian faith is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. Each day of our life is another day to choose between right and wrong, to help someone in need, to read our Bible and pray. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12-14. Christians are called to persevere, to press on. Sometimes it can feel like an unrewarding task. It is hard, but important, to look to God for the BIGGER plan. What if Hale had chosen to give up after one year or ten years? Her goal would have been left unfinished. Press on towards the call of Christ! Endure! But be forewarned, just like Sara Josepha Hale, it may take 40 years to see the fruit of your labor!
What a powerful devotion. I pray you are inspired and blessed by this as you set out to celebrate Thanksgiving in whatever way you choose. Look to God for the BIGGER plan, press on and endure. Hallelujah and Amen!
Happy Thanksgiving!
20
Aug '20
God is Love
20
Aug '20
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)
Your basic capacity to know God is to first believe He loves you.
His love for you is incomprehensible, and while this may be a life work to encounter that love first…do you believe it?
John said after we begin to believe it, then we will live it!
Paul’s prayer from prison was for his brothers in Christ to increase in love…not stay safe, hit a fund-raising goal or grow the church.
His prayer was for them to grow in their capacity to love.
When I feel lost spiritually, let me retreat into the simple foundation of your love for me and my love for you!
For God is my witness, how I long for all of you…And this I pray, that your love may abound [grow] more and more. (Philippians 1:8)
I was blessed by this devotion. I pray after reading it you are also blessed by it and reminded of just how loved you are by God and in return you know how to love. Lord show me how to love like you have loved me. Remember this, God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime. To me, that’s pretty incredible.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
13
Aug '20
To Serve and Not Be Served
13
Aug '20
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Selfishness focuses on my interests above the needs and interests of others.
When we operate out of a place of entitlement, we fail to look at other’s needs.
In this verse, Paul says selfishness is related to arrogance, or empty conceit.
When we build ourselves up by tearing another down, we fail to show the love of Christ.
However, God is so good.
He always has a remedy.
He tells us to be kind, compassionate, and loving to one another.
When we put the needs of others above ourselves, we become more like Christ.
Jesus came to serve and not be served. He is to be our example.
Lord, help me be like you. Let my heart be that of your servant. Help me to love others as you did, appreciating them, showing compassion and kindness to all! Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray it opens our eyes to value others and realize that influence is providing attention and value to others.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!