June 22-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:7-9, When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
Observe what it is saying.
If you would like to journey into greater joy by elevating your attitude, then this next devotional series is for you. We will travel through Philippians, but first, some background information. The Apostle Paul traveled to Philippi on his second missionary journey. According to Acts 16, Paul tried to go a different way, but the Holy Spirit prevented him from going the direction he wanted to go. Have you ever found yourself there? You think you know best. You try to go a certain way, do a certain thing, and barriers are set up. The real challenge is to determine if the blockades are from God or from Satan. It’s difficult to know whether we should persevere through the barriers or should stop and wait on the Lord’s leading. There’s no quick and easy solution. It’s all about deepening our relationship with the Lord over time so that we understand His heartbeat, learn His voice, and discern His will. It is like best friends who grow close over the years knowing each other’s heart and finish each other’s sentences. We’re not told what the Spirit did to keep Paul from going the direction he wanted, but we’re told what got him moving in the direction God wanted. He had a vision of a man calling for him to come to Macedonia to help them. So, Paul understood this was God’s doing and went to Macedonia and entered the city of Philippi,
Relate it to your life.
I can expect God to lead me where to go and where not to go if I am spiritually in tune with His voice.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me a good listener and obedient follower to Your Spirit’s voice and leadership. Amen.
June 23-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:13-15, On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Observe what it is saying.
Continuing with background information, we find Philippi was located along the main highway that led from Asia to the west. It was a leading Roman colony where many Roman soldiers had been placed to live so that Roman influence could spread throughout the area. This was Paul’s first major European city where he did missionary work. Soon after arriving, he joined a group of female worshipers who met for prayer by the river. There was no Jewish synagogue in town. It took at least 10 Jewish believers to have a synagogue so that tells us that there was little formal Jewish influence. At the river, there was a woman named Lydia who was a Gentile who believed in the Jewish God. So, Paul joined them and took the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with them. God opened her heart, and she became a believer and was baptized and so was her household. She opened her home to Paul and his traveling companions. She was among the first converts to Christ in Europe and led her family to Christ.
Relate it to your life.
Like Lydia, would I have responded to the gospel and shared my faith with my family? Am I today?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to see my first mission field is my own family. Make me a positive witness. Amen.
June 24-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:16-18, Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
Observe what it is saying.
The background info for Philippians continues. Paul cast out from a slave girl an evil spirit of fortune-telling which was bringing a huge profit for her owners. Scripture is clear that fortune telling, tarot card readers, horoscopes, and other astrological practices are of the Enemy. If we avail ourselves to such, we’re opening the door for evil to enter into our lives. Paul set the girl free in the name of Jesus, but it put him in prison. The wealthy owners weren’t happy about losing their source of income. So Paul and Silas were arrested on false charges. They were whipped and put in stocks. That night they were praying and singing in prison when an earthquake hit, the doors flew open, but no prisoner escaped. The jailer thought they had and was going to take his own life, but Paul told him not to do so. He and his family became believers and were baptized. The jailer took care of Paul’s wounds and brought them to his home providing a meal. The jailer was overjoyed that he and his family had come to believe in God.
Relate it to your life.
What have I had to sacrifice to bring the joy of salvation to others?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me passion and courage to boldly bring Christ into my world. Amen.
June 25-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 (NLT), You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.
Observe what it is saying.
As we continue to look at background information, Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about his difficult experience at Philippi. His time there left quite a painful memory. One would think, he would not have much good to say about that place or would ever want to go back, but it did not stop or distract him from his mission. He would return there again. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is the most positive and personal of all the letters he would write. One of the letter’s purposes was to offer his profound thanks for their generosity while he was in prison waiting for his case to be heard. Unlike our prison system, they weren’t provided with food. They had to rely on the goodness of family and friends to care for their basic needs. The Philippians demonstrated their love for the Lord by showing such care and concern for Paul. So, as we will find, this is a very encouraging letter. It is like a letter you might write to your best friend trying to elevate them to a new level of thinking, believing, and living. You have such love for them that you want them to experience the very best possible life in Christ in this world.
Relate it to your life.
My faith in Christ should lead to my profound love for others expressed in goodness and generosity.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming generosity of grace to forgive every sin I have ever committed. Motivate and move me to demonstrate that same goodness to those who are in need. Amen.
June 26-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:1-2, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
We often read quickly through these introductory words because we do not think there is much value to glean. This salutation was a common writing style that was used in Paul’s contemporary world. It begins with the sender’s names, the recipients, and the greeting. Paul and Timothy weren’t coauthors but Paul included him. Timothy was a well-known leader who helped start and pastor some of the churches that Paul started, including Philippi. Timothy is now with Paul where he was in prison. We have heard about Paul’s dramatic call to Christ as he was on his way to persecute the followers of Christ, but Timothy’s coming to faith seems to be much quieter. Paul wrote to Timothy these words when he was pastoring at Ephesus, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” [2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)] Timothy caught the faith that his mother and grandmother lived before him. Parents and grandparents, please do not underestimate that you are the most significant faith influencers for your children. Children and youth ministries are all vital support pieces, but your influence outweighs everything we can do in an hour or two a week many times over. Paul considered Timothy his spiritual son. It’s interesting that nothing is mentioned about his father’s faith, so Paul spiritually adopted Timothy and included him as a co-sender of the letter.
Relate it to your life.
I must never under-value or under-estimate my spiritual influence on the next generation.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, give me wisdom and emotional intelligence to demonstrate the gospel to my kids and grandkids and to all who are watching me. Amen.
June 27-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:1-2, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul identified themselves as servants of Christ Jesus. The word literally means a slave. Paul was once very successful in his Jewish leadership, but once Jesus turned his life upside down, he had a huge role reversal. He was not ashamed of calling himself a slave, a very derogatory title in any culture. When Jesus takes over, the greatest title we can bear is servant of the King. Paul spoke of the Philippians as God’s holy people in Christ Jesus. In other words, they are saints. We often reject this title because we do not feel we are worthy, and, it is true, we are not. However, that is the very point of the gospel. This title is given, not because of our perfect performance but because of Christ’s perfect performance on our behalf. We are holy as He is holy. Our status is His status. This is what we must believe about ourselves because anything less robs the gospel of its tremendous value. As the holy saints of God, we have been set apart for God’s glorious purposes. This is something to actively believe and adoringly behold.
Relate it to your life.
If I am going to bring glory to God and fulfill His purposes, then I need to fully claim my identity as a saint.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I am humbled and honored that I am a saint because of what You have done for me. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:7-9, When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
Observe what it is saying.
If you would like to journey into greater joy by elevating your attitude, then this next devotional series is for you. We will travel through Philippians, but first, some background information. The Apostle Paul traveled to Philippi on his second missionary journey. According to Acts 16, Paul tried to go a different way, but the Holy Spirit prevented him from going the direction he wanted to go. Have you ever found yourself there? You think you know best. You try to go a certain way, do a certain thing, and barriers are set up. The real challenge is to determine if the blockades are from God or from Satan. It’s difficult to know whether we should persevere through the barriers or should stop and wait on the Lord’s leading. There’s no quick and easy solution. It’s all about deepening our relationship with the Lord over time so that we understand His heartbeat, learn His voice, and discern His will. It is like best friends who grow close over the years knowing each other’s heart and finish each other’s sentences. We’re not told what the Spirit did to keep Paul from going the direction he wanted, but we’re told what got him moving in the direction God wanted. He had a vision of a man calling for him to come to Macedonia to help them. So, Paul understood this was God’s doing and went to Macedonia and entered the city of Philippi,
Relate it to your life.
I can expect God to lead me where to go and where not to go if I am spiritually in tune with His voice.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me a good listener and obedient follower to Your Spirit’s voice and leadership. Amen.
June 23-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:13-15, On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Observe what it is saying.
Continuing with background information, we find Philippi was located along the main highway that led from Asia to the west. It was a leading Roman colony where many Roman soldiers had been placed to live so that Roman influence could spread throughout the area. This was Paul’s first major European city where he did missionary work. Soon after arriving, he joined a group of female worshipers who met for prayer by the river. There was no Jewish synagogue in town. It took at least 10 Jewish believers to have a synagogue so that tells us that there was little formal Jewish influence. At the river, there was a woman named Lydia who was a Gentile who believed in the Jewish God. So, Paul joined them and took the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with them. God opened her heart, and she became a believer and was baptized and so was her household. She opened her home to Paul and his traveling companions. She was among the first converts to Christ in Europe and led her family to Christ.
Relate it to your life.
Like Lydia, would I have responded to the gospel and shared my faith with my family? Am I today?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to see my first mission field is my own family. Make me a positive witness. Amen.
