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.  

Our mission focus for the month of August is the Home For Your Heart School Playground Project!

We are so thankful for your incredible generosity! Because of your support, our Rummage Sale raised over $16,000 toward a new playground for the Home For Your Heart School at our Chapel Campus. What a start!

While we've made great progress, that's just a little over half of what we need to purchase the new playset. Throughout the month of August, we're inviting our church family to help us reach the finish line. Every gift, big or small, will help create a safe, fun place where children from Blue Grass, HFYH School and the community can play, grow, and make lasting memories. Thank you for helping us invest in the lives of kids!

You may place a donation in the mission baskets located at the back of the Worship Center at our Main Campus or you may donate HERE.

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.  

July 6-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NLT), And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul doesn’t moan or complain about his circumstances. Instead, he is happy to report that the gospel is advancing in spite of his chains. There are two great outcomes. First, everyone knows why he is being guarded. His indictment is connected with believing and serving Jesus. The news has reached the palace guard which were a group of handpicked soldiers originally commissioned by Caesar Augustus. Paul was able to proclaim the gospel in Rome from inside prison walls. Instead of falling into self-pity, he took every opportunity to make the gospel known. The second way the gospel had advanced was Paul's imprisonment had emboldened other Christians in Rome to courageously share Jesus. Instead of being filled with fear, they found courage in Paul's example. Paul was chained, but the gospel wasn’t. The word was getting out. Throughout history, persecution has been used by God to spread the message and deepen faith. Paul’s difficult circumstances became his opportunity to witness. One of our church members was at a rehab facility recovering from a broken bone. She asked a medical tech if he knew Jesus. He said he did. She invited another person to join her Bible Study that met in her home. She was there less than two weeks and was sharing Jesus with everyone. Paul would be proud.

Relate it to your life.
Do I look at my difficult circumstances as an opportunity to share Jesus with others?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of opportunities and give me courage to share You with others. Amen.  

July 7-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV2011), It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Observe what it is saying.
Some rival preachers were envious of Paul and driven by their own selfish ambition. They thought they could slander Paul and gain a larger following for themselves. But there were other preachers who loved Paul. They understood that Paul’s circumstances were part of a larger divine plan. It wasn’t by chance, but by God's sovereignty he was where he was. In ways he could have never foreseen or orchestrated, God accomplished within the short span of 30 years the spreading of the gospel from obscure Judea to the center of the Roman Empire. Paul must have looked with a sense of awe at his situation as he confidently said, "I am put here." God was in this. God was with him. God was at work. Many faithful followers understood this and took their stand with him. The surprising point that Paul made about these two types of preachers is that motive doesn’t matter. Paul said even if some preachers don’t like him and are causing him trouble, he’s going to choose joy because the gospel is still being preached.

Relate it to your life.
Do I dare choose joy where “I am put” right now because I know God is with me and is using me?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You can take my situation and use it for good and for Your glory. Amen.

July 8-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:19-25 (NLT), For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s joy increased because he knew through the Philippians’ prayers the Spirit of Jesus was helping him. He was confident that he was going to be delivered and would never be ashamed because he will be bold for Christ. The result will be that his life will bring honor to Jesus, whether he lives or dies. Deliverance is the same word for salvation. His salvation is in Christ whether he lives or dies. He can be so confident in his deliverance because he is already living it. When he comes to trial and the verdict is read, there is the possibility he will be set free and will have more fruitful service for Christ. But if he is sentenced to death, he is comforted because it is a life sentence in Jesus’ presence. As he had already explained to the Corinthians, to be absent from the body is to be immediately present with the Lord. As soon as we die, we are with Christ until His coming and the final resurrection when we will enjoy our new bodies which come with a never-ending warranty. If Paul could choose, he would choose to go hang out with Jesus. But he says he is torn. He wants to be with Jesus, but he also knows it’s better for the Philippians if he sticks around to encourage them in the joy of their faith. Paul believed he would be released so that he could help them grow in Jesus, but he believed he would win either way.

Relate it to your life.
I want to stay and serve as long as possible, but I also look forward to my fantastic future!

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for delivering me by Your saving grace so that I win both here and there. Amen.  

July 9-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:19-25 (Same Scripture from yesterday)

Observe what it is saying.
Professional golfer Paul Azinger was diagnosed with cancer at 33. He had just won a PGA championship. He wrote, "A genuine feeling of fear came over me. I could die from cancer. Then another reality hit me even harder. I’m going to die eventually anyway, whether from cancer or something else. It’s just a question of when.” Before, Azinger lived for golf. Now all he wanted to do was live! One day, Azinger remembered what he once heard in a Bible study. “We’re not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying. We’re in the land of the dying trying to get to the land of the living." That led him to have hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Azinger recovered from chemotherapy and returned to the PGA tour. He later wrote, “I’ve learned that happiness is only temporary. The only way to true contentment is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ…” Jesus was the answer of peace and joy in the midst of the threat of death for both the golfer Paul and the Apostle Paul.

Relate it to your life.
There is only one ultimate source for joy in the midst of life and death.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope I have that leads to peace and joy when I face my mortality. Amen.

July 10-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:27-30, Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul spoke from his own experience. He was in prison, he was being slandered by other preachers, he was waiting to see if he was going to live or die. Whatever happened, Paul conducted himself worthy of the gospel. Whatever happened, he stood firm in his faith. So, he admonished them to do the same. Just as Paul had, they experienced opposition from their metropolitan city. Their values didn’t fit the pagan mindset and lifestyle. So, Paul encouraged them to stick together as a united front in the midst of opposition because they, like Paul, would be delivered. They already were. Paul gave them some news we would rather not hear. It has been granted that we are not only to believe on Jesus but to suffer on behalf of Christ. It should not be a surprise since Christian values clash with earthly values. There will be some form of conflict and suffering for everyone throughout their lives for various reasons, but believers must add opposition to their faith to the mix. So, in the midst of life’s difficult circumstances, we need to develop “Paul’s whatever” attitude. Whatever happens, I am sticking with Jesus. I am sticking with the fellowship of believers. I am confident I will be delivered one way or another.

Relate it to your life.
In living a “whatever attitude,” I choose to remain steady and faithful to my Lord Jesus.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me not only say this but live this when times become really difficult. Amen.

July 11-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Observe what it is saying.
Habakkuk had the same “whatever” happens attitude that he would find joy in God. A young African pastor who was martyred said, “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of his and I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until he comes.”

Relate it to your life.
When I am in the middle of a “whatever” happens situation, will I choose joy in Jesus?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, in “whatever” happens, give me such spiritual strength to stay faithful and fruitful. Amen.  

June 29-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:3-5, 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,

Observe what it is saying.
Paul’s heart was full of thanksgiving for the way in which the Philippians had become his partners in the gospel. The amazing thing is that Paul had spent only a short amount of time at Philippi, yet he had developed some of the closest friendships in his ministry. The word in the original language for partnership is koinonia. It’s a rich term that expresses fellowship in the life of Christ and the sharing of a common faith. In other words, Paul paints a picture of a closeknit friendship among believers. He believed that they were with him even when they weren’t together because they demonstrated in tangible ways that they shared in the work of the gospel. As we will find out later, that tangible support included their prayers, sending a representative and an offering to support his ministry. Paul was totally dependent on the generosity of others so that he could survive the hardships of prison life. These Christians had stepped up in a huge way to offer their loving care and support on several different occasions. Paul told them that his prayers of thanksgiving were filled with great joy. Whenever they would come to mind, it would trigger a feeling of happiness and a prayer of thanksgiving. How thankful are you for your friendships? Do you offer a prayer of thanks with joy whenever they come to mind?

Relate it to your life.
Who can I tell today that I am thankful for their friendship and that they bring me great joy?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for ____________ and their friendship to me. Amen.  

June 30-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:6, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul said he was confident that God who began a good work in them would bring it to completion. The good work that God began was bringing the life-changing gospel and their whole-hearted response to it. He reminded them that there was far more than just a beginning to their faith. It would carry them throughout their lives until the day of Christ’s return when their faith would then become complete. Paul wanted them to know they weren’t left on their own to defend for themselves. Even though Paul wasn’t there, God was with them through His Spirit to assure and strengthen them in their faith and life to the very end. As we’ll soon discover, Paul’s Philippian friends were going through some of the same trials he did when he was there, so they desperately needed to know that in all things, God was near and working for good. Paul wanted to encourage and spur them on with the assurance they would finish their faith in the midst of these great challenges. Throughout our lives, we all can use encouraging words in the midst of our difficulties. Is there someone in your world who needs to be reminded that God is at work in their lives, that God is working for good, that God loves them and so do you?

Relate it to your life.
Who can I encourage today with these words?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me an encouraging presence and voice for Your kingdom each and every day. Amen.

July 1-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:7-8, 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. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Observe what it is saying.
It was uncommon in Paul’s world to speak of such warm-hearted affection for others. Paul says he has them in his heart. He feels deeply for them and openly communicates that love to them. He says God is his witness how much he longs for them with the affection of Jesus. Just as he experienced and knows the love of Jesus for him so he loves them in the same way. He longs to be with them again. He had also experienced loving support from them in multiple ways over the ten years since he had first appeared on their riverbank. He said that whether he was in prison or presenting the gospel they had been sharing in God’s grace with him. When we have truly experienced God’s grace, we cannot help but share that grace with others. When loving actions are being freely exchanged, that’s when the church community is living out its best possible fellowship. In the family of faith, it is not enough to tolerate one another. In true Christian community, we miss each other when they are absent. We delight in one another when they are present. We yearn to be together enjoying and exchanging the same love Jesus has for us.

Relate it to your life.
How am I personally participating in the mutual exchange of grace in the church?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for showering me with Your grace over and over again. Help me to generously share that same grace with others over and over again. Amen.

July 2-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:7-8, 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. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Observe what it is saying.
Lucian wasn’t a believer. He lived around AD 180, and was jealous of the friendships that the Christians had in his day. He wrote, “It is incredible to see the fervor with which the people of that religion help each other in their wants. They spare nothing. Their first legislator [Jesus] has put it in their heads that they are brothers.” That’s what Christian friendships looked like to an outsider. Do we have the same witness in our community as a loving, caring, giving, serving community of friends? Jesus said it this way, John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” It’s not by our perfection, but by our loving actions that make our witness shine. C. S. Lewis wrote the same in Mere Christianity: "Do not waste your time bothering whether you ’love’ your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less. This action-oriented kind of love is what Paul and the Philippians shared with one another. It’s what made them such great friends.

Relate it to your life.
What action will I take to show my love to a friend today?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for this amazing family of friends called the church. We are at our best when we generously display Your love to one another. May Your Holy Spirit create in us what the first Christians had that was such a powerful witness to the larger community. Amen.

July 3-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:9-11, And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul has already told them that he gives thanks in prayer for them. Now he tells them specifically what he asks God to do for them. This is a prayer for their spiritual progress. It’s a prayer that builds on itself. 
Love may abound
  In knowledge and wisdom
    To discern what is best  
       In living holy lives for Christ’s return.
          Filled with Jesus’ fruit of righteousness
  For the glory of God. 
This abounding love would increase in their friendship towards God, one another, Paul, and those who are in need of the gospel. It’s much deeper and richer than an emotional love. It’s a love based on spiritual knowledge found in God’s word which gives direction for us to love what God loves. And the purpose of such knowledge is so that we’ll have wisdom. Wisdom is the practical application of our spiritual knowledge so that we will discern between right and wrong and make the best possible decisions. We not only ask is it harmful, but is it helpful? We not only ask is it evil, but what good will it produce? We not only ask is it sinful, but what is my inner life revealing to me at this time?

Relate it to your life.
I must live to do more than avoid evil but to fully embrace the total impact of Christ’s love in my life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I pray this prayer to be a deep work among all who follow after You. Amen.  

July 4-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 1:9-11, And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Observe what it is saying.
The prayer reveals a twofold purpose. First, it is meant for us to live holy lives in preparation for Christ’s return. The very fact Paul prays indicates it requires the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit for us to be able live out the character of Jesus and bear His fruit. The second and ultimate purpose of living a fruitful life is so God will be given the glory and praise in all things. This is a profound prayer to offer for our friends that we dearly love. What if we not only prayed it in our personal prayer time, but prayed it over them in person, over the phone, or even in a text or email? You can personalize it, so they know you’re praying the prayer just for them. Would it not be a great image of the friendship and fellowship of the church to having clusters of people praying this over each other? If we want to elevate our friendships, Paul models that we offer thanks, encouragement, love, and prayers for each other.

Relate it to your life.
Deep growing friendships make it a habit to pray deeply for one another

Do something.
Lord Jesus, today, I pray this prayer for ______________. Amen.  

June 22-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:7-9, When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Observe what it is saying.
If you would like to journey into greater joy by elevating your attitude, then this next devotional series is for you. We will travel through Philippians, but first, some background information. The Apostle Paul traveled to Philippi on his second missionary journey. According to Acts 16, Paul tried to go a different way, but the Holy Spirit prevented him from going the direction he wanted to go. Have you ever found yourself there? You think you know best. You try to go a certain way, do a certain thing, and barriers are set up. The real challenge is to determine if the blockades are from God or from Satan. It’s difficult to know whether we should persevere through the barriers or should stop and wait on the Lord’s leading. There’s no quick and easy solution. It’s all about deepening our relationship with the Lord over time so that we understand His heartbeat, learn His voice, and discern His will. It is like best friends who grow close over the years knowing each other’s heart and finish each other’s sentences. We’re not told what the Spirit did to keep Paul from going the direction he wanted, but we’re told what got him moving in the direction God wanted. He had a vision of a man calling for him to come to Macedonia to help them. So, Paul understood this was God’s doing and went to Macedonia and entered the city of Philippi,

Relate it to your life.
I can expect God to lead me where to go and where not to go if I am spiritually in tune with His voice.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, make me a good listener and obedient follower to Your Spirit’s voice and leadership. Amen.  

June 23-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:13-15, On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Observe what it is saying.
Continuing with background information, we find Philippi was located along the main highway that led from Asia to the west. It was a leading Roman colony where many Roman soldiers had been placed to live so that Roman influence could spread throughout the area. This was Paul’s first major European city where he did missionary work. Soon after arriving, he joined a group of female worshipers who met for prayer by the river. There was no Jewish synagogue in town. It took at least 10 Jewish believers to have a synagogue so that tells us that there was little formal Jewish influence. At the river, there was a woman named Lydia who was a Gentile who believed in the Jewish God. So, Paul joined them and took the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus with them. God opened her heart, and she became a believer and was baptized and so was her household. She opened her home to Paul and his traveling companions. She was among the first converts to Christ in Europe and led her family to Christ.

Relate it to your life.
Like Lydia, would I have responded to the gospel and shared my faith with my family? Am I today?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to see my first mission field is my own family. Make me a positive witness. Amen.

June 24-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 16:16-18, Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

Observe what it is saying.
The background info for Philippians continues. Paul cast out from a slave girl an evil spirit of fortune-telling which was bringing a huge profit for her owners. Scripture is clear that fortune telling, tarot card readers, horoscopes, and other astrological practices are of the Enemy. If we avail ourselves to such, we’re opening the door for evil to enter into our lives. Paul set the girl free in the name of Jesus, but it put him in prison. The wealthy owners weren’t happy about losing their source of income. So Paul and Silas were arrested on false charges. They were whipped and put in stocks. That night they were praying and singing in prison when an earthquake hit, the doors flew open, but no prisoner escaped. The jailer thought they had and was going to take his own life, but Paul told him not to do so. He and his family became believers and were baptized. The jailer took care of Paul’s wounds and brought them to his home providing a meal. The jailer was overjoyed that he and his family had come to believe in God.

Relate it to your life.
What have I had to sacrifice to bring the joy of salvation to others?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me passion and courage to boldly bring Christ into my world. Amen.

June 25-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 (NLT), You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.

Observe what it is saying.
As we continue to look at background information, Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about his difficult experience at Philippi. His time there left quite a painful memory. One would think, he would not have much good to say about that place or would ever want to go back, but it did not stop or distract him from his mission. He would return there again. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is the most positive and personal of all the letters he would write. One of the letter’s purposes was to offer his profound thanks for their generosity while he was in prison waiting for his case to be heard. Unlike our prison system, they weren’t provided with food. They had to rely on the goodness of family and friends to care for their basic needs. The Philippians demonstrated their love for the Lord by showing such care and concern for Paul. So, as we will find, this is a very encouraging letter. It is like a letter you might write to your best friend trying to elevate them to a new level of thinking, believing, and living. You have such love for them that you want them to experience the very best possible life in Christ in this world.  

Relate it to your life.
My faith in Christ should lead to my profound love for others expressed in goodness and generosity.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming generosity of grace to forgive every sin I have ever committed. Motivate and move me to demonstrate that same goodness to those who are in need. Amen.

June 26-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 1:1-2, Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
We often read quickly through these introductory words because we do not think there is much value to glean. This salutation was a common writing style that was used in Paul’s contemporary world. It begins with the sender’s names, the recipients, and the greeting. Paul and Timothy weren’t coauthors but Paul included him. Timothy was a well-known leader who helped start and pastor some of the churches that Paul started, including Philippi. Timothy is now with Paul where he was in prison. We have heard about Paul’s dramatic call to Christ as he was on his way to persecute the followers of Christ, but Timothy’s coming to faith seems to be much quieter. Paul wrote to Timothy these words when he was pastoring at Ephesus, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” [2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)] Timothy caught the faith that his mother and grandmother lived before him. Parents and grandparents, please do not underestimate that you are the most significant faith influencers for your children. Children and youth ministries are all vital support pieces, but your influence outweighs everything we can do in an hour or two a week many times over. Paul considered Timothy his spiritual son. It’s interesting that nothing is mentioned about his father’s faith, so Paul spiritually adopted Timothy and included him as a co-sender of the letter.

Relate it to your life.
I must never under-value or under-estimate my spiritual influence on the next generation.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, give me wisdom and emotional intelligence to demonstrate the gospel to my kids and grandkids and to all who are watching me. Amen.  

June 27-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.  
Philippians 1:1-2, Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
Paul identified themselves as servants of Christ Jesus. The word literally means a slave. Paul was once very successful in his Jewish leadership, but once Jesus turned his life upside down, he had a huge role reversal. He was not ashamed of calling himself a slave, a very derogatory title in any culture. When Jesus takes over, the greatest title we can bear is servant of the King. Paul spoke of the Philippians as God’s holy people in Christ Jesus. In other words, they are saints. We often reject this title because we do not feel we are worthy, and, it is true, we are not. However, that is the very point of the gospel. This title is given, not because of our perfect performance but because of Christ’s perfect performance on our behalf. We are holy as He is holy. Our status is His status. This is what we must believe about ourselves because anything less robs the gospel of its tremendous value. As the holy saints of God, we have been set apart for God’s glorious purposes. This is something to actively believe and adoringly behold.  

Relate it to your life.
If I am going to bring glory to God and fulfill His purposes, then I need to fully claim my identity as a saint.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I am humbled and honored that I am a saint because of what You have done for me. Amen.  

June 15-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 6:13, Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I defeated in any part of my life?
Defeat comes in many forms. We can experience it emotionally, mentally, physically, vocationally, financially, relationally, and spiritually. We might wonder, if Christ is living in me, why I am experiencing defeat in any part of my life? There are many reasons of which we do not have the space to delve into. However, our Scripture gives us a general answer that should be the starting point to experience overall victory in our lives. First, we are to offer ourselves to God. Through Jesus Christ, we are able to stand before God going from spiritual death to spiritual life. We are given Holy Spirit power making us into brand new people. Second, we are to offer every part of our being as instruments of righteousness. If we are defeated in any area of our lives, then it would seem to indicate that portion of our life is not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts, emotions, decisions, actions, relationships, work, hobbies, spare time, finances, and conversations are to be instruments for God’s glory. To experience victory in life requires the full surrender of our total selves, including every part, into the hands of our loving Lord.  

Relate it to your life.
I can expect spiritual victory when I surrender myself under Jesus’ full authority.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, today, I give myself and any area of my life where I feel defeated to You. Amen.  
June 16-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
Wesley probes deep into our souls wanting to us to discern if we are living by Holy Spirit or by our own spirit. He is describing those thoughts and attitudes that reveal how much of the world is still in us. They are the result of being too earthly minded. If we are in a constant battle with one or several of these, then it reveals that not all is well with our soul. There is still work to be done. Even though we have been redeemed, we are still immature in our faith journey. This is true for all of us when we get started. As we grow chronologically from infants to childhood to adolescence to adulthood, we require different nutrition to match our maturity, so we need the same for our spiritual lives. These thoughts and attitudes will become less controlling as we make spiritual progress. As we consciously confess these areas needing special attention to Christ and submit ourselves to His Lordship, the Holy Spirit becomes more influential in our lives transforming us into the new creation we are promised to become.

Relate it to your life.
Whenever I notice any of these thoughts and attitudes begin to emerge, I know that something is going on deep in my spirit that needs special attention.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I surrender myself and all of my attitudes to Your cleansing grace. Amen.

June 17-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 13:11-12, And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: How do I spend my spare time?
Wesley addressed our use of money earlier, now, he addresses our use of time. As we are called to be good stewards of the wealth that God has entrusted to us, so are we to be good stewards of the time we have been given. When we comprehend just how brief life is, then we are awakened to the precious commodity of time. We cannot buy back lost time. We cannot go back and undo what we have or have not done with our spare time. We need to use our time as though the Day is almost here. The Day of the Lord’s return. The Day of our own death. The Day of the final reckoning. When we recognize the end is in sight, that helps clarify the vision of how we should live. We no longer want to waste time on trivial matters but spend all the more time on that which is of utmost importance. We want to be found faithfully enjoying and serving the Lord, spending quality time with our family and loved ones, and participating in activities that are healthy and helpful for our overall wellbeing. We become pickier in what we choose to do because we understand we have only such limited time to enjoy, so we want to use it wisely for the benefit of others all to the glory of God.    

Relate it to your life.
How I spend my disposable time reflects the quality of my spiritual life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me wisdom in my time management so I steward it as a blessing to You. Amen.

June 18-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Luke 18:10-12, “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I proud? Do I thank God that I am not like other people?
Wesley understood that pride can easily enter into our spiritual life and practices. Instead, of humbly coming before the Lord in worship and prayer, the Pharisee looked around at everyone else and proudly proclaimed his superior position of piety. This is the seduction of self-righteousness to elevate ourselves based upon performance and comparison to others. This proud way was the message that the Pharisees lived and taught others. It was a heavy and burdensome life to try to outdo one another in climbing the self-righteous ladder of success. Jesus revealed that He came to set us free from such a performance trap. In this story, He went on to tell how we all should see ourselves in worshiping our holy God, “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” Jesus then said this man went home justified before God because all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Relate it to your life.
To be found to be righteous before God in worship, I have nothing to offer but my sin and brokenness.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

June 19-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. James 5:8-9, You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Is there anyone who I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment towards, or disregard? Do I grumble or complain constantly?
There’s a lot to consider in these two questions! They speak of the quality of our relationships with God and one another. They reflect how we are doing spiritually as we go about daily life, interacting with people and with the challenges that life itself brings. Wesley’s asking if “there is anyone who we…,” he indicates having one such person in our life is not healthy for our spiritual wellbeing. To feel any such ill towards anyone means we have not done the interior work that needs to be done to forgive them for any harm they have done to us. This comprehensive list causes us to pause to take careful inventory of all our relationships past and present to consider if this true for any of them. If so, why is it? What do we need to do to rectify it and have a positive attitude towards them? In the same way, we need to be honest and consider if we are grumbling and complaining often about someone or something in our lives. This also reveals an unhealthy spiritual interior of discontentment that needs to be investigated and corrected. The Lord is willing to help us if we will be honest, confess, and ask for His strength to do so.

Relate it to your life.
I need to take regular inventory to see where there is a broken relationship or growing discontentment.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to do the necessary work to bring healing to my soul. Amen.  

June 20-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.  
John 17:3, Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Is Christ real to me?
This is Wesley’s last and best question of all. Do not rush too quickly past this one. Let it sink in. if the answer is no, then confess Your sin, ask Him to enter into Your life, and fill you with His Spirit. If the answer is yes, in what ways is He real to you? Do you have the assurance that your sins are forgiven, that you have entered into eternal life, that you have a certain hope about your future? Is it your driving desire to please Jesus every moment of your life? Do you speak often with Him? Do you enjoy reflecting on what He has written? Do you desire more of Him? Do you desire all of Him? In Jesus’ prayer on the night before His crucifixion, He defined the quality of eternal life as knowing both Father and Son. This knowledge is more than an intellectual pursuit, but a pursuit of the heart. It is to be an all-in experience of participating in the dynamic relationship of the Father and Son’s love through the Holy Spirit.  

Relate it to your life.
Christ is as real to me as I learn to practice His presence in my life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by putting my trust in You as Lord and Savior, You have become real to me. However, I want more. I want all that I can have. I want to enter into the deepest knowledge possible. I want to experience all of You every day. I give myself fully to You. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your holy love. Amen.

June 8-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I enjoying prayer?
I think it is very telling that Wesley did not ask if we are praying or how much time we spend each day in prayer. Wesley understood the deeper connection that is available in prayer. It is not just a practice to use when we are in trouble or have a need that we cannot answer on our own. He is getting at the attitude behind the practice of prayer. Is it merely dutiful or joyful? Do we understand that prayer is our God-given way to enter into a conversation with the Lord who created all, is above all, and rules over all? To fully grasp the nature of this gift should motivate us to do as the psalm says, “take delight in the Lord.” The Lord is for us, not against us. He wants our best more than we want our best. He has powerfully demonstrated His extravagant love by sending His Son so that we might have the richest life possible. If it is not already true for us, what needs to happen for us to discover prayer as a joy-filled conversation with the Lord of lords and King of kings? Maybe, it comes down to the nature of our relationship with God. Because prayer is so intimately linked to a growing connection with Christ, to ask if we enjoy prayer is nothing less than asking if we are enjoying Jesus. If we know who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised us, then we cannot help but delight in the Lord and relish our time in prayer.  

Relate it to your life.
The attitude of my prayer life is a direct reflection of the quality of my relationship with Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, because of who You are, I want to enjoy every moment I am able with You. Amen.  

June 9-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: “When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?”
This question cuts to the chase. There is no dancing around this piercing request for a date and time! What is our answer? Are you happy because you have done so recently? Are you sad because it has been a while, or you cannot remember when the last time was that you did so? When we become Christ followers, we are given His Spirit who promises to empower us to be witnesses. The promise is that we will be a witness. Are we hindering the Holy Spirit from using us or does the Holy Spirit have full reign to use our mouths at any time He sees fit to share the good news we have encountered in Jesus? The truth is that our actions and our mouths are a witness for something. The question we must honestly answer is what we are being a witness about: our work, our activities, our kids, our grandkids, our hobbies, our gym time, or our Lord? How can we become more comfortable in speaking to others about Jesus? Peter gives us two preparations in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” 1. Worship Christ as Lord in your heart.  2. Prepare an answer ahead of time so you will be ready to go when the opportunity affords itself. When we do this, we will find increasing opportunities to speak our faith.    

Relate it to your life.
If I take my faith seriously, I understand I have no excuse not to be a vocal witness for my Lord.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me overcome my fear and courageously offer a kind word about You to others. Amen.

June 10-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
1 Chronicles, 29:14, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I pray about the money I spend?
This question conveys the idea that what we do with money is a spiritual issue. Like any other important decision we make, the choices we make in our expenditures have soul implications. Spending is a matter of stewardship. Are we careful to use what God has entrusted to us for the very best purposes? King David understood and clearly articulated this foundational principle of stewardship as he talked about the tremendous joy of giving to build the temple. As he did, we should recognize God as the owner of all things, and we are His workers. Just as financial advisors must be accountable to those whose wealth they invest, so we must see ourselves in the same light with the wealth God has entrusted to us. We desire to seek His counsel in how He wants His resources to be distributed because we know they are not ours. The intent is not to pray asking God to bless a decision already made, but to pray in order to seek His will in purchasing things beyond our ordinary needs. Are we proactive when we need to make a major purchase to ask God to lead and give us peace in making the best possible buy? Ultimately, we know God’s heart is for us to be generous with His funds in supporting the church and other worthy causes. Wesley famously said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, so that you can give all you can.”

Relate it to your life.
My spending habits reflect the quality of my spiritual life just as any other spiritual practice might do.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me wisdom in all my spending. I want my stewardship to be a blessing to You. Amen.

June 11-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 3:5, I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
Wesley challenges us to examine several areas of our lives, even our sleep patterns. He was known to practice disciplined sleep habits as his journals and letters confirm a consistent pattern. He typically rose at 4:00 a.m. and encouraged others to avoid late nights. He wrote, “Be sure to rise early… do not indulge yourself in sleeping too long.” He understood the spiritual value of orderly sleep was to provide the best spiritual and physical wellbeing to accomplish the work of the Lord. Too much or too little sleep was not healthy in accomplishing what God desired for His creation. We are to be good stewards of, not only, our money but our bodies so that we can make the most of the life that we have been given. Sleep is a gift that is to be cherished but not abused. God ordered our world for rest and renewal as well as work and productivity. Studies have shown that we can accomplish more when we have the appropriate rest. In fact, at times, taking a nap may be the most spiritual thing we can do to help our bodies recover. We sleep much better when we have confidence that the Lord is always at work sustaining our lives.  

Relate it to your life.
Since, rest was built into the order of creation, I need to make sure I follow God’s given pattern for my well-being.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your daily provisions so that I can sleep well each night. Amen.

June 12-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 28:19-20, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I disobey God in anything?
This question speaks of the present. Is there anything in my life that is contrary to Jesus’ instruction for how a Christian is to live? It seems to speak of that where we have an ongoing sin that has not been confessed and repented of. Many are confused that the grace of God does not require obedience to the word of Christ. Yet, Jesus said there are two parts to making disciples. They are to be baptized into the faith as the profess their allegiance to Jesus. They are also to be taught to obey everything that Jesus commanded them. God’s grace sets us free from our sin and makes us accountable to be obedient to the teaching of Christ. True grace empowers and motivates us to be like Jesus in every possible way. So, if we find ourselves disobeying God anywhere in our lives, it is time to stop now and confess it, turn away from it, and surrender ourselves anew to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who freely forgives all sin. We are given this beautiful promise in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”  

Relate it to your life.
Obedience to the Lord’s teaching speaks to the heart of Jesus’ love language.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may I demonstrate my love for You by living by each word You have spoken. Amen.  

June 13-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Timothy 1:18-19, Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Our conscience is God’s warning system to help us stay on the right path. If we wander off that path, the conscience works in convincing and convicting us to bring us back, but if we reject it, the results can be catastrophic. If we want to have the best-working conscience then it needs to be informed by Scripture. My conscience will be less effective if I do not fill my life with the light and love of Christ. Paul told Timothy to fight the battle well by holding on to faith and a good conscience. Our Christian faith walks alongside our conscience to provide protection from error and sin. Paul told Timothy earlier in the chapter his instruction was to command certain people not to teach false doctrine any longer. Paul said, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (v. 5) The goal of Timothy’s work was to be out love for the people and their spiritual wellbeing. The source of that love included a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. The conscience works with our hearts and our faith to check and protect us when we are about to go astray. When we insist upon going against God’s built-in warning system, the results will be costly.  

Relate it to your life.
A well-informed conscience is God’s way of speaking into and directing our lives for holy living.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep warning me through my conscience. Help me to listen and obey. Amen.

Calling all incoming 9th–12th graders! Get ready for an awesome summer of food, fellowship, and FUN at our BG STUDENTS Summer Hang Outs!

Join us on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Chapel Campus (unless otherwise noted) for a chance to connect with friends, grow in your faith, and make some unforgettable summer memories. Each week will feature a different activity, so there's always something exciting to look forward to!

Summer Hang Out Schedule

• June 2 – Survivor Showdown

Put your skills to the test with team challenges and Survivor-style games!

• June 9 – Tie-Dye Tuesday

Create your own colorful masterpiece while hanging out with friends.

• June 16 – Game Night & Mic Drop (Blue Grass Main Campus)

Board games, karaoke, and plenty of laughs await!

• June 30 – Bonfire Bash (Pastor Ben & Liz Lovell's House)

Enjoy a summer evening with yard games, a bonfire, and great conversation.

• July 7 – Stars, Stripes & Sparks (LOCATION TBD)

Celebrate summer with a special fireworks night.

• July 14 – Summer Cinema Night

Grab some snacks and enjoy a movie with friends.

• July 21 - Soaked & Smiling

End the summer with water games and tons of fun!

• July 28 - Sweet Treat Adventure (LOCATION TBD)

Join us for an ice cream outing and a chance to cool off together.

Be sure to follow the BG STUDENTS Facebook Page and keep an eye on the newsletter for weekly details, location updates, and anything you'll need to bring. Invite a friend and join us for an incredible summer—we can't wait to see you there!

Get ready for a summer full of fun at BG KIDS & BG PRETEENS! Starting May 31 through August 9, we’ll be celebrating with exciting Theme Sundays all summer long.

Each week will bring a new opportunity for kids and preteens to have fun, connect with friends, and grow in their faith.

From crazy outfits and fun activities to special surprises and themed experiences, you won’t want to miss a single Sunday this summer!

 Mark your calendars and join us for these special Theme Sundays:

• May 31 – Summer Kickoff: Hawaiian Sunday
• June 7 – Crazy Clothes Sunday
• June 14 – Stuffie Sunday
• June 21 – Career Sunday
• June 28 – Silly Hat Sunday
• July 5 – Family Sunday
• July 12 – Christmas in July
• July 19 – Mustache Sunday
• July 26 – Pink Flamingo Sunday
• August 2 – PJ Sunday
• August 9 – Bring a Friend Sunday

Be sure to watch the BG KIDS & BG PRETEENS Facebook page and newsletter each week for more details about the upcoming themes and special surprises. We can’t wait to spend the summer with you at Blue Grass Church!

June 1-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 12:3-5, For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: “Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?”
The very moment we think of ourselves as better than others, we become proud, and thereby, a sinner and a hypocrite. Instead, Paul says we are to think rightly about ourselves with the faith we have been given. Individually, we are not the “all in all” answer to the world. God has placed us in His family with others to work well together. We do not have the same function but each of us have different gifts so that we can be a complete unit humbly serving together for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Paul goes one step further telling we will protect ourselves from becoming too self-absorbed when we acknowledge that we belong to each other and, in doing so, willingly hold ourselves accountable to the larger community.    

Relate it to your life.
When I make myself accountable to the community of faith, I will keep my pride in check.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to fully avail myself to the community You have given to keep me grounded. Amen.  

June 2-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 5:3-4, Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: “Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?”
When the church was blossoming in its early days, one of the marks of their dynamic spiritual health was generosity. Several believers were giving away their stuff in order to care for the many needs among them. Ananias and Sapphira joined in on the fun, but they, evidently, did so for more than the altruistic motives of selfless service. They sold land. They gave money, but they kept some of the proceeds for themselves. They lied about it. They said they gave all the proceeds. They rightly could have kept some of the proceeds for their own needs. They did not have to exaggerate their claims. God revealed how much he detests deceit by taking out both Ananias and Sapphira. He was sending a message to the early church that the Body of Christ was to be pure and holy. What they did not understand was that they were not only lying to the apostles but to God Himself. They allowed Satan to turn their good intentions into an act of deception that cost them their lives. This story reinforces how serious God is about truthfulness among His people.  

Relate it to your life.
As a follower of Jesus, I must choose honesty and refuse to lie or exaggerate.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me a pure heart that speaks and acts without deceit but with absolute truth. Amen.

June 3-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley    
Write out the Scripture.
Proverbs 11:13, A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 20:19, A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence? Can I be trusted?
Trustworthiness is foundational to strong relationships. If I cannot be trusted to hold confidential information, then what value do I hold as your confidant? Gossip is portrayed as sin throughout the Bible since it destroys people, reputations, and relationships. Look at the list of sins in which it is included: 2 Corinthians 12:20, “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” Instead of this, the hallmark of a true friend is one in whom you can share the secrets of your heart and have the absolute assurance it will not go any further. Obviously, if a person’s wellbeing or someone’s wellbeing is at stake, then there is legal obligation to tell others. The second proverb warns us not to associate with those who are always ready to talk. If they are willing to talk to you about others, they will be willing to talk to others about you so keep your distance!

Relate it to your life.
I can be trusted as far as I can keep confidence with others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to keep a tight rein on my mouth so I speak only what is helpful and good. Amen.

June 4-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Romans 6:16-17, Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

Observe what it is saying.    
Wesley’s Question: Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
In a time where slavery was prominent, Paul used such imagery to communicate what we were before Christ came and what we are when Christ has come into our lives. Christ set us free from slavery to sin and death so that we could become obedient to righteousness. The kinds of things in which Wesley lists that we can become enslaved to are not sinful in themselves. However, any time we allow anything to master us, we have become enslaved to it. Wesley was opposed to extravagant clothing. One of our church’s founding families wrote about an encounter with Wesley in England as a child when Wesley asked her on Easter Sunday if that was a bonnet she was wearing. He was not for such attire! We may not agree with such radical thoughts of dress, but the point is that we cannot allow our hearts to become captured by anything in this world except for Christ Himself. We cannot let the pursuit of clothes, people, work, or good or bad habits keep us from fully submitting ourselves to Christ. Jesus said we can only have one master at a time. Paul wrote in Romans 6:22, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Relate it to your life.
I need to take inventory of my life to discover if I have become enslaved to anything but Christ.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, please remove every earthly master in my life so that I am fully submitted to You. Amen.

June 5-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
1 John 3:17, If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
Each of these are defined by self. Wesley seems to be asking us to evaluate how self-absorbed we are. How much time do we spend thinking only of our own reputation, our own needs, or making ourselves look good before others. The focus of the Christian is to be on Christ who calls us to look to the needs of others. As John writes, if we have the means to help others but fail to do so, then how can we say God’s love, that Christ Himself is dwelling within us. The very focus of Christ was never upon Himself but upon how He might heal, help, and save others. He said He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life away as a ransom for others. True followers of Christ will be the most selfless persons on the planet. Our very purpose is to find all the ways we can be a blessing to others with words, actions, and gifts. The Apostle Paul said it this way in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Relate it to your life.
Being self-absorbed is the greatest obstacle in following Jesus who asks us to lay down our lives for others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me Your vision which takes my eyes off myself and places them on You and those You love. Amen.  

June 6-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.  
Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Did the Bible live in me today? Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
For us to be able to answer the first question, we have to answer the second question honestly. If the message of Scripture is going to be infused into my daily life, then I will be spending time in the Scriptures knowing what they say, and, even, more importantly, getting to know the Holy Loving God they speak about. The question does not ask if we are merely reading Scripture, but if we are giving it time to speak to us. When we reflect on its message, it does its work to convict, correct, and train us in righteousness. This Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of those who take time to let God’s word speak into their lives. Such people will be fruitful and prosperous in all that they do. Because they are living by God’s holy standards, they will excel in life. They will produce the kind of character that stands out from the corrupted way and will be seen as those who can be trusted. They will be valued and sought out above others for in them will be found that which no one else has unless they have God within them.  

Relate it to your life.
When I take time to let Scripture speak into my life, it adds tremendous value to everything I do.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me not merely go through the motions but allow Your Word speak into my life. Amen.

May 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:11-12a, Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Observe what it is saying.    
In regards to the knowledge of the final judgment that is coming to all people and creation, it should impact the way we choose to live today. Peter calls believers to be characterized by holiness and godliness. Holiness combines the ideas of moral purity and being set apart for God’s special purposes. Holiness is the primary attribute of God that describes His absolute purity and the fact that He is set apart as unique and sovereign over all other beings both on earth and in heaven. Godliness is a life that is totally-oriented toward God’s nature and purpose for mankind. Through the influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, it increasingly models the life of Jesus in all of our actions, reactions, and relationships. As we remain spiritually alert and wait for the day of the Lord to come, we are to actively pursue the holy presence of God. Biblical waiting does not mean we idly sit back but is an active participation in the kingdom mission to prepare the way for the Lord to come to the lives of others. For the believer, to “look forward” to this day means it is not a day to dread, but a day to eagerly anticipate that we will get to share in all things being made brand new and beautiful again.

Relate it to your life.
When heaven is on my mind, my daily life increasingly will reveal the attributes of the Lord Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, empower me by Your Spirit to live into the holiness and godliness to which I have been redeemed. Amen.  

May 26-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:12b-13, That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter repeats what he said earlier about the destruction of the heavenly elements by fire on the day of the Lord Jesus’ return. However, as believers in Christ, we do not have to worry about this celestial catastrophe for it is a necessary step for the creation of a new heaven and a new earth where believers will live forever. This will be the place of perfect righteousness where nothing will be able to contaminate this beautiful and holy union of heaven and earth. This is what we long for. This is what we live for. This is what John saw in the Revelation he was given. “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Relate it to your life.
We have the most fantastic future ahead if we put our faith and trust in Christ and keep walking with Him.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, what a beautiful place the new heaven and earth will be! Thank You for the glorious promise that we will get to enjoy this eternal home forever and ever enjoying Your holy and loving presence.  Amen.

May 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:14, So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Observe what it is saying.
“Looking forward to this” refers back to the new heaven and earth we saw in yesterday’s devotional. Christians should eagerly anticipate the day when all things will be made new and beautiful again. As we see this world falling apart around us, we should often think about and long for this day to come. Since this is our destination, we should live now as we are going to live forever. We will be spotless, blameless, and at peace with God. This should be our driving desire each and every day to be found holy and pure. When we do sin, we can be stand blameless before God because we have confessed and repented of our sin and enjoy the forgiveness of God. Our peace with God comes through the gift of Christ who interceded on our behalf by taking our sin upon Himself. Romans 5:1-2a, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” This peace will last for all eternity because of the grace of God we have accessed by faith in Jesus alone. There is no other way to enjoy this peace but through the great and glorious gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus’ loving and sacrificial gift to us.  

Relate it to your life.
To have the assurance that we have peace with God through Jesus gives us deep peace today about our future.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give you praise for what You did so that I can stand before God in total peace forever. Amen.

May 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:15-16, Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter returns to this thought of the Lord’s patience in waiting to return to make all things new. When that day happens, it will be too late for anyone else to turn to Him. However, because He waits to culminate all history, more people will be included in the eternal home of heaven and earth. It is interesting that Peter gives a shout out to the Apostle Paul. He indicates that Paul wrote the same kind of message that he is writing. Peter admits that Paul writes some challenging things to understand which less than wise persons alter just as they do other Scriptures which leads to their destruction. He acknowledges that the false teachers he has been warning about are found everywhere with every apostle’s work. Long before Paul’s writings would be included in what we call the New Testament, Peter mentions them in the same breath as the Old Testament Scriptures that have already been established. Peter seems to put them on the same level foretelling that Paul’s writings would one day become canonized as the Word of God. Peter, a prominent leader of the church, gave a strong witness that Paul’s writings were truly from God.

Relate it to your life.
I can be confident that Scripture contains all that is needed for salvation and eternal life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your holy Word so that we can know the way, truth, and life. Amen.

May 29-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:17, Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter brings to a conclusion and offers a summary to what he has been calling his readers to pay attention. He offers two final commands. One of which we find in today’s reading and one tomorrow. Today, it is “be on your guard.” He reminds them that he has forewarned them of the danger that these false teachers and scoffers present to the spiritual health of the church. We have been told over and over that we cannot take false teaching lightly. It is destructive to individual souls and to the community of faith. Peter reminds us here what happens when we allow false teaching form our theology: we are carried away. We are carried away from the truth which leads to bad theology which leads to sinful and evil practices. There is no such animal as safe heresy. It always destroys that which is good and holy. In fact, Peter says it can cause those who are in the faith to fall from their security. Peter clearly indicates that once we are saved, it is possible to be led astray by false teaching and lose our salvation. Peter’s main purpose in writing this letter was to warn us to stay alert to avoid such a terrible eternal consequence.

Relate it to your life.
If I have not already gotten the point, I need to understand today how detrimental bad theology is to my salvation.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I plead for your church to be protected from the enemy who works relentlessly to cause us to fall out of faith one way or another. Amen.

May 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 3:18, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Observe what it is saying.
Instead of “falling away from your secure position” as Peter said in verse 17, he says, “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This is the second command in his summary. The first was to “be on your guard” and now the second is “grow.” Grace is a gift from God, but it is also something we mature in as we receive it fully and give it away generously to others. Knowledge of the right gospel message is essential because Peter has laid out the case of what growing in the wrong knowledge will do. Peter gives us the order “Lord and Savior” not “Savior and Lord.” Jesus, as the Son of God, was Lord before He was Savior. He was present in creation. As one of three personalities of the Trinity, He has always existed and as an equal member of the Godhead, He is Lord over all. He was sent to earth to become our Savior. So, “Savior” is Jesus’ second title because His work as such came second to His eternal Lordship. Peter reminds us that in all things, Jesus is to be given glory today, tomorrow, and forevermore. We breathe, live, grow, serve, and love for the single purpose of bringing much praise and attention to Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
When I am growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I will bring Him much glory and praise.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me growing. Don’t let me become stagnant or comfortable in my walk with You. I desire to give you continual praise with all that I say and do. May you be glorified in my life today. Amen.

Sorry, Blue Grass has sold out of tickets. You may be able to purchase tickets directly from Christian Fellowship Church. 

Step into the joy, beauty, and hope of Heaven at this unforgettable evening featuring Bible teachers Jennifer Rothschild and Ann Voskamp. Christian Fellowship Church will host this event at 7pm on Thursday, November 5th.

Together, we'll discover what the Bible says about heaven, laugh about life's messy moments, and release the burdens we were never meant to carry. From tender times of reflection, to deeply inspiring worship, to laughter-filled storytelling, you will experience the hope of heaven - and that will help make every moment here on earth better.

We have purchased a block of tickets for our Blue Grass women.  Purchase your ticket HERE from us, before it's too late! This event is expected to sell out. Seating is general admission.

For those who attended our 2024 Prepare Him Room event, Jennifer Rothschild was the speaker and was a true delight! Ann Voskamp is also a well-known speaker and is the author of the New York Times best-seller, One Thousand Gifts.

Don't miss out on this tremendous opportunity so close to home!

May 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:2, I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Observe what it is saying.    
We ended last week discover Peter’s stated purpose of both letters was to stimulate wholesome thinking. In contrast to the hidden motives of the false teachers, the letters give us two sources to use to helpful us to remember and think correctly. First, they remind readers what the prophets said long ago, recorded in the Old Testament. Peter used passages from all three major divisions of the Old Testament (Torah, Prophets, and the Writings). This suggests when he says the holy prophets, he has the entirety of the Old Testament in view, not just what we commonly refer to as the prophetic books. Peter was convinced that the Old Testament writers served believers in announcing the Good News. Second, the letters remind readers of the commands of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which they received through the apostles. Instead of a specific commandment, Peter, likely, had in view the whole gospel message that commands people to repent and believe the good news. As our Lord, Jesus has full authority over us; as our Savior, he gave his life to make us his own people. Putting the testimony of the apostles and the Old Testament together is a strong indication that the apostles’ writing is equal in status to the inspired Scriptures they already had.

Relate it to your life.
If I am going to stimulate wholesome thinking, I need to engage in the whole witness of the Bible.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to stay true to Your holy word so that I do not fall prey to the many false messages being presented in our world today. Amen.  

May 19-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:3-4, Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

Observe what it is saying.
Both the Old Testament and Jesus predicted that scoffers would come. “Scoffers” are those who in their arrogance mock or dismiss other people and their thoughts as being beneath them. Scoffing at God and His promises reveals the spiritual emptiness and brokenness that such a self-absorbed life produces.  The “last days” refers to the time period when God fulfills his promises of a new creation ruled by Christ Jesus, the Messiah. The last days have already begun with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, however, they await their full consummation when Christ returns to establish a new heaven and earth.  The presence of such scoffers confirms the divine revelation they deny for it was prophesied they would do so. They scoff at the promise of Christ’s return, arguing that the world has continued on the same way from the beginning of creation. The term “ancestors” refers to the Old Testament patriarchs. In claiming nothing has changed from the beginning of creation, they deny all of God’s acts of judgment and salvation in the Old Testament and in the Incarnation of the Son to die on the cross for our sin, to rise victoriously from the dead, and to pour out His Holy Spirit. They arrogantly treat the holy acts of salvation as though they never happened, thereby, redemption has not come.

Relate it to your life.
The ultimate dishonor to God is to deny His love and work to save us and give us a beautiful future.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I honor and praise you for the great love You have demonstrated in saving me. Amen.

May 20-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:5-7, But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Observe what it is saying.
The error of the scoffers was not based on ignorance. Peter says they deliberately chose not to remember two eternal truths of God’s word. It caused heaven and earth to come into existence. The earth was formed out of water by the word of God. Genesis 1 describes how God gathered the waters together to allow the dry ground to appear, and Psalm 24 agrees that God founded the earth upon the seas. The word of God was the instrument God used to bring the heavens and the earth into existence. Along with Genesis 1, Psalm 33:6-7 says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.” According to the New Testament, the Word of God is the second person of the Trinity. John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Water and the word of God were also the means by which God brought judgment on the world through the flood. In 2 Peter 2:5 the flood is symbolized as the coming judgment on the false teachers. Here, it is evidence against their foolish claims that nothing has changed from the beginning of creation. The same word of God is now reserving the present heavens and earth for fire on the day of judgment, when God will bring final salvation to his people and destruction on the ungodly.

Relate it to your life.
God will not be mocked. His word is eternal and will produce exactly what He has spoken.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, every word You speak is truth. May I choose not to forget but attentively listen to it. Amen.

May 21-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:8, But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

Observe what it is saying.    
God’s time and our time are vastly different. We experience this world in decades, while God has eternally existed where a thousand years to us is only like a day to God. This creates impatience within us where we want God to work His plan now. Because God’s timing is often different, Scripture calls us to wait on the Lord as an act of trust. After God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, we discover how they failed. Psalm 106:13-14, “But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test.” Waiting on the Lord is faith in action that God is working to accomplish His plans just as He said He would. The psalmist lamented how difficult it is to wait in those moments where we want justice served. Psalm 119:84, “How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?” In the same psalm, he writes in verse 166, “I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.” Waiting on the Lord’s timing requires trust and obedience in God’s providence that He is right on schedule.

Relate it to your life.
Waiting is an act of trust that is a difficult but much needed practice to deepen our faith.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me the grace and patience to wait upon You to answer my prayers. Amen.

May 22-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Observe what it is saying.
This is one of the most encouraging Scriptures that we can find concerning God’s patient love. As the false teachers and scoffers continue to rail on that Christ is not coming back, Peter tells the congregation not to listen to their foolish message. Instead, he offers the reason that it appears there is delay in the Second Coming is actually for the world’s benefit. God really does “so love the world.” He gives as much time as possible for as many people as possible to repent and experience His saving grace. God’s love is so immense that He has no desire for anyone to be eternally condemned. Instead, His passionate love desires all persons to embrace the saving grace offered through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. God has the same concern we have for our loved ones who are outside the faith. God hears our prayers for them and is waiting, giving them ample opportunity to respond to His repeated attempts to capture their hearts and minds. With this knowledge of His love and desire for our loved ones to be saved, we should not ease up on our prayers but continue to pray with fervency for their souls.

Relate it to your life.
As much as I want Christ to return to clean up the mess of this world, I am glad He delays so my loved ones have ample opportunity to receive His gift of salvation.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I plead for my loved ones who are not in the faith. Please, keep working, keep speaking and  softening their hearts so they will receive the saving message of grace offered freely to all. Amen.

May 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 3:10, But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Observe what it is saying.
Yesterday, Peter emphasized God’s patient grace as indicated by Christ waiting to return to give as many persons as possible the opportunity to repent and be saved. In today’s Scripture, he wants to make it absolutely clear that the day will come suddenly and unexpectedly. So, we cannot become lazy or lukewarm. We must stay vigilant and passionate in our faith as we wait for this final day of judgment. The “day of the Lord” refers to when God brings judgment on his enemies and salvation for his people. There have been remarkable “days of the Lord” already, such as, the crucifixion and Pentecost. Each of these “days of the Lord” anticipates the final day when the Lord Jesus Christ returns at the end of human history to make all things pure and holy. Three things will happen on this day: First, the heavens will disappear. Second, the elements (which in Peter’s day referred to the earth, air, wind, and fire) will burn and dissolve. This language envisions either the complete destruction of the world or, more likely, its purification. Third, the earth and the works done on it will be exposed for all to see. Peter makes it clear that this day will not be missed. It will impact all of creation and will forever change the character of the universe. This is why Peter has been so passionate about calling on his readers to refuse to listen to the false teachers and scoffers who say the Lord is not coming back. Their teaching is a lie straight from Satan to lull as many as possible into a spiritual sleep so that they will not be ready when it occurs.  

Relate it to your life.
I cannot be caught off guard but must remain spiritually vigilant at all times.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me close, keep me on fire for You, and ready for the day that You return. Amen.

May 11-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:13, They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter continues his long message against the false teachers who have infiltrated the church. After hearing about their judgment and destruction in last week’s reading, we begin this week with the news that they will receive what is coming to them. They caused tremendous harm in the church and, as a result, Peter wanted everyone to know that God has seen it and would address it. He goes on to give additional details that reveal that their false teaching also led to depraved living. The Greek word for “pleasure” is where we get the word “hedonist.” The Greeks numbered this kind of “pleasure” among the four “deadly sins.” Excessive drinking and eating in daylight hours were a standard indication of a degenerate lifestyle. These false teachers openly pursued their sinful and self-indulgent ways in full view of everyone in broad daylight. They even acted in their wicked ways while eating with fellow believers. In the early church believers gathered regularly to share a meal, and in that meal often celebrated the Lord’s Supper. Not even a meal intended to remember the death of the Lord Jesus and anticipate His return was safe from the immorality and deception practiced by these false teachers. The results of entertaining and believing false teaching always leads to broken morals and a corrupted lifestyle.

Relate it to your life.
I need to understand the dangerous downward spiral that false teaching can take a person on.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me so close to You that I daily ingest Your true word and obey Your holy loving voice. Amen.  

May 12-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:14, With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!

Observe what it is saying.
Peter reveals additional sins these false teachers have engaged in. They have adultery in their eyes, meaning they desire every woman they see. This implies they desired to turn church gatherings into times of debauchery. They never stop sinning. They never take a breath from evil. They are always thinking, plotting, and practicing that which is opposed to Jesus’ teaching. They lure the unstable, those who have no real foundation in their lives, into sin. On the other hand, in chapter 1 of this letter, Peter has spoken of his readers as being "firmly established in the truth," and in chapter 3, he will warn them of "unstable people" and of the danger of falling "from their secure position."  The word “experts” refers to athletic training. These false teachers have trained hard to become proficient in the greedy people they are. They teach their false brand of religion as a way to pad their pockets. Because there is nothing good or pure about them, they are under God’s curse and judgment. The danger of false teachers is not only the message they spew but the lifestyle they model.

Relate it to your life.
Once again, I discover how believing the wrong message can lead to a very dark life.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me focused on the truth of Your word so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen.

May 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:15-16, They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

Observe what it is saying.
The “way” was a popular means of characterizing a particular religious teaching. The imagery is a path that a true devotee will follow to the end. The Old Testament pictures faithfulness to the Lord as a “straight path” to be followed, and the New Testament depicts Christianity as the “Way.” Sin is described as “wandering” from that path. For example, God’s warning to the people of Israel: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse—the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28.) Balaam is introduced in Numbers 22-24 as a prophet whom the pagan king Balak pays to prophesy against Israel. Despite Balaam’s own reluctance and corruption, God causes him to utter prophecies in favor of His people. The point of connection between Numbers and 2 Peter is the use of the word “way.” The “way of Balaam” was the reckless road that he traveled. Peter’s use of Balaam follows how Scripture uses him as a negative example. Balaam’s willingness to curse Israel for profit became a staple in Jewish stories about him who was rebuked by a talking donkey. If God can do that to Balaam, God can certainly judge the false teachers spewing evil leading the people of God astray.  

Relate it to your life.
God’s judgment will come to those who are unrepentant in their evil words and actions.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I give praise to you as the psalmists did for You judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:9) Amen.

May 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:17-19, These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

Observe what it is saying.    
Peter is unrelentless in his description of these false teachers and what a great judgment they will face. He next uses nature imagery. Like waterless springs, these heretics are unable to give life. As storm-driven mists, they are blown about by every wind of false doctrine, and their ultimate fate is the judgment of utter darkness. These false practitioners of the faith entice new believers to return to their old sinful passions. Ironically, they promise a new freedom while they themselves are enslaved to the very corruption that will one day lead to their destruction. As a result, they are proof of the core spiritual principle that whatever they allow to dominate their life becomes their true master. Sin and corruption can be viewed as military powers that conquer a person if one does not actively fight them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Like a victorious army, sin not only defeats people but enslaves them as well.

Relate it to your life.
I choose whom I will become enslaved to.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to understand true freedom only comes by Your grace and forgiveness. Amen.

May 15-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:20-22, If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

Observe what it is saying.
Peter explains that these false teachers are those who once claimed to know Christ but have fallen away from Him and His teaching. He goes on to explain they have been overcome because they are entangled again in the sin of the world. They are ensnared in the same activities that characterized their lives before confessing Christ. As a result, the last condition of the false teachers is worse than the first, for in their apostasy, they have rejected the only remedy for their sin. Peter explains on judgment day it will be better for them if they had never known God’s righteousness in the gospel rather than know it and then turn away from it. Those who claim to believe in the gospel but then reject Jesus by returning to a long-standing pattern of unrepentant sin will suffer a greater condemnation. Peter sees in the false teachers living examples of a dog that returns to its own vomit, which Proverbs 26:11 compares to a fool who returns to his folly. The second is a pig who after washing itself returns to wallow in the mud. Peter takes the common practice of Jews referring to Gentiles as dogs and pigs and applies those metaphors to the false teachers, not based on their ethnicity but based on how they live.

Relate it to your life.
This does not speak of those who sin after salvation but those who deliberately turn away and refuse to return.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep me close so that I never return to that from which I have been saved. Amen.

May 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 3:1, Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter says his purpose in writing both letters was a reminder of what they already knew. In the midst of false teachers who were leading so many astray, Peter tells them they need to remember well. We know how easy it is to forget where we have placed our keys, our glasses, or many other objects. We also forget weightier things like what we were taught. More than ever, with so many distractions and means of messaging, we experience information overload. So much of this information is less than healthy for us to consume. Because we must be so careful what we bring into our minds, Peter wrote to stimulate them to think about what is right, good, and beautiful. As Paul said, in Ephesians 4:17-18, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Since our hearts are the essence of our being, holy thinking is a mind and heart effort that keeps our whole being united together with one focus on Christ.  

Relate it to your life.
It matters for my spiritual health what I think and input into my mind and heart.  

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to stay focused on You so that I only think what is holy and good. Amen.

May 4-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:1-3, But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

Observe what it is saying.    
False prophets and false teachers have been present throughout history, leading people astray with their own created visions, prophecies, and dreams. Jeremiah 14:14, “Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.’” Now that the Gospel message has come, Satan has intensified his efforts to mislead God’s people through false teachers. Peter described them in three ways. First, they secretly fabricate stories that contradict the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostle’s message. They lay their teaching alongside the gospel making it sound legitimate. Such false teaching must be spiritually discerned from Scripture. Second, they denied Jesus, the very One who saved them. Third, they bring swift destruction on themselves for denying and lying ways. As is always the case, false teachers lead immoral lives of depravity, greed, and deceit.

Relate it to your life.
I need to be aware of false teachers who spew their lies through social media, podcasts, and pulpits.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit help me to recognize and refuse to entertain false teaching. Amen.  

May 5-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:4, For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;

Observe what it is saying.
Peter continues the thought about the destruction of false teachers by giving three examples in verses 4-8 revealing how God will rescue the godly and judge the ungodly. In today’s verse, we discover, God judged sinful angels. The most likely biblical reference to this is found in Genesis 6:1-4 where Jewish tradition understands “the sons of God” as angels who had intercourse with women and whom God therefore judged. Jude 6 speaks a similar message, “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” The word for hell is Tartarus which is a term borrowed from Greek mythology that refers to a temporary holding place, not the place for final punishment. The “chains of darkness” is a common way the ancient world described the underworld as a place for punishment. The point is, God judges rebellion and will not spare those who reject His will. If God judged the angels, who are higher than human beings, then certainly He will judge rebellious humans, including false teachers.  

Relate it to your life.
As a righteous and holy God, He has no other choice but to judge that which is evil and opposed to Him.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, judgment is built into the worldly system. However, You intervened to take the punishment of the world upon Yourself so we do not have to endure it, but we must believe. To believe includes changing our minds, putting our full trust in You, picking up our cross, and following after You. Amen.

May 6-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:5, if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

Observe what it is saying.
This is the second example Peter gives of God’s judgment on sin and salvation of the righteous. This is by far the most sweeping judgment God has ever brought upon mankind. The original story is found in Genesis 6:9-12, “This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.” God told Noah he was going to bring an end to them, but he was to build a boat to spare him and his family. Peter referred to the Flood in his first letter and will do so again in the next chapter. With Noah, seven others were saved (his wife, his three sons, and his three daughters-in-law). They were guarded or protected by God during the Flood that wiped out the ungodly civilization. The statement that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness" could refer to his preaching activity not recorded in the Old Testament or to the fact that his lifestyle condemned sin and proclaimed righteousness to the people of his day. The world was in terrible shape, in fact, it was “full of violence.” God knew there was no other way to redeem humanity but to reset the earth’s population through destruction and protect Noah’s family to become the new progenitors for mankind.

Relate it to your life.
This judgment illuminates the horrible wrath placed upon Jesus on the cross so that I could be spared.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, may I never forget or fail to give thanks for the great sacrifice You made for me. Amen.

May 7-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:6-7, if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—

Observe what it is saying.    
This is the third example that Peter offers for God’s judgment on evil and God’s protection of the righteous. The book of Jude also has this to say about Sodom and Gomorrah, “In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 7) Sodom and Gomorrah were even spoken of by Jesus as an extreme example of how God’s judgment came upon sinners who totally undid God’s law concerning sexual purity. According to Genesis 19:24-28, "the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of heaven." This is given as a picture for the judgment that lies ahead for those who speak falsely about Christ. In contrast, was Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lived in that ungodly mess. God sent Abraham to rescue him, as his righteous soul was tortured by what he saw living in the midst of such depravity, day in and day out. This should cause us to ask ourselves, “To what extent are we, who live in a godless society, "tormented" by what we see?”

Relate it to your life.
My level of inner torment at the evil and injustice in this world is an indicator of my spiritual depth.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me become comfortable with or accommodate to the sin that I see. Amen.

May 8-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 2:9-10, if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;

Observe what it is saying.
After giving three examples of how God punished evil and rescued the righteous, Peter returns to the current issue of false teachers in the church and what they will experience in due time. Peter is confident in the Lord’s ability to bring the godly through their trials and to make sure the unrighteous will receive their just due on Judgment Day. Paul wrote to the Galatians a similar message, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8) Peter goes on to describe these false teachers even further by saying they follow fleshly desires which is a reference to sexual decadence. They also despise authority which ultimately refers to their rejection of the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ over them. In fact, in their own arrogance, they were so bold to heap abuse on angels. One of the examples of judgment that Peter used was of fallen angels who had come to earth to have sex with women. So, what may be indicated here is that these false teachers were saying if angels came from heaven and took women, why could not they do the same? They were using the conduct of the fallen angels an excuse for their own involvement in sexual sin.

Relate it to your life.
We need to be very careful in whom we choose to model our behavior.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me be foolish like these false teachers who held up bad examples to emulate. Amen.

May 9-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 2:11-12, yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. 12 But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

Observe what it is saying.
 In contrast to these audacious false teachers, angels themselves, even though they are stronger and more powerful than any human being, do not judge celestial beings (presumably, fallen angels) in the presence of the Lord. This reveals how foolish they are, not only in creating false teaching, but thinking they are superior to even celestial beings. In this comparison, even holy angels refuse to judge fallen angels so how do fallen human beings do so? This reveals the magnitude of their pride in changing the message and believing they are greater than angels. In fact, these false teachers act like irrational animals without the restraint that angels and righteous people have. They may claim a special knowledge, but they blaspheme out of their ignorance and arrogance. Like wild beasts who are slaves to their instincts and are born to be slaughtered, these false teachers are also destined for total destruction.

Relate it to your life.
False teaching is not merely a small error in judgment but is a full-on assault of God’s holy kingdom.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to fully grasp how destructive heresy is in the church and to be discerning in what I speak and believe. Amen.

April 27-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:12, So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Observe what it is saying.    
Simon Peter had a passion to communicate the truth to Jesus’ followers so they would not forget the Jesus way. Peter understood that human beings have a tendency to forget what is most important. He knew they already knew much of what he was telling them. He knew they were firmly established in the faith. He also knew what he spoke in his first letter that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He knew the tactics of Satan include trying to deceive and confuse us of what is reality. This is why it was so important to remind them over and over again of what is true, good, and right. We can say that we know the truth. We can say we are firmly established in the truth. However, we cannot say we do not need to be reminded. We cannot say we will never fall into sin. We cannot say l know all I need to know. This is why we worship weekly. This is why we meet with our Bible studies and small groups on a regular basis. This is why we spend time praying and reflecting on Scripture each day. What Peter wrote to remind his audience is now included in the very Scriptures that we need to know so we can be reminded of God’s holy way.  

Relate it to your life.
Because I can forget the way of Jesus, I will remind myself often by spending time with Him in His word.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I do not want to forget what I already know. I, also, admit there is much more for me to learn. Give me discipline and perseverance to stick with you in daily devotion and weekly worship. Amen.

April 28-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:13-15, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

Observe what it is saying.
As the Apostle Paul did, Peter speaks of his body as a tent. The picture comes from those who journeyed in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. In the same way, as Christians, we know that our lives are not a permanent home, but a journey where we keep traveling to our eternal destination. In fact, in verse 15, the word “departure” is literally the word exodus. Peter sees his death, not as the end, but as a going out of this world into the Promised Land of eternity. Peter says the Lord has made it clear that His time is coming. Jesus had told him in John 21:18-19 that there would be a day when Peter would be stretched out upon a cross. Evidently that time was about to come. So, Peter said that he will take steps to make sure what he has said will be kept before them, even, when he is gone. In saying this, he may be referring to the Gospel of Mark. The tradition is that this gospel is the preaching material of Peter, which Mark, who had been Peter’s disciple and interpreter, wrote down. So, Peter was passionate in life and death to keep God’s truth before God’s people. Such writings were not meant to preserve his own name, but the beautiful name and work of Jesus.

Relate it to your life.
I trust that God has superintended the work of Scripture though His apostles, so that I can confidently know the truth.

Do something.
Jesus, I will cherish Your word that has been preserved so that I will remember the way home. Amen.

April 29-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:16, For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Observe what it is saying.
Here Peter links himself with the other apostles in certifying that their message is based on their own eyewitness experience of Jesus. Peter denies that they have followed myths or fables about other gods. This word is always used in a negative sense in contrast to the truth of the Gospel. It is likely that the false teachers claimed that the Incarnation, Resurrection, and Second Coming, that the apostles spoke about, were only fabricated stories. These teachers may have been men like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who Paul wrote about saying the "the resurrection had already taken place" (2Ti 2:17-18). Peter's specific concern was the second coming of Jesus. He saw his preaching of the Second Coming based on his eyewitness observation of the transfiguration of Jesus. When Jesus returns, His kingdom will be inaugurated in overwhelming power. The dead will be raised, judgment will be pronounced, and the consummation of all things will occur. "Eyewitness" seems to be a technical term used by the false teachers to describe their own worshipers. Peter used their own vocabulary against them for his message was based on his eyewitness account of the supernatural events that marked the life of Jesus.  

Relate it to your life.
I should not be surprised when other religions imitate our Christian faith because the enemy loves to deceive people from the truth.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, do not let me fall prey to the false teachings and deceptions that abound in our world. Amen.

April 30-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:17-18, He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Observe what it is saying.    
Yesterday, Peter said his right to speak what he does is that he was an eyewitness. In today’s verses, we discover specifically what Peter witnessed. He was with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he saw the glory of God and heard the voice of God. Peter used this, not the resurrection account, as the foretaste of what is to come in the triumphant glory of Christ’s Second Coming. To confirm the authenticity of his eyewitness account, Peter used the same language from the gospel accounts, “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5) We are then told when they came down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (v. 9) There was something so special about this intimate heavenly reveal that Peter, James, and John could not say a word until after Jesus resurrected. So, it makes sense that Peter writes about it now in his second letter. As they were overwhelmed on the mountain with God’s glory that descended upon Jesus, so Peter wants to make it known what the world will see when Jesus descends from the heavenly glory in His Second Coming. As he will continue to do, Peter calls his readers into a living belief that Christ will return!

Relate it to your life.
As a Christian, I have the hope and firm conviction that Christ will return to make all things good again.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to live as though You are coming back today. Amen.

May 1-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:19, We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter’s says his message rests on two solid foundations: (1) the voice from God at the Transfiguration (vv. 16–18) and (2) the enduring testimony of Scripture (vv. 19–21). Not only does the eyewitness testimony of the apostles support the truth of the gospel, so do the Old Testament Scriptures. What the apostles witnessed demonstrated the fulfillment of what the Old Testament promised. Therefore, believers should pay close attention to the Scriptures, which Peter describes with two metaphors. The first metaphor is a light shining in a dark place. This “dark place” means “murky.” Human history began in a lovely garden, but that garden has become a murky swamp. When we look at the dark world system, we find it is an indication of the spiritual condition of our own hearts. We are not left without hope but have God’s light, the Word of God, Jesus Himself, shining so that we can find our way and be redeemed. Living in a world of darkness requires fixing our gaze on the light of God’s truth. The second metaphor is the morning star in which the imagery originally comes from Numbers 24:14–17, where Balaam prophesied that in the latter days a star would come out of Jacob to defeat the enemies of God. It is clearly fulfilled in Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” As a result, we should fix our hope on the return of Christ, who will exercise the full dominion that is rightfully His.

Relate it to your life.
My hope is sure because the light of God’s revelation has come by prophecy and eyewitness account.

Do something.
Lord, thank You for giving us Your light that brings to life my darkened heart. Amen.

May 2-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 1:20-21, Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Observe what it is saying.
After Peter told us that we have the Old Testament prophets’ prediction as evidence that Jesus will come again, he gives us the nature of that prophecy. For a prophecy to be included in the canon of Scripture, it cannot be of human origin. It is not possible for mankind to know and understand the plans of God with their own insight. Every true prophecy does not begin with the human will but spoke God’s truth through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. God chose humans to communicate His eternal word to His world. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We can trust Scripture because it comes from the very breath of God. We also need to study Scripture so we understand its eternal message that still applies to our lives today. We must obey God’s holy word so that we can be found doing God’s holy will. It is through the Bible God equips us to know and do the good works He has called each of us to do.  

Relate it to your life.
I can trust Scripture because it was communicated directly by the Holy Spirit to human authors.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, change my life by the same word and Spirit who delivered God’s word to mankind. Amen.

April 20-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:1-2, Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Observe what it is saying.    
Simon Peter writes a second letter where he identifies himself as a servant and apostle. He acknowledges whatever our title or position may be in the church, we are all servants of Jesus. In fact, there is no higher calling in the world than to serve our Lord Jesus. He writes to all who have received the precious faith found in the righteousness of Jesus. He clearly identifies Jesus as both God and Savior. There is no question in Peter’s theology that Jesus is fully divine. As one of three persons in the Godhead, He alone could save us. Only a perfect righteous Being could pay the cost for our sins. No sinner could atone for the guilt of another sinner. This is what makes our faith so precious. It was a sacrificial gift of love offered to us from God Himself, through His Son. This demonstrates how highly valued each of us are as His creation. God took the initiative to redeem us before we ever knew anything was wrong. The heavenly update was always available for download as soon as we realized our need for it. In his greeting, Peter prays that grace and peace would be theirs in abundance. However, it is not any grace or peace but only that which comes from a personal saving knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. What a beautiful prayer to offer others that they will overflow with God’s grace and peace!  

Relate it to your life.
Do I consider my faith as precious? Do I fully understand the depth of love that is behind such a gift?

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation that You alone provided for me. I pray for myself and others that we will fully embrace the grace and peace that come in knowing You. Amen.

April 21-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:3-4, His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Observe what it is saying.
His divine power relates back to the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. We have one God who fully displays Himself in three persons. It is a remarkable statement that this eternal power gives us all we need to live a godly life. We do not have to manufacture godliness on our own. It comes through knowing the Lord in a close and personal way. He is the One who called us through His own glory and goodness. Imagine that the Lord of the universe, of all creation, as vast and grand as it is, knows us and calls us to know Him! If we ever think lowly of ourselves, we need to return to this passage and read it again to be reminded how valuable and loved we are by God. It is through this same glory and goodness He has given us the precious promises of Scripture which give us guidance and counsel to spiritually participate in God’s holy nature. We are welcomed into that Most Holy space to enjoy the deepest and richest fellowship we can ever imagine with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We realize how special this is as we leave the corrupting sin behind that was fueled from our old unredeemed desires.  

Relate it to your life.
Through Jesus, God has welcomed me into the rich fellowship of the Trinity.  

Do something.
Jesus, I want to leave this world behind so I can fully enter and enjoy Your Most Holy place. Amen.

April 22-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:5, For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness…

Observe what it is saying.
Because we participate in the rich fellowship of the divine nature as the redeemed people of God, then addition of Christlikeness is a vision of who we are to become. It makes sense if we have trusted in Christ for our salvation that we have been given the Holy Spirit to work deep within to transform us into the very likeness of Christ. Our faith is the beginning point of this whole transformation process. We must believe the precious promises of the gospel found in Scripture for the new life to come to us. So, Peter says, “make every effort” which literally means to do your best with hurry, haste, earnestness, diligence, and zeal to add these holy qualities to your life. This original wording reveals we must have an urgency in doing so. We cannot be casual about our relationship with the Lord. Our apprenticeship is not an elective course. Growth is a necessity. If we are not growing, we are losing ground. We must be intentional in participating with the Holy Spirit in our discipleship so that we can escape the corruption of this world and live into the hope and promise of new life.  

Relate it to your life.
In my Christian life, I should expect to be progressing by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I cannot make growth happen on my own. I need Your Spirit to empower and equip me with the new life into which I have been redeemed. Amen.

April 23-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:5-7, …add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Observe what it is saying.    
If we are a growing follower of Christ, we will find ourselves increasing in these Christian virtues. It begins with faith. Faith is the absolute certainty that we can rely upon God’s gift of salvation found in Jesus Christ to give us eternal life. Goodness is the Greek word that can mean excellence or courageous. This multi-faceted word reveals the transformation that comes in our redemption. Knowledge is the practical application of wisdom which enables a person to make good decisions in the daily circumstances of life. Self-control keeps our passions and desires at bay so that we are in control of them, not they us. Perseverance refuses to give up, but trusts God is working good in the midst of all that happens to us. Godliness or piety recognizes our love for God leads to our love for one another. Mutual affection is the Greek word philadelphia. It literally means love of brothers and is a friendship kind of affection for those you know and care for. Lastly, Agape love is the self-surrendering love Christ perfectly displayed at the cross. It is this same kind of self-surrendering love we are to have for God, each other, and all people, including our enemies. Here's a mini self-examination to determine if we are growing based on this Scripture: Faith--Do I trust in Christ alone for my salvation? Goodness—How am I becoming more like Jesus? Knowledge—Am I making wiser decisions? Self-control—How often does my personal sin (like pride, lust or greed) rear its head? Perseverance—Do I trust the Lord in affliction? 5. Love (last 3 qualities together)—Would those closest to me describe me as becoming more loving?

Relate it to your life.
These qualities will be added as I surrender and fully open myself to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Do something
Lord Jesus, help me to grow up and into all of these qualities that You perfectly exhibited. Amen.

April 24-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
2 Peter 1:8-9, For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Observe what it is saying.
So far this week, we have been given the What- participating in the divine nature. As redeemed followers of Jesus, we are invited to enter directly into the rich beautiful fellowship that exists among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were given the How- adding to our faith many Christlike qualities through the empowerment and equipping of the Holy Spirit. Today, we discover the Why- our growth keeps us from being unfruitful in knowing our Lord Jesus Christ. As we find these qualities becoming more prominent in our lives, then we know that our faith is real and we are making good progress. We will see results in our daily life, witness, and service as we faithfully follow Jesus. Such growth will encourage us along our journey. It will not be perfect. There will be difficult days and disappointments when we do not live up to the growth we have made, but we can still have the assurance of our salvation knowing that the Holy Spirit is still at work, and we are still progressing. However, if we do not find these qualities increasing in our lives over a period of time, then we have been blinded by darkness, and we will forget whose we are and that have been set free from our sin. We will not have the encouragement that the assurance of faith brings. Without exception, authentic faith leads to authentic growth and transformation over time.  

Relate it to your life.
I need to prayerfully consider how my life is progressing by the fruit it is producing within me.  

Do something.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.

April 25-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
2 Peter 1:10-11, Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter summarizes what he has taught us this week. The reason we add to our faith the many qualities of Christ is that we are making every effort in the power of the Holy Spirit to confirm what we have been given in our redemption. We have been called and elected to participate in the glorious kingdom of God. God has chosen us to be included in His family. God wants us to be confident that we belong to Him. So, if we are growing Christians then we will not stumble. That does not mean we will never sin, but we will not fall away from our faith if we are making daily progress in our journey with Jesus. Ultimately, and best of all, we will be warmly welcomed into the eternal kingdom that our Lord and Savior Jesus has brought to us. The entry begins now and lasts for all eternity. This speaks of the eternal values of heaven being increasingly produced in our lives, and, also, tells of the eternal span of time that will never end. We will enjoy being present with Jesus forever and ever. As someone said, “If we do not enjoy spending time with Jesus now, what makes us think we will want to spend all eternity with Him?”

Relate it to your life.
I acknowledge that I absolutely enjoy living in the eternal kingdom of Jesus today and look forward to dwelling in its beauty and power forever.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, I want to spend my every moment with You. Prompt me to remember You are here. Amen.

April 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:1-4, To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Observe what it is saying.    
The early Christian church continued the structure from the Jewish synagogue with an “elder” being the most common title for church leadership. In the first century, elders were often older believers who were highly respected in the community. Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder,” so even apostles were considered elders at large in whatever community they resided. Elders included those spiritually gifted as pastors, but were not exclusively pastors. However, every elder had a shepherding function. They were to care for the church as shepherds carefully look over their flocks for injury and sickness. To be called an elder is a privilege and a huge responsibility. It is not done out of obligation but with a humble willingness of the holy call God has placed on your life. Elders were eventually paid but were highly cautioned not to pursue dishonest gain or become greedy by fleecing the flock. Instead, just as Jesus did, elders lead by serving. Jesus told his disciples not to lord themselves over others but to serve as He did by giving His life away as a ransom for many. Elders are placed in the church for the very purpose of modeling His holy loving nature to the whole church. We must remember that when Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, comes back, we will all receive our reward. There is a sense in which all mature believers should see themselves in this role whether they have a title or not. All Christians are called to serve and be a model of the Christian faith to others and so should live up to the responsibility of an elder.  

Relate it to your life.
Whether a “titled” leader in the church or not, I am a leader as I provide an example of Jesus to others.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to lead well by serving others with a model of Your holy and loving nature. Amen.

April 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:5-6, In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Observe what it is saying.
Peter speaks to those younger in the congregation that they are to willingly come under the leadership of the God-appointed elders of the church. This is for the proper order and functioning of the church. Of course, the assumption is that the elders are acting in an appropriate manner of servant leadership as we found yesterday. Then Peter tells everyone that they need to dress themselves each day in humility toward each other. We must discard the wardrobe of pride. We need to envision ourselves being dressed in the humility of Christ who willingly went to the cross on the behalf of undeserving sinners. Throughout Scripture we find the truth mentioned often, as is quoted here, that God shows His most generous grace to the humble, not to the proud. When we humble ourselves before God, He will elevate us in His time.  

Relate it to your life.
When I choose the humble way, I open the door for the grace of the Lord to fully enter in.

Do something.
Jesus, dress me in Your wardrobe of humility which You have perfectly modeled for me. Amen.

April 15-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Observe what it is saying.
We cannot keep anxiety from coming knocking on our door. This world is filled with many events and experiences that create opportunity for fear and worry to enter in. Peter was writing to Christians who were facing opposition and persecution so you would expect they had every reason to be anxious. The Bible repeats itself often when it comes to this ominous feeling. Peter says cast your worries on the Lord. The image is throwing them off of yourself onto Him. He wants to receive them. We were not meant to carry them. God is concerned for us. He loves us. He cares about every anxiety-producing event. He does not want us to travel this path alone but wants us to actively give Him all that troubles us. David said something similar in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” In a message about worry, Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) The Apostle Paul offers this familiar word, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) The Bible has one consistent message that our loving God wants us to thrust our anxiety upon Him through trusting prayer.

Relate it to your life.
I am relieved to know that God cares for me so much that He wants to bear the weight of my worry.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, through believing prayer, I am casting these worries upon You today: ____________. Amen.

April 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:8-9, Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Observe what it is saying.    
Even though we cast all our anxiety on God, that does not mean we can be careless about our spiritual development. The word “sober” is used 6 times in the New Testament, and Peter uses half of them in this letter. 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Peter emphasizes a spiritual sobriety that demands we stay mentally sharp and spiritually alert at all times. The reason he gives is vitally important because he knows what is at stake and what is happening in the unseen spiritual realm. Peter was a victim of the prowling devil in the Garden where he fell asleep and in the high priest’s courtyard where he strongly denounced knowing Jesus. He was devoured by the temptation of the roaring lion. He knows how dark and painful the guilt is. We must know if we are pursuing a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus, the enemy is in attack mode. We must be vigilant in recognizing his attempts to take us down by standing strong in the faith. Like Jesus did in the wilderness temptation, he stood strong by quoting Scripture. The enemy went away after being defeated by God’s truth. Peter indicates the various kinds of opposition that believers face around the word is one of the ways Satan fiercely attacks God’s people.      

Relate it to your life.
I must understand I am under spiritual attack if I am passionate about my walk with Jesus.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil. Amen.

April 17-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:10-11, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observe what it is saying.
In Peter’s final words, he speaks of the God of all grace. What a wonderful reminder that this is who God is as fully demonstrated in His Son Jesus. It is by God’s grace we are saved. It is by God’s grace we are restored into the family of God. It is by God’s grace that we are transformed into brand new people. As Peter goes on to say, it is by God’s grace we are called into eternal glory. God made the way to glory abundantly clear through Jesus. Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter encourages those who are suffering for their faith to hold on because this is only a temporary phase in the larger picture of eternal life. Even in this world, there may come relief at some point. However, if not, we have an eternity where we will be strong and steadfast, never to know another moment of suffering, pain, sorrow, or loss. This is what we are living for. This is what gives us hope to continue on in the midst of all of our struggles. We must keep the larger picture in view as we walk day by day through all the challenges of this world. Because of what God has done for us, He is to be recognized as the One to whom all praise and power goes forever.    

Relate it to your life.
God’s grace literally makes all the difference in this world of whether I can have real hope for the future.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the instrument of the Father’s grace so that I have hope in the midst of my daily troubles. Help me to keep my eye on the prize to which You have called me. Amen.

April 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.  
1 Peter 5:12-14, With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Observe what it is saying.
Just as the Apostle Paul often did, Peter writes by naming a colleague, Silas, who shares in ministry with him. We first meet Silas in Acts 15 where the Jerusalem Council of Christian leaders decided whether they would welcome Gentiles into the family without circumcision. After agreeing they would, they sent a message to the church at Antioch where this controversy began. Acts 15:22, “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.” Silas was an early leader in the Jerusalem church and accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. As Peter says here, he was a faithful brother in Christ. Peter says the purpose of his letter was to encourage them to stand strong in the true grace of God found in Jesus. Babylon is likely a reference to Rome. “She” is probably a congregation there. Mark is a spiritual son that Peter may have led to the Lord and would later write the gospel bearing his name. These two named leaders did not get as much press as the apostles, but they were an integral part of the rapid spread of the gospel.  

Relate it to your life.
My role in the gospel may not get much attention but is just as vital as those who do.

Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for everyone who faithfully serves You without getting much applause. Amen.