July 31, 2013 Stand Firm

Philippians 1:27-28 Stand Firm 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. ONE reason Jesus established his church was to form a body of people who would strive together to preach and to learn the gospel in order to make disciples. Jesus certainly knew the church united in their faith in Jesus would be more effective to go into the world than would individuals going one-by-one. As Christians would form the body of Christ on earth, they would be stand firm to advance and defend the faith. But do we? Sadly, we know of too many circumstances where churches stand not firm but stand weak-kneed, even sit down in their lack of faith. What happened? Too often faith unity is lost. In other words, some are intent to faithfully strive to advance their faith and advance their Lord. Some are half-hearted with their faith. They may be regulars on Sunday morning, but they fail to faithfully live each day as a believer in Jesus Christ. Others will seldom come to worship. The body becomes weak and purposeless because its members do not firmly stand firm for the gospel. Standing firm takes courage. It takes faith. A church must stand firm to boldly live into and declare Jesus’ gospel to defeat sin. Pray that your church is firm for Jesus. Pray that you are and will firmly live for your Lord. A Moment’s Thought: Firm begins with faith.

July 30, 2013 Convinced

Read Philippians 1:25-26 Convinced Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. HAVE you been debating some issue in your life? Perhaps it is in regard to a job change or maybe you are contemplating volunteering in some work of your community. Perhaps you are considering taking some new steps to grow in your faith. What do you need to do to take the first step? You need to decide and be “convinced of this” next step in your life, don’t you? When you are convinced, you will begin to get out of “neutral” and shift into “Drive” to go forward. It’s time for the new adventure! Paul has settled his mind in regard to an internal spiritual conflict (see July 29 Preference devotion). Now convinced of his purpose he begins to move forward emotionally and spiritually. Even as he is in prison, he looks ahead to a positive future to minister the Gospel to Philippi. Purposefully, Paul is convinced the work at Philippi will bring more glory to Jesus. What’s your emotional and spiritual view of your future? What if you said each day in your heart and even to your spouse or a close friend, “Today I’m going to bring glory to Jesus!” Would you be purposeful and convinced of your life each day? Would your life shift out of neutral and drive forward into a greater relationship with Jesus? Would your life demonstrate Jesus’ gospel truths? Yes. Yes. Yes. Convinced of your purpose, your life would move forward each day toward Jesus, and you would glorify—raise up, honor—his name. A Moment’s Thought: Are you ready for the adventure?

July 29, 2013 Preference

Read Philippians 1:22-24 Preferences If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. WHAT do you love to do? Can you always do the thing you love to do? Or are you responsible for some work or commitments that keep you from what you love? Our lives as parents can be this way, can’t they? We love our spouse and children and desire to do things with them. But we also have responsibilities to work to care for them. We don’t always get to do what we prefer, do we? Paul’s dilemma goes beyond our earthly preferences to eternal desires. His greatest desire is to go live with Jesus. But, his greatest responsibility is to stay on earth to minister to the Philippians and others. He knows he must live into his responsibility. Paul is living out his words in Phil 1: 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Everything about Paul’s life, including his very life existence, is about submitting to his Lord’s will for his life. He could easily consider that after years of difficult ministry his work is over and say, “I’m done, Jesus. Take me home.” But instead he’s willing to joyfully live into the work Jesus has yet for him to do. Paul knows life is not about his preferences but about his responsibilities in Jesus, and he submits to his ministry as long as he is alive. A Moment’s Thought: What does Jesus prefer you do?

July 28, 2013 What to Do?

Read Philippians 1:19-21 What to Do? for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. WHAT do you do when you don’t know what to do when you find the circumstances of your life to be very hard, even sorrowful? As Paul was in a physical prison facing possible death, you are in a spiritual prison, uncertain of God’s life for you. What does he want? Why is life so hard? Frustrated, you don’t even know how to pray because your circumstances seem so hopeless. Indeed, what do you do? What Paul expresses here is a complete trust in Jesus. As he affirms “to live is Christ” he knows his life is under the eternal care and authority of his risen Savior. This imprisonment ended with his freedom, but he didn’t know that when he wrote of his faith. He turned from looking at himself to set his mind on Jesus’ great love for him. Faithfully trusting Jesus for his life in heaven, Paul faithfully trusted Jesus for his life on earth. What do you do in the really hard circumstances of your life? Do as Paul. And tell Jesus, “I can’t handle it, Jesus.” Then let him take it. Rest in his Lordship. Know he has destroyed death for you. Know he lives for you. A Moment’s Thought: The Lord Jesus is bigger than any circumstance.

July 27, 2013 Rivals?

Read Philippians 1:15-20 Rivals? 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 rivalry, 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. PAUL really loves Jesus, doesn’t he? Everything about his life is focused on making Jesus known. He even is glad for “competing Christians” because they make Jesus known, too. Yes, there were men in Rome preaching the gospel for very wrong reasons. They preached to make a reputation for themselves. They taught of Jesus while unlovingly speaking against Paul. These men saw Paul’s imprisonment as an opportunity to be viewed as better than Paul. Paul, though, sees the good in their preaching. He sees Jesus’ name being proclaimed, and that is all that matters. Even as he is in prison, Paul does not let his circumstances nor do such people as “competing Christians” rob him of his joy. What’s true for you? Do you find it hard to accept the circumstances in life? Do you have people around you who are unpleasant, who compete against you? Perhaps it would be good to stop and consider, “Is this where God wants me now?” As he used Paul’s imprisonment to advance the gospel, God will use your challenges to tell of Jesus as you are faithful to your Lord. See your life in Jesus’ hands, and you will be his hands to “preach” of Jesus’ love. A Moment’s Thought: God moves you to where he needs you to speak for him.

July 25, 2013 Inspired

Read Philippians 1:12-14 Inspired I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear. WHAT inspires you? For me, it’s easy to think, “Ministry is too hard.” But then I am inspired as I consider friends who prevail for the gospel against great physical and personal challenges. Even more so, I consider Jesus’ ministry for me took him to the cross. My Lord’s great love for me surely inspires me. It is evident Jesus’ love inspires Paul, who has been imprisoned for nearly 5 years when he writes these words. Faithfully he sees his imprisonment as a means to advance the gospel. The whole prison guard knows why he’s there, and Paul certainly has told them the gospel. As he is chained to Roman guards who change shifts every 6 hours, Paul undoubtedly told them of Jesus. The gospel was advanced through the prison guard as some came to faith in Jesus and told their families and friends of the Good News of salvation. Inspiring, isn’t it? As Jesus’ love inspires Paul, his faithful work inspires Roman Christians who struggle to be faithful to Jesus. They see Paul’s joy in his work in prison and they become bolder to tell their families and friends, “Jesus loves you.” Against great odds, the gospel advances. Inspiring, isn’t it? A Moment’s Thought: Does Jesus’ love inspire you?

July 25, 2013 Discerning Love

Read Philippians 1:9-11 Discerning Love Phil 1:9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. HOW do you decide the best thing to do in any circumstance? We act on assumptions or feelings, assuming “A” is true and then respond with “B”. If you have the right information, your response is generally good. If you are misinformed, your response could be off track. Now what must you have to discern Christ-like decisions in your life? Of course, you must know Jesus. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But you know it’s not. You know you need a determined effort to know Jesus every day. You know how easy it is to make excuses and excuse yourself from Jesus. I was talking with someone recently who says he has a desire to know God more. But I don’t believe his heart is in it. Why? He says he’s too busy to read the Bible. He’s too busy to pray and too busy to learn from others. I get that way. I’ll bet you sometimes get that way. That’s why you and I need to pray for ourselves and we need to pray for others that we all have a “love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment” until the day we meet Jesus. You know it’s a struggle to gain knowledge of Jesus. You know you need people praying for you. You know it’s time to start. A Moment’s Thought: I pray you know Jesus so you will discern a faithful life.