June 24-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:16-18, Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
Observe what it is saying.
The background info for Philippians continues. Paul cast out from a slave girl an evil spirit of fortune-telling which was bringing a huge profit for her owners. Scripture is clear that fortune telling, tarot card readers, horoscopes, and other astrological practices are of the Enemy. If we avail ourselves to such, we’re opening the door for evil to enter into our lives. Paul set the girl free in the name of Jesus, but it put him in prison. The wealthy owners weren’t happy about losing their source of income. So Paul and Silas were arrested on false charges. They were whipped and put in stocks. That night they were praying and singing in prison when an earthquake hit, the doors flew open, but no prisoner escaped. The jailer thought they had and was going to take his own life, but Paul told him not to do so. He and his family became believers and were baptized. The jailer took care of Paul’s wounds and brought them to his home providing a meal. The jailer was overjoyed that he and his family had come to believe in God.
Relate it to your life.
What have I had to sacrifice to bring the joy of salvation to others?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me passion and courage to boldly bring Christ into my world. Amen.
June 25-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 (NLT), You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.
Observe what it is saying.
As we continue to look at background information, Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about his difficult experience at Philippi. His time there left quite a painful memory. One would think, he would not have much good to say about that place or would ever want to go back, but it did not stop or distract him from his mission. He would return there again. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is the most positive and personal of all the letters he would write. One of the letter’s purposes was to offer his profound thanks for their generosity while he was in prison waiting for his case to be heard. Unlike our prison system, they weren’t provided with food. They had to rely on the goodness of family and friends to care for their basic needs. The Philippians demonstrated their love for the Lord by showing such care and concern for Paul. So, as we will find, this is a very encouraging letter. It is like a letter you might write to your best friend trying to elevate them to a new level of thinking, believing, and living. You have such love for them that you want them to experience the very best possible life in Christ in this world.
Relate it to your life.
My faith in Christ should lead to my profound love for others expressed in goodness and generosity.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming generosity of grace to forgive every sin I have ever committed. Motivate and move me to demonstrate that same goodness to those who are in need. Amen.
June 26-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:1-2, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
We often read quickly through these introductory words because we do not think there is much value to glean. This salutation was a common writing style that was used in Paul’s contemporary world. It begins with the sender’s names, the recipients, and the greeting. Paul and Timothy weren’t coauthors but Paul included him. Timothy was a well-known leader who helped start and pastor some of the churches that Paul started, including Philippi. Timothy is now with Paul where he was in prison. We have heard about Paul’s dramatic call to Christ as he was on his way to persecute the followers of Christ, but Timothy’s coming to faith seems to be much quieter. Paul wrote to Timothy these words when he was pastoring at Ephesus, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” [2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)] Timothy caught the faith that his mother and grandmother lived before him. Parents and grandparents, please do not underestimate that you are the most significant faith influencers for your children. Children and youth ministries are all vital support pieces, but your influence outweighs everything we can do in an hour or two a week many times over. Paul considered Timothy his spiritual son. It’s interesting that nothing is mentioned about his father’s faith, so Paul spiritually adopted Timothy and included him as a co-sender of the letter.
Relate it to your life.
I must never under-value or under-estimate my spiritual influence on the next generation.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, give me wisdom and emotional intelligence to demonstrate the gospel to my kids and grandkids and to all who are watching me. Amen.
June 27-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:1-2, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul identified themselves as servants of Christ Jesus. The word literally means a slave. Paul was once very successful in his Jewish leadership, but once Jesus turned his life upside down, he had a huge role reversal. He was not ashamed of calling himself a slave, a very derogatory title in any culture. When Jesus takes over, the greatest title we can bear is servant of the King. Paul spoke of the Philippians as God’s holy people in Christ Jesus. In other words, they are saints. We often reject this title because we do not feel we are worthy, and, it is true, we are not. However, that is the very point of the gospel. This title is given, not because of our perfect performance but because of Christ’s perfect performance on our behalf. We are holy as He is holy. Our status is His status. This is what we must believe about ourselves because anything less robs the gospel of its tremendous value. As the holy saints of God, we have been set apart for God’s glorious purposes. This is something to actively believe and adoringly behold.
Relate it to your life.
If I am going to bring glory to God and fulfill His purposes, then I need to fully claim my identity as a saint.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I am humbled and honored that I am a saint because of what You have done for me. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals