Philippians 2:4ThoughtfulnessPhilippians 2:4 (NIV) - Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.Christians should avoid preoccupation with self to be thoughtful of others. We look for ways we can help others with their interests.This is a great way to build relationships because everyone wants to associate with others who are genuinely interested in...  Read More

Philippians 2:3HumilityPhilippians 2:3 (NIV) - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.Humility is vital to the foundation upon which relationships are built, especially among Christians.Humility means we think more of Christ and others than of ourselves.The humble person is more interested in giving credit to others than receiving...  Read More

Philippians 2:2United with Each OtherUnity in the church is essential.Because we are united with Christ, we are to be united with our fellow Christians.Paul clearly said we are to be like-minded, have the same love, be one in spirit and purpose.I believe unity in the church is achieved through all believers focusing on the goal of serving and glorifying Christ.I came across a quote years ago. I do...  Read More

Philippians 2:1United with ChristOver the next several days we will spend some time together in Philippians chapter two which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.In Philippians 2:1 Paul used the phrase “united with Christ”.We are eternally united with Christ when we receive him as our Savior. Jesus himself said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them...  Read More

Joy In HardshipOur difficulties are opportunities to choose to live in the joy of the Lord.When Paul and Silas were in the Philippian prison they were praying and singing hymns to God. (Acts 16:25)  Paul wrote that the Macedonian churches experienced “overflowing joy” in their trials. (2 Corinthians 8:2, NIV)I believe we will experience God’s joy in our hardships when we remember three things:1. G...  Read More

Luke 2:10-11Good News of Great JoyThe media informs us that there is a lot of bad news in our world. Sometimes we let this bad news weigh us down with worry.But, in the midst of the bad news there is good news. This good news is that Christ is our Savior.Knowing Christ as our Savior means that we will live eternally in heaven and that we will live joyfully on earth.If Christ is your Savior then li...  Read More

Joy in Our PartnershipPhilippians 1:4-5Joy is something we experience when we are partners in the gospel.In Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi he wrote, “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”. (Philippians 1:4-5)Paul was joyful because he was not alone in sharing the gospel. The Philippian Christians we...  Read More

Joy is a choice.Joy is a gift from God but I have the choice to accept or reject it.We cannot choose all of our circumstances. However, we can choose our attitudes in our circumstances. Every believer can choose to exercise God’s gift of joy.The apostle Paul is our example. He experienced difficulty in Philippi (Acts 16) but, when he wrote his letter to the Philippians, he wrote with a joyful hear...  Read More

God Gives JoyIn this week’s devotions we will focus on joy.Scripture has many references to joy. God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, heaven and the early church are all associated with joy.I agree with this quote from Richard Foster: “We should, to begin with, think that God leads a very interesting life, and that he is full of joy. Undoubtedly he is the most joyous being in the universe.”This tells me ...  Read More

A Song in the NightPsalm 42This week we have seen the psalmist’s troubles as he described them in psalm 42.However, in the midst of his troubles, the psalmist had a steady faith in God’s deliverance. This is the greatest lesson we learn from this psalm.Regarding this psalm, G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “Notice carefully the heroism of the man. He makes his trouble and disquietude the occasion of reme...  Read More

God’s Deep Resources for Our Deep NeedsPsalm 42:7 (NIV) – “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. “All of us, like the Psalmist, have faced times when we felt overwhelmed by the waterfalls, waves and breakers of life. Maybe you are there now.In these times we give our deep needs to our Lord who will meet them with his deep resources.F.B. ...  Read More

Psalm 42:3, 10SteadfastThe Psalmist was oppressed and taunted by his enemies. They attempted to cause him to doubt God’s presence. The enemies asked him, “Where is your God?”“These men were the Psalmist’s enemies who taunted him to doubt, fear, and despondency about the character of God” (Holman Old Testament Commentary). These taunts caused him much emotional and physical distress.  But, even in ...  Read More