A Devotion by Joe G

October 8, 2024

Waiting

Psalm 31:24

We all wait or are waiting for someone or some event to occur. We wait for an important phone call. Some people wait for the day they’ll receive a job promotion. And everyone’s favorite, of course, is waiting in line at a supermarket for our groceries to be checked out.

Right now, I’m sitting in front of my computer, writing this devotion, awaiting Hurricane Milton’s arrival. It’s expected to make landfall in the Tampa area in a little over 24 hours. My family lives on the east coast of Florida, but it’s only 130 miles from where the hurricane is expected to hit.

We’ve prepared, prayed, communicated with our families, and now we wait. Wait for a storm we hope and pray does minor damage, minimal flooding, and, as always, doesn’t knock out our power.

My prayers go out to everyone who will be affected by this storm.

As a Christian, there is another thing I am waiting for.

***************************The Point*************************

Psalm 31:24 says:

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

all you who wait for the Lord!”

We’ve been waiting a long time for Christ’s return, right? Yes, over 2000 years. It’s said that patience is a virtue. Well, for those of us who believe in Jesus, we must be very virtuous. 😊

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says:

 “But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Matthew 24: 36;42

Interestingly enough, not only do we not know when Jesus will return, but neither does Jesus Himself. Only God the Father knows the day and the hour.

“But why not now, when the world seems to be going crazy.” It’s true. The world is a bit crazy right now. But it’s been crazy at many times throughout history.

God has a plan. We know He will send His Son Jesus to take us home someday. And that’s all He (God) feels we need to know for now. Until then, we have faith, believe, read, and share the Gospel with others, do good works, and love the Lord and our neighbors.

So, we wait. We wait for that phone call, the bus, that job promotion, and the hurricane to arrive.

But most of all, we wait on the Lord.

A Devotion by Joe G.

July 28, 2024

What is true Joy?

Galatians 5:22-23

The dictionary definition of the word joy is:

“a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

“tears of joy”

(Definition from Oxford Languages)

We think of many different things when we hear the word “Joy.”

Like the photo above, there are those of us who “Jump for Joy.” When a woman delivers a child, hopefully she and her husband are, jumping for joy.

When college students find out that they passed all of their classes and will be receiving their bachelor’s degree, they are full of Joy.

And, most recently, for those of you who have seen the “Inside Out” movies, you know the lead character’s name is “Joy”.

You’ll notice that all of the examples that I’ve given are using Joy, as emotion. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul describes “Joy” quite differently.

**********************The Point**********************

 ^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

In the passage above, each time Paul names a fruit of the Spirit, he’s referring to leading a life led by the Holy Spirit.

So, when Paul says that Joy is one of the Fruit(s) of the Spirit, he’s not talking about the emotion of joy we experience. The emotional joys we experience throughout our lives are temporary.

When we are joyful as a follower of Christ it’s much more than temporary happiness. As Christ’s followers, our joy is active. We have joy because we rejoice that because of our belief in Jesus, we have redemption and the promise of eternal life.

Vanettha Risner references a quote from the Charles Spurgeon Bible that describes the joy I’m speaking of.

“How could Paul experience joy amid his tribulations? Well, Charles Spurgeon said it best, “believers are not dependent upon circumstances. Their joy comes not from what they have, but from what they are, not from where they are, but from whose they are, not from what they enjoy, but from that which was suffered for them by their Lord.”

(vaneetha.com/journal/the-gift-of-joy-in-the-rockiest-places)

It’s okay to experience joy in the things we do and experience throughout our lives. But remember, that type of joy is fleeting. The Joy we find in our faith and belief in Jesus Christ is everlasting.

Isn’t that worth sharing?

A Devotion by Joe G.

July 26, 2024

What is Love?

Galatians 5:22-23

We’ve all spoken the word love. And we’ve all said the word to mean different things. I copied out several definitions of love from the dictionary.

An intense feeling of deep affection.

“babies fill parents with feelings of love.”

Like or enjoy very much.

“I just love dancing.”

Feel deep affection for (someone).

“he loved his sister dearly.”

Of course, many “love,” songs have been written over the years.

“Who Wrote the Book of Love,” as well as the Beatles, “All You Need Is Love,” and an oldy but Goody by Dean Martin, “Everybody Loves Somebody.”

All of the above definitions and songs are excellent definitions of the word love.

*****************************The Point************************

 ^“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

As I said earlier, we usually define love as a feeling or when we are referring to romance. But Paul is saying something totally different

Let’s take some time to look at what the Apostle Paul means when he says:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love,”

Galatians 5:22a

When Paul references the word love as one of the Fruit(s) of the Spirit, he’s talking about the love the disciple Matthew describes in chapter 25:35-40.

“One Pharisee, who was an expert on the law of Moses, asked Jesus this question to test him: “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?”

Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands.”

Jesus is referring to what is known as Agape love. Agape love, as opposed to romantic love, is God’s love for us. It is a pure and self-sacrificing love.

So, if Agape love is the love Paul is speaking of when he describes The Fruit(s) of the Spirit, then it is the kind of love Jesus has for us. And it is the kind of love He expects us to have for others.

This is not a romantic love. It is a love so strong that Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself for our salvation.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ‘

John 3:16

A Devotion by Joe G.

July 24, 2024

Happiness is?

Galatians 5:22-23

Most of us are eternally looking for happiness. The question is, what is happiness?

For some, happiness is the sound of a baby laughing; for others, it’s getting a raise at work; for others, it’s finding and marrying the perfect spouse.

But this, like most earthly happiness, is only temporary. The laughing baby grows up to be an adult. While many of us may get raises, they often come with more work and responsibility. And the perfect spouse we married, and the perfect life we hoped for isn’t always so perfect.

There’s an old song called “Happiness Is.”

What happiness is
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Happiness is
(Happiness is)
Different things to different people
That’s what happiness is.

(Happiness Is, Ray Conniff and the Ray Conniff singers.)

It’s true. Happiness is different things to different people. But what gives us true happiness? Let’s find out.

**********************The Point*********************

Paul talks about the Fruit of the Spirit in his Epistle to the Galatians. The Fruit of the Spirit is in direct contrast to The Acts of the Flesh.

(We’ll be looking at the Acts of the Flesh down the road.) For now, let’s look at what Paul calls The Fruit of the Spirit.

 ^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

If you haven’t counted yet, there are nine “Fruits” that Paul refers to. They are Christ-like attributes and are the way we should live our lives. Every one of them is in contrast to the acts of the flesh.

“These nine attributes come together in a Christian’s life to reflect a complete picture of the character of Christ.”

(https://www.compassion.com/christian-faith/fruit-of-the-spirit.htm)

This Fruit(s) of the Spirit is the way Christ lived his life, and by living our lives Christ-like, we can enjoy true happiness now and eternal happiness with Christ in Heaven.

(Over the next few weeks, in devotions, I will discuss the nine Fruit(s) of the Spirit as well as the worldliness and negativity of the Act of the Flesh)

A Walk through the Book of Philippians

July 10, 2024

Repeat, reiterate, again and again

Philippians 3:1-11

One of the definitions of the word reiterate is to repeat once or even several times.

There are many things you and I repeat in our lives. As adults, we get up each weekday, go to work, come home, eat dinner, hopefully have some rest and interaction time, and then go to bed. And almost every day, we do the same thing all over again.

I can remember when I was in elementary school. We studied specific subjects, like math, history, or science, at certain times every day. We went to lunch at 12 noon every day, and school ended every day at 4 p.m.

We are creatures of habit and repeat certain things in our lives at certain times on any given day. We also reiterate things.

This means we repeat certain things verbally many times over. For example, we may tell our children to make their beds every day. Perhaps our boss reiterates a point he or she has made to us to ensure we understand.

There is generally a good reason why we reiterate something to someone.

In today’s devotion, the Apostle Paul tells the Philippians that he has no problem repeating certain information to them because he feels it’s essential.

***********************The Point*********************

Let’s read what Paul believes is so important that he tells the Philippians he has no problem repeating it.

“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the Circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Philippians 3:1-11

In the first paragraph, Paul talks about (as I mentioned in my preface) repeating himself repeatedly. At times, Paul believes that this is important to keep believers safe. So, he reiterates crucial points, especially about false teachings, multiple times.

He goes on to talk about Circumcision. In the first paragraph of today’s reading, when Paul says:

“Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.”

He’s talking about Judaizers.

“The Judaizers were extremely proud of their “Jewishness” and the fact that they lived according to Jewish customs.”

(People’s Bible Commentary, Philippians, Harlyn J. Kuschesl, Pp. 67.)

One of the pieces of misinformation the Judaizers promoted was Circumcision. As Christians, we believe Circumcision is no longer required by God because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Paul firmly believed the Judaizer’s goal was to destroy Christ’s church.

Paul goes on in the second paragraph to describe his own Circumcision and how devout a Jew he was.

“Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”

Based on his credentials, Paul was the perfect Jew and, in the eyes of most Jews, at the head of the line for heavenly glory.

Finally, in paragraph three, Paul renounces his Jewish “perfection.” In fact, Paul considers his Jewish “perfection” garbage. As a follower of Christ, Paul understands that he is now righteous in the eyes of God.

Paul declares that righteousness is not found in the law because it can only be found in Jesus Christ.

“but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Paul’s words in the final lines of this passage are pretty profound. Righteousness comes from God based on our faith. And our faith is that Jesus, God’s Son, was sent as a living sacrifice for our sins. Sins that were, and still are, forgiven because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and resurrection.

Paul packed a lot of information into just a few paragraphs. He understood that eternal life only comes through God’s Grace, based on our Faith in His Son and what He did for us.

This really is something worth repeating to others, over and over.

A Walk through the Book of Philippians

July 3, 2024

Faithful Missionaries

Philippians 2:19-30; Matthew 28:18:20

I know a couple of missionaries who are serving around the world. My friend Jerry is serving as a missionary with his family in Riga, Latvia. The other person I know and still keep in touch with is Allen. Allen was a member of my youth group in the 1990s. He and his family now reside in Europe. Allen recently received his Doctor of Philosophy from Trinity College Bristol, University of Aberdeen.

Jerry and Allen are just two of thousands of missionaries serving worldwide. They share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with many others and love the Lord with all of their hearts, souls, and minds.

*************************The Point************************

In today’s devotion, the Apostle Paul talks about two missionaries who have worked with him and whom he trusts and loves. Their names are Timothy and Epaphroditus.

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself because, as a son with his Father, he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed, he was ill and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him so that when you see him again, you may be glad, and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and honor people like him because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.”

Philippians 2:19-30

Let’s begin with Timothy. Paul considers him to be his right-hand man. He trusts Timothy above all others. He states as much in the reading above.

“I have no one else like him who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 2:20-21

Obviously, there are other believers that Paul knows, and he may have even trained in the Word. However, Paul finds these others unqualified, and some, as he states, are even self-serving instead of serving the interests of Jesus.

Timothy is a committed servant of the Lord and the Word. Paul has no reservations about sending Timothy to Philippi because he trusts him, and the Philippians know Timothy, too.

Let’s move on to Epaphroditus. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to Paul. Perhaps he was sent with offerings to help Paul’s ministry but also as a helper and reinforcement for Paul.

Unfortunately, Epaphroditus fell ill soon after arriving. He came close to death, but fortunately, he recovered. We are never told what happened to Epaphroditus. It may have been an illness or exhaustion from his long, arduous journey.

Epaphroditus was anxious to return to Philippi because he knew that his fellow Christians were concerned for him. Paul unselfishly wanted to send him back to them.

One can only imagine the hardships Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus suffered as missionaries 2000 years ago.

Many of our missionaries around the world today endure many hardships, both financial and persecution.

Make a point today and every day to pray for our missionaries worldwide. And if the Spirit leads you to do so, encourage them through your words and financial help when you can.

Missionaries follow a calling that takes them abroad to spread the Good News of
Jesus Christ. You and I are also missionaries right where we are now, and we
should share the Gospel with others by following the words of the Apostle
Matthew.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

A walk through the Book of Philippians

June 28, 2024

Complaining and Arguing

Philippians 2:12-18

We all do it, don’t we? We all complain about things.

Let’s use teenagers as our first reference. They complain about having to clean their rooms, clearing the table after dinner, and, let’s not forget, curfews. Oh, and one more thing, they can be very argumentative.

As adults, we were just as bad in so many ways. At work, we complain about our workload or a particular task that we are asked to do. We complain because it’s laundry day again. And let’s not forget when we complain about not getting enough sleep because our spouse snores.

(By the way, as adults, we can sometimes be just as argumentative as teenagers.)

The list goes on and on. Let’s just accept the fact that we all complain.

Considering this fact brings us to today’s reading from the book of Philippians.

****************************The Point*****************************

The Apostle Paul makes three points in today’s reading; we will focus on the second one.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So, you, too, should be glad and rejoice with me.”

Philippians 2:12-18

Point one:

“continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” 

Every day, every minute of every day, we, as Christians, are under attack. We are under attack by the devil and His evil schemes. What’s his goal? To rob us of the eternal treasures God has in store for us.

We must never allow ourselves to get spiritually lazy. This makes us weak and open to Satan’s attacks.

Point three:

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.”

Here, Paul is speaking of his possible martyrdom. If it should happen, it would be a willing sacrifice that he would make for not only the Philippians but for Christians everywhere.

At this point, you may be saying to yourself, “Joe forgot point number two.” No, as I said, Paul’s second point is my emphasis in this devotion.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

This point has everything to do with your heart. As I said in my prologue, we all complain. A day probably doesn’t go by when we don’t complain about something.

When it comes to God, there’s no room for grumbling or arguing. Throughout our lives, especially in non-Christian instances, we will be asked to do things we don’t want to. Paul says we should do them without grumbling (murmuring) or arguing with others.

God loves us and wants what’s best for us. He also expects obedience from us, which needs to come from our hearts.

Be persistent and consistent in showing and sharing your love of God, not grumbling and arguing. I know, it sounds easier to do than it actually is. Do your best, and if you fail, try again and again. We are not perfect, but we should continue to strive for perfection.

Lord, there are many times in our lives when we grumble about our circumstances and argue with others. Please help us to do better. When we fail, please encourage us to keep trying to show our love for you to others, no matter how difficult it is. Amen.

A walk through the Book of Philippians

June 26, 2024

Being Humbled and enduring Humiliation

Philippians 2:5-11; John 13:1-17

In 2016, I was privileged to attend a National Youth Gathering presented by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. One of the morning Bible studies delved into the concept of humility. This topic resonates with each of us in our own unique ways. Above is the definition of humility that was projected on the screen, inviting us to reflect on its significance in our lives.

There are moments in our lives when we may find ourselves being humble or showing humility. Yet, the most profound and awe-inspiring example of humility and endurance of Humiliation is found in Jesus’s life.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God, the Father.”

Philippians 2:5-11

If you’ve gone to church or read your Bible, you’ve read about Jesus being a humble servant. In the passage above, Paul tells us to emulate Jesus.

Jesus came down from heaven and was born into a world where He was a humble servant to others. He taught, healed, loved, and accepted people as they were. He never once lauded His Godliness over others.

Do you remember the story of the Last Supper? Let’s look at the Gospel of John chapter 13.

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

John 13:1-17

Jesus got up after the Passover meal and taught His disciples a lesson in humility. He taught them to put the needs of others before their own. He wanted them to follow in His footsteps and be servants to all.

All too often, Christians (yes, and even Clergy and other church workers) think or act like their congregation owes them. But that’s the exact opposite of what Jesus is teaching here. Others come first. “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” Humble; Paul and God call on us to be servants to others.

Finally, Jesus’ final and most significant act of humiliation.

“he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!”

From His first moment on this world to His dying breath, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus humbled himself as a sacrificial lamb for the sins of man. What an incredible act of humility.

What an amazing Savior!

Jesus, you showed us how to be humble. May we think of others’ needs before worrying about our own. May the humility You demonstrated on the cross always be an example for us. Amen.

A walk through the Book of Philippians

June 18, 2024

Being like-minded

Philippians 2:1-4

Several days ago, my wife and I celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary. Over the years, we have agreed on many things, while on others, we do not.

We are probably more like-minded than not. We both love to watch golf, Hallmark Channel, and Christmas movies and enjoy going to Disney World.

Yet there are many things we are not like-minded about. Kathy likes to read a lot, but I do not (except for devotions, Bible studies, and the Bible). I enjoy anchovies on my pizza; she does not. When we go shopping, I go in with a list and get what I need. She likes to browse.

One thing in particular we do agree on is our religious beliefs. In this instance, we are like-minded.

*******************The Point*****************

Let’s take a look at what the Apostle Paul says about being like-minded.

“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:1-4

What’s Paul telling us in this passage?

He’s telling you and I to be Christ-like in everything we do.

Right from the get-go of this passage, Paul says that if we are united with Christ (Believe in Him and what He did for us), we should share His love and compassion with others.

Paul tells us to be like-minded. He asks us to have the same love (for each other that Christ has for us) and to be one in the Spirit (We should be about the Holy Spirit’s work who places gifts within our hearts and teaches us to be tender and compassionate to one another).

This is being like-minded. We should treat others compassionately, love others as Christ loves us, and share our gifts with others.

Finally, Paul tells us to be humble. It’s easy to be conceited because you think you’re better than someone at something. Paul calls for us to be humble-minded. Get rid of any pride or selfishness you may have and put other’s needs ahead of your own.

I’ve mentioned this saying by Lee Iacocca before:

God Come First

Family Comes Second

Work Come Third

Everything else comes after that.

Think about that for a moment.

Our relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior comes first.

The needs of our family, including our love, directing them in the way of the Lord, and their needs are our responsibility, come second.

Our job, whether working in or outside the home, comes third.

Nowhere in those first three directions is there anything about you or me.

Our top priorities are the love of God, the needs and love of family, and working to support our families.

Be like-minded with Christ and others. Remember, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, showing that others should always come first.

Lord, please help us to overcome conceit, vanity, and self-centeredness. May we always be Christ-like in our lives by putting the needs of others ahead of our own.

A walk through the Book of Philippians

June 4, 2024

A Partnership Like None Other

Philippians 1:1-11

Generally, when we hear the word partnership, we think of people or companies working together in business.

But there are other partnerships, such as a marriage.

 A good partnership in marriage is:

“A healthy relationship involving honesty, trust, respect and open communication between partners and they take effort and compromise from both people.”

(www. nygov>whatdoesahealthymarriagelooklike.com)

In today’s reading from the 1^st chapter of Philippians, Paul discusses being a partner in the Gospel.

************************The Point*************************

Let’s look at the 1^st part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you since I have you in my heart, and whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the Gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Philippians 1:1-11

The passage above combines a letter of introduction and greeting from Paul to the Philippians, giving thanks for their knowledge, love, and sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although there are many points made by Paul in this passage, the one that sticks out for me is:

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:4-6

In the passage above, Paul states that God’s Holy Spirit has brought the believing Philippians into a “partnership” with not only the Apostle Paul but all other believers.

Today, we call this partnership “Being in Fellowship.” As Christians, we should be sharing how blessed we are for the forgiveness of our sins that Christ won on the cross.

Paul is overjoyed by how the Philippians have expressed their partnership in the Gospel through prayers, Bible study, and worshipping together.

Christ is overjoyed when He sees us following in the footsteps of these Christian brothers and sisters who are not only in fellowship but share the Gospel message with others.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us as we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Dear Lord. We know that your Son’s sacrifice is not for us alone but for everyone. Continue to allow your Spirit to guide us as we spread the good news throughout the world.

Amen