July 24, 2013 Holy Witness

Read Philippians 1:8 Holy Witness Philippians 1:8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. HAVE you ever said it or heard someone else say it, “As God is my witness, I love you.” “As God is my witness, I didn’t do it!” That, my friends, is spoken to be a convincing statement, isn’t’ it? The Apostle Paul writes to convince Philippi to he loves them as Jesus does. He is convinced of his love for Philippi. He is convinced of Jesus’ love for his church. And he is convinced that the church in Philippi needs to be repeatedly affirmed that Paul really wants to be with them. As he says, “God is my witness.” Paul is not merely speaking as someone who wants to convince his wife of his love or someone of his innocence. He is speaking in the sight of the holy God. As Paul convincingly declares, “God is my witness.” he knows he stands in the presence of God, who is witnessing his actions and words. This is the holy God of whom David says in Psalms 2:12 “his wrath is quickly kindled” because every man of God knows that the Lord will judge sin in his wrath. Paul fearfully speaks “God is my witness” convinced God will punish any lie he speaks. Can you imagine saying, “For God is my witness.” and then telling a lie? Did you reply, “No, I wouldn’t lie in God’s name?” Then I urge you to consider how you live out your faith in God each day, then. Do you say to the world, “I’m a Christian.” and speak of doing well while your heart has no desire to speak and act as Jesus? Be careful how you speak. Be careful how you act. The Holy God is a witness to your life. A Moment’s Thought: “Christian” is being of Christ.

July 23, 2013 Certain Future

Read Philippians 1:6-7 Certain Future Phil 1:6 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. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. HAVE you ever had anyone encourage you? I’m sure you have. “You can it! Study hard, and you’ll be a teacher, an engineer.” “Practice your shot; you’ll be a great player.” Paul’s letters to the churches he worked to plant, to Timothy and Titus and others are woven with encouragement. Paul knows very well through his own experiences of Jesus’ transforming power in his life that people who faithfully follow Jesus will have a wonderful, life-changing walk with their Lord until the day they meet him face-to-face. “I am sure of this” is a wonderful, “You can do it. You will do it!” encouragement, isn’t it? There is no doubt in Paul’s mind that Christ Jesus will continue his work in those who are faithful to him. Do you believe this for your own life? Are you perhaps feeling “out of practice” as your faith habits have slipped lately? Do you have a sense that you’ll never get to where God wants you to be? Are you even perhaps willing to say, “I give up.” Then stop and know the devil speaks his discouraging, doubt-filled words to turn you away. Your Lord has saved you! His Spirit faithfully empowers you to a true life with him. Stay in there. Keep working toward Jesus. Be faithful, and the Lord will complete what he has started in you. A Moment’s Thought: Yes, he’s begun his work in you!

July 22, 2013 Partners

Read Philippians 1:3-5 Thankful for Partners Phil 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. PARTNERS are good to have, aren’t they? I think of the old Roy Rogers television shows and Roy’s partner Gabby Hayes. Tonto and the Lone Ranger come to mind, too. Partners helped each other in the battle against evil. Partners rejoice in being with one another. What do you think when someone calls you, “partner”? You feel honored, don’t you? You feel you want to help them because you love them. Partners work side-by-side to help each other achieve things they couldn’t achieve on their own. That’s why Paul wants the church at Philippi to know he rejoices to have them as his partners. Paul knows how difficult the work for the gospel is and will be, and it is essential the church works with him and each other to do the good hard work required. Amid the hard work, amid the challenges, and even amid conflict, partners know they must set their mind to Jesus and the great work he calls them to do. If a partner gets sidetracked as his mind may go to on another purpose or feels his purpose alone must prevail, the partnership will disappear into conflict. How do partners stay together? They focus on their purpose. Partners in the church must pray. And partners must know the joy – the deep inner emotion that all is well as they set their mind on Jesus as their Lord. Do you have a gospel partner? Join with another to seek Jesus. Join together to care for one another in the great work he has called you. A Moment’s Thought: Partners protect.

July 21, 2013 Grace to You

Read Philippians 1 Grace to You Philippians 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. THERE are many words we use in the church, in Christianity that have their root in the character of God. For example, love is often spoken because of the God, who is love. We speak of blessing to describe gifts, and we certainly talk of salvation, reminding us of Jesus’ eternal gift. Now let’s pause for a moment on “grace”. When Paul says, “Grace to you”, you probably, as I did, skipped right over the word. Perhaps you thought, “That’s nice.” That’s often our reaction to what God has given us, isn’t it? Certainly grace is what God has given to you as you call Jesus, “Savior”. Yes, focus in on “Grace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace is the means of God giving you eternal life through Jesus who gave you himself on the cross. Grace is the only way you are saved. Grace means you don’t have to earn your perfection. You are given a sin-free life before the Father as Christ has given himself for you. “Grace to you” is Paul’s reminder to the Philippians of God’s nature to give. Do you pause as you sit down to breakfast, think as you are driving, consider as you sit down to a meal, or remember as you enter church, “God’s grace has come to me through Jesus. Wow! A Moment’s Thought: Yes, grace is a wonder of wonder.

July 20, 2013 Peace Source

Read Ephesians 6 Peace Source Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. MOST of us go to a church where there are a good number of people like us, don’t we? I don’t mean they’re exactly as we are, but we worship with them because we have a few things in common. Perhaps our preferences for music, preaching, church ministries and even time of worship bring us to that one place in common each week. But are preferences the way to true unity? Actually preferences cause great disunity, don’t they? And that’s certainly what Paul desires to avoid. If you go back to page 1 of Ephesians and read it again, you will see Paul is writing to many people who have very little in common. They were masters, slaves, husbands, wives, Greeks, Jews, educated and uneducated. Certainly their preferences were diverse, too! Thus, when Paul closes his letter with the remarkable words of “peace”, “love”, “faith”, “grace” and “undying love” he reminds them of why he can call them “brothers” and they can relate to each other in that very personal way. Prayerfully, they will have the peace or unity when they focus on the eternal wonder of knowing Jesus. Yes, motivated by his love, God acted in grace to give them a saving faith. Their future can be an undying love for Jesus! As a loving shepherd, Paul longs for this and all churches to focus on their loving, gracious Savior. They have received Jesus’ gift because they all had one thing in common--sin. Now they have salvation in common. A Moment’s Thought: Personal preferences will change. Jesus will not.

July 19, 2013 Pray for Words

Read Ephesians 6 Pray for Words Eph 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. IN THE book of Acts, Luke, the historical writer, records the Apostle Paul narrowly escaping death from angry mobs as they violently objected to his preaching the Gospel. Luke also records Paul’s bold testimony to the Jews in Jerusalem and his ministry to the Gentiles in an argument with the Apostle Peter, Jesus’ “rock” of faith. One would think Paul lives his faith without fear. But his words here show his humanity. This powerful preacher and tireless worker for Christ needs something much more powerful to keep him going. He needs prayer to be sure he speaks the Gospel correctly. And he needs prayer to be fearless in his preaching. Preachers need our prayers. Those who are serious in their love for Jesus have a deep passion to preach his love, his justice and his salvation clearly and always true. They want to stand above ridicule and apathy to raise hearts to love Jesus as they do. Godly preachers want to get it right. Their hearts yearn for Jesus’ victory in a world ruled by sin’s defeat. Pray for them. Pray for their hearts and their words. Pray for their love in Jesus and their power in the Spirit. And pray for your own words as you speak of Jesus to those who need to know. A Moment’s Thought: Paul needed prayer. So does your pastor. So do you.

July 18, 2013 Friend or Lord?

Read Ephesians 5 Friend or Lord? Eph 5:10 and find out what pleases the Lord. WE MUST stop here. Don’t go anywhere. Sit down. Think about what you want to do today. Think about what your heart is telling you to do today. Is there any conflict? I have conflict. I think about prayer—the Lord wants me to pray, to connect with him. But my heart’s not in it right now, and I put it off until it never happens. The Lord turns my heart to give some money to someone in need, but I make excuses and put it off until it never happens. The Lord wants me to call a friend to check in on his challenge with work. But I make excuses and put it off until it never happens. What’s your Lord telling you? I mean, your LORD. Yes, we call Jesus, “Lord” but say “Later.” or “Not for me, not now, when I get around to it, when I feel like it, when the time’s right, not ever, Lord, Jesus.” The reality in our response is that Jesus really isn’t our “Lord”, is he? He’s simply an adviser, a confidant, a listening ear, and someone who will forgive our sins. We don’t really have to “find out what pleases the Lord” and really do it, do we? A Moment’s Thought: the meaning of “Lord” to you.

July 17, 2013 A Full Life Journey

Read Ephesians 4 A Full Life Journey Eph 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ARE YOU looking for change in your life? Take some time today to read all of Ephesians 4. I pray you will see how Jesus offers gifts to people who will help you “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness” (Eph 4:23-24). When Jesus returned to Heaven, he continued his ministry through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has gifted some people to evangelize, some to pastor and some to teach. Those who have received those gifts are available to you to help you know Jesus more. Knowing Jesus more is a life journey. As you “see” and “hear” him in the Gospels, you will see how he changes your life. From the time of Jesus’ disciples beginning their ministry to today, the Gospel has transformed lives from sadness to gladness, from despair to hope, from hate to love, from harmful habits to life-giving labors of love. Pause for a moment, and it’s likely you’ll think of several people who can help you get to know the transforming Jesus more personally. Give one a call. Study the Bible with a gifted teacher. Be on a life journey to live in the fullness of Jesus. It’s True! Education is a process and so is getting to know Jesus.

July 17, 2013 His Perfect Plan

Read Ephesians 3 His Perfect Plans Eph 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. I HEARD a story of someone who had three graduate schools accept her application. Two offered to pay for her education. A third didn’t. Because she trusts God, she prayed about the right school. He guided her to the third school that had no offer of money. Weird isn’t it? But as she followed her Lord, He blessed her. It turned out the school had a program in a research project specific to her interests and experience. This program offered to pay her tuition, and it also pays her a salary and health benefits, too! What’s the point? When Paul speaks of being “rooted and established in love” he is writing about Jesus’ love gift of eternal life to mankind. When you know with your heart that Jesus loves you and died for you, this “measure of the fullness of God” will release in you the power of Jesus’ wide, high, long and deep love in you. The grad student went to that power to guide her way. As she trusted Jesus’ power, she was at peace when the choice seemed a disadvantage. But God had something perfectly planned for her. God will bless you with his perfect plans, and you will rejoice in his blessings. It’s True! The power of the cross is for you.

July 15, 2013 Welcome Home

Read Ephesians 2 Welcome Home Eph 2:19-22 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. HAVE you ever known someone who has become a naturalized citizen of the United States? This is a marvelous transformation for the person. He or she has come to this country seeking a better life. They have found a job, received proper credentials to live here, and gone to classes to learn about the United States. When the big day comes, the immigrant is approved for a new permanent home in the U.S. Big smiles come to the face and heart of the new citizen. He or she is now united with the United States. They can vote and participate in the democracy. They have all the rights of citizenship. And they have the responsibilities of citizenship. In essence they have their new country in their heart. U.S. citizenship is part of their being and where they belong. And so it is the same with your citizenship with Christ. Thank God that his Spirit has opened the way for you to come into this “household”, the Kingdom of God, a place where Jesus Christ is the cornerstone. Do you have a big smile in your heart knowing this eternal truth? Take a minute to thank God that his Spirit lives in you, and you are now at home in God’s dwelling. It’s True! It is good to be at home in the Kingdom of God.

July 14, 2013 In Awe of Your Lord

Read Ephesians 1 In Awe for Your Lord Eph 1:1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I WONDER how Paul felt when he wrote those words. I can picture him, quill in hand, sitting at his desk, scratching out these words. He looks at them and thinks, “Wow. Is it really possible God has chosen me? Am I really the same guy who dragged Christians from their homes? Am I the one who urged the crowd to stone Stephen?” In one way Paul was that man—physically. In another way, he was not that man at all. He was born again, totally changed. Paul became spiritually alive as Jesus’ Spirit dwelled deep within his soul. Paul understood the true meaning of chosen and God’s will to mean his life was new, and his life belonged to his Lord. How often do you say, “Lord, Jesus”? Do your words express your awe that God would choose you? In “Lord, Jesus.” do you consider God, the Father, has chosen you to belong to His Son? As you say, “Lord, Jesus.” please understand that this relationship with the Savior of the world begins with God’s choosing, and it changes your life. In that changed life, are you willing to pray, “Your will be done” to express your preparation to live with a new-born attitude? Are you ready as a newborn to have an attitude that will cause you to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) so that you will know what to do with and in your life? Yes, God’s choosing is a remarkable gift. Be in awe of the gift. Be in awe of the One who gives. Seek his will and live in his will. It’s True! “Chosen by the will of God” is God’s awesome gift to you.

July 13, 2013 Fruits of the Spirit

Read Galatians 5 Fruits of the Spirit Gal 5:19-24 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. GALATIANS 5:22-23 are popular verses, aren’t they? If you’re as I am, you are sometimes challenged by which fruit “comes next” in this remarkable list of how the Spirit of God empowers you to be more and more as Jesus. But the sin of our lives can keep us from living in Jesus’ salvation can’t it? That’s why I’m glad Paul lists the sins of the flesh before he lists the fruits of the Spirit. Flesh must give way to Spirit, and you need to clearly know what is flesh and what is Spirit. Yes, it’s true, isn’t it, that you are too often confused by the world, by our culture and certainly by Satan of what sin looks like. Sexual immorality, for example, is nonexistent in the world’s view. Fits of anger are termed, “blowing off steam” as if it is a healing thing instead of a cursing thing. Envy is used as a gimmick to cause people buy more than they can afford. Drunkenness is a “few too many”. We use such nice, easy terms to identify death, don’t we? Let’s pray: “Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing me sin. Empower me to replace my flesh with your Spirit. Guide me to purposefully live to bear life-giving fruit. Amen.” It’s True! The Spirit replaces the flesh.

July 12, 2013 Be A Brother

Read Galatians 6 Bear One Another's Burdens Gal 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. ONE word the Apostle Paul uses often in his letters is “brothers”. It’s certainly a word that is common to us, but I’d like you to see how he uses “brothers” in two uncommon, meaningful ways. First of all, ladies, don’t feel left out. He’s speaking to you, too. “Brothers” was not necessarily a male term. The term was one of endearment and honor to both men and women Paul had ministered to in Galatia and other churches. He wanted them to know he held them in high esteem. He honored them with a Jesus-like love. That’s where the second special element of “brothers” occurs. When the risen Jesus spoke to Mary in the garden, he says this: John 20:17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” The Lord of Life calls his disciples his “brothers”. Jesus connects with his disciples as his brothers under the authority of the Father because Jesus has become physically and spiritually connected to his disciples. As their Lord, he is also their brother because he has walked with them, served them, suffered for them, died for them and is now alive for them. Thus, when Paul calls his church “brothers”, he is saying, “I love you as Jesus loves you. I am willing to sacrifice my life for you. I am eager to serve you. I will suffer for you because I am your brother.” Are you willing to call others “brother”? It’s True! Brotherhood is truly an intimate relationship in Jesus.

July 11, 2013 Get Christ

Read Galatians 5 Get Christ Galatians 5:7-9 & 13 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump…13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. YOU heard the message, “Jesus loves you. Jesus saves you.” And you received him as your Lord and Savior. What an incredible love gift has come to you from God the Father, through God the Son in the power of God the Spirit for you! You had good plans to follow Jesus, didn’t you? You could say, “I’m a Christian.” and life would be great. You’d say and do all the right things. You would let go of the sin (the leaven) that kept you from Jesus. Surely you know the wonder of the Living God alive in you! But then there was that one issue with your friend. You couldn’t forgive her for that insult. Then you remembered how much you really liked going out for a few drinks, so you thought, “Why not?” You really tried reading your Bible, but it was just too hard! And did being a Christian really mean you had to go to church every Sunday and that you had to always be so good? Your pre-Christian sin habits, the “leaven” in your life, kept infecting your heart, and you thought, “What’s the use?” What do you do? Focus on Jesus’ freedom for you. Stop thinking of your imprisoning sin and start thinking of Jesus’ freedom. Spend some time in the Gospels each day. Get to know Jesus, and the leaven in your heart will turn to love for Jesus. It’s True! Being a Christian requires Christ.

July 10, 2013 You Are An Heir

Read Galatians 4 You Are an Heir Gal 4:1-7 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. WHAT enslaves you? Is it a feeling life “just happens” and God just stands by to watch? Does fear wrap you up and keep you from living into new and wonderful opportunities God has planned for you? Are you imprisoned in the regularity of your religion, always about “doing church” but seldom about “experiencing God”. Does life’s busyness seclude you from rest and good health? Are you a slave to too little faith? Paul’s words here are to encourage the Galatians they are no longer slaves to fate, false gods, false religion, fears and false teachings. Paul tells them of God’s wonderful, purposeful plan to bring Jesus into the world to free them, to welcome them as heirs of the kingdom of God! In Jesus, you are an heir, too. Whatever enslaves you, give it to God, and you will be a child of Abba, Father. All he has planned for you will be for you. It’s True! God created you to be his own.

July 9, 2013 Really

Read Galatians 3 Really Galatians 3:4-6 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? HOW’S your Christian faith? Are you perhaps wondering why you’re not excited and filled with passion for God today (or any day)? The truth is that living in the Christian faith can sometimes be cluttered with frustration. After all, God promises such wonderful peace as you turn to Jesus. You expect so much and for things to be just the way you want. Where is it? Unhappily we wonder why life is so mundane, why we came home from church empty, why the Bible study doesn’t feel right, or why no one calls anymore. We look for perfection amid the world’s imperfection and wonder, “Where’s God?” That was the Galatians challenge. They wanted “more” and were listening to false teachers telling them that more laws were necessary to their Christian life. To help them, Paul offers this wonderful encouragement. “Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith.” Paul encourages the Galatians then and you today to find Jesus’ perfection in His Spirit. It is the Spirit’s power, not increasing deeds, expectations and laws that will guide us to the true Christian life. Yes, look for God’s perfection in His Spirit of truth and power. The Holy Spirit is the way to Jesus. Keep your heart and mind on him to know his power is truly for your life. It’s True! Really, it is.

July 8, 2013 Stick to the Right

Read Galatians 2 Stick to the Right Galatians 2:4-5 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. DO YOU have people around you that try to turn you from what is true in various roles? For example, if you manage people, some will try to work their preferences into your methods. People often try to put their way into your ways. It is a natural part of a world whose nature is to disobey the right way. Paul had that problem—big time—in his ministry. To many Jews, who had grown up in the Law that required circumcision, they insisted Christians must be circumcised. Even after the Council of Jerusalem officially decided that Gentiles need not be circumcised, some Jews—called Judaizers—would follow Paul around to declare his ministry incomplete and false until circumcision was done. Galatians is written primarily to defend Christ’s Gospel against such teachings. Paul not only had to work hard to convince Jews and Gentiles of the Gospel’s grace, he had to work very hard to teach the Christians to receive Jesus’ grace. That can happen, can’t it? You confess your sins, and you confess Jesus as your risen Savior. Then someone says, “Do this!” But know this: the only “Do this!” you must do is what Jesus teaches. Saved in Jesus, you are no longer a slave to sin and unnecessary rules. You are free in Jesus’ grace. Do not submit to rules that remove you from Jesus. Be firm in his truths that draw you near to him. It’s True! By grace you have been saved. (Eph 2:5)

July 8, 2013 Celebrate Your Salvation

Read Galatians 1 Celebrate Your Salvation Galatians 1:14-16 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man. PAUL was an excellent Jew. He was a top-notch Pharisee. He was at the head of his class, young, ambitious and ready to stand firm for all the Law of God. Then God did something remarkable. God made a change. God took a man’s passion for the Law and gave him compassion to administer God’s gospel of grace. God had prepared Paul perfectly (as God does) for his gospel mission to the Gentiles. But until the day Jesus reached down, destroyed his old life and gave him a new life, Paul was prepared to be the best Pharisee he could be. God, though, had set him “apart from birth”. God had plans for Paul. And when Jesus revealed those plans, Paul’s life changed—it went upside down! With such dramatic changes and so many hardships, Paul must have had big-time doubts. Whom did he look to make the doubts smaller? He got his answers, diminished his doubts by gong to his Lord. He was blessed to hear God’s voice directly. He also heard his Lord Jesus speak through friends and other church leaders. Paul listened to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And his doubts turned to unstoppable passion for Jesus’ Gospel. Be assured of this: following Jesus will turn your life upside down. People will look at you a little funny when you say, “God changed me.” Be deaf to the detractors. Listen to your Lord. Diminish your doubts. Celebrate your salvation. It’s True! Doubts restrict you, and faith grows you.

July 6, 2013 A Blessing

Read 2 Corinthians 13 A Blessing 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. IF YOU have been around church for any amount of time, you likely have heard this blessing or words very much like them. Typically these are the kinds of words a minister or elder uses to offer a benediction at the end of worship. A benediction is a blessing. And I think it is really good to pause and consider why Paul would offer this blessing at the end of his letter to the church in Corinth. Think seriously and think steadfastly on God’s inspired words to you through Paul, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” The Lord God, who has written his Word for your benefit, pleasure, salvation and blessing, offers himself to you. Have you ever looked at the Bible’s blessing in that way? Yes, it’s true; God is offering himself to you. You see, the only way it is possible to know the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” is to know that Jesus came from heaven to die for you. His life on earth was to live for you, to die for you, to rise again for you and to ascend for you. His grace caused him to pay the price of your sin to the Father. His grace saves you. “The love of God” caused this to happen. As God is love, he sent Jesus to save you even though you were a sinner and didn’t deserve to be saved. (Romans 5:8). “Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?” And then see the “fellowship of the Holy Spirit”. Wow! As you are saved in your faith to eternal life, you are in fellowship, in relationship with the Holy Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Now do you see how personal this blessing is for you? Next time you hear it, thank God he has blessed you unto eternal life. It’s True! Blessing is life. Be blessed, be alive in Jesus!

July 5, 2013 The Way to Go

Read 2 Corinthians 12 – 13 Be Jesus’ Own 2 Corinthians 13:8-9 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak, but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. PAUL’S letter to the church in Corinth is a relevant, contemporary letter to us today. The church was experiencing many challenges. Although they had heard the Gospel, had committed their lives to Christ, and had formed a church, they had not completely left their “old” lives behind. Jealousy, pride, gossiping, and other sins divided the people and kept the church from living in the blessing that was available to them through Jesus Christ. What makes it so difficult to be at peace with one another? Paul says, “We cannot oppose the truth”. In the church in Corinth people opposed the truth. And we oppose it in the church today. We have strong desires to live in our own ways. Being a unified, joyful church is only possible when its members truly look to Jesus as Lord. To do that, we have to be “weak”, to let go of “our own” and become “Jesus’ own”. Giving up our own way for Jesus’ way may seem weak to the world, but it takes strength of trust to faithfully follow Christ into his new way. Paul urged the church in Corinth to give up their own strength, their old ways of living, for Christ’s strength. Then they would mature in their relationship with Christ and each other. Give your strength to Jesus. Submit to his love and grow into a deeper, more real relationship with him. When you do, you’ll grow deeper in your love for others. And you will be at peace in your heart and in your church. It’s True! The “old way” is the way to go away from.

July 4, 2013 1 Out of 10

Read 2 Corinthians 8 – 11 1 Out of 10 2 Cor 8:3-5 Of their own free will 4 they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea. 5 It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well. MONEY’S A big deal, isn’t it? It must be. I think one of the most often spoken complaints against the church is, “All they do is ask for my money.” There are two realities in this complaint: First, the church wouldn’t need to “always” ask if people in the church had the heart of giving as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians. And second, it’s not “my” money. Put 10 one-dollar bills on the counter. Look at them a minute. Where did they come from? They came from the work God gave you to do. They came from God. Now, how many of those 10 one-dollar bills does God ask for in return? 1. He gives you 10. Put 9 in your pocket. The one left goes back to God. The church merely asks for one out of ten, and yet we complain. I don’t get it. Neither does God. It’s True! Tithing is trusting.

July 3, 2013 A Delightful Life

Read 2 Corinthians 6-7 A Delightful Way to Live 2 Cor 6:18-17:1 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” 17:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. I INVITE you to take a minute or two and dwell on the promise in 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” Have you stopped and considered the power and magnificence of God’s promise? Creator, eternal, almighty God promises to relate to you as a perfect father. He promises to call you his child. He says he is ready and willing to be one who loves you when you’re unlovable, to guide you when you lose direction, to forgive you when you do wrong, to show you the way to a life of joy, to offer you eternal life with him. Do you feel God, the Father, offering his love to you? Do you have a picture of him offering his hand to you? Go ahead, take his love and take his hand. Put your hand in his and walk with him to a place that is different from the world. He wants to bring you to a place where you experience his holiness—his perfection. He wants you to be holy, too, away from the things that harm you. He will show you how to live under his protection. God has come to you as a loving Father. He wants to be your God. Feel his good pleasure and his protection. It’s True! God is totally devoted to you. Receive him.