August 31-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:10-12, I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Observe what it is saying.
As we finish Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we discover the culmination of everything he’s already said. Paul once again rejoices because of the support of his friends through their generosity. They’ve been true partners with him for the past 10 years. They’ve supported him in prayer, financially, and by sending a personal representative to stay with him to help care for him in prison. But Paul wanted to make sure they knew he wasn’t asking for more money. Instead, he told them he had learned contentment in spite of his circumstances. The Apostle Paul had to learn this new mindset of contentment. Paul had a variety of experiences throughout his life. Many of which we’re rather challenging since he became a Christ-follower. His life didn’t get any easier. His testimony reveals we live either in the tent of discontentment or the tent of contentment. Because of our fallen human nature, our default is set to the tent of discontentment most of the time. We may go through periods of brief contentment until something catches our eye that we must have to make us happy. Surely, life is more than waiting for our next fix to find joy. Paul made it clear that he had learned this peaceful place called the tent of contentment. His testimony encourages us that it can be learned. However, we need supernatural help to get to there.
Relate it to your life.
Am I mostly content with my life or do I live with much discontentment?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I need help to get to the tent of contentment. Show me the way. Amen.
September 1-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul said he had discovered the secret to the tent of contentment. It wasn’t in his self-sufficiency but in Christ’s sufficiency. Paul had a “can do” attitude that was totally dependent upon his relationship and trust in Jesus. He could do contentment whether he was in poverty or in wealth. Being on both ends or even in the middle have its own challenges. Even if we have much, we can be in the tent of discontentment just as much, if not more, than those who have little. I’ve seen a tremendous number of smiling faces and contented hearts in developing countries where the residents have little compared to the much that I have. They discovered the secret of contentment isn’t about what we have in our hands, but what we have in our hearts. It depends on where we find significance and esteem, where we draw on our strength, where we put our trust. A pastor who went to Rome said he visited a prison cell where Paul was likely lowered through a hole in the floor and dropped into a cavernous, damp pit. This is where he wrote these words that he had learned to be content. Christ’s peace and strength was all or nothing for Paul. As Paul was tossed into the pit, so he tossed his total trust on Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
Have I placed my total trust in Jesus so when tested in the pits of life, I still find joy and contentment?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I choose today to put all my trust in You. You alone have everything I need and truly want. Keep me focused on the riches of heaven, not on the fading riches of this world. Amen.
September 2-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Observe what it is saying.
We discover something about how much we have made Jesus Lord by our level of contentment. Paul told Timothy that the tent of contentment was where he would find life that is truly life. James Makintosh, the great Scottish philosopher and politician of the late 18th and early 19th centuries said, “It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are.” In other words, it’s a positive sign for us to have discontentment with our moral character, our spiritual life, our pursuit of holiness, our ability to love, and our desire for justice. These are areas where we want to continue to grow as we become more like Jesus. We are meant to love God more, to dive deeper in prayer, and to grow in character, wisdom, and compassion each day. Paul would agree. He prayed that the Philippian’s love would abound more and more in knowledge and wisdom so they could discern what’s best in living holy lives filled with the fruit of Jesus’ righteousness. The author of Hebrews wrote, Hebrews 13:5-6, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” God is enough. God’s promise, presence, and power are all ours in Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
What more could I possibly need or want than what Jesus gives me?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me what I cannot give myself so that I can know true joy. Amen.
September 3-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:14-18, Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul said he greatly appreciated the Philippian’s financial support. It’s true when our needs are being met, we find ourselves in a much more contented place. He said it was good that they shared in his troubles. This word “shared” comes from the same word that he used when he called them partners in the gospel. Through their giving they had partnered with him, and even more than that, they fellowshipped with him in that pit in Rome. Just as Paul was sharing in Christ’s sufferings, so the Philippians were sharing in his suffering. Their generosity was obvious as they sent Paul aid more than once. Generosity does more than help others. Paul envisioned the Philippian believers as priests, giving their offerings as a sacrifice pleasing to the Lord. It was a fragrant offering which God enjoyed because it came from obedient and joyful hearts. As their gift was an offering to the Lord, Paul saw it coming to him as a gift from heaven. God supplied his needs through the Philippians’ generosity. Paul trusted in the Lord, and God moved the hearts of the Philippian church to answer that need.
Relate it to your life.
When I give to meet others’ needs; it is a gift offered to God that He uses to benefit others for His glory.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, as You have been generous to me, help me be generous in all my living and giving. Amen.
September 4-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:19-20, And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
We should eagerly anticipate participating in the church’s offering because we desire to present a pleasing, fragrant gift to the Lord that reveals that we understand what we have is from God, and we want to steward it well. Another reason to participate in the offering is that God will use our gift to answer someone else’s need. We may never know who will receive it or how God will distribute it, but we can trust God will use it as a blessing. Think about all the prayers that persecuted Christians in Nigeria have prayed. Some of you have given to support a mission called Mishpael that drills wells and provides medical care to meet the many needs of the people in that hostile land. God uses your giving as part of His answer for their cries for help. There is an interesting contrast between verses 18 and 19. We might paraphrase what Paul was saying to the Philippians this way, “You met my need, and God is going to meet your need. You met one need that I have, but my God will meet all of your needs. You gave out of your poverty, but God will supply your needs out of His riches in glory!" Because they met Paul’s need, God would meet their needs. When the children of God are in the will of God, serving for the glory of God, God promises to give us what we need out of the glorious supply of heaven’s unending celestial blessings.
Relate it to your life.
I can count on God’s promise to meet me at my need when I put my full trust in Him.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, praise be to Your name for meeting my needs according to the riches of Your glory. Amen.
September 5-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:21-23, Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
In Paul’s closing words to his dear friends in Philippi, there’s one thing that stands out. Paul says greetings are, also, being sent from Caesar’s household. He’s talking about the infamous Caesar Nero’s household. Who are they? First, they have come to Christ as a result of Paul’s imprisonment. We have a clue from chapter one when Paul says that it has become evident throughout the whole palace guard that he is in chains for Christ. The prestigious palace guard included Roman soldiers stationed all around Rome and the Roman Empire. So, we know for sure Paul’s message has reached the military who are in charge of him. Caesar’s household could, also, refer to relatives and anyone in leadership and service directly dependent on Caesar. Paul intentionally names this group to let us know while he’s been waiting for trial, he has had tremendous opportunity to share Christ in the upper circles of the Empire. When Paul said earlier in Philippians that what happened to him was to advance the gospel, we now discover it has advanced all the way into the emperor’s household. They were living for King Jesus right under Caesar’s nose. God did an amazing work in an unexpected way in an unexpected place. Throughout Scripture, God used unexpecting people to do unexpected things to accomplish His purposes.
Relate it to your life.
God wants to do unexpected things through my life if I will fully surrender myself to His will.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I offer myself in such a way that You accomplish the unexpected by Your power. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:10-12, I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Observe what it is saying.
As we finish Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we discover the culmination of everything he’s already said. Paul once again rejoices because of the support of his friends through their generosity. They’ve been true partners with him for the past 10 years. They’ve supported him in prayer, financially, and by sending a personal representative to stay with him to help care for him in prison. But Paul wanted to make sure they knew he wasn’t asking for more money. Instead, he told them he had learned contentment in spite of his circumstances. The Apostle Paul had to learn this new mindset of contentment. Paul had a variety of experiences throughout his life. Many of which we’re rather challenging since he became a Christ-follower. His life didn’t get any easier. His testimony reveals we live either in the tent of discontentment or the tent of contentment. Because of our fallen human nature, our default is set to the tent of discontentment most of the time. We may go through periods of brief contentment until something catches our eye that we must have to make us happy. Surely, life is more than waiting for our next fix to find joy. Paul made it clear that he had learned this peaceful place called the tent of contentment. His testimony encourages us that it can be learned. However, we need supernatural help to get to there.
Relate it to your life.
Am I mostly content with my life or do I live with much discontentment?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I need help to get to the tent of contentment. Show me the way. Amen.
September 1-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul said he had discovered the secret to the tent of contentment. It wasn’t in his self-sufficiency but in Christ’s sufficiency. Paul had a “can do” attitude that was totally dependent upon his relationship and trust in Jesus. He could do contentment whether he was in poverty or in wealth. Being on both ends or even in the middle have its own challenges. Even if we have much, we can be in the tent of discontentment just as much, if not more, than those who have little. I’ve seen a tremendous number of smiling faces and contented hearts in developing countries where the residents have little compared to the much that I have. They discovered the secret of contentment isn’t about what we have in our hands, but what we have in our hearts. It depends on where we find significance and esteem, where we draw on our strength, where we put our trust. A pastor who went to Rome said he visited a prison cell where Paul was likely lowered through a hole in the floor and dropped into a cavernous, damp pit. This is where he wrote these words that he had learned to be content. Christ’s peace and strength was all or nothing for Paul. As Paul was tossed into the pit, so he tossed his total trust on Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
Have I placed my total trust in Jesus so when tested in the pits of life, I still find joy and contentment?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I choose today to put all my trust in You. You alone have everything I need and truly want. Keep me focused on the riches of heaven, not on the fading riches of this world. Amen.
September 2-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Observe what it is saying.
We discover something about how much we have made Jesus Lord by our level of contentment. Paul told Timothy that the tent of contentment was where he would find life that is truly life. James Makintosh, the great Scottish philosopher and politician of the late 18th and early 19th centuries said, “It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are.” In other words, it’s a positive sign for us to have discontentment with our moral character, our spiritual life, our pursuit of holiness, our ability to love, and our desire for justice. These are areas where we want to continue to grow as we become more like Jesus. We are meant to love God more, to dive deeper in prayer, and to grow in character, wisdom, and compassion each day. Paul would agree. He prayed that the Philippian’s love would abound more and more in knowledge and wisdom so they could discern what’s best in living holy lives filled with the fruit of Jesus’ righteousness. The author of Hebrews wrote, Hebrews 13:5-6, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” God is enough. God’s promise, presence, and power are all ours in Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
What more could I possibly need or want than what Jesus gives me?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me what I cannot give myself so that I can know true joy. Amen.
September 3-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:14-18, Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul said he greatly appreciated the Philippian’s financial support. It’s true when our needs are being met, we find ourselves in a much more contented place. He said it was good that they shared in his troubles. This word “shared” comes from the same word that he used when he called them partners in the gospel. Through their giving they had partnered with him, and even more than that, they fellowshipped with him in that pit in Rome. Just as Paul was sharing in Christ’s sufferings, so the Philippians were sharing in his suffering. Their generosity was obvious as they sent Paul aid more than once. Generosity does more than help others. Paul envisioned the Philippian believers as priests, giving their offerings as a sacrifice pleasing to the Lord. It was a fragrant offering which God enjoyed because it came from obedient and joyful hearts. As their gift was an offering to the Lord, Paul saw it coming to him as a gift from heaven. God supplied his needs through the Philippians’ generosity. Paul trusted in the Lord, and God moved the hearts of the Philippian church to answer that need.
Relate it to your life.
When I give to meet others’ needs; it is a gift offered to God that He uses to benefit others for His glory.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, as You have been generous to me, help me be generous in all my living and giving. Amen.
September 4-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:19-20, And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
We should eagerly anticipate participating in the church’s offering because we desire to present a pleasing, fragrant gift to the Lord that reveals that we understand what we have is from God, and we want to steward it well. Another reason to participate in the offering is that God will use our gift to answer someone else’s need. We may never know who will receive it or how God will distribute it, but we can trust God will use it as a blessing. Think about all the prayers that persecuted Christians in Nigeria have prayed. Some of you have given to support a mission called Mishpael that drills wells and provides medical care to meet the many needs of the people in that hostile land. God uses your giving as part of His answer for their cries for help. There is an interesting contrast between verses 18 and 19. We might paraphrase what Paul was saying to the Philippians this way, “You met my need, and God is going to meet your need. You met one need that I have, but my God will meet all of your needs. You gave out of your poverty, but God will supply your needs out of His riches in glory!" Because they met Paul’s need, God would meet their needs. When the children of God are in the will of God, serving for the glory of God, God promises to give us what we need out of the glorious supply of heaven’s unending celestial blessings.
Relate it to your life.
I can count on God’s promise to meet me at my need when I put my full trust in Him.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, praise be to Your name for meeting my needs according to the riches of Your glory. Amen.
September 5-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:21-23, Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
In Paul’s closing words to his dear friends in Philippi, there’s one thing that stands out. Paul says greetings are, also, being sent from Caesar’s household. He’s talking about the infamous Caesar Nero’s household. Who are they? First, they have come to Christ as a result of Paul’s imprisonment. We have a clue from chapter one when Paul says that it has become evident throughout the whole palace guard that he is in chains for Christ. The prestigious palace guard included Roman soldiers stationed all around Rome and the Roman Empire. So, we know for sure Paul’s message has reached the military who are in charge of him. Caesar’s household could, also, refer to relatives and anyone in leadership and service directly dependent on Caesar. Paul intentionally names this group to let us know while he’s been waiting for trial, he has had tremendous opportunity to share Christ in the upper circles of the Empire. When Paul said earlier in Philippians that what happened to him was to advance the gospel, we now discover it has advanced all the way into the emperor’s household. They were living for King Jesus right under Caesar’s nose. God did an amazing work in an unexpected way in an unexpected place. Throughout Scripture, God used unexpecting people to do unexpected things to accomplish His purposes.
Relate it to your life.
God wants to do unexpected things through my life if I will fully surrender myself to His will.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I offer myself in such a way that You accomplish the unexpected by Your power. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals