Our mission focus for the month of October is Mishpael Fountain Ministry.

Mishpael works in northern Nigeria to initiate and drive programs of revitalization, peace building, conflict transformation, and education, seeking to bring hope and healing to fractured lives.

They pursue this goal by building clean water wells and helping create sustainable sources of income for widows by funding business startups. Additionally, in the face of recent attacks against Christians in Nigeria, Mishpael is working to launch the Mishpael Resource Center to focus on training volunteers, youth, widows, and churches in the areas of peace and reconciliation, sustainable development, and missions in volatile environments.

Most recently, Mishpael has been working to provide medical supplies and care to underserved areas of Nigeria; a ministry we’re excited to support!

We are very excited to continue our partnership with this powerful ministry. Please prayerfully consider how you might join in the work of Mishpael Fountain Ministry through your giving as they honor the image of God in others through service, revitalization, and restoration.

Donations can be made using our ONLINE GIVING PORTAL, the Blue Grass Church App available on iOS and Android, or mailing a check with ‘Mishpael’ in the Memo line to our office at 14320 Cemetery Rd, Evansville, IN 47725.

However you give, thank you for supporting the mission of the Church in the world!

October 5-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Observe what it is saying.    
Paul challenges the Thessalonians on to greater spiritual depths. He calls them brothers and sisters in showing his love and tenderness as he calls them to stay faithful and continue to please the Lord. The nature of Paul's appeal is "ask" and "urge". The former word is a gentle, friendly request and the latter is more of an authoritative apostolic plea. The words "in the Lord Jesus" are the reason why he speaks as he does. Everything he says and does is because of Jesus. The Thessalonians had already been given instruction about how they must "live in order to please God." Once again, he gives them credit for doing so by recognizing the substantial progress they had already made. Yet, Paul knows we cannot rest on our past success. We must stay fervent and zealous in our walk with Christ. Once we become comfortable, we lose our passion and can eventually lose our way if do not maintain vigilance in our desire to please God. We need others who “ask” and “urge” us to keep on pleasing God. However, Paul makes it clear he is not doing this on his own but understands his calling and his message bear the authority of the Lord Jesus. Jesus called and compelled Paul to passionately preach the gospel.

Relate it to your life.
Do I need to be urged to please the Lord more and more? Do I need to urge someone to do so?  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for family, teachers, and preachers who press us to keep on pleasing You. Amen.

October 6-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,

Observe what it is saying.
Paul gets specific about how they should please the Lord more and more. They should be sanctified or be made holy in their personal morality. Holiness is an important Old Testament concept, which conveys the notion of “separation.” It is the need for God’s people to “come out” and be “distinct” from the surrounding peoples. Holiness, therefore, is the boundary marker that separates God’s people from secular culture. Pagan moral corruption looked upon fornication either indifferently or favorably. So, Paul takes this standard of holiness, which had previously been the exclusive calling of God’s chosen people, and applies it to the predominantly Gentile church in Thessalonica. As those declared holy by the priceless blood of the Lamb, we are to consciously choose to honor our Savior by living as His pure bride. That means our lives should be markedly different than the sinful culture around us by practicing abstinence from "sexual immorality". This word includes all types of sexual sins outside the biblical marriage covenant. Even though the Thessalonians have already been commended for the way they were pleasing the Lord, Paul made it a point to warn them of the alluring power of sexual temptation that so dominated their culture. If this was true for them, then it is also true for us. We must be warned and made vigilant to stay alert in protecting ourselves.

Relate it to your life.
I need to be cautioned as they were for such temptation abounds in our culture.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I ask for your supernatural protection to stand guard over me as I navigate the many tempting voices and vices of this world. Amen.

October 7-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 4:5-6, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues to expand on his theme of holy living as related to sexual purity. As believers in Christ, they were called out of the pagan lifestyle which was characterized as "passionate lust." They had no boundaries but was an “anything goes” kind of culture that they tried to navigate as they followed Jesus. Once redeemed, followers have new prescribed boundaries which require them to a higher standard. To wrong and take advantage of a brother or sister in the faith by having relations with a woman or man outside marriage is a trespass against God's law. It also defrauds a fellow Christian who eventually will take, or has taken, this person as their own spouse. This is an especially heinous sin because the one robbed is a spiritual relative of the robber. Paul speaks the sober reason for complying is the future punishment of "all such sins." He tells of the future judgment at His Second Coming for any such unrepented sin. Paul's initial visit to Thessalonica had informed and warned them of these dire consequences. We do not know if there was currently such sin in the church or if Paul was preemptively warning them to prevent the pagan influence from entering the church. Either way, Paul cared enough to strongly caution them. In so doing, he warns us to be careful with sexual sin being so prominent in our world.  

Relate it to your life.
I need to take Paul’s strong warning to heart for it has eternal consequences.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit protect me from the tempting forces all around. Amen.  

October 8-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8, For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul reminds us that this is not his teaching but it comes directly from God. The main reason we are to come out of the sinfulness of this world and live a holy lifestyle is because God has called every believer to do so. If we are a follower of Jesus Christ, then this higher way of living is our destination. There are no excuses. It has been made absolutely clear that the people of God are to manifest the pure character of God. If we reject this teaching, then we are not merely rejecting Paul, we are rejecting God. This is the same God who has generously given us His Holy Spirit. The name “Holy Spirit” easily rolls off our lips but notice God has intentionally included the word “holy” to describe His own Spirit. It is not just any spirit living within us, but the Holy Spirit has been given so that we might be empowered to live like Jesus. God has not only redeemed and declared us to be holy, but He has given Himself to us so that we will be energized to become holy in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Holiness is the total of God’s beautiful attributes wrapped up in one amazing package dwelling within us!  

Relate it to your life.
Do I embrace God’s holiness as a beautiful gift to be lived through me?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the glory of Your holiness. Through Your Holy Spirit, bring this to life in me in every imaginable way so I can shine Your beauty into the world. Amen.

October 9-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,

Observe what it is saying.
Paul applauds the Thessalonians for their love but also prods them to keep on loving. Paul does not see a need to teach them further because they have aready been taught by God. Jesus confirmed that this direct method had been prophesied. John 6:45,” It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” John would also later write, John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Thessalonians learned to love by God’s direct teaching just as prophesied in the Old Testament and then repeated by Jesus in the New Covenant through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. We often think we need an earthly teacher or preacher to instruct us, but the fact is the Holy Spirit is continually teaching us if we are listening. When we trust in Christ and are given the gift of the Spirit, we should expect the Spirit to speak to our spirits about what is right, good, and holy. We have an advantage over the Thessalonians because we have the instruction of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Holy Scripture. So, let us not deny the possibility and the power of God’s direct teaching. The lesson here also includes the fact that loving more is always possible because Christ’s love is infinite, and we will never be able to fully live it in all of its beauty in this life. So, there is always room for us to grow and love others as Jesus did.

Relate it to your life.
What is the Holy Spirit teaching me? Do I recognize that I can love more than I am?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to listen to Your teaching and help me to love others more like You. Amen.

October 10-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul gives simple instruction of how to carry themselves as Christians in a non-Christian world. Paul tells that our ambition should not be to become famous with a large public following. That may come, but such fame should not be our inner drive. Instead, our desire should be to live humble, behind-the-scenes kind of lives where we mind our own business. We do not put ourselves into situations where we do not belong. Instead, we should concentrate on doing our daily work, not being idle. It appears some in the Thessalonian church were taking advantage of the generosity of other Christians in accepting financial help while making no effort at supporting themselves. Paul gave two reasons for this instruction. First, it was a matter of witness. They could not have a positive testimony if they were not respected by those outside the faith. This reminds us that all we do is to shine a positive light for Jesus. Secondly, we work so we will not needlessly rely on the support of others. Those who are able should work to provide for themselves, their families, and then offer to help those who have legitimate needs.

Relate it to your life.
Am I positive witness for Jesus in my everyday life?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, empower me by Your Spirit to shine for You each day wherever I may be found. Amen.  

Calling all volunteers for Tailgate Treats!

Blue Grass Church’s annual Tailgate Treats is right around the corner—happening Sunday, October 26th from 3–5pm—and we need YOUR help to make it a spooktacular success!

We’re looking for  tailgates to pass out goodies, friendly faces to help with popcorn, popsicles, water, and helpers to monitor inflatable slides and keep the fun rolling!

It’s a fun, family-friendly event that brings joy to our community—and we can’t do it without amazing volunteers like you.

GO HERE to be part of this spooktacular day!

Help us make Tailgate Treats the sweetest event of the season on Saturday, October 24th!

We’re collecting fun-size, individually wrapped candy AND non-candy treats to fill trunks and treat bags for all our little ghouls and goblins.

Some of our candy faves: Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Smarties, Skittles, Laffy Taffy, Starbursts, Dum Dum Pops, Sweet Tarts and Twizzlers. For non-candy options, think stickers, tattoos, squishies, glow sticks, fun pencils or other kid-approved goodies!

Think big bags, lots of variety and plenty of fun!

Drop your donations in the bin by the Main Campus Welcome Desk by Sunday, October 18th.Let’s make this year’s Tailgate Treats the tastiest, and most fun yet!

Become a McGary Reading Buddy!

Want to make a difference in the life of a student? The McGary Middle School Reading Buddies Program gives students a chance to build confidence and fluency in their reading skills, and you can help!

As a Reading Buddy, you’ll commit just 45 minutes each week during the school day to sit with a student or small group and listen to them read. Nothing more. Just listening and reading.

Training will be provided, so you don’t need to be a reading expert; just someone willing to show up and encourage a student!

Interested in joining the McGary Reading Buddy Team? Contact Nicki Blythe to get started!

September 28-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Observe what it is saying.    
Paul had a Popeye, the sailor man, moment, “That's all I can stands, an' I can't stands no more!" Paul could “stands no more” not knowing how the Thessalonians were doing as they faced their persecution. Paul's sincere concern for them is demonstrated by his willingness to let his cherished co-worker, Timothy, go to them. This act caused Paul to remain alone in Athens dominated by pagan philosophy and animosity toward the Gospel. Paul’s personal trials meant far less to him than his concern for those he loved and longed to see. We discover how the gospel calls us out of our selfishness so that we might put the needs of others first. Paul was willing to giving up his support system so that he might offer his help to these beleaguered believers and hear how they were faring. Timothy was a utility player who was not only valuable to Paul, but also an effective servant often sent by Paul to various churches to strengthen them in their faith. Paul understood that we cannot survive spiritually in a vacuum but need encouragement to stay strong in our walk with the Lord Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
Who offers support and encouragement to me? Do I offer the same to others? Who can I encourage in their faith today?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for those that You send to encourage me and send me to do the same. Amen.

September 29-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 3:3-5, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continued to reveal his thoughts and emotions considering his concern for how the Thessalonians were doing spiritually. Paul had cautioned them that the enemy would be coming to torment them. Jesus had said the same in telling his disciples that they would have trouble in this world. Paul had heard the Thessalonians were experiencing opposition and wanted to know how they were faring. Again, Paul tells us when he could stand it no longer, he sent Timothy to find out what was going on. Paul shares his greatest fear that Satan had unleashed great temptation, and they had fallen away from the gospel that Paul proclaimed to them. He was concerned all his efforts had been for naught. He himself knew the great battle that is unleashed by the devil when we pledge our allegiance to Jesus and His kingdom. Paul’s greatest concern was not their physical well-being but their spiritual well-being. It is natural to be most concerned with each other’s physical health, but Paul models the weightier supernatural concern we should have in caring about each other’s spiritual health because it matters for all eternity.

Relate it to your life.
As I think about those I love, I need to include in my thoughts their spiritual well-being.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I ask for all my loved ones that You will draw them to faith, bring them closer to You in the daily walk of faith, and preserve them in the faith for all eternity. Amen.

September 30-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-7, But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul was relieved to hear good news about his dear friends. Through their persecution, they were holding on to the faith and were expressing it in loving ways as the gospel calls us to do so. It was good for Paul to hear that they had good memories of him being there and that they, too, long to see him as he did them. As Paul wanted to encourage them by sending Timothy, he was encouraged himself in the midst of his own trouble to know that they were doing well spiritually. This is the way of the Christian faith. When we focus on others, when we look to their interests, when we put them first, as Paul was doing with the Thessalonians, the blessing always comes home to us. This is the paradoxical nature of the kingdom of God. When we do what Jesus calls us to do even when it appears to go against the natural order of our fallen world, we will find ourselves reaping the spiritual benefits. So, it would do us well to think about, pray for, and encourage others in their spiritual journey for we will find it strengthening and encouraging our own walk with Jesus as we do so.

Relate it to your life.
When I fully focus on others, Jesus takes care of my needs.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Holy Spirit power to be selfless and seek to offer spiritual support for others. Amen.  

October 1-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 3:8-9, For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

Observe what it is saying.
Paul cannot stop talking about how much these people meant to him. He talks about really living once he heard the good report about them. He had such a burden to know how they were doing spiritually. Once he found out they were doing well, he sighed a huge relief. He could breathe again. Not only that, he was thankful to God for all the joy he had because of them. It was not superficial but heartfelt and sincere happiness that he had "in the presence of our God." Who are the people that cause us such joy “in the presence of God?” Obviously, there are family and friends. Do we also have family and friends in the faith who cause such joy? Are we broken over those who are not in the faith? Do we have a burden for their soul? Do we experience great joy when they come to faith in Christ? Do we celebrate as they remain faithful and continue to grow deeper in the midst of challenging and difficult times? Paul models the importance of elevating spiritual friendships among the most significant relationships that we hold dear. We need each other. When others suffer, we pray for them. When they rejoice, we give praise to God. In all things, we encourage each other to stay faithful to the end.  

Relate it to your life.
Who are the people of faith that bring me the greatest joy? Am I praying for and encouraging them?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for all my family and friends in the faith. I ask that You will empower them to remain faithful to the very end. I, also, ask for those who are not in the faith that they will soon turn to You in repentance and belief. Amen.

October 2-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 3:10-11, Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

Observe what it is saying.
Even after hearing the good report about the Thessalonians faith and love, Paul is still praying fervently that he will be able to see them again. However, he does not just want to see them, he wants to offer to further the way of Jesus. He knew his short visit with them was not adequate to convey the whole counsel of God. There was so much more to share with them that he had been experiencing in his own walk with Jesus. Paul had learned to be content in all circumstances because of Jesus and was eager to relay his own discipleship lessons with them. Paul revealed, even if we are doing well in our faith and love, there is so much more to learn, to grow into, and to enjoy with the Lord Jesus. We can never fully plummet the depth of our relationship with Jesus. We can never be content and coast. As Paul was passionate for them to learn and grow so we must be equally passionate for ourselves and others at the same time. We must keep reading and reflecting on Scripture, praying, serving, and worshiping so that we do not become stagnant or weak in our walk with Jesus but remain faithful when the day of trouble and testing come upon us. Whether we realize it or not, when we actively participate in the community of faith, our very presence is an encouragement for others to keep going and growing.    

Relate it to your life.
How am I growing my faith and helping others to grow as well?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, use me in ways I never expect to be a catalyst for others to be encouraged and discipled in Your way. Amen.

October 3-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s benediction prayer continues from yesterday where he asked God to open a way for them to visit the Thessalonians to now praying for their spiritual wellbeing. The most significant prayer that we pray for one another is that God will work within them to make them spiritually complete. In fact, Paul gives us the very words in these two verses we can pray. We can ask for the love of God that is within them in Christ to abundantly flow into the lives of others. We can ask that God will make them strong in their inner life so that when temptation and opposition come, they will be without blame and be found to be pure in the presence of God when Christ Jesus returns. Paul had already commended them for their faith and love and now he prays that what they have will continue to grow so they will remain faithful and continue to be a blessing in the way they treat each other. When we think about the core aspects of the Christian life, these are the two areas that most need our attention. We want to continually deepen our faith so that we will live holy pleasing lives to the Lord, and we will love others as Jesus has loved us.

Relate it to your life.
Who can I pray this prayer for today?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I pray that Your love will increase in ____________ life so they might love others as You have loved us. I, also, ask that You will keep them faithful to the very end when You return. Amen.

Get ready for some serious fun!

Home For Your Heart School is selling Walther’s Golf & Fun cards now through October 23rd!

Each $10 card is packed with 20 awesome coupons worth $140 in games, treats, and more.

Even better, $5 from every card goes straight back to support our school!

They make perfect stocking stuffers and will arrive just in time in November.

Card are good through October 2027.

Don’t miss out—grab yours today HERE and let the fun begin!

September 21-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:13, And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

Observe what it is saying.    
In the midst of his defense of how he and his colleagues faithfully shared the gospel, Paul takes the opportunity to express how they regularly thank God for how the Thessalonians received the message. They did not receive it as an earthly word but, as it truly was, a heavenly word spoken by God Himself. Their hearts and minds were spiritually enlightened to grasp and understand the life-giving truth that was being offered. In fact, Paul said that eternal word was still at work in the lives of those who believed it to be true. God’s word is not a static but a dynamic power that not only saves but transforms us as we take it fully in. The author of Hebrews writes about the ongoing impact of God’s word. Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” It does surgical work within us to reveal if we are thinking or holding any attitude that is not worthy of our redemption. As we carefully, prayerfully take in Scriptural truth, we can expect it to instruct, challenge, correct, and encourage us so we will continue to undergo deeper spiritual change in becoming more like Jesus.      

Relate it to your life.
What is the work the word of God is doing within me in this season of my life?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to be attentive and responsive to Your Word that is alive within me. Amen.

September 22-Thessalonians-Hope    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:14, For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews

Observe what it is saying.
The second way the Thessalonians responded positively to Paul’s visit was their willingness to suffer for the Word. Earlier he said the Thessalonians were imitating him and the Lord and now he speaks of them imitating the churches in Judea. These were the very churches whom Paul himself persecuted before his dramatic call by the Lord. Welcoming the word and enduring sufferings often go together. In hostile cultures, it is no surprise when persecution comes when Christians pattern their lives after the Lord. Paul's connection with Christians in Judea was evidence of his desire to bring a sense of unity with all Christians no matter their ethnic background or geographical location. Both the Thessalonian churches and the churches in Judea suffered persecution from fellow-countrymen. For the Thessalonians these were predominantly Gentiles. For the Judean churches, it came from strong advocates of the Jewish religion that Christianity strongly threatened. Paul indicated by connecting the two together that Christians around the world often experience the same kinds of struggles. In addition, as we recognize that we are members of the larger global church known as the Body of Christ, we should continually pray, support, and encourage one another in times of difficulty.

Relate it to your life.
I need to keep an enlarged worldview that my membership is in the global church.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I pray for protection, provision, and peace for the family of faith who are being persecuted around the world. Give them strength to remain faithful in the most difficult moments. Amen.

September 23-Thessalonians-Hope        
Write out the Scripture.
2 Thessalonians 2:15-16a, who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continued his thought about those who suffered back home in Judea. As they were known to have done to the prophets before Him, the Jewish leadership killed Jesus. As an extension of the righteous being persecuted, Paul and His colleagues faced the same kind of trouble throughout their missionary journeys. Paul knew firsthand about this because he, too, was a persecutor before the Lord turned his life around. As he had been, he said these Jewish leaders displeased God and were hostile to all men. In fact, they were militantly opposed to God, even though they thought they were serving God. Such zeal was not guided by knowledge. Passion without wisdom is dangerous. By opposing God's Messiah so strenuously, they foolishly became God's adversaries. In so doing, they became hostile to large numbers of people as they stubbornly refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. This carried into Paul’s ministry as they tried to keep him from evangelizing the Gentiles so they could be saved. The opposition refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah and rejected the idea that God wanted to include the Gentiles because that would imply God was forsaking Israel. Paul faced tremendous opposition, as did many who believed the message, due to the zealous actions of those who refused to believe the truth.

Relate it to your life.
In my zealous thoughts and acts, I must be cautious that my passion is based on truth and nothing less.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may my zeal for You be directed so others are blessed and You are praised. Amen.

September 24-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:16b, In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continued to speak about those who attempted to stop him from spreading Jesus’ message to the Gentiles in the Mediterranean world. "They always heap up their sins to the limit" refers to the outcome of killing the Lord Jesus and all their adverse activity against the growing church. This heaping up refers to a well-defined limit of sin appointed by divine decree. After generations of repeated rebellion, they had arrived at that point. The climax had come especially with rejecting the Messiah himself. Paul reminds us of the sober results of rejecting the good news of Jesus. "The wrath of God" has come. This is the wrath the unbelieving world is destined for. All prerequisites for unleashing this future torrent have been met. God has set conditions in readiness through the first coming and the rejection of Messiah by this people. The determination cannot be reversed. At the end, how we have responded to the gospel will determine whether we experience the wrath of God or the blessedness of God. This is why Paul was so zealous to evangelize as much of the known world as possible. He understood the eternal consequences of failing to trust and follow the Lord Jesus. Let’s be as clear as we can. What we do with Jesus determines whether we will experience God’s eternal wrath or God’s eternal blessedness. The choice is ours.  

Relate it to your life.
Do I understand the severity of rejecting Jesus? If I do, what am I doing to get the word out?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Paul’s passion to proclaim the life-saving message so others will be spared the wrath that is coming and enjoy the eternal bliss of the new heaven and earth. Amen.  

September 25-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.

Observe what it is saying.
We cannot miss Paul’s deep feeling for the Thessalonians. As he has already done, Paul speaks, once again, so affectionately for these fellow believers. He uses dramatic language of being orphaned from them to describe his deep love for them. He reassured them that such separation was in body only and not in mind. He thinks of them often. He holds them dearly in his heart. He speaks of his great desire to get back to them. Paul understands the high value of personal connection in the church family. As Paul had such tremendous zeal to share the good news of Jesus, he holds the same passion to re-unite with fellow believers so that he might encourage and enjoy fellowship with them. When we are truly in Christ, we have an equal desire to be in relationship with the body of Christ. The two go together and cannot be separated. The strong tug on Paul’s heart is manifested by the words "certainly I, Paul." Though Timothy and Silas had already returned to Thessalonica, Paul's failure to do so did not come from lack of intention. He had attempted a visit several times. Paul believed the only thing that could hinder such intense desire was Satanic disruption. The real existence of a supernatural devil is beyond denial. We should not be surprised at the enemy’s intense efforts to feverishly frustrate the spread of the gospel and the warm fellowship of Christ’s family. However, we know the word and the church cannot be stopped!

Relate it to your life.
Whenever I fully surrender to Christ, I can expect Satan’s activity to be against me.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me from being discouraged when the enemy is at work to defeat my deepest desires for good. Amen.

September 26-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues to reveal his heart concerning his love for the Thessalonians. After stating he was blocked by Satan from coming to visit them, he speaks these words that are a bit surprising. You would think such language would be reserved to describe Jesus Himself. Hope, glory, and crown are descriptions of what we have in Jesus. Yet, he gives us a beautiful picture of who the redeemed are in God’s eyes and what they should be in our eyes. Because Paul was used by the Holy Spirit to reach the Thessalonians for the kingdom, he anticipates they will bring him a victor's wreath to glory in when Christ returns. This future event is identical with the appearance of every Christian before the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be evaluated. Because of his friends’ spiritual standing, Paul feels this will be an occasion for great joy and victory. In the same way, we should consider the ones God has used us to bring into His kingdom as our greatest joy and victory. "When he comes" is a word that in secular Greek sometimes meant a ruler's visit. Our King Jesus will visit one day to judge His people and bring them into His glorious kingdom filled with uncontainable joy. This is a day to anticipate and prepare for today.

Relate it to your life.
Do I celebrate the faith others have and consider their eternity in my list of things to be most joyful for?  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, use me today and each day to show and tell others the way into Your kingdom. Amen.

Hands of Harmony Sign Choir would love to have you be part of the team!

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join. You don’t need to be a member of Blue Grass Church or need to know sign language.

The only requirement is that your hands and heart are willing to serve the Lord!

Hands of Harmony practices every Monday night from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in the Worship Center at our Main Campus (14200 Petersburg Rd).

We’re not just a sign choir; we’re also a small group. We laugh, have fun together, and pray together!

If you’re interested in joining, please contact Melody Pfeffer for more information.

September 14-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.

Observe what it is saying.    
In chapter 1, Paul and his colleagues told how thankful they were for the Thessalonians and their faith, love, and hope in the gospel. In chapters 2-3, Paul begins telling one of the main purposes for writing was to provide vindication of their character and ministry. They are called to remember that Paul's initial visit to them was not without people accepting the gospel message. In Philippi, Paul and Silas had been beaten and severely flogged; they had been put in prison with their feet in stocks and cruelly mistreated because they had rescued a slave girl in the name of Jesus Christ. They had also been insulted by being arrested unjustly, stripped of their clothes, and treated like dangerous fugitives. Still staggering from these injuries, the two came to Thessalonica. Under such conditions, most people would have refrained from repeating a message that had led to such violent treatment, but not these men. With God's help, they mustered sufficient courage to declare the gospel in this new city where they, also, encountered strong opposition. This is a word that pictures an athlete's struggle to gain first place in a race or contest. Paul's conflict came from outward persecutions and dangers originated by Jewish leaders. In spite of it, however, Paul's inner strength from the Holy Spirit produced a powerful proclamation of the Gospel.

Relate it to your life.
The proclamation of the gospel will never be stopped regardless of the persecution of its messengers.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Holy Spirit strength to faithfully stand strong in the faith in the midst of opposition and persecution so that my life and words will shine brightly for You. Amen.

September 15-Thessalonians-Hope    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4, For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s preaching was filled with power and was above suspicion of any kind. The “appeal” hints at the gently persuasive form that Paul used as he presented the message in order for it to be responded to. Paul and his fellow workers had apparently been accused of appealing with wrong motives, and he was eager to correct this. First, he corrected the claim that his message arose from "error". Paul maintained that his preaching agreed perfectly with God’s truth. He next answered his opponents in the matter of "impure motives", a word that has connotations of sexual impurity. Paul's enemies were attacking him on many fronts, including this sin so prevalent among traveling religious teachers. He further denied any attempt to use deceit so as to "trick" his listeners. He presented the truth straightforward for them to respond to as the Spirit led them. These missionaries were so open and honest that the all-knowing God had found them worthy "to be entrusted with the gospel." The message of the gospel is a treasure God has given to all believers. We must not bury it but must invest it willingly and generously so it will multiply and produce a great return all to God’s glory.

Relate it to your life.
How do I see myself as being entrusted with the gospel to invest it well for the glory of God?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, empower me each day to invest this treasure in all my conversations and activities. Amen.

September 16-Thessalonians-Hope        
Write out the Scripture.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-6, You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues the defense of their preaching while they were with the Thessalonians. He said they were not like the orators who would come with words of flattery seeking money. This deceptive practice spoke nice things in order to gain influence over others for selfish reasons. Paul wanted them to confirm that he was never guilty of this practice. Second, he denied putting on the kind of mask that "greed" would wear. This kind of greed included self-seeking of all types that would bring about self-satisfaction. Since this is a matter of the heart, Paul calls on God to be their witness that this was not their motivation. Third, Paul said they were not seeking the praise of people. In contrast, the world of Paul's time was filled with wandering philosophers, prophets of other religions, magicians, false prophets, and others seeking not only financial gain, but also the prestige of a good reputation. Paul made it clear they were only seeking God’s approval through their ministry. As apostles, they could have claimed the dignity associated with their position. However, they refused to do so, indicating greater evidence that they were not prompted by selfish motives. In his own defense of their ministry, Paul teaches Christians that motive in what we say and do is just as important as what we say and do. We serve from a pure heart of love for Christ.

Relate it to your life.
Am I driven by my love for Christ or by some lesser motive that would elevate me to a higher esteem?  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, search my heart and my motives. Purify me from anything less than the sole desire to bring praise, glory, and honor to You. Amen.

September 17-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues his defense of their ministry among them. He contrasts the accusations that they performed their ministry with self-serving motives in an attempt to trick them or gain financial gain. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Their motives were as pure as young innocent children who have no ability to be sinister. Then he quickly changed the metaphor to show they were like a mother who tenderly provides and cares for their nursing babies. You have such a strong motivation to care for you kids because you love them so much and cannot but help display it in tender loving care. Paul says that is how they felt towards the Thessalonians when they came to share the life-giving gospel with them. They were absolutely delighted to be there and share life with them. In this brief description, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of serving in the church. We do not do anything because we have to do so. We do nothing out of selfish motives. We do everything because we have such a love for the Lord that we demonstrate the same kind of affection to others in our desire for them to know and experience Jesus. We start with those closest to us and move on from there to our larger network of relationships.    

Relate it to your life.
Do I have the same deep love for others that I cannot but help share and show the love of Jesus?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want to serve like You served. Replace any impure motives with Your pure love. Amen.  

September 18-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul recalls the long hours of extreme toil and hardship by which he, Silas, and Timothy supported themselves while preaching there. He used this example of self-support as evidence of his broader concern for the Thessalonians. "Toil" emphasizes the fatigue they incurred in their difficult work, while "hardship" highlights external difficulties encountered in the process. As in his second letter to them, this combination describes the apostles' efforts in providing their own upkeep. As we will find later, this was an example that was needed by some in Thessalonica. In Acts we discover Paul's work was tentmaking, probably meaning the production of tent material from animal hair or skins. Part of a Jewish child's upbringing was learning a trade, and Paul was no exception to this. He did receive some financial help from the Philippian church while he was in Thessalonica, but not enough to permit him to stop working. Paul indicated that missionary service included the right to receive support from others. 1 Corinthians 9:3-6, “This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?” Paul did not always use that right because his central purpose was to give people the Gospel of God even at great cost. Paul teaches that to adequately be a witness of the gospel, we live by the highest moral code.

Relate it to your life.
Does my lifestyle promote my testimony and declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, remove all hypocrisy from my life. May I present a united witness in life and words. Amen.

September 19-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continued his defense of how he, Timothy, and Silas acted among the Thessalonians. He described their manner as a father with his children. As a good father encourages, comforts, and urges his children to do the right things so Paul and his colleagues did the same as they ministered in this community. Whatever image we might have of preachers, evangelists, or missionaries, Paul gives us a beautiful picture of how they operated. They encouraged the people to put their faith in Jesus. They did so in a comforting, not a harsh way. The gospel is the best news we will ever receive so it should be presented in that manner. They urged them, they declared, they insisted that those who responded in faith then should live in a worthy manner of the God who called them into His wonderful kingdom and glory. This last point reveals they spoke persuasively because they understood what was at stake for all eternity. For those who preach the gospel and for parents who care for their children, it reveals the kind of manner in which we are to lovingly inspire, instruct, and invite them to know Jesus.

Relate it to your life.
What is the manner by which I go about showing and sharing the good news of Jesus with others?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me courage to lovingly share You with family, friends, and acquaintances. Amen.

September 7-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 17:1-8, When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.

Observe what it is saying.    
Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica on Paul’s second missionary journey. Thessalonica was a busy port city in Macedonia sitting along the Via Egnatia which gave it the best access between Rome and the East. When Paul visited there, it enjoyed a good relationship with Rome, though the history between Rome and Macedonia was tense. Upon arriving, he entered the Jewish synagogue on the Sabbath and taught from the Scriptures for at least three weeks. His message centered on the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah. We are told some Jews believed, as did many Greeks and a large number of prominent women. However, some Jews created a riot as they claimed Paul’s message of Jesus as king stood opposed to King Caesar. The situation was so tense that Paul and Silas escaped at night.

Relate it to your life.
The proclamation of Jesus does not settle well when people have put their trust in political power.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may my first loyalty always be to You, not to the inferior powers of this world. Amen.  

September 8-Thessalonians-Hope    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3, Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul identified himself as a coworker with Timothy and Silas writing to the church who is identified by God the Father and the Lord Jesus. We must always remember where we get our identity. Paul thanked God for them and appreciated greatly their virtues of faith, love, and hope. Paul switched the usual order of faith, hope, and love to put an emphasis on the theme of hope that runs through the whole letter. Paul also identified these virtues as being action virtues: work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. He cleverly countered wrong views of each: faith is not opposed to works, love should include labor, and hope requires endurance. He celebrated the fruit the gospel was bearing in them and should be accomplishing in all of us who claim the name of Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
Am I progressing along in my faith producing work, love prompting labor, and hope inspiring endurance?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, as it was for them, may it be obvious that I am making good spiritual progress. Amen.

September 9-Thessalonians-Hope        
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Observe what it is saying.
Because they were loved and chosen by God, the Gospel made its way to the Thessalonians through these missionaries in four ways: (1) It came "with words." This is obvious, since words are basic to intelligent communication, but the Gospel's coming was not "simply" in word; it was only a part of the whole picture. It reminds us that a preacher’s message is powerless on its own. (2) That is why the Gospel came "with power". There has to be an inner power within the messenger that proclaims the message. That power is identified as (3) the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit empowering the messenger and the receiver, there is nothing of eternal value that can take place. True Spirit-filled messengers are used as the earthly voice of Jesus. (4) With such Holy Spirit empowerment, there comes a deep conviction in what is believed and spoken. They had absolute assurance what they were proclaiming was true and life-changing. "You know how we lived among you for your sake" draws on the Thessalonians' awareness of what Paul, Silas, and Timothy became while with them, confirming the kind of inner transformation God brings through His power. The missionaries’ quality of life had in itself been a strong witness of their sincerity and of the life-giving message they preached.

Relate it to your life.
The Holy Spirit enlivens the messenger’s life and proclamation and the hearer’s ability to respond.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I ask that my life and words will be a compelling conviction and testimony for You. Amen.

September 10-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul said that the Thessalonians “became imitators of us and of the Lord.” It is important that new Christians have mature Christians by which they can model their own lives and faith. Just as young children need a family, so do young Christians need the church family. As Christians, we must not only seek to win people to Christ but disciple them in the faith so they grow up in obedience to God’s Word. Because the Thessalonians were so attentive and responsive in following Jesus and other believers, they were already setting a good example that provided a model of encouragement for other churches throughout the area. Churches were never meant to be in competition with each other, but to serve as an encouraging and supporting presence for each other. The church at Thessalonica was showing itself to be exemplary as they believed and lived the message in spite of the suffering they experienced. They discovered that joy of the Spirit is greater than the pain of suffering. We discover a pattern of growth that began in yesterday’s Scripture. The Thessalonians were loved and chosen to be followers of Jesus. They became imitators of other faithful persons by holding on to faith in persecution, thereby, becoming a witness to others.

Relate it to your life.
I am loved, chosen, and changed to become a channel of faith to others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving and choosing me. Change and use me to be a model for others. Amen.  

September 11-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 1:8-9, The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

Observe what it is saying.
The Thessalonians transformation in Christ Jesus was remarkable as it became known everywhere. Their testimony was being shared, not just in their local area, but throughout the larger Roman Empire. As we mentioned on the first day of this series, it was not necessarily an easy place for Paul to do ministry since they had to leave in the cover of night. However, there were a large number of God-fearing Greeks who responded to the gospel message. Their transformation was unexpected and stood out as it became known around the empire. The message that was being told was they turned from idol worship to serve the living and true God. Idols are not living. Idols are not true. However, in Jesus Christ, they discovered what was real and alive and it woke them up spiritually. Their lives were so different that the message rang out! In the same way, it is the responsibility and privilege of each local church to share the message of salvation with the lost world. At the end of each of the four gospels and at the beginning of the Book of Acts, there are messages for the churches to obey in doing so. Many congregations are content to pay a staff to do the work of the Great Commission. However, we find in the New Testament, the entire congregation was involved in being a witness for Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
How is my life contributing to the message of the gospel being known everywhere?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may it be known that my life is different because You are alive and true. Amen.

September 12-Thessalonians-Hope
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Thessalonians 1:10, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Observe what it is saying.
The Thessalonians were known to be faithfully waiting for the return of Christ. The word translated “wait” means “to await someone with patience and confidence, expectantly.” It involves activity and endurance as evidenced by the Thessalonians powerful witness. Early Christianity held that the resurrected and ascended Christ would return as King, and their strong expectation of this event implied its nearness. Had Jesus never been raised from the dead, He could never return; but since He had been raised, His future reappearance is guaranteed. It is not some mystical spirit but the historical person "Jesus" who will return as rescuer of living Christians from the period of divine wrath at the close of the world's present age of grace. "Wrath" is frequently used in the New Testament as a technical term for the period just before Messiah's kingdom on earth, when God will afflict earth's inhabitants with an unparalleled series of physical torments because of their rejection of His will. That wrath is pictured as already on its way and should be understood as quite near. However, rather than fearing this time, we find an incentive to persevere because for us it will mean rescue rather than doom. This theme of having hope in Christ’s coming is so important that it is found near the end of each chapter in this first letter.  

Relate it to your life.
Do I fear the coming wrath or do I have hope in the thought of Christ’s return?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I look forward to seeing You in person! Keep me faithful as I await Your return. Amen.

We are looking for students with musical talents to join in the Children's Choir Christmas Musical. This year, we will be doing "The Joy of Christmas," to be performed on Sun., Dec. 13th at both services. Any student, Pre-K through 12th grade that is interested in performing either musically or with a speaking part is invited to participate. Practices begin September 13th. If interested please fill out the Google Form HERE. For questions, EMAIL Sarah Guse. 

Our Mission Focus this month is the United Methodist Youth Home (UMYH).

The UMYH ministers to the lives of at-risk youth in the state of Indiana by providing them with personalized education and workforce preparation in the hope that they'll have the skills necessary to live happy, healthy, independent lives. The UMYH plays a vital role in caring for this potentially vulnerable population with referrals coming from the Department of Child Services and the Juvenile Probation Department of Indiana.

Funds collected this month will go to support these types of life-changing ministries happening in our own community. Please consider how you might support this powerful mission with a gift above and beyond your regular tithe.

There are several ways to give and you can find all of them HERE.

However you give, thank you for supporting the mission of God in the world.

College Students – We'll Miss You! You're an important part of our Blue Grass family, and we want to stay connected—whether you're near or far!

Fill out this quick form so we can keep in touch!

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.

We're excited to announce the return of The Fellowship; a time to come together to put names to faces, make new friends, and deepen relationships in the Body of Christ.

We've made a few changes based on feedback we received the first time out.

• Condensed schedule with three consecutive weeks, two weeks off for EVSC's Fall Break, and another three consecutive weeks. (dates below)
• More meal options
• More time for conversation
• Revamped plans for inclement weather (no video calls!)

One thing we want to emphasize this time around is that we all sign up with a shared commitment that we're starting to finish. The new people you meet will be looking for you at the next session.

To help us plan well, provide more food options, and be good stewards we're asking that you commit to the sessions you'll attend when you register.

We're also suggesting a $5 donation per gathering for each person who will be eating to help offset the cost of the meals and allow for more variety.

Time/Location: 5-6:30pm at the Main Campus (14200 Petersburg Rd)

Dates: September 20th, 27th; October 4th, 25th; November 1st, 8th

Nightly Schedule:
30 min. for a meal and fellowship
20 min. to watch a video
30 min for conversation and supplemental instructions from Sue Kincaid

For this session of The Fellowship, we're diving into the Gospel of John with Kyle Idleman.

Study guides aren't required, but are available for purchase HERE if you'd like.

Programming for kids: Growing Faith Through Truth & Adventure
Preschool - Grade 1 students will be stepping into an engaging, story-driven experience that helps them see God's love in action.

Students in grades 2-6 will take a deeper dive into faith through The Case for Christ for Kids. In this investigative, evidence-based study, kids will become detectives and will explore questions like: Can we trust the Bible? Did Jesus really rise from the dead? How do we know the stories about Jesus are true?

 Students in grades 7-12 will participate together as their own group with the adults.

Go HERE to register today!

August 24-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Observe what it is saying.    
Several years ago, I participated in a training event on coaching to walk with others through a particular issue, decision, transition, or challenge in life. We were trained by Jane Creswell who created the whole coaching environment at IBM in 1997. A coaching environment causes individuals to get better at what they do and, then, the whole organization gets better at what it does. The bonus for our training was Jane is a Christian. She said she had a calling since she was 19 to be a missionary to the corporate world. Before she began coaching, she was a top-level executive at IBM. After her last promotion, she was called into her boss’ office who said, “You have to cut out the Jesus talk.” It was then she knew she had a dilemma and was inspired to start a coaching environment at IBM. She sold it to her boss and IBM took the risk, bought into her idea, and saw financial results. Through her coaching, she still couldn’t bring up Jesus, but her clients would bring up faith issues, and she would have the opportunity to coach them to Christ. She now has her own coaching company where she trains others. Coaching is different from a consultant, counselor, or a mentor in that these persons have the knowledge and expertise that the client is looking for. With coaching, instead of seeking an answer from an outside professional, the assumption is that the client has the knowledge within them that can lead to their own answer. The coach’s job is to help the client to think differently and to think through to make new discoveries. This week the Apostle Paul will be our coach to help us think well so we can live well.

Relate it to your life.
My thoughts determine the quality of the life that I live.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, change my thoughts to make them Your thoughts each moment of each day. Amen.  

August 25-Philippians-The Journey of Joy    
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul tells us to think differently so that we can put appropriate Christian character into action. He gives us the outcome that the God of peace will be with you. He identified this attribute to emphasize that he’s coaching us how to increase peace in our daily lives. Last week, we discovered that prayer brings peace. So does getting our minds in the right place. We are to spend our time thinking on the very best things. Since we are citizens of heaven, we are to think like heaven does. In his other letters, Paul often repeats this theme. In his letter to Romans he says, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) The Holy Spirit filled mind is where we gain the fullest sense of life and peace. As Romans 12:2 says, the power of the redeemed mind is continually being renewed so that the Holy Spirit can transform us into brand new people.  

Relate it to your life.
When I think like Jesus, I will live in peace like Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the presence and power of Your Spirit, take over my mind so I think like You. Amen.

August 26-Philippians-The Journey of Joy        
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul offers us 7 great qualities that we are to think about. We might not remember all seven, so let’s see if we can condense them to 3 Super qualities that cover all 7. In doing so, let’s ask three questions about godly thinking. The first question, “Is it true?” Truth is our friend. Jesus is the truth. As difficult as the truth is to hear sometimes, we desperately need to hear it. As difficult as it is to tell at times, we still need to speak it in love. Jesus said the truth will set you free. So, we need to think truthfully about God, about ourselves, and our relationships with one another. We cannot compromise truth without compromising reality. When we refuse to discover what is true, then, we refuse to think honestly about the core nature of God. If we are serious about our discipleship, then Scriptural truth is our core curriculum. There are so many false messages that are stealing reality from people of all ages. It is unfortunate to be so skeptical, but we must be more discerning about every post we read and every message being proclaimed through every media platform. The testimony of Scripture is that Satan is a liar who deceives and plants seeds of doubt about God just as he did with Adam and Eve. Because they failed to seriously discern what was being fed to them, they compromised their lives, their home, and their future all for a lie.  

Relate it to your life.
Truth is foundational for every relationship and every society to be established and maintained.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me cautious and wise to discern what is real so as not to be deceived. Amen.

August 27-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observe what it is saying.
The second question we should ask, Is it pure? It is the same root as the word, holy. Such pure thoughts consider how we set ourselves apart from sin. They refuse to entertain or toy with sin. Jesus said, “out of the heart come evil thoughts.” Jesus connected our mind and heart just as Paul did. Paul was concerned for these early churches when it came to the area of morality, especially, sexual immorality. In the larger metropolitan cities of the Roman Empire, there seemed to be few moral boundaries. So, Paul was candid when he instructed his churches about appropriate sexuality. Paul and the whole counsel of Scripture made it clear that sex outside of marriage was sin. This is why we need to have a biblical understanding of God’s design for sexual purity in marriage. Everything seems to be permissible in our current culture as it was in Paul’s day, but it is not in agreement with God’s way. Because we have been wired for holy relationships, when we mess with the wiring, it can be emotionally, spiritually, and physically devastating. God’s design for intimacy within the bond of marriage is for our overall spiritual wellbeing.

Relate it to your life.
My inner thought life needs to be kept pure so that I maintain purity in my lifestyle.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to reject the false messages that do not uphold the sanctity of marriage. Amen.  

August 28-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observe what it is saying.
The final question for thinking well, Is it praiseworthy? I am locating the qualities of being noble, lovely, admirable, and excellent under this one question. For thoughts to be praiseworthy, they need to rise to the level of offering praise to Jesus. If Jesus were listening in on the conversation of our thoughts, what would He think? By the way, through His Spirit, He is listening in! Are we thinking of the ways we can grow our faith, deepen our fellowship with other believers, increase our love by serving, and honor God by trusting Him with our concerns? It is so important to put ourselves in a positive atmosphere because brain research tells us when we think the same thoughts over and over, they create actual grooves or pathways in our brain. These pathways become wider and easier for similar thoughts to travel. For example, the more we think anxious thoughts, the easier it is to have anxious thoughts in the future. Without knowing brain science, Paul told the Philippians they needed to create new pathways for their brains. Praiseworthy thoughts are the gateway to a changed life filled with great joy and peace.  

Relate it to your life.
What I choose to think literally changes the chemistry of my brain.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may my thoughts bring You continual praise as I employ the most excellent thinking. Amen.  

August 29-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observe what it is saying.
What we set our minds to thinking is what we will eventually become. So, let’s protect our brains. Let’s protect our hearts and minds so that we will fully experience the God of peace within us. We have incredible power to choose what we let in, think upon, and what highways we create for future thoughts to travel. In all matters of our walk with Christ, we want to consistently practice what we profess. We cannot separate our outward lifestyle from our inward thoughts. What we keep thinking upon is what we will believe and act upon. Paul told the Philippians for the second time in this letter to follow his example. He willingly put himself out there as their teacher and model. He demonstrated that godly thoughts and godly actions create a unified faith and life. They provide the pathway for the God of peace and the peace of God to fully take up residence in our minds and hearts in the presence and power of Jesus. So, let’s get used to filtering our thoughts, words, and actions by asking, Is it true? Is it pure? Is it praiseworthy? When we do this, it will pay off huge dividends for our spiritual wellbeing.

Relate it to your life.
God’s peace is a gift that is fully received when we think and pray the thoughts of heaven.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, take control of my thoughts, my mouth, and my life. May they all work together to create a life that is filled with truth, purity, and praise unto Your glorious name. Amen.  

August 17-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:1, Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Observe what it is saying.    
Paul returns to some of his earlier themes in this letter by speaking of his deep affection for these dear Christians. They are his brothers and sisters in the faith. He loves them. He longs to be with them again. They bring him joy. They are the crowning success of his missionary work. Paul said earlier, “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,” (1:3-5) He also wrote, “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.” (1:7) Paul cannot tell these believers enough how much he loves them and what tremendous joy they bring him. As Paul models for us, it would be good practice to do the same in our marriages, families, among our friends, and church family. He, then, encourages them to stand firm in what he has just written. This wording recalls military imagery that he has used to fortify his friends’ resolve when they face daunting opponents. They need both courage and unity of heart so their minds will not be set on earthly things but recognize that their citizenship is in heaven where they eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are to live with the mind of Christ where they generously offer themselves in service for the sake of the gospel.

Relate it to your life.
When I love someone, I will encourage them to stay strong in their walk with Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the people you have placed in my life who share in the gospel with me. Amen.  

August 18-Philippians-The Journey of Joy    
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:2-3, I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Observe what it is saying.
Euodia and Syntyche are instructed to bring their attitudes into harmony. They had once worked side by side with Paul, so they should be able to do so again. They may have been among the original group of converts at Philippi, for women were Paul's first audience there. We have no idea what they were disputing about, but it appears it is bringing division into the church. To be of the same mind in the Lord was spoken by Paul in chapter 2 when he tells Christians they should be like-minded in the Lord. Even when we have disagreements with one another, our unity comes when we are truly focused on Jesus. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be united so that they could present a strong testimony to the world. A divided Body of Christ has a weak witness. This was such an important issue that Paul enlisted the aid of “Syzgus,” in the original language, which literally means "yokefellow." Some believe this was actually the name of a person whom Paul challenges to live up to his name and help bring these women together. These women had served with Clement and others. Even though not all are named here, Paul says their service has not been forgotten an d their names are recorded in the Book of Life, the heavenly register of those who are redeemed. They are recorded where it matters most!  

Relate it to your life.
I must help preserve unity in the Body so that our witness can be a strong testimony to the world.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I pray that You will use me to help protect and preserve unity in Your church. Amen.

August 19-Philippians-The Journey of Joy        
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Observe what it is saying.
Paul wrote these words while sitting in a dark dungy prison. He was jailed for his faithfulness to Jesus. He had done nothing wrong. He was not in a naturally bright sunshiny place where it would be easy to smile and laugh, but his joy came from a much deeper place. Earlier in this letter, Paul said, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” (Philippians 2:17-18) Paul chose joy as he contemplated the possibility of not being released from jail but dying for his faith. He may not have known what was going to happen in the next few months, but he knew where he was going to spend eternity. He maintained such joy because his faith remained securely located in the Lord in spite of his circumstances. Another remarkable incident where this was put into play was when Paul and Silas were in prison after a mob had quickly formed against them. The city officials ordered them stripped and beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape, so, he put them in the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Those are some pretty dark and desperate circumstances, but around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the other prisoners listened in. Paul was not writing theory but wrote from experience that we may not rejoice in our circumstances but we can rejoice in the Lord who offers His gracious love and empowering strength in the tough times of life.  

Relate it to your life.
The spiritual fruit of joy is not dependent upon my circumstances but my relationship with the Lord.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I choose to joy in You at all times even when I am not happy with my circumstances. Amen.

August 20-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:5, Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Observe what it is saying.
In a divided world filled with harsh words, Christians will stand out differently. If we have been redeemed and filled with the Holy Spirit of Jesus, then we will increasingly respond in a gentle way to each other. Even though Christians may endure hostility and even violence from unbelievers, our response must be different. We must respond in kindness and not retaliate. Paul makes it clear that our gentleness is not to be reserved for a particular relationship or group of people. We are to treat our spouses, our parents, our kids, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors, and those who are most challenging with the gentle spirit of Jesus. We do so because the Lord is near. This is understood in two ways. First, Christ’s Spirit is present now, indwelling believers and pursuing His sanctifying work within us. The Lord is with us right here, right now. So, let Him speak and act through you. Second, though we do not know the timing of Christ’s second coming, we have the Lord’s promise that He will come again. We should always live with the thought that His coming is near. If He were to come today, how would He find us treating one another? This is a short verse that is easily memorized that can be repeated each day, throughout the day, reminding us how to relate to one another.  

Relate it to your life.
Is my gentleness evident to all, many, or few people?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, please live through me. Let Your gentle Spirit be my gentle spirit. Let Your gentle word be my gentle word. Let Your gentle actions be my gentle actions. Amen.

August 21-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul had reason to be anxious. He was in prison awaiting trial. Paul’s life was filled with anxious moments where his life nearly ended on numerous occasions. He does not write these words from a worry-free place but from the reality of living through some of the most anxiety-producing events that any one person has ever experienced on this planet. Because anxiety is such a common experience among mankind, this has become one of the most shared and quoted verses in the Bible. Whenever we preach on this verse or another verse that addresses worry, we get tremendous response because it touches a nerve that we all have. We cannot help but have anxious thoughts. However, what we do with them is what Paul is addressing. When such worry emerges, do we continue to ruminate on it allowing it to grow larger and larger? Paul says there is a better way. Train yourself to bring each worry to Him. Pray about each one. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom, strength, and peace. Surrender yourself to Him in faith and let Him take care of each situation. Paul adds that we should do so with thanksgiving. As an act of faith, give thanks to God for hearing and answering your prayer even before the answer comes. It not only speaks faith to God but also builds resiliency within us.  

Relate it to your life.
Will I let anxious thoughts trigger me to take it to the Lord in prayer?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I bring to You this anxiety _______________. Give me wisdom, strength, and peace as I deal with it. I surrender myself in faith to You and thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen.  

August 22-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul speaks of the promise to the prayer that we offer in faith and thanksgiving when anxious thoughts come flooding in. The very peace of God supernaturally enters into our lives. It is not a worldly peace that comes and goes with the favorable or unfavorable events of our lives. The peace of God surpasses our ability to comprehend how it can it be so. It makes no earthly sense. It is not explainable except by the very presence of the Lord residing in us. Paul gives us a wonderful picture that this peace is not passive but stands guard over our hearts and minds. Whenever those anxious thoughts begin to rise up again, the peace is powerfully present to dismantle the worry and continue to keep us calm. The key is that we are guarded in Christ Jesus. We must stay in Jesus. We must keep ourselves thinking, praying, and worshiping in the name of Jesus. The remarkable thing is that we are promised the peace of God before the anxiety-producing event is resolved. The one who often told His disciples, “Do not be afraid,” speaks those same reassuring words into our lives today. He alone can speak such words of peace because all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him. (Matthew 28:17) He alone has the power to save and deliver and offer us supernatural peace.  

Relate it to your life.
Experiencing the peace of God is a miracle performed by Jesus within us.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible gift of peace that only You can give. Help me to keep my attention and my worship focused on You rather than the many circumstances of life. Amen.  

August 10-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:12-13a (NLT), I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,

Observe what it is saying.    
What are “these things” Paul writes about? They are what he shared in last week’s passage. He had an overwhelming desire to fully know Jesus, His suffering, and His resurrection power. Paul was saying because Jesus had caught and embraced him with His grace, now he’s pressing on to grab ahold and embrace everything of what Christ had already done for him. The goal is to become spiritually engulfed in Jesus. The first step to Christian maturity is to admit you have not arrived yet. As far as Paul had traveled and all that he had experienced, he knew he was not there yet even though he had come close on several occasions. He experienced terrible suffering and several near-death events and had, also, encountered the resurrection power through countless miracles where he had been spared and used as God’s witness. Even with all of that, he knew there was so much more to know and experience in Jesus. So, he said he kept pressing on. He made it clear that salvation by grace through faith is the beginning of the race. Living out that salvation is a long distant run. Every day is a new leg of the race to be won through the invigorating power of the Holy Spirit. It’s when we press on, in spite of opposition, that our faith is strengthened and our character is deepened.

Relate it to your life.
I have not arrived at full maturity. Whatever time I have on earth is opportunity to grow closer to Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me a “press on” attitude so I never think I have arrived until I come to You. Amen.  

August 11-Philippians-The Journey of Joy    
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:12-13b (NLT), I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past…

Observe what it is saying.
We press on by refusing to let the past rule our present. Paul focused on what was ahead by forgetting what was behind. By that, Paul meant he made a conscious decision not to let the past memories absorb his attention and impede his progress. He refused to gaze at his trophy case or review his catalogue of sins. The Enemy often uses our past as a tool to haunt and shame us. In his book By Grace Alone, Sinclair Ferguson identifies four major "fiery darts" Satan uses to rob believers of their peace in the gospel: 1: "God is against you. He’s not really for you. How can you believe he is for you when you see the things that are happening in your life?" 2: "I have accusations I will bring against you because of your sins. What can you say in defense? Nothing." 3: "You can say you’re forgiven, but there’s a payback day coming—a condemnation day. How will you defend yourself then?" 4: "Given your track record, what hope is there that you will persevere to the end?" To overcome the threat of the Enemy’s attacks, we must learn to recognize our Savior’s voice through attentive prayer, reflecting on Scripture, faithfully gathering in worship, and meeting in our small groups. We need all these resources to press on in Jesus.    

Relate it to your life.
I cannot let my past rob me of the joy of the present found in the Lord Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me a discerning heart so I refuse the lies of the enemy in favor or Your truth. Amen.

August 12-Philippians-The Journey of Joy        
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:13c-14, …and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul says he pressed on by focusing on the future. Paul knew he could only go so far here, and there would be a day when he would finish the earthly race and be totally engulfed in the presence of Jesus. His goal and prize would be complete, but the challenge is to get to the finish line. Author Kevin Miller says he learned a lesson as a runner when he was at the Pennsylvania Relays, a famous Eastern track meet. His relay team ran in the championship race. He was the lead runner in the second lane. The man in the first lane held the 100-meter dash record for prep school runners. When he got to the line and they were all putting their starting blocks down, he said, "May the best man win. I'll be waiting for you at the finish line." They went into the blocks. The gun sounded. The star 100-meter record holder took off, and the other seven settled in behind him. They went around the first turn and down the back stretch. About 180 meters into the 400-meter leg of the race, Kevin saw the record holder in front of him, holding his side, bent over, and groaning as he jogged along. Everyone passed him like he was standing still. At the end of the race Kevin’s coach took him aside and said, "I hope you've learned a lesson today. It makes little difference whether you hold the record for the 100-meter dash if the race is 400-meters long." Paul said he was in it for the long haul. He knew he would have to press on to keep gaining ground, not to save himself, but to live out the salvation already won for him. Paul refused to stop short of personally, passionately, and profoundly knowing Jesus in every possible way as he persevered through life.

Relate it to your life.
Am I running a spiritual sprint or a marathon that will get me to the finish line?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to fully know and experience You here on earth and throughout all eternity. Amen.

August 13-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:15-17 (NLT), Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul offered himself as a model so they could watch him to know how to faithfully live out their faith in a culture filled with many conflicting ideas and philosophies. Paul knew they needed a pattern because they hadn’t seen this type of Jesus’ life before he showed up. He wasn’t boasting but was merely asking them to join together in imitating him. Paul was open about his life to make sure they were confident he was practicing what he was preaching. That’s why it was so important for him to acknowledge he hadn’t fully arrived yet. We need models. We need mentors. But on the flip side, we need to be a pattern of Christ for others. Our world needs us. That’s both exciting and scary. It’s exciting to think that Christ can shine through us to be a pattern for other believers. But it’s also scary, because we don’t want to cause anyone to stumble because we offer a poor witness. So, let’s be careful that we represent Jesus well in our words, in our attitudes, in our moral choices, and in our social media posts.

Relate it to your life.
Who is watching me to know how to live for Christ? What are they discovering? Am I pointing to Jesus?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me fully aware, whether I own it or not, I am model and mentor to someone.  Amen.

August 14-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:18-19 (NLT), For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul tearfully tells about those whose conduct made them enemies of the cross. He described them as having their god as food, bragging about being involved in sinful things, and only thinking about this world and nothing beyond. Who are these people? They appear to be those who have professed faith in Christ and turned back to old ways of living. This is why Paul is so emotional about them. They professed Christ but are not acting like Christ. There is no difference between them and the ungodly culture in which they find themselves. Paul weeps over them because they are now lost, enemies of the cross. He makes it clear to the Philippians that these are not the patterns they are to follow. These lifestyles were all about worshiping the wrong thing. In fact, they all lead to self-destruction. Paul is saying as Christ-followers, we must think and act much differently than those who are just earthly focused. Let us consider the three areas in which Paul says they have fallen prey to: Who is our God? What do we brag about? What do we predominately think about?  

Relate it to your life.
Is my profession of faith in Christ backed up my lifestyle and thought life in Christ?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, show me the areas in my life that are not surrendered to You. I turn back to You. I ask for your forgiveness and the power of Your Holy Spirit to live a life of integrity that brings You glory. Amen.  

August 15-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 3:20-4:1 (NLT), But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

Observe what it is saying.
Theologian NT Wright says we need to think of ourselves as the temple for it was where heaven and earth came together. As citizens of heaven, we are a meeting place of heaven and earth because Christ is in us. We bring Christ into the world in which we live and are included in the answer, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.” We bring Jesus’ heavenly kingdom into our world as we offer His love, generosity, justice, forgiveness, healing, and hope. Paul was confident that Jesus’ return would make the meeting of heaven and earth complete. In that moment, our weak bodies will be changed into eternal glorious bodies, and all things, all nations, and all rulers will come under His control. As citizens of heaven, our ultimate hope is the finish line. So, between now and then we should press on and stay true to Jesus through daily Scripture and prayer, weekly worship, meeting in discipleship groups, using our gifts in service to the kingdom, resisting temptation, persevering in suffering, forgiving when offended, and loving at all times.

Relate it to your life.
I will press on and stay true because Jesus will be waiting for me at the finish line!

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by the power of Your Spirit, help me to persevere and be faithful to the very end. Amen.  

Pickleball is BACK!

The men will play on Friday nights from 6-8pm. And the women take the courts on Sunday nights from 5-7pm. Both groups play in the Gym at our Chapel Campus (14240 Petersburg Rd).

We have two courts set up with each court hosting a maximum of four players per game. Participants will rotate in and out on a regular basis, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to play.

Whether you’re new to the game or already love playing, this is a great opportunity to get moving, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition in a welcoming environment.

At Blue Grass Church, we believe in showing up with love—and few places need it more than our local schools. That’s why we partner with McGary Middle School, Cedar Hall School, McCutchanville Elementary, and Scott Elementary to support students, staff, and families in real, meaningful ways.

Whether it’s reading with a child, encouraging a teacher, helping with events, or stocking a snack closet, these simple acts of service send a powerful message: You are seen, valued, and not alone.

The impact is felt by everyone. Students gain confidence, staff feel supported, families are encouraged—and volunteers walk away blessed, reminded that giving your time can be life-changing in the best way.

You don’t have to be an expert—just willing to care. Join us as we keep loving our schools and watching God work through every moment.

If you would be interested in finding out more about how you can be part of the School Partnership team, email Nicki at nicki.blythe@bluegrass.church.

August 3-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:1, 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.

Observe what it is saying.    
Previously in this letter, Paul said that “whatever happens,” conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the good news of Jesus. No matter the temptation or the testing, make sure you don’t waver in your faith. Paul used the “whatever happens” again to emphasize, regardless of circumstances, we have reason to rejoice in Jesus. There’s something spiritually powerful about our relationship with Jesus which rises far above the good, bad, and ugly of this world. Joy isn’t determined by what’s going on around us but who is within us. Such a gift comes when we put our trust and confidence in the One who has ultimate sovereignty. Paul wrote this message to safeguard and protect our treasured faith. He wanted to ensure that we don’t go out of bounds. There will always be forces from within and without that are at work to diminish and destroy our faith. Such enemies often try to add to or subtract from the true gospel message. They complicate it or dumb it down. They explain it away or create another way that is not the gospel way. Just as it was in Paul’s day, we must be careful so that the corruption of faith that is happening all around us does not happen within us.  

Relate it to your life.
Whatever happens, I will stand with Jesus and rejoice in Him.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make Your presence so powerful within me that joy permeates my life in all circumstances. Amen.  

August 4-Philippians-The Journey of Joy    
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:2-3, Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,

Observe what it is saying.
Paul didn’t have a high regard for those who were trying to compromise the gospel. There were Jewish Christians who seemed to follow Paul wherever he went to cause trouble. They would come behind him and insist that the Gentile converts had to undergo the knife of circumcision in order to be Christian. Paul called these Judaizers, the mixers of religion and gospel, dogs. Today, we think of dogs in an affectionate way because we cherish them as pets. But he was not thinking of man’s best friend. His image was of a wild pack of dogs, which roam from place to place, scavenging and ravaging everything in their sight. Paul calls these religious rule-makers evil who were not only mutilating flesh but the gospel of Jesus Christ. In contrast to those who believe true faith is marked in the flesh, those who are marked in the heart represent the true circumcision. They are those who worship by the Spirit of God not by rigid laws, customs, and rituals. Paul could slam the law people because he had been one of them. The issue strikes at the heart of where you put your confidence for your salvation. Is it in you and what you have done or is it in Jesus and what he has done on your behalf? Are you living in such a way that by word and deed you are saying to Jesus, “You are the one that really matters?”

Relate it to your life.
Rules and regulations will not save me but the free grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing grace, whereby, through faith I am saved. Amen.

August 5-Philippians-The Journey of Joy        
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:4-5, though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 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;

Observe what it is saying.
Paul said if anyone had a right to brag about gaining their salvation by their own resume, he would be at the top of the list. He gives us the details: He was circumcised on the 8th day which was in obedience to the command given in Genesis 17:12. Paul was saying is he wasn’t a Jewish convert, but a Jew from the day he was born, a pure-blooded citizen of God’s chosen people. Many of the Jews who lived in Palestine during Paul’s day were of mixed stock. They had Gentile in their blood, but not Paul. He said he was a direct descendant of Abraham of the Benjamin tribe. This was the foremost tribe in Israel’s army which produced the first king of Israel, Saul. Paul’s first name was Saul. Paul was proud to be in this tribe and said he was a real Hebrew if there ever was one. His pedigree was perfect. He lived by the customs, language, and laws of the Jewish faith. To prove it, he said he was a Pharisee. This was the ultimate in Jewish religious stature. He believed if anyone was going to heaven, he was. What is your pedigree? What is your list of accomplishments that make you worthy of heaven? Are they enough?

Relate it to your life.
How do I know if my character and works are good enough to get me to heaven?  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I know there is no other way except through Your gift and sacrifice to make me worthy of eternity. Amen.

August 6-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:6-7, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Not only was Paul a Pharisee in name, but he was a zealous one. He demanded strict adherence to the law for himself and all others. There was no gray in his book. He backed his claim by persecuting the emerging church which appeared as a threat to his faith. In his understanding, he was faultless in his obedience to the law. This is Paul’s resume of righteousness in which he could place his confidence if salvation were actually based on pedigree, position, and performance. If this were the case, he’d be at the front of the line to get into heaven. Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg confessed that his mortality has started dawning on him. In an interview, the interviewer said, "He has little doubt about what would await him at a Judgment Day. Pointing to his work on gun safety, obesity and smoking cessation, he said with a grin: 'I’m telling you if there’s a God, when I get to heaven I'm not stopping to be interviewed. I’m heading straight in. I’ve earned my place in heaven. It's not even close.'" [Jeremy W. Peters, "Bloomberg Plans a $50 Million Challenge to the N.R.A." The New York Times (4-15-14)] Paul has solid credibility to warn the Philippians that he’s already been down this path, and it’s a dead-end path. He came to a personal crisis of faith where he understood that his pedigree, position, and performance meant absolutely nothing when it comes to being right with God. In that moment of crisis, it became dark enough for him to see and say to Jesus that He’s the only One that really matters.

Relate it to your life.
Am I counting on my goodness or have I given that up and am trusting in Christ alone for my salvation?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to put my full trust and faith in You for my salvation and nothing else. Amen.

August 7-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 3:8-11 (NLT), Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s Profit and Loss Report revealed everything was in the loss column except for one thing. The Profit column showed the infinite value of knowing Jesus. Paul takes it a step further and says he has discarded everything else in his life and considers it absolute garbage. The word garbage can mean one of two things. It can mean that which is "cast to the dogs." Dogs were scavengers who lived off of garbage. The word can also mean "manure". Both words speak of that which is worthless and should be cast away. This is what Paul pictured as life outside of Jesus. His right relationship with God wasn’t based on what he had done, it was based on what Christ had done for him. Our pedigree, our position, and our performance must be taken out of the salvation equation. It’s Jesus’ work of love that counts. We must accept and believe what has been done will wipe away all our sin and guilt. Paul, so closely, desired to know Jesus that he wanted to experience his resurrection power both now and in eternity. I imagine most of us would claim the same desire. But Paul went on to say he wanted to share in Jesus’ sufferings. Paul didn’t want to miss out on anything about Jesus but deeply desired to completely know Jesus in every way. Even suffering was put in Paul’s Profit column so he could experience resurrection. In all of this, Paul was saying to Jesus, “You’re the One that really matters.”

Relate it to your life.
If I’m truly honest, can I say about Jesus, “You’re the One that really matters?”

Do something.
Lord Jesus, You are the one that really matters. Forgive me when I think or live any other way. Amen.  

August 8-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 3:8-11, (See yesterday)

Observe what it is saying.
So, what are we counting on to save us? Can I count on the fact that I was baptized as an infant, reared in a Christian home, went to worship and Sunday School every week, went to VBS, and went to youth group every Sunday night through high school? Am I counting on I was confirmed when I was 12 and, as a youth, even went to adult Bible Study on Wednesday evenings? Am I counting on the fact that I followed the call into ministry, went to seminary, and have served as a pastor ever since? Am I counting on the fact that I’ve made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land? Even though I have done all these things for Christ, they do not save me. They do not get me any closer to heaven. They are the results of being made right by Jesus. Everything I have done falls woefully short in adding up to make me good enough. There’s only one thing I can count on. Trusting in Jesus’ gracious gift of salvation. What about you? What are you counting on: your own resume of righteousness or Jesus’ sacrificial love at the cross?  

Relate it to your life.
There is no other name, except the beautiful name of Jesus, that I can know I have been redeemed.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, today, I put all my faith in Your grace alone for my redemption and eternal salvation. Amen.  

July 27-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:19-20, 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.

Observe what it is saying.    
As we recently celebrated our nation’s 250th birthday, we appreciate the many values that make us such a great country. However, we admit we have our flaws. Each week seems to bring a new crisis that highlights the anger, evil, or the hatred that lies deep within so many resulting in violence and vicious words. Overall decency, concern for others, and cooperation with one another appear to be at an all-time low. Such hostility can even show its ugly head in the larger Body of Christ where disagreements over theological, social, and moral issues are often done in an unhealthy way. As Jesus wept over an unresponsive Jerusalem, so I imagine He weeps over our world as well. And if we are not already, maybe, we should be doing some weeping of our own. Maybe, we should be calling out, crying out to God to forgive us, to save us, to change us. If the church doesn’t take the lead to humble ourselves before the Lord, who will? It is our responsibility as God’s loved, holy, and chosen people to offer his heart and voice in the midst of so many voices clamoring for their position to be heard. Because we’re the keepers of truth and grace, we need to humbly set the example. Paul said Timothy was such a model of the faith because he showed genuine care for the Philippians. May we be like Timothy and offer such love and care for others in the Body who are experiencing difficult times. We can offer a text, a call, a visit, a card, or a gift of encouragement and pray for God’s peace, provision, and power to be known.

Relate it to your life.
I have been placed in the church to demonstrate the care of Christ to others in practical ways.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, prepare for me today someone whom I can offer genuine care out of love for You. Amen.  

July 28-Philippians-The Journey of Joy    
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:19-20, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul has a great hope that’s found “in the Lord Jesus.” Paul uses this prepositional phrase several other times in his letter. He loves “in the Lord;” his confidence is “in the Lord;” he rejoices “in the Lord;” he desires others to rejoice “in Christ,” to welcome Christian leaders “in the Lord,” and to always stand firm “in the Lord.” All that we are is because we are “in the Lord.” If we’re not “in the Lord,” we are nowhere. We have nothing. We have no hope. Paul has such hope in spite of writing from prison and not being able to visit his friends in Philippi. He hopes to send Timothy so he can get a report of how they’re doing. Paul trusted Timothy because he had “no one else like him.” The actual wording in the Greek is that Paul and Timothy had the same soul. They were soulmates. They had the same interests, priorities, and attitudes. They were so similar because they were into Christ. Jesus was what brought them together and kept them together. Do we have such a spiritual soulmate? Is there someone who shares deeply in the faith as Timothy did with Paul? If not, ask the Lord to show you who is available for you.

Relate it to your life.
My joy increases dramatically when I share deeply with someone about my spiritual life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for spiritual friends. Lead me to find that special person to go deep with. Amen.

July 29-Philippians-The Journey of Joy        
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:21-24, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul cannot say enough good about Timothy. He stood out among others as he refused to look out for himself but put the interests of Jesus and the Philippians ahead of his own. He was an excellent example of Paul’s earlier teaching in this chapter of having the same mindset as Christ. Timothy was the ideal model that Paul wanted to send so they would know how to live humbly for the sake of others creating a positive, loving environment of unity. It appears Paul had a short list to draw from to represent him to his friends. What if we were with Paul, would we have been on his short list? What made Timothy rise above the others? One thing Paul mentions is that he showed genuine care for the Philippian’s welfare. Timothy’s concern for them was real because he had an authentic faith in Christ. He had a personal life-changing encounter with Jesus and his love for them naturally flowed out of his growing faith. This was such a priority because Jesus was his priority. One of the signs that we are authentic disciples is that we do not live primarily for ourselves but live to benefit the spiritual welfare of others, starting with our families and extending to those in our church, community, and around the world. Based on this one marker of discipleship, how well are we doing?

Relate it to your life.
One indicator of my spiritual growth is whether I have increasing concern for the spiritual welfare of others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Your heart to serve and pray for the spiritual wellness of others. Amen.

July 30-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:25-27, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s second example of genuine care Is Epaphroditus. Neither Paul nor Timothy could go was free to Philippi. This was a great solution because: (1) Epaphroditus was from Philippi. (2) He was trusted both by the Philippians and Paul. (3) Paul could count on him to convey the message of unity, humility, and selfless service because he had already modeled it in a significant way (4) The Philippians had heard of Epaphroditus’s near-fatal illness, and they were anxious to know of his condition. What Paul now chose to do with Epaphroditus, the Philippian church had first done by sending him to take their generous financial gift to support Paul. But not only that, the intention was for him to stay on as a genuine friend showing their love and care for Paul while he was in prison. Paul had high a regard for him by calling him his brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. In spite of his illness, he accomplished his mission. The test of genuine care is showing up when others are at their lowest and sticking by them through it all.

Relate it to your life.
Am I a true friend and stick with others when they are going through the most difficult moments of life?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me strength and compassion to stay with others when they are struggling. Amen.

July 31-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:28-30, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul wanted to make sure the Philippians warmly welcomed Epaphroditus as he was being sent to give them an update on Paul and see for themselves that he had recovered from his illness. In first going to see Paul who was imprisoned, he did a good and necessary act of ministry to encourage and help Paul, but it nearly cost him his life. A few years ago, I heard a testimony from a black pastor serving a white church in Indianapolis. He told that in 1968 he was a snotty nose kid playing outside a church. A layman invited him in for punch and cookies leftover from Vacation Bible School which he did not attend. The layman asked his mother if he could bring this boy and his brother to church each week. Then, he was asked if he wanted to go to church camp the next week. The boy said he couldn’t afford it. The church said they would pay for him to go. He went and was chosen camper of the week. He said he was eventually saved in that church and was called into ministry in that church. He went on to pastor several churches and found himself being voted to serve in the highest position in that denomination. He said it all started because a white layman genuinely cared for a young black boy in the tumultuous 60’s when it wasn’t a popular thing to do. Epaphroditus and this unnamed layman model the kind of genuine care and risk-taking concern for others that can change a life and change a world.

Relate it to your life.
Offering loving care is not always easy but is always necessary as followers of Jesus Christ.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, take me out of my comfort zone to show Your love and care to others. Amen.  

August 1-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 2:28-30, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
When our youngest son Caleb and his wife Liz moved into their first house, their neighbor brought them a gallon of ice cream. The next week the same neighbor brought them lasagna. Do you know what Caleb said about them? They are his new best friends! Actually, he said, they remind him of the caring people at Blue Grass Church. Does that statement ring true about you? You take food, stop and talk, or introduce yourself to your neighbor. You show genuine care by building bridges and creating new relationships. You can invite someone to church. What if God wanted to use you to bring someone to faith so they would be used by Him to serve the church in a significant way? When’s the last time you reached across social, economic, or racial lines to show genuine care and concern to someone? Do you take time to listen? Do you have time to volunteer? You have something to offer that can ultimately make a difference in someone’s life and make a better community.

Relate it to your life.
When was the last time I showed genuine care to someone?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me the desire and courage to show Your love and care to those around me. Amen.

July 20-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:12, 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,

Observe what it is saying.
The most committed athletes continually work out. They do not do so in order to become an athlete but because they are already athletes who want to stay in great shape so they can be the best version of themselves. They know that working out is required so they do not lose ground but remain strong for the tremendous endurance that is required to play the game well. In the same way, we do not work out in order to be saved. Please note the wording of this verse. It does not say work for our salvation but work out our salvation. Because we are followers of Jesus, saved by grace, not by works, we lovingly want to become more and more like Him. This is what Paul has just spoken in the previous passage. We are to be like Jesus in humility and total obedience just as He modeled becoming a servant who laid down His life for us at the cross. Because Christ obeyed to the point of death, we choose to obey God’s call to selflessly live for others. Awareness of our own inadequacy moves us to fear and tremble as we go about becoming mature and whole in our faith. We take our workouts seriously. We know we are not playing a game but are in a life and death struggle with the enemy. So, we choose to continually do all the practices of the faith that will make us stronger so we can endure to the end.

Relate it to your life.
Out of love for Jesus who has redeemed me by His precious blood, I choose to work out and grow up as I walk with Him.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me the motivation and discipline to work out each day so that I can grow strong and persevere to the very end. Amen.  

July 21-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:13, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Observe what it is saying.
This connects with yesterday’s thought of working out our salvation. Not only are we saved by God’s grace but God continues to work in us as we work out our salvation to become mature and complete. God is always acting in our salvation. We believe God woos us to Him through prevenient grace. God redeems and makes us righteous through justifying grace. God continues to work through sanctifying grace to empower us through the Holy Spirit to choose to act in a way that fulfills His purpose for our lives. We do not believe, like some, that God does all of this whether unilaterally. We believe we have free will and must cooperate with God’s grace by responding in faith and by following His lead. The Lord loves us and wants us to freely love Him in return. Out of His extravagant love, the Lord is actively engaged taking out the old person and bringing in the new person. Out of love for Him, we welcome and respond to the Holy Spirit’s refining work so that we become more and more like Jesus and fulfill the great purpose God has for us in His kingdom. So, we could say God is our workout partner who motivates and strengthens us to become a brand-new person.    

Relate it to your life.
Because Christ continues to shape my life into His likeness, I will choose to follow His lead.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my workout partner. Help me to see and hear You in my life today. Give me a willing spirit that is responsive to Your leadership to make me more like You. Amen.

July 22-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:14, Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

Observe what it is saying.
Continuing the thought of working out our salvation, we are to do all things without grumbling and arguing. When we are able to do this, then we know we are in a place of total surrender where we have placed our lives into the hands of God trusting Him for our outcomes. This also flows from the truth that God is working in us to will and act to fulfill His good purpose. So, “doing everything” in this context, means acting in accordance with God’s will. If we find ourselves grumbling in His holy work, then we have become discontented with God’s will. We believe we are being asked to do something that is unfair, difficult, or undesirable to do. Such grumbling is actually an expression of unbelief that keeps us from doing what pleases God. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul wrote to Christians telling them not to do what God’s people did in Moses’ day, “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” Grumbling against God’s way is a serious offense in the eyes of God. In the same way, we are not to argue over non-essential points of the faith that do not have to be settled for the church to thrive. Paul told Timothy the young pastor, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” (2 Timothy 2:23) He also wrote to Titus, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9) An arguing and divided church is a poor witness to the world.

Relate it to your life.
When I am totally content in doing the Lord’s will, I will not have the desire to grumble or argue.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to be so consumed with trusting You and doing Your will that I lovingly serve in everything You have called me to do. Amen.  

July 23-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:15, 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

Observe what it is saying.
We do not grumble or become angry in doing God’s will for the purpose of being blameless and pure in the presence of God. It is our goal to be His children who are wholehearted with an unmixed devotion to doing His will. This is unlike unbelievers who represent a warped and crooked generation. The original word for warped means corrupted or crooked. It is the word in which we get our word scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine. In other words, it is not a straight path. The second word is also translated as crooked but actually means to pervert or turn from the truth. It disregards and does injustice to God’s holy way. Because we have the presence of Jesus, through His Spirit dwelling within us, we have a dynamic power to transform us out of this crooked and perverted culture. Because we will be so unique in the way we think, speak, and act, we will brightly shine just as stars do in the night sky. Because Jesus is living and breathing within us, we shine forth His holy and loving nature beckoning others to come join us.    

Relate it to your life.
Because of Jesus in me, I will shine forth His glorious nature.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself and ask that Your Spirit continue to transform me and make me like You in every possible way. Amen.

July 24-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:16, 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.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul continues his thought that we are to shine forth the nature and character of Christ in a dark world. We do so as we hold on tightly to the word of life, to God’s holy word, as have preserved in Scripture. We cannot be a potent witness for Christ without knowing and practicing the word which reveals the will and way of God. As culture changes, as we get older, we cannot let go of our “first love” as John speaks about in Revelation. Paul says we can guard against this as we hold firmly to Christ’s teaching. Hold on tightly as you would on a fast roller coaster with all of its sharp turns. Unfortunately, there are many who let life’s experiences and the influence of others loosen their grip on the truth and eventually fall away from the faith. If we want to persevere to the end, we must be diligent and focused. We need to know the enemy is at work tempting us to weaken our grip so that we will fall prey to him. Paul tells the Philippians that if they hold on then his ministry among them will not have been for nothing. He has invested much in them and understands that they must persist to the end for his ministry to have been effective and their eternal salvation to be secured.    

Relate it to your life.
My salvation is a gift that is to be held on to tightly so that I can finish the race having kept the faith.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me focused on Your word that gives life so that I will persevere in the truth and enjoy the eternal blessings that You so generously offer. Amen.  

July 25-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 2:17-18, 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. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul makes reference to the Old Testament daily sacrifices. As daily morning and evening sacrifices at the sanctuary were accompanied by drink offerings, Paul has in mind here how his own suffering and possible death join with the sacrificial suffering and giving of the Philippians to make a sacrifice pleasing to God. Because his captivity may result in his martyrdom, he characterizes his life as being “poured out.” Paul has already set out his reasons for rejoicing in chapter 1, and nothing—not even his “chains” and his suffering can rob him of his joy in Christ. Paul is giving the Philippians a model to follow. Because he can have joy in the worst imaginable circumstances so can they in their suffering. Paul reveals that living at the deepest spiritual level does not allow our joy to be taken away when we suffer for following Jesus. Paul wrote a similar message to the Thessalonian Christians, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7) Paul revealed that this joy-filled attitude in the midst of suffering is from the Holy Spirit. This remarkable attitude is spiritually imparted when we fully surrender our lives into the hands of Christ.    

Relate it to your life.
I have some serious surrendering to do to get to this kind of spiritual joy in suffering.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself under Your loving leadership so that I can maintain joy at all times. Amen.

July 13-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT), Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Observe what it is saying.
After two weeks of Pre-K, the 5-year-old came home with a big compliment. Nick told his grandmother that he was the smartest kid in the class. With a deep sense of pride, his grandmother asked him if that’s what his teacher said. Nick replied, “No grandma, I had to tell her.” Learning humility is not easy. The Apostle Paul had to learn it the hard way as a young man who climbed the religious ladder of success. He was proud of his heritage but that pride made him self-righteous and prevented him from seeing Jesus as the Messiah in his earlier years. In fact, when he was on his way to a neighboring country to persecute the church, Jesus stopped him in his tracks with a blinding light. For 3 days, others had to lead and feed him. He hit bottom. He was helpless. And it was enough to get his attention. He spent the rest of his life promoting Jesus’ agenda instead of his own. He would later write on three different occasions: I am the least of the apostles. (1 Corinthians 15:9) I am the very least of all the saints. (Ephesians 3:8) I am the foremost of sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul’s attitude toward himself and others had changed drastically after his life-changing encounter with Jesus. He was no longer first. He considered himself to be last. This is why he writes this passage of Scripture that we will look at this week.

Relate it to your life.
Do I tell others how great I am or do I recognize my greatness is found in Jesus?  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to know my worth without advancing my own cause. Amen.  

July 14-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT), Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Observe what it is saying.
If we are true followers of Jesus, then we have many benefits working for us. We have encouragement. We have comfort from His love and connection with one another. We have tender and compassionate hearts. Paul says it that’s true for us, then we make him happy by being united together in love and purpose. In Philippi because there were many diverse cultures merged together, there were many opportunities for differences of opinion. In the midst of their diversity, Paul wanted to be assured that they put forth a united witness demonstrating the love of Christ to their community. A conflicted church loses its witness and power. Paul gave a picture that a united witness will not be filled with pride or selfishness. Instead, it will be known for its humility where we do not live to impress but think of others as better than ourselves. We will not be caught up in our little world where we neglect the needs of those around us.  

Relate it to your life.
I am most like Jesus when I act humbly by putting the concerns of others ahead of my own.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do I dare pray for humility? Give me a willing spirit to walk humbly and put others first. Amen.

July 15-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT), Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Observe what it is saying.
Pat Riley coached the Los Angeles Lakers when Magic Johnson played for them. Riley said when Magic was in junior high, his basketball talent was obvious. He was so much better than all the other players. He would score 50 points while the rest of the team would score 5. They won every game. The other players were unhappy because they didn’t get a chance to shoot very often. So, Magic decided he would pass the ball to make others look good. Magic played only two years in college before joining the Lakers. They had several superstars, but they weren’t winning because they played selfishly. Riley said that Magic became the catalyst to make the other players look good. He went to Byron Scott and said, “I’m going to make you the #1 scorer on this team. I’m going to pass the ball to you, and you’re going to score.” And Byron Scott did. He went to James Worthy and asked, “Why haven’t you ever made the All-Star team? I’m going to make you an All-Star.” Magic started passing the ball to Worthy and next thing you know he was on the All-Star team. scored the most points in the history of the NBA. Before Kareem Abdul Jabbar broke the all-time scoring record, Johnson said to him, “I want to be the guy who passes you the ball when you make the record-breaking basket.” Riley said, “On that night, when it was about time for Jabbar to score the basket, Magic got off the bench, put himself into the game, dribbled down the floor, passed the ball to Jabbar, the ball went in, and the new record was set.” Riley said, “If you look at the video, you’ll see Magic leaping into Jabbar’s arms. And if you look closely, you’ll see tears streaming down his cheeks.” Riley said, “Magic is the most unselfish basketball player I’ve ever seen.”

Relate it to your life.
May it be said about me, “________ is the most unselfish Christian I’ve ever seen.”

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I need help to become unselfish as You were. Help me to be more generous. Amen.  

July 16-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT), Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Observe what it is saying.
From yesterday, I don’t know about Magic’s lifestyle off the court, but on the court, he was unselfish as he looked out for the interests of his teammates by continually passing the ball. We pulled some home videotapes out recently and one of them included our youngest son playing basketball when he was 6. He was a good little dribbler and shooter for his age. Every time he got the ball, he would quickly dribble down the court and shoot. It often went in but not every time. However, there was one thing I never saw him do. He never passed the ball! He was young. He didn’t understand the importance of teamwork. Jesus did. The Son of God kept passing the ball as he lived a life of complete humility. He healed. He served. He washed feet. He passed the ball so others might win. When have that same mindset, our prayer will be, “Jesus, help me place this person above myself so that I can draw them to you.” It is quite natural to put ourselves first so we might win, but what comes most unnaturally is playing so others enjoy the win. Passing the ball is the path to humility. It was Jesus’ way of playing. May it be ours as well.

Relate it to your life.
I choose the mindset to find ways to pass the ball so others can participate and enjoy the game.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me place others above myself so that I can draw them to You. Amen.

July 17-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT), You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Observe what it is saying.
Jesus beautifully modeled the unselfish mindset we are to employ. In this passage, we are given a clear statement that Jesus was God, but He did not rely on that full authority on earth. He chose to give up the glory and privilege that is associated with being God. He chose to let go of the full power of His divinity to become fully human. He left His heavenly throne to descend to the lowest earthly position. He became a slave. Think about that. The Son of God chose to identify with a lowly servant. How a great a descent it was to become a helpless infant dependent on human parenting. God put Himself into human hands to be cared for. He knew what we are like and yet He abandoned His eternal throne to enter into our broken world. In a certain way, God is still doing that. He puts His nature, His resources, His message, and His mission into our hands. How are we treating God and all that He has given us? Jesus’ ultimate humility was seen in his obedience to fulfill his Father’s plan and to lay down His life for our redemption. Humility’s ultimate destination is total obedience. Humility is tested every time we are tempted to stop short of full surrender to the will of God. Jesus passed the test. How are we doing? As Jesus placed His life into humanity’s hands, do I trust Him to put my life into His hands?

Relate it to your life.
I know I have Jesus’ mindset when I have surrendered myself to completely obey the Father’s will.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender all, all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. Amen.  

July 18-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 2:9-11, Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Observe what it is saying.
Because Jesus was obedient by humbly following the divine plan all the way to the cross, He was elevated back to His highest place of honor and glory. He has the very name of God. He is Yahweh. He is Lord. There is no higher name. He is God through and through. That’s why the very name of Jesus will one day cause everyone to bow down who has not already done so and confess that Jesus is nothing less than Yahweh Himself. This will bring ultimate glory to the Father. As Jesus did, our responsibility is to live unselfishly and obediently to the very end for the very purpose of bringing glory to the Father. When we do our part by humbling ourselves and surrendering ourselves in complete obedience to the will of God, then we can trust that at the right time, God will do His part and elevate us to the place that He has prepared for us. It may be a place in this life, but for certain, it will be our eternal home in the next. Whatever it is and whenever it is, we trust God is faithful and full of grace to place us where He has chosen. Our part is to focus on being obedient, and we can leave the rest to the Lord.

Relate it to your life.
I do not have to worry about outcomes when I choose to bow before Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I choose to bow and confess You as Lord before it is too late when all will do so in sight of Your awesome glory. Amen.