July 6-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT), And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul doesn’t moan or complain about his circumstances. Instead, he is happy to report that the gospel is advancing in spite of his chains. There are two great outcomes. First, everyone knows why he is being guarded. His indictment is connected with believing and serving Jesus. The news has reached the palace guard which were a group of handpicked soldiers originally commissioned by Caesar Augustus. Paul was able to proclaim the gospel in Rome from inside prison walls. Instead of falling into self-pity, he took every opportunity to make the gospel known. The second way the gospel had advanced was Paul's imprisonment had emboldened other Christians in Rome to courageously share Jesus. Instead of being filled with fear, they found courage in Paul's example. Paul was chained, but the gospel wasn’t. The word was getting out. Throughout history, persecution has been used by God to spread the message and deepen faith. Paul’s difficult circumstances became his opportunity to witness. One of our church members was at a rehab facility recovering from a broken bone. She asked a medical tech if he knew Jesus. He said he did. She invited another person to join her Bible Study that met in her home. She was there less than two weeks and was sharing Jesus with everyone. Paul would be proud.
Relate it to your life.
Do I look at my difficult circumstances as an opportunity to share Jesus with others?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of opportunities and give me courage to share You with others. Amen.
July 7-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV2011), It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Observe what it is saying.
Some rival preachers were envious of Paul and driven by their own selfish ambition. They thought they could slander Paul and gain a larger following for themselves. But there were other preachers who loved Paul. They understood that Paul’s circumstances were part of a larger divine plan. It wasn’t by chance, but by God's sovereignty he was where he was. In ways he could have never foreseen or orchestrated, God accomplished within the short span of 30 years the spreading of the gospel from obscure Judea to the center of the Roman Empire. Paul must have looked with a sense of awe at his situation as he confidently said, "I am put here." God was in this. God was with him. God was at work. Many faithful followers understood this and took their stand with him. The surprising point that Paul made about these two types of preachers is that motive doesn’t matter. Paul said even if some preachers don’t like him and are causing him trouble, he’s going to choose joy because the gospel is still being preached.
Relate it to your life.
Do I dare choose joy where “I am put” right now because I know God is with me and is using me?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You can take my situation and use it for good and for Your glory. Amen.
July 8-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:19-25 (NLT), For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s joy increased because he knew through the Philippians’ prayers the Spirit of Jesus was helping him. He was confident that he was going to be delivered and would never be ashamed because he will be bold for Christ. The result will be that his life will bring honor to Jesus, whether he lives or dies. Deliverance is the same word for salvation. His salvation is in Christ whether he lives or dies. He can be so confident in his deliverance because he is already living it. When he comes to trial and the verdict is read, there is the possibility he will be set free and will have more fruitful service for Christ. But if he is sentenced to death, he is comforted because it is a life sentence in Jesus’ presence. As he had already explained to the Corinthians, to be absent from the body is to be immediately present with the Lord. As soon as we die, we are with Christ until His coming and the final resurrection when we will enjoy our new bodies which come with a never-ending warranty. If Paul could choose, he would choose to go hang out with Jesus. But he says he is torn. He wants to be with Jesus, but he also knows it’s better for the Philippians if he sticks around to encourage them in the joy of their faith. Paul believed he would be released so that he could help them grow in Jesus, but he believed he would win either way.
Relate it to your life.
I want to stay and serve as long as possible, but I also look forward to my fantastic future!
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for delivering me by Your saving grace so that I win both here and there. Amen.
July 9-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:19-25 (Same Scripture from yesterday)
Observe what it is saying.
Professional golfer Paul Azinger was diagnosed with cancer at 33. He had just won a PGA championship. He wrote, "A genuine feeling of fear came over me. I could die from cancer. Then another reality hit me even harder. I’m going to die eventually anyway, whether from cancer or something else. It’s just a question of when.” Before, Azinger lived for golf. Now all he wanted to do was live! One day, Azinger remembered what he once heard in a Bible study. “We’re not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying. We’re in the land of the dying trying to get to the land of the living." That led him to have hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Azinger recovered from chemotherapy and returned to the PGA tour. He later wrote, “I’ve learned that happiness is only temporary. The only way to true contentment is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ…” Jesus was the answer of peace and joy in the midst of the threat of death for both the golfer Paul and the Apostle Paul.
Relate it to your life.
There is only one ultimate source for joy in the midst of life and death.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope I have that leads to peace and joy when I face my mortality. Amen.
July 10-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:27-30, Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul spoke from his own experience. He was in prison, he was being slandered by other preachers, he was waiting to see if he was going to live or die. Whatever happened, Paul conducted himself worthy of the gospel. Whatever happened, he stood firm in his faith. So, he admonished them to do the same. Just as Paul had, they experienced opposition from their metropolitan city. Their values didn’t fit the pagan mindset and lifestyle. So, Paul encouraged them to stick together as a united front in the midst of opposition because they, like Paul, would be delivered. They already were. Paul gave them some news we would rather not hear. It has been granted that we are not only to believe on Jesus but to suffer on behalf of Christ. It should not be a surprise since Christian values clash with earthly values. There will be some form of conflict and suffering for everyone throughout their lives for various reasons, but believers must add opposition to their faith to the mix. So, in the midst of life’s difficult circumstances, we need to develop “Paul’s whatever” attitude. Whatever happens, I am sticking with Jesus. I am sticking with the fellowship of believers. I am confident I will be delivered one way or another.
Relate it to your life.
In living a “whatever attitude,” I choose to remain steady and faithful to my Lord Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me not only say this but live this when times become really difficult. Amen.
July 11-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Observe what it is saying.
Habakkuk had the same “whatever” happens attitude that he would find joy in God. A young African pastor who was martyred said, “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of his and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until he comes.”
Relate it to your life.
When I am in the middle of a “whatever” happens situation, will I choose joy in Jesus?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, in “whatever” happens, give me such spiritual strength to stay faithful and fruitful. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT), And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul doesn’t moan or complain about his circumstances. Instead, he is happy to report that the gospel is advancing in spite of his chains. There are two great outcomes. First, everyone knows why he is being guarded. His indictment is connected with believing and serving Jesus. The news has reached the palace guard which were a group of handpicked soldiers originally commissioned by Caesar Augustus. Paul was able to proclaim the gospel in Rome from inside prison walls. Instead of falling into self-pity, he took every opportunity to make the gospel known. The second way the gospel had advanced was Paul's imprisonment had emboldened other Christians in Rome to courageously share Jesus. Instead of being filled with fear, they found courage in Paul's example. Paul was chained, but the gospel wasn’t. The word was getting out. Throughout history, persecution has been used by God to spread the message and deepen faith. Paul’s difficult circumstances became his opportunity to witness. One of our church members was at a rehab facility recovering from a broken bone. She asked a medical tech if he knew Jesus. He said he did. She invited another person to join her Bible Study that met in her home. She was there less than two weeks and was sharing Jesus with everyone. Paul would be proud.
Relate it to your life.
Do I look at my difficult circumstances as an opportunity to share Jesus with others?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of opportunities and give me courage to share You with others. Amen.
July 7-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV2011), It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Observe what it is saying.
Some rival preachers were envious of Paul and driven by their own selfish ambition. They thought they could slander Paul and gain a larger following for themselves. But there were other preachers who loved Paul. They understood that Paul’s circumstances were part of a larger divine plan. It wasn’t by chance, but by God's sovereignty he was where he was. In ways he could have never foreseen or orchestrated, God accomplished within the short span of 30 years the spreading of the gospel from obscure Judea to the center of the Roman Empire. Paul must have looked with a sense of awe at his situation as he confidently said, "I am put here." God was in this. God was with him. God was at work. Many faithful followers understood this and took their stand with him. The surprising point that Paul made about these two types of preachers is that motive doesn’t matter. Paul said even if some preachers don’t like him and are causing him trouble, he’s going to choose joy because the gospel is still being preached.
Relate it to your life.
Do I dare choose joy where “I am put” right now because I know God is with me and is using me?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You can take my situation and use it for good and for Your glory. Amen.
July 8-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:19-25 (NLT), For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s joy increased because he knew through the Philippians’ prayers the Spirit of Jesus was helping him. He was confident that he was going to be delivered and would never be ashamed because he will be bold for Christ. The result will be that his life will bring honor to Jesus, whether he lives or dies. Deliverance is the same word for salvation. His salvation is in Christ whether he lives or dies. He can be so confident in his deliverance because he is already living it. When he comes to trial and the verdict is read, there is the possibility he will be set free and will have more fruitful service for Christ. But if he is sentenced to death, he is comforted because it is a life sentence in Jesus’ presence. As he had already explained to the Corinthians, to be absent from the body is to be immediately present with the Lord. As soon as we die, we are with Christ until His coming and the final resurrection when we will enjoy our new bodies which come with a never-ending warranty. If Paul could choose, he would choose to go hang out with Jesus. But he says he is torn. He wants to be with Jesus, but he also knows it’s better for the Philippians if he sticks around to encourage them in the joy of their faith. Paul believed he would be released so that he could help them grow in Jesus, but he believed he would win either way.
Relate it to your life.
I want to stay and serve as long as possible, but I also look forward to my fantastic future!
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for delivering me by Your saving grace so that I win both here and there. Amen.
July 9-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:19-25 (Same Scripture from yesterday)
Observe what it is saying.
Professional golfer Paul Azinger was diagnosed with cancer at 33. He had just won a PGA championship. He wrote, "A genuine feeling of fear came over me. I could die from cancer. Then another reality hit me even harder. I’m going to die eventually anyway, whether from cancer or something else. It’s just a question of when.” Before, Azinger lived for golf. Now all he wanted to do was live! One day, Azinger remembered what he once heard in a Bible study. “We’re not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying. We’re in the land of the dying trying to get to the land of the living." That led him to have hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Azinger recovered from chemotherapy and returned to the PGA tour. He later wrote, “I’ve learned that happiness is only temporary. The only way to true contentment is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ…” Jesus was the answer of peace and joy in the midst of the threat of death for both the golfer Paul and the Apostle Paul.
Relate it to your life.
There is only one ultimate source for joy in the midst of life and death.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope I have that leads to peace and joy when I face my mortality. Amen.
July 10-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:27-30, Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul spoke from his own experience. He was in prison, he was being slandered by other preachers, he was waiting to see if he was going to live or die. Whatever happened, Paul conducted himself worthy of the gospel. Whatever happened, he stood firm in his faith. So, he admonished them to do the same. Just as Paul had, they experienced opposition from their metropolitan city. Their values didn’t fit the pagan mindset and lifestyle. So, Paul encouraged them to stick together as a united front in the midst of opposition because they, like Paul, would be delivered. They already were. Paul gave them some news we would rather not hear. It has been granted that we are not only to believe on Jesus but to suffer on behalf of Christ. It should not be a surprise since Christian values clash with earthly values. There will be some form of conflict and suffering for everyone throughout their lives for various reasons, but believers must add opposition to their faith to the mix. So, in the midst of life’s difficult circumstances, we need to develop “Paul’s whatever” attitude. Whatever happens, I am sticking with Jesus. I am sticking with the fellowship of believers. I am confident I will be delivered one way or another.
Relate it to your life.
In living a “whatever attitude,” I choose to remain steady and faithful to my Lord Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me not only say this but live this when times become really difficult. Amen.
July 11-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Observe what it is saying.
Habakkuk had the same “whatever” happens attitude that he would find joy in God. A young African pastor who was martyred said, “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of his and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until he comes.”
Relate it to your life.
When I am in the middle of a “whatever” happens situation, will I choose joy in Jesus?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, in “whatever” happens, give me such spiritual strength to stay faithful and fruitful. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals