Stress-free Christianity? Uh ... No ... (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Some people seem to think that once you become a Christian, your life becomes calm, peaceful, and stress-free. Clearly, those people haven’t really studied the Bible. Troubles are pretty much promised.

James made it crystal clear when he wrote, “Consider it all joy … when you fall into various trials …” (James 1:2-4). Not if you fall, but when you fall. And Jesus Himself promised difficult times when He said, “In the world you will have tribulation …” (John 16:33). Again, it isn’t a maybe; it’s a will.

Paul knew more than most what it meant to suffer for the name of Christ. In his second letter to the church at Corinth, he described trials and tribulations beyond comprehension. He was beaten, stoned, robbed, imprisoned, and shipwrecked. He experienced weariness, hunger, and thirst (see 2 Corinthians 11:22-27).

Yet he was able to rejoice in the chains that imprisoned him. He was able to withstand pain and suffering. Why? Because he knew he was following the will of his God and that any suffering he experienced on earth meant nothing in the light of eternity: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

More importantly, he was confident that nothing would ever separate him from the love of his Father:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
      “ For Your sake we are killed all day long;        We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:35-39, NKJV)

Yes, we will have trials and tribulations, but we can be confident of one thing. Our Lord and Savior is the Victor. Or as Jesus said at the end of John 16:33, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Walking, Talking Illustrations (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

Some are called specifically to be pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). God has gifted them uniquely to preach the gospel and teach from His word.

But that doesn’t mean they’re the only people who should be sharing the good news of salvation. Paul commended the church at Thessalonica for its “sound[ing] forth” the gospel. In fact, the church members had been so good about letting their “faith in God [go] forth” that Paul and his comrades had “no need to say anything.”

Each of us who has accepted the gift of salvation through belief in the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, should be sharing the gospel. While we might not be standing at a pulpit, we can preach and teach wherever we are. We can share the “hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7).

In fact, many people have been won to Christ, not because they heard a preacher, but because they saw the evidence of changed lives. They saw the light of Jesus shine through sincere believers. They saw anger turn to compassion. Addiction replaced by hope. Despair overcome by peace.

They saw walking, talking illustrations of Jesus.

As you go through your day, look for opportunities to preach and teach. Share what God has done in your life. Give the reason for your joy through sorrow. Be Jesus to someone today.

Pillars of Faith (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

We have been blessed with so many pillars of faith who have walked before us. So many godly men and women whose lives are worthy of our imitation.

People like Paul, who went from persecuting followers of Christ to being one of the great leaders of the Christian faith.  His letters to the first churches, including the one we’re journeying through now, have inspired and encouraged—and convicted—millions.

People like John, the disciple whom Christ dearly loved. His final book of Revelation gives us insights into God’s ultimate plan for our eternity with Him.

People like Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi death camp, and was able to forgive her persecutors.

People like Joni Earekson Tada, a quadriplegic who serves God from her wheelchair, and whose inspiring story has touched countless lives.

People like my maternal grandfather, whose heart for Christ and love for others instilled compassion and faith in his daughter, my mom. She in turn continues to illustrate faith to me.

I’ve learned so much from these examples of faith … and so many others. They have helped to form my faith. And I’m so grateful for their godly influence.

Whom in your life can you imitate? And who might find inspiration in you? 

Following Christ ... Really ... (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Being a Christian is so much more than just saying that God exists. As the Bible tells us: “Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). And it’s so much more than just going to church each Sunday or saying a prayer now and again … usually when something goes wrong. Or quoting a Bible verse every once and a while.

Being a Christian, a follower of Christ, means committing your life to God’s will. And when you commit your life to God, surrendering everything to Him, your desire is to serve Him. You want to work for Him, serving and loving others as you hope in Him.

You read God’s word—with its “scarlet thread” of salvation that is weaved throughout—and with the inspiration and illumination of the Holy Spirit, you are encouraged and convicted. You hide God’s word in your heart, knowing its words will keep you from sinning against the Lord (Psalm 119:11).

You spend time in prayer, praising God and interceding for others. You listen to God’s voice as He leads and guides you along His chosen path.

Yes, being a follower of Christ takes focus and discipline, but the rewards of knowing you are in relationship with the God of the universe make it all worthwhile!

Grace and Peace to You (1 Thessalonians 1:1)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Today, as we continue looking at Paul’s epistles, we begin a journey through the book of 1 Thessalonians.

Letter-writing—true pen-to-paper writing—is so out of vogue. And that’s kind of sad. In the day, people would often collect and save letters, and those letters captured histories. Stories of romances. Stories of families. Births. Deaths. It’s truly a lost art.

Where would we be if Paul hadn’t written his letters? We’ve been given so much wisdom, encouragement, affirmation, exhortation, and conviction. Some of my very favorite passages, words that I’ve memorized, come from Paul’s letters.

And as we journey through 1 Thessalonians, we’ll be visiting some of those passages.

I’m really looking forward to reading Paul’s pen-to-paper letter. And I begin by greeting you as Paul did: Grace and to you and peace. 

Your Very Large Family (Colossians 4:7-18)

Today's scripture: Colossians 4:7-18

We who follow Christ are part of a family—a very large family. And what an amazing blessing that truly is.

Have you ever stopped to think about how blessed you are to have brothers and sisters in Christ wherever you go? How many times have you travelled to an unknown place and met a fellow believer? Suddenly, being with that brother or sister overshadows whatever uncertainty you may have in that new place.

Or have you moved from the safe and familiar, and then have found a church home? Immediately, you're part of a family again. When I moved from California to Tennessee, I found a new small group of women who have become my sisters in Christ. We come from very different backgrounds, and our journeys are very diverse. But because of our love for Christ, we are sisters, and we genuinely love each other. We pray for each other. We rejoice in answered prayers. We support each other.

I have a wonderful biological family, and I love each and every one of them. However, they're all far from me, geographically. And so I feel tremendously blessed that I have my family of sisters who love me and hug me and offer the support I can't always get from my own family.

If you're a follower of Christ and you don't have this kind of loving, supportive "family," I encourage you to find a church—a God-honoring, Bible-believing church—and experience the wonderful blessing of knowing your many brothers and sisters.

Bold AND Gracious (Colossians 4:5-6)

Today's scripture: Colossians 4:5-6

I’m going to be honest with you … One area I struggle with is being bold to share the gospel. I certainly don’t hide the fact that I’m a believer, but I’ve never been one to go up to a stranger and start talking about Jesus. Yes, I know that I don’t have the gift of evangelism, but I should be more vocal about my faith, sharing God’s truth with grace.

I’m often convicted when I read how bold Peter and John were in Acts 3-4. No matter what obstacles they faced, they couldn't "stop speaking about the things" they saw and heard (4:20). They were bold, yes, but they spoke to unbelievers with grace and truth.

I remember how Jesus spoke with unbelievers and seekers. He was always loving and gracious. The Samaritan woman. Nicodemus. Zaccheus. The throngs that would surround Him when He spoke.

The only time He showed righteous anger was when He was dealing with religious hypocrites. Then all bets were off. But as long as the person with whom He was speaking showed a genuine desire to know His truth, He answered questions with all the love He had for them.

I've been praying for boldness to share truth for quite a while now, and God answers this prayer bit by bit. I'm reminded, though, of how Pete and John were bold, yet loving. And how my Lord was exactly the same.

Be bold to tell truth, but temper it with love and grace. 

Prayer Works! (Colossians 4:2-4)

Today's scripture: Colossians 4:2-4

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts and one of the greatest mysteries for Christ-followers.

It's a greatest gift because, through prayer, we can talk with our triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit.

Through prayer, we can praise Him for His blessings. We can praise Him for His attributes. We can praise Him for His work in our lives.

Through prayer, we can thank Him for provision, for healing, for protection.

Through prayer, we can intercede on behalf of our friends and family.

Through prayer, we can make requests, asking for the desires of our heart.

But prayer is also a great mystery. If God knows everything—and He does—and if He has a plan in place for each of us—and He does—then why do we bother praying?

Well, part of prayer, as I mentioned, is our praising Him. Our glorifying Him. Our acknowledging that He is God.

What about making requests, though? How can my asking for something have any affect if God already knows the big picture? You know something? I don't really know the answer. I do know, however, that we're commanded to pray. I do know that time spent in prayer brings me closer to my Lord. My focus is on Him and His will. When I do pray for something, I always ask for it according to His will.

And I do believe that God brings desires to my heart that come directly from Him, so when I pray for them, I'm praying for His desires for me.

Prayer also leads to trust. If I trust God to care for me and provide for me, I can trust Him to answer prayers according to His will. Prayer also helps make us more patient because, even though He may answer "yes" or "no" right away, often times He asks us to "wait."

I may not always understand how God does what He does, and I may not have a full understanding of how prayer works. But one thing I do know. Prayer does work.

Supervisors? Take Note ... (Colossians 4:1)

Today's scripture: Colossians 4:1

Many who don't know Christ read the word "slave" in the Bible and immediately focus on the atrocity of the slave trade in the United States, However, it's important to understand context. Timothy Keller, senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, wrote a wonderful book called The Reason for God. In it, he expounds on this topic:

In the first-century Roman empire, when the New Testament was written, there was not a great difference between slaves and the average free person. Slaves were not distinguishable from others by race, speech, or clothing ... From a financial standpoint, slaves made the same wages as free laborers, and therefore were not usually poor. Also, slaves could accrue enough capital to buy themselves out. Most important of all, very few laves were slaves for life. Most could reasonably hope to be manumitted within ten or fifteen years ...

So in the time Paul wrote about masters and slaves, his words were really more about our modern employer and employee. Employees are paid fair wages and many work at the same job for ten or fifteen years.

Employers should, therefore, look at today's verse as an exhortation: Just as they are "masters" of employees, they serve the Master in heaven. And just as they want to be treated by God with "justice and fairness," they should treat their employees in the same way.

Do you supervise others? Take these words to heart.

There Are Always Consequences (Colossians 3:25)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:25

Many wonderful attributes describe the triune God. He is gracious, merciful, and loving. He is our Redeemer, Savior, and Teacher. He is our refuge, our stronghold, our strength. He is personal. He is holy, righteous, and just.

Most people can get on board with the majority of these descriptors. But many have a problem with the last. God is just. They say if God is loving, then why does He punish? Why is there a hell? Wouldn't a loving God just let everyone go to heaven?

The fact that God is just goes hand-in-hand with the fact that He's holy and righteous. God cannot co-exist with sin. Yet, because He loved His first created man and woman so much, He gave them the choice to obey Him and remain in intimate communion with Him or to choose their own way. And though it's a mystery to us, the all-holy, all-perfect God allowed sin to enter the world.

It was always God's plan, though, to offer the means of man's reconciliation with Him, first through animal sacrifice and then through the once-for-all sacrifice of God the Son, Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself to mankind throughout the ages, and He still does so today through the general revelation of His creation and the biblical revelation of the gospel.

We all have the opportunity to choose to follow Him or choose to go our own way. And if we choose the latter, there will be consequences. Those who choose not to follow Christ on earth—to, in essence, separate themselves from Him—will spend eternity separated from Him.

Yes, God is love. Yes, He offers grace and mercy. But He is also holy and righteous and just. And because He is a God of justice, He must deal with sin. He must deal with those who don't choose Him.

And they will reap the consequences.

As For the Lord (Colossians 3:22-24)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:22-24

Few of us are able to do our "dream jobs." It seems like most of us fall into whatever we do for a living, and sometimes, that's hard. I'm very blessed that now I'm able teach writing and literature, which I love to do, but for many years, I worked various jobs and much of the time, I did so just to make a living.

I have been blessed with great bosses and co-workers, but far too often, the jobs themselves were ... just jobs.

And far too often, I'd whine and complain, if only to myself. Why do I have to do this? Or why can't I do that?

I found Colossians 3:23-24 years ago, and it put everything into perspective. No matter what I was doing for an occupation, if I focused on doing it "heartily, as for the Lord," I found myself more content. If I remembered that it is the "Lord whom [I] serve, "I could find the joy in doing whatever He'd called me to do for that season.

You may not be doing what you dream of doing. You may be "just" doing a job. But no matter what, you can still find joy and contentment in where you are now. You can still work "heartily" as you remember whom you serve.

The Lord. Not men.

Healthy Families (Colossians 3:18-21)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:18-21

In these three verses, Paul gives some guidelines for healthy families. If Christian families followed them, I truly believe this world would be impacted greatly for God. The family is—or at least it should be—the foundation of society, and when families are healthy, so will society be.

Wives are to be subject to husbands. Oh, I know how controversial this is. I know some women will rise up and say, "I will not submit to my husband. I'm an independent woman, and I don't need to cater to his whims." I believe there is a huge misunderstanding about this whole issue. I wrote a short Bible study for a small group I used to lead. We were a sisterhood of women married to unbelieving spouses. In that study, I wrote that being submissive to is "being willing to be subject to something." I went on to say, "Did you catch that? To submit is an issue of willingness. I read recently that a wife-to-husband relationship is similar to a vice-president-to-president relationship. Certainly, a vice president is able to do as much (or perhaps more) than the president. They work together, often make decisions together. However, he willingly submits to the authority of the president because there needs to be one leader. In the same way, we wives contribute and have a voice, but there does have to be a final authority." As long as a husband doesn't ask his wife to go against biblical principles and is not a bully or abuser, we wives need to be willing to be subject to our husbands.

Then, Paul writes to husbands. Husbands are to love their wives. Elsewhere, Paul writes they are to love as Christ loves the church, and His love caused Him to lay down His very life for the ones He loves (Ephesians 5:25). In addition, husbands are not to be "embittered against" their wives. They should not antagonize or aggravate, disgruntle or estrange. They should, instead, love their wives with the tender love with which Christ loves them.

Next, Paul writes to children. Children are to be obedient to their parents. The first commandment that was written regarding how we're to interact with others is, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). Honor means to "treat with admiration and respect" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Some might say, "But my parents mistreated or abused me. How can I honor them?"

This leads us to the final exhortation: Parents aren't to " exasperate [their] children." Exasperate means to "excite the anger of; to cause irritation or annoyance to" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Parents should raise their children with discipline, certainly, but also with love, nurturing, caring, gentleness, and kindness.

If wives willingly subjected themselves to the godly guidance of their husbands, if husbands loved their wives with devotion and Christ-like love, and if children obeyed their parents who raised them with love and caring, imagine how healthy families would be.

Imagine how healthy society would be.

What If ... (Colossians 3:17)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:17

This verse is one that all believers should memorize. Seriously.

We should be living for Christ. We should be dedicating ourselves every day to Him and His will. Our work. Our play. Our relationships. Our words. Our actions. Our thoughts. All should be done in the name of our Lord Jesus.

The Message paraphrases Paul's words, "Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." Every detail. Every moment.

What would our lives be like if we really lived this way? If we really did and said everything in Christ's name?

Before we spoke, we'd ask ourselves: Does what I'm going to say glorify God? Before we acted, we'd ask ourselves: Will what I'm going to do edify myself and others?

What if we spent each moment seeking how we could honor the name of our Lord. What if we spent each moment giving thanks for God's abundant blessings.

What if.

The Peace of Christ (Colossians 3:15-16)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:15-16

Nothing quite touches my soul than then concept of peace. God-given, all-surpassing peace. A peace that sustains me no matter the situation. A peace that reminds me that this world isn't my home. A peace that will "guard [my] heart and [my] mind through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7, NKJV).

I honestly don't know how someone who doesn't know Jesus has true peace. When circumstances are painful or difficult, where does she find comfort for her heart and soul? Through relationships? And what happens if those relationships fail? Through drugs or alcohol? These can destroy. Through a career? Careers end.

No, true, all-encompassing, never-ending peace comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This peace carries me through days when the pain and weariness are unrelenting. This peace covers me when earthly relationships fall short. This peace showers me with hope of eternity with my Savior.

And because of this beyond-understanding peace, I can rejoice. I can sing "with thankfulness in [my] heart to God."

Do you have this peace? This peace that "surpasses all understanding"? Surrender everything to the Lord. Give Him loving control of your life.

And then ask for peace. The peace of Jesus Christ.

Chosen By God (Colossians 3:12-14)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:12-14

I began journaling over 22 years ago, just one year after I recommitted my life to the Lord. Whenever I begin a new journal (I just started number 40), I reread several of the previous. It's a wonderful way to reflect on my journey and God's faithfulness.

Many themes run consistently throughout: forgiveness, humility, love.

I've documented how I was able to forgive others because Jesus forgave me. I often—very often—humbly thank God for His grace and mercy He continually showers on me. I revel in the abundant and everlasting love with which He envelops me.

I am blessed. So very blessed.

My God has given me so much more than I deserve, so how can I do anything but show His love to others?

Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae that they were to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. These are attributes that are sometimes in short supply, even in the church. How often do we complain about others or question their service, thinking we could do something better than they?

We're to bear with and forgive each other. How often do we hold a grudge instead of forgiving any complaint? When we hold on too tightly to anger or unforgiveness, we're allowing a cancer to grow in our hearts. One of the most freeing things we can do is forgive someone who's hurt us. I know this from personal experience.

Finally, we are to put on love, the "perfect bond of unity." I pray every day that the body of Christ would be unified, that we'd celebrate those things we have in common and agree to disagree about the rituals or traditions that aren't foundational to our faith.

If we would love each other with genuine love, we would show the world what it really means to be like Christ, the One who loves us all so much He was willing to die for us.

This is nothing less than those of us who are "chosen by God" should live.

Dead ... and Alive (Colossians 3:5-11)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:5-11

When we accept the gift of salvation through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we truly become brand new. Whatever sin we committed prior to becoming followers of Christ is forgiven, totally wiped off the map. In gratitude for what Christ did for us, we should strive to live to please Him in all we do. We cannot—we must not—continue to live in sin. If we do, we're saying that what Jesus did for us doesn't mean anything. We've received our "get out of hell free" card, and now we're just going to live how we choose.

As Paul often wrote, "May it never be!"

We should consider our former fleshly selves as dead. Dead to immorality. Dead to impurity. Dead to anything that takes our focus off of our Lord.

Instead, we should be alive to the joy and peace that God showers upon us. We should love Him and others. We should serve Him using the gifts He's given us. We should spread His light and share His truth.

Dead to sin. Alive to Christ.

Amen.

Treasures in Heaven (Colossians 3:1-4)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:1-4

We so often spend much of our time seeking things on earth. We seek the best house, the best car, the best job. We want the best marriage, the best children, the best friends. And none of this is bad unto itself. However, it becomes a problem when our total focus is on those things instead of things above.

As followers of Christ, we should be focused on Him and those things above. We should seek out those things that will build God's kingdom, that will have eternal value.

Instead of buying bigger and better, perhaps we should downsize and donate extra funds to missions organizations. Instead of hoarding all our "stuff," perhaps we should give it to someone less fortunate. Instead of spending the weekend watching movies with our kids, perhaps we should volunteer at a homeless shelter with them.

One day, each of us will stand before the throne of God. We will see our Savior face-to-face in all of His glory. As we stand before Him, what will we offer Him to show how we served Him? Those things we left behind that have no value whatsoever? Or will we show Him how we served Him by serving others? How we "sacrificed" on earth to help others see God's grace?

I don't know about you, but I pray I will truly listen to the words of Jesus: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal ..." (Matthew 6:19-20).

Profitable to My Soul? (Colossians 2:20-23)

Today's scripture: Colossians 2:20-23

Sometimes, I have to go to the experts to help me understand scripture ... This is one of those times. While I understand verse 20—since I have died with Christ, I don't need to be submitting to the world's "decrees"—the other verses require a bit of clarification. And so I'm looking to one of my favorite commentaries:

These are not matters of eternal moment; the different kinds of meats were made for the body, and go with it into corruption: in like manner, all the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish religion now perish, having accomplished the end of their institution; namely, to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. All these prescriptions and rites have indeed the appearance of wisdom, and are recommended by plausible reasons; but they form a worship which God has not commanded, and enjoin macerations of the body, accompanied with a humiliation of spirit, that are neither profitable to the soul, nor of any advantage to the body; so that the whole of their religion is nothing worth. (Adam Clarke Commentary)

In other words, only those things that keep my mind focused on God's word, only those things that help me grow in faith, and only those things that glorify God are worthy of my time and effort.

Is what am I doing, saying, thinking, reading, or watching "profitable to the soul"? If it's not, then perhaps I shouldn't be doing, saying, thinking, reading, or watching ...

Substance ... Not Structure (Colossians 2:16-19)

Today's scripture: Colossians 2:16-19

In Paul's day, many festivals and feasts were celebrated, and apparently, some new Christians were judging others regarding how to celebrate those days. This isn't so different today. With so many denominations, we often adhere to structure rather than substance. We cling to our "this is how we do it" leading to division, instead of focusing on what makes us the same: sons and daughters of God.

Only a few non-negotiables are important if you're a Christian: belief in the One True God of the Bible, belief in His word, and acceptance of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God the Son.

When and how communion is taken isn't a "stake in the sand" issue. We shouldn't come to blows because your church sings hymns and mine sings praise songs ... or vice versa. Even how one is baptized isn't a deal-breaker.

For far too many years (decades ... centuries), the world has looked at division in the church, and has said, "They can't even get along with each other; how can they expect to get along with the rest of us?" Division has caused unnecessary anguish and conflict. And how this must break our Savior's heart. He died so that we could come to salvation, and when we come to salvation, we're a part of His family. We are His church, His bride.

We need to take our focus off of the things that don't really matter and put it on the one thing that does: the "substance [that] belongs to Jesus Christ."

Empty Deception ... (Colossians 2:8-15)

Today's scripture: Colossians 2:8-15

We are bombarded these days with "philosophy and empty deception" that strive to take our focus off of Christ. Some of it sounds viable. Or interesting. Or compelling. However, their only purpose is to make us question biblical truth.

Anything that isn't of Christ, anything that proclaims Him as being anything less than what He is needs to be discarded.

Someone says He was just a good man or teacher? That can't be because He Himself claimed to be one with God (John 10:30).

Someone says He was just another human being and sinned just as we do? No. The writer of Hebrews, whose words were God-breathe, wrote, "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (4:15). That "high priest" is Christ Himself. 

Someone says Christianity is just one of many ways to get to heaven? Not if you believe the Bible. Jesus made it very clear that He is the only way to get to the Father (John 14:6).

If you're a true Christian, a Bible-believing Christ follower, than you cannot believe anything that contradicts what Christ Himself said or what God breathed through the pens of men. Jesus Christ, God the Son, our Savior, is the foundation of our faith. Read His words. Meditate on His truths.

Follow Him and Him alone.

Practice Makes ... Well, You Know ... (Colossians 2:6-7)

Today's scripture: Colossians 2:6-7

So many people call themselves Christians because they were born in the United States, or their family background is Christianity. Others say, since they're not anything else (Muslim, Buddhist, Hindi, Jewish), they must be Christian. And tragically, much has been done by so-called Christians that has been detrimental to the truth.

Being a Christian—a true follower of Christ—is so much more than a name. Being a Christ-follower means one has "received Christ Jesus the Lord ..." She has accepted the gift of salvation the death, burial, and resurrection of Him. Most of all, it means she walks with Jesus every day. She focuses on becoming more and more "firmly rooted ... built up in Him and established in [her] faith ..."

To be firmly rooted and built up and established requires a few things:

We must know truth—God's truth—through daily study and meditation on His word. We must read the Bible and prayerfully seek God's will as we do so.

We must pray. Praising Him. Thanking Him. Interceding for others. Listening to His voice. As the apostle Paul wrote, we should, "... pray without ceasing ..." (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

We must worship with others. The writer of Hebrews reminds us to “not forsake … assembling together” (10:25). Something really, really special happens when we're surrounded by others who share our faith in the one true God.

We must practice Christ-likeness. To do this, we need to study His character. How did He interact with others? How did He interact with His Father? What was more important to Him than anything else? How did He react to temptation? When we study the character of Christ, we learn how to love others, how to show mercy and grace, how to counteract the enemy's lies.

We must demonstrate the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, gentleness, self-control and all the rest (Galatians 5:22-23).

If we practice these things, we become were to practice these things, the world would see something very attractive, very compelling in us. And perhaps we might be the light the brings someone to Jesus.

Family! (Colossians 2:1-5)

Today's scripture: Colossians 2:1-5

One of the greatest gifts—among so many—about being a follower of Christ is the fact that we're a family. Those of us who believe in and follow Christ are brothers and sisters. What I love most about this is, no matter where you go, you can find a whole new set of Christian "siblings."

When my husband and I relocated from Southern California in April 2015, one of my few regrets was leaving my church and a faith-based theater I was involved with. I knew I would miss my “family,” my brothers and sisters in Christ. But one thing I knew; when we “landed” in Tennessee, I would find a new church home and a new “family.” It took a few months, but I have not only found a church home where God is revealing my “fit,” but I am also part of a small group of wonderful women who pray for me and with whom I fellowship.

It's such a blessing! And as Paul writes, even when we're not physically with our Christian brothers and sisters, we're still part of His family. All those wonderful Christian friends I left behind and whom I will rarely see in person are still my “siblings.” We are still part of the same family. I know they pray for me and love me. As I do them.

What a wonderful gift!

Focus. Time. Effort. (Colossians 1:28-29)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:28-29

While we're on earth, we who follow Christ have one mission: glorify God, proclaiming His goodness, sharing His truth.

In order to do that, we must know His word, and in order to that, we must study and meditate on it. Daily. In fact, to use a word from Paul, we must labor in learning God's word. While in the context of these verses, Paul is referring to "admonishing ... and teaching every man ...," I believe that word also applies to our study of God's word in order to proclaim Him well.

To labor means to "exert one's powers of body or mind especially with painful or strenuous effort" (Merriam-Webster online). Now I certainly don't find studying God's word painful, but I do find myself needing to "exert" my mind with "strenuous [defined: "vigorously active") effort." To really understand and apply God's word, yes to admonish and teach, but to proclaim Him, takes focus. And time. And effort.

And it can't be a short skim through a verse or two although any time in the Bible is certainly worthwhile. Throughout God's word, we learn of how we can labor to know God's word.

Psalm 1:2 tells us we're to "delight" in and "meditate on [God's word] day and night." Then Joshua 1:8 says we're not to allow His word to "depart from [our] mouth ..." And, again, we're to "meditate on it day and night." Finally, Psalm 119:97 says we're to "love [God's] law" and "meditate on it all the day."

That's how we labor to know God's word. That's how we're able to admonish and teach others.

That's how we can proclaim Him.

Hope ... (Colossians 1:25-27)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:25-27

To unbelievers, our faith in a "dead man" is a mystery. How can those Christians worship someone who's been dead and gone for centuries? they ask.

Oh, but we know the truth. Christ, our Savior, is not dead. We know this because the Bible tells us so. We know this because the original disciples, those who walked and talked with Jesus after He rose from the dead, were willing to die for Him. If they hadn't seen Him with their eyes and touched Him with their hands, they wouldn't have been willing to be martyred for their faith.

Most importantly, though, we who follow Christ know He is alive because we see how He changes lives. We know because He's changed our lives. We see Him work in miraculous ways. We feel His peace and comfort during the difficult times, and we feel His pleasure when we serve Him.

This world offers little hope. But for those of us who follow Christ? Our hope is in Him. Our hope is in the promise of salvation, the confidence of His walking alongside us, and the anticipation of eternity with Him.

Where do you place your hope?

Rejoice in Suffering ... Really ... (Colossians 1:24)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:24

Rejoicing in sufferings goes against society norms. How one could find anything good in pain and affliction is a complete contradiction to nonbelievers.

Yet throughout the Bible, especially the New Testament, followers of Christ are told to expect suffering. And, yes, even rejoice in it. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that we are to "consider it all joy" when we face trials or difficult times (James 1:2). Why? Because God will use our suffering for His glory.

And again, our non-believing friends don't get it. They say, "Why would a loving God allow His children to suffer?"

The Bible says a lot about this very thing. If we continue to read the passage from James, we learn that going through trials will one day make us "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (v. 4).

In another letter, Paul wrote that his suffering helped him to realize from where his strength really came: God Himself. He discovered that it was only in his weakness that he came to rely solely on God, and therefore, he could say with conviction, "... when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

I know this is true. When I lived under my own "strength," I often failed. Yet, because of chronic health issues that keep me relatively weak, I find strength in Jesus. He's with me, walking alongside me ... often carrying me.

And so I can rejoice in my suffering because it draws me closer to my Lord God. Even more, my suffering makes me long for eternity, for the day when I can stand whole and strong before my God.

Not Even a Toehold ... (Colossians 1:21-23

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:21-23

Friday, we praised God because those of us who have accepted the gift of salvation through God's grace are reconciled to Him.

Today's verses remind us of two things:

First, because are indeed reconciled to our God, we are "holy and blameless and beyond reproach" in our Father's eyes. I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel far from holy and blameless and beyond reproach." Those days when I'm selfish or let pride rear its ugly head. Those days when I get mad at other drivers or frustrated with a student. Those days when the pain makes me grumpy, and I snap at my husband.

But because I know I've been reconciled to God, I know I can confess each sin, and He will look on me through eyes of love and grace.

Second, we who follow Christ must "continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not [be] moved from the hope of the gospel ..." The enemy of our souls would like nothing more than to lure us away from a daily, focused walk with the Lord. He is not all-powerful, so he certainly isn't in control of a whole lot (although I'm sure he thinks he is). And he can never, ever take our salvation from us.

But he knows if he can whisper lies that draw our focus from God, he may be able to win a battle or two. He may keep us from seeking God. He may keep us from sharing God's truth.

We need to stand firm in faith, and the only way to do that is to spend time in God's word and in prayer. If you've been reading these devotionals for a while, I might sound like a broken record, but I believe this so deeply. Just as we must work to nurture our earthly relationships, we must work to nurture the most important relationship of all.

We must know our God—really, really know Him. And when we do, our faith grows, and the enemy can't get even a toehold.

Reconciled ... (Colossians 1:15-20)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:15-20

The God of the Bible, the one True God is creator of all things. He is the owner of all things.

Nothing we have, nothing we are is of ourselves. Our houses. Our cars. Our clothes. Our "stuff." Our relationships. None of them belong to us. No, they are gifts to us from our loving Father. Because none of what we have is ours, we must carefully steward what He's placed in our care.

More than the "stuff" we've been given, however, is the most important gift: reconciliation. We are born into sin, and without our being reconciled to God, we are forever separated from Him. But God loves us so much that He offered His own Son, an actual part of Himself, to bridge the gap between Him and us (John 3:16). And it was His "good pleasure" to do so.

Through the shed blood of Christ, we are reconciled with God. We can live in peace knowing that He, the Creator of all things, is in control.

And we can look forward, with confidence, to the day when we meet Him face-to-face.

Amen!

Look Up! (Colossians 1:13-14)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:13-14

I read today's verses, and I am so grateful ... and so humbled.

I understand being "rescued ... from the domain of darkness ..." I've shared bits and pieces of my story over the last several years, so I may have mentioned that I was raised in a Christian home. I learned about Jesus and how He died for my sins, and when I was six years old, I asked Jesus to come into my heart.

That could have been the "happily ever after" to my story, but I allowed years of sexual abuse to take me away from my faith. I made a deliberate choice to walk into the "domain of darkness." For many years, I lived my own life, totally disregarding the faith of my childhood.

It wasn't until I hit the lowest point of my journey–depression, infertility–that I finally looked up ... and found my Rescuer, just waiting to welcome me back. His arms were opened wide, and He embraced me, forgave my sins, and offered the gift of redemption.

I now know beyond doubt that my home is in His kingdom. I'm no longer in that darkness, but I am covered by His light.

If you're in darkness, if your life seems out of control, if you're hurting from the choices you've made, then look up. Look into the face of the God who loves you more than you could possibly know. Look into His eyes brimming with grace and mercy.

He is waiting to rescue you from the "domain of darkness." He is waiting to welcome you into the "kingdom of His beloved Son ..." The Son who died for your sins.

Look up.

My Prayer for You (Colossians 1:9-12)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:9-12

I love these verses. In fact, I pray them nearly every day for me, for my family, for my friends. I pray them for those for whom I've spoken or whom I've taught. I pray them for my "kids."

And if you know the Lord, because you're reading this devotional, I pray them for you as well.

I pray that we "may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding ..." I pray we'll take time to focus on His word today and learn its truth so that we might become more and more wise with God's wisdom.

I pray that we will "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects ..." We are truly not worthy of grace and mercy, but God sees worth in each and every one of us. To honor Him, we should desire to live according to His commandments, which pleases Him. I pray we focus on Him today and live to please Him.

I pray we will "bear fruit in every good work ..." What can we do this very day to bring glory and honor to Him? How can we serve Him and others? I pray we look for those opportunities to bless others today.

I pray we will "increase in the knowledge of God ..." He desires to reveal Himself to His children. He wants us to know Him intimately by spending time in conversation with Him, speaking to Him and listening to His voice. I pray we'll take that time with Him today.

I pray we'll be "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might ..." Paul wrote in another letter that he "could do all things through Christ who strengthens" him. I pray we find our strength in Christ, and Him alone.

Finally, I pray we "joyously give thanks to the Lord ..." He has blessed us abundantly with grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, strength, healing, help, refuge ... and the list goes on and on and on. How can we help but joyously thank Him? I pray we give Him all thanks, glory, honor, and praise today.

I pray these over you today ... and will continue to do so every day.

Hope ... (Colossians 1:3-8)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:3-8

As I read through these verses, several phrases "pop":

"... we heard of your faith in Jesus Christ and the love you have for all the saints ... the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing ... your love in the Spirit ..."

What wonderful words of affirmation! The recipients of Paul's letter must have been encouraged when they read these words. Wouldn't you love it if these words were spoken about you? That you were a faithful servant, loving your brothers and sisters in Christ? That because you were spreading the gospel, God was bearing fruit through you?

I know I want to live in a way that others would see God's faithfulness and love through me. I pray I'm bearing fruit to grow God's kingdom.

But do you know which words most touch my heart today? "... the hope laid up in heaven ..."

The older I get and the longer I reside on this rapidly-declining earth, the more I hope for heaven. And my hope is two-fold. I hope for the shedding of this earthly flesh and spending eternity with my Lord. And I hope for the time when I can see how God has borne fruit through me. I don't know how many lives God has touched through me, but I look forward to the day when I stand in heaven and someone–and maybe it's just one–comes up to me and says, "Thank you for being faithful to God's call on your life. It's because of you that I'm here today."

Are you fulfilling God's call on your life? Are you seeking His will so that you too can be called faithful and loving on earth, and one day, you'll too see the fruit of your earthly labors?

You're a Saint! (Colossians 1:1-2)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:1-2

We’ve been journeying through many of the apostle Paul's letters over the last year plus, and each of them has blessed me abundantly. Today, we begin meditating on his letter to the Christians at Colossae. I pray the Lord will speak through me, and that you will be as blessed as I know I will be.

As always, Paul begins this letter by greeting his brothers and sisters, those he calls "saints" and "faithful." Sometimes we think of saints as being those people who have done amazing and wonderful things for God's kingdom, but according God's word, anyone who has committed his or her life to Christ is a saint. Just read through the New Testament, and you'll see that every reference to "saint" is about men and women who follow Christ. No one is singled out as somehow better than others.

If you are a follower of Christ, you are a saint. You are sanctified in the eyes of God Almighty (1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10). You have been created to do God's work to build His kingdom (Ephesians 2:10).

What a blessing to know God loves us so much and sees us as saints!

The question I have to ask myself–and perhaps you need to ask yourself–is: Am I faithful? Yes, I am a child of God's because I accepted His gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. But am I faithful to Him? Do I live to please Him? Do I use the gifts and talents He's given me to serve and bring glory to Him?

Will I one day stand in His presence and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

I believe if I daily commit my life to Him, if I seek His will at all times, if I commune with Him through prayer and study, then yes. I will hear those wonderful, humbling words.

Will you?

A Benediction (Philippians 4:21-22)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:21-22

We enjoy so many blessings as children of Jehovah God. He’s our refuge (Psalm 46:1-2). He provides for our needs (see yesterday’s blog). He’s our Shepherd, who walks beside us in the valleys (Psalm 23). God the Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior. We are redeemed and justified through His death and resurrection.

So many blessings.

There’s another wonderful blessing that I particularly love. We are part of a family. Have you ever been on vacation or traveling for business, and you sit next to a stranger? As you chat, you find out she knows our Lord. Suddenly, you’re no longer strangers. Or you move across town—or across the country—and you find a new church home. Immediately, you’re part of a family.

I love it!

And so today, I leave you, my family, with Paul’s benediction: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Needs vs. Wants ... but God often provides both (Philippians 4:17-20)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:17-20

When you stop to think about it, we have very few needs. We need water and food to sustain our bodies. We need shelter to protect us from the elements. We need relationships. And in our society, we need some method of financial trade.

That’s about it.

We don’t need big, fancy houses. We don’t need the latest car or gadget. We don’t need trendy clothes. We don’t need jewels or filet mignon.

And God promises to supply all our needs, not our wants. The amazing thing? Sometimes He also provides our wants as well. It’s okay to pray for our wants. Over a decade ago, when my husband and I wanted to buy a larger home for specific reasons, I prayed about it. I wanted God’s will in that purchase, and He worked it out beautifully.

More recently, our move from Southern California to East Tennessee was a series of open doors as God answered a long-held prayer of mine to live in the South.

Our God, like a loving father, desires good things for His children, and He will care for us. He will supply our needs. And sometimes our wants, as well.

Church Family? (Philippians 4:14-16)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:14-16

Members of the early church were a family, in the truest sense of the word. They ate together, worshipped together, supported each other, gave freely to those in need (see Acts 2:41-47). Paul was the recipient of gifts from the church in Philippi, as they desired to meet his needs.

I read these words and have to ask myself, “Is the church of today anything like this?”

In some ways, the answer is yes. We do worship together. We do fellowship together. But not in the almost constant way of the early church.

I fear, for the most part, the answer is no. Let’s be honest. Would we be willing to sell all we own and give it to those in need? Would we be willing to get together with other believers every day—even several times each day—for worship and fellowship?

Yes, we have busy schedules. Yes, we have work or school commitments. Yes, we live miles away from our church homes. It’s not as easy as it was when everyone lived within walking distance.

But could we do more to emulate the early church? I ask this of myself as well. I think we could do more to be a true family. And I pray that somehow we will be.

A Recommendation (Philippians 4:10-13)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Paul understood “contentment” better than anyone. He knew he could be content at all times, no matter the circumstances, because Christ would give him strength.

It’s taken me a long time to learn contentment. Oh, I still get anxious or frustrated at times. I often dream of that Victorian cottage on the banks of a quiet river … although my quaint, cozy Tennessee home surrounded by woods is pretty close! I sometimes wish I didn’t have health issues.

But, most of the time, I’m content with the life God has planned for me. And I anticipate—without fear or worry—my future because I know my Lord God, my Abba, will give me exactly what I need. My Savior will give me strength to accomplish what I’m supposed to do. The Holy Spirit will guide, encourage, and convict me.

I highly recommend contentment. It makes living this very hectic, stressful, uncertain life a little bit easier. Seriously.

A Litmus Test (Philippians 4:8-9)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:8-9

If only we could really live by Paul’s exhortation in these verses. If only we could really meditate only on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. If only we could really focus only on things of virtue, praiseworthy things.

Could you imagine how amazing life would be? All of us truthful. All of us speaking words of justice and nobility. All of us sharing pure and lovely thoughts.

Amazing.

Yet—and I can speak only for myself—too often my thoughts aren’t lovely. Too often, instead of words of praise, I utter words of reproach. I want to think pure thoughts. I want to speak words of truth. But too often, I fail.

Praise our Lord God, I can come to Him and ask for forgiveness when I do fail. I can ask for His help in keeping my thoughts pure and noble, and my words just and lovely. After all, I am that work in progress we talked about a while ago (Philippians 1:6).

And praise God for that!

Ah ... Peace ... (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Ah. Two of my very favorite verses. I can’t count how many times the Lord has brought these verses to mind when I’ve faced challenges or trials. In fact, my “trademark” talk is called “Peace—It’s not just another sign,” and I refer to this verse more than once.

I’ve sought peace all my life. As a child, asking Jesus to come into my heart. Through rough teen and early-twenty years, when I rebelled. During my struggle with infertility. And now as I deal with chronic health issues.

I seek peace. Contentment. Even joy.

And I’ve learned over the years, I don’t have peace—won’t have peace—unless I submit to the Giver of peace. My Lord God, Sovereign of all creation, loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), and He desires joy and peace for me.

Today’s verses give great guidelines for receiving God’s peace:

     ·       Don’t be anxious.
·       Be thankful.
·       Request from God.

Then, that wonderful peace of God that surpasses anything we can find on earth will guard our hearts and minds. It will flow through us. It will let us handle each and every situation we encounter. Every time.

"The Lord Is at Hand" (Philippians 4:5)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:5

The Lord is at hand. I love these words. So often in His word, our Lord reminds us that He is here with us at all times. Joshua heard the words, “… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (1:9). The psalmist wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (139:7). His conclusion? Nowhere.

And we can know He loves us with an “everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) and His covenant is equally everlasting (Jeremiah 32:40).

Jesus Himself promised to be with us always … always (Matthew 28:20).

Some might see God’s constant presence as “Big Brother” watching our every move, ready to pounce on us should we displease Him. Not me. I’m comforted beyond measure that He is with me, every moment of every day.

He walks alongside me, rejoicing with me in the good times, weeping with me in the times of pain. He holds my hand, guiding me. He carries my daily burden (Psalm 68:19).

The Lord is at hand. Thank You, Abba!

Rejoice ... Always? (Philippians 4:4)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:4

We Christians quote this verse … a lot. But it’s not as easy as it sounds, is it?

Oh, when the sun is shining, the pantry is full, the bills are paid, the children are home and safe, the husband empties the dishwasher without being asked … then it’s easy to rejoice. We sing praise songs. We thank the Lord for His blessings.

But rejoice always? When the storms hit? When past due notices pile up? When yet another interview ends with “You’re not quite the right fit”? When your teenager comes home reeking of alcohol? When your wife says she just doesn’t love you anymore? When the pain is unrelenting?

Rejoice?

That’s what Paul wrote. Rejoice always. Not just in the good times. Not just when the sun shines. Always.

How can we do this? It all comes down to a choice. You choose to rejoice. You choose to trust God’s faithfulness. You choose to believe Romans 8:28.

It’s okay to ask God “why” when things are hard or painful or confusing. But even when we don’t understand, we can remember God’s blessings, His past provision, His loving-kindness.

And we can rejoice.

Girl Power! (Philippians 4:2-3)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:2-3

We sometimes forget how women were involved in the start of the early church. In Luke’s account of the early church, he wrote specifically that women were praying alongside the men (Acts 1:14) and believing women “were added to their number” (5:14). Later in his book, Luke wrote of a time when spoke to a “place of prayer” and spoke to the “women assemble there” (16:13). And there were women of prominence involved in the early church (17:4, 12).

There’s a wonderful story of a godly couple who intervened when Apollos was preaching a partial gospel: "When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).

And I love Paul’s introduction in his second letter to Timothy. He wrote in glowing terms of his protégé’s faith, one that the younger man witnessed in his grandmother, Lois, and mother, Eunice (1:5).

Women were and are crucial to the faith. We too must “labor in the gospel” and be “fellow workers” in support of the body of Christ.

For we too have our “names in the Book of Life.”

Stand Fast (Philippians 4:1)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:1

On Friday, we were reminded that those of us who follow Christ are far from home. But one day our Savior will transform and conform us. One day we will be with Him for eternity.

So while we’re here on this rapidly-declining earth, we can “stand fast.” We can live in hope. We can trust our heavenly Father to work His perfect plan in and through us. We can be assured of His faithfulness. We can share His truth with others. We can do what He calls us to do.

And although Paul wrote these words two millennia ago to the believers in Philippi, we can know—beyond doubt—we are beloved of God. We are longed-for. We are His joy and crown.

Stand fast, my friends. Stand fast.

I'm Just A'Passin' Through (Philippians 3:20-21)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:20-21

Are you homesick? Maybe you’re away at school, and you miss home-cooked meals. Or you’re serving as a missionary, and you long for a face-to-face conversation with your mom. Or you’re in the military, and you would give anything to hold your toddler.

I remember a time when I felt homesick. I’d spent the summer traveling with a Christian musical group, and then because of some difficult choice, I decided to move temporarily to the mid-west. It was hard being away from friends and family. And when my sister-in-law announced she was pregnant, I packed my car and moved back home.

Yes, I’ve been homesick. But I’ve never been as homesick as I am now. But it’s not for this physical home God’s blessed me with. It’s not missing family or living on memories. I’m homesick for my real home.

There’s an old gospel song, “This world is not my home. I’m just a’passin’ through.” And that’s exactly how I feel. I reside in a temporary home, and my heart longs more and more for the place of my true citizenship. One day, Jesus will take me home, whether through death or through His triumphant return.

One day, I’ll be home. And I’ll never be homesick again.

Learning ... and Teaching ... (Philippians 3:17-19)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:17-19

Paul’s heart broke when he thought of the lost. He didn’t look down on them or take on a “holier than thou” attitude. He didn’t ridicule them. He didn’t ignore them.

He wept over them. He foresaw their destruction—eternal separation from God. And he desired that his spiritual children would not follow in their steps. Paul exhorted the Christians in Philippi to follow the example of godly men and women, to walk as they walked. I know he’d pray the same for us today.

Do you have an example of strong faith that you can emulate? Do you have a mentor who exemplifies a godly walk? Maybe it’s your parents. Or a church leader. Or someone whom you’ve never met, but who inspires you.

If you don’t, please find one. Read the works of C.H. Spurgeon or Oswald Chambers or C.S. Lewis. Ask your Bible study teacher if she would recommend a mentor. Look around you. There’s someone who would be honored and privileged to walk with you on your path to stronger faith.

And if you’ve been walking with the Lord for a while now, be an example to those younger in their faith. Help them to avoid any pitfalls of following the world.

Be a Grown-up (Philippians 3:15-16)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:15-16

Just as we mature and grow physically, we mature and grow spiritually. And we require the same things: food to nourish; relationships to develop emotionally; study and learning to stimulate mentally.

If a child isn’t fed regularly and nutritionally, her growth is stunted. If she doesn’t have regular, positive interaction with others, she becomes socially inept. If she is never given the opportunity to read or learn, she stays childlike in her thinking.

The same is true for believers. We must be nourished by God’s word—studying it, meditating on it—every day. We must spend time with God in prayer and solitude, listening to His voice. We must also spend time with other believers to learn from them and fellowship with them. We must stimulate our minds by reading books that make us question, that strengthen our beliefs, that challenge us.

Some seem to think that being a Christian means praying a prayer and then just going merrily on our way.  While accepting God’s gift of salvation is key to forgiveness and eternity with our Lord, it’s not the end. It’s the beginning. Let us not be content with where we are today. Rather, let us have a true desire to be more, grow more, develop more. So we can indeed be mature Christ-followers.

Forget the Past (Philippians 3:12-14)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

When I recommitted my life to the Lord over 22 years ago, I adopted Philippians 3:13-14 as my life verses. Short story: Although I’d asked Jesus to come into my heart when I was six years old, I’d allowed some painful situations to take me away from my child-like faith. For twenty years, I walked a deliberate path, one that was far from my Lord, and I made some really poor choices.

For a time after I found my way back to the arms of the Father, I’d beat myself up with regret over those twenty lost years. If only I’d been stronger. If only I’d clung more tightly to Jesus. If only …

Then God blessed me with these verses. I don’t have to live in the past. I don’t have to continually berate myself for former choices. When I asked Jesus to take over my life—completely—and forgive me for all the things I’d done that were wrong and selfish and rebellious, He forgave me. He washed me clean. He removed my sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

I didn’t have to look at what had been. Rather, I could look forward to what God had planned for my future. I could anticipate being used for His glory, to serve others. I could delight in knowing that, one day, I’ll receive the prize of eternity with Christ Jesus.

These verses have been a comfort and have encouraged me countless times. And I praise God for the assurance I have that He has truly forgiven me. That He continues to work in and through me. That the story isn’t quite complete.

I can press on, knowing He’s beside me all the way.

Oh, Rubbish! (Philippians 3:7-11)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:7-11

How often do we put our trust in things? Or circumstances? Or people? How often do we think, if I only had this job? Or if I were married to so and so? Or if I lived there?

Then life would be perfect.

But that’s a lie. Things are temporary. Circumstances come and go. What we think is so important today means nothing tomorrow. Nothing has real meaning in this world. Nothing except our faith, that is. What the world sees as “gain” is “rubbish.” It’s trash. It belongs in a landfill.

When I speak, I often use this illustration: I hold out both hands facing up, and say, "It's all Yours, Lord." Then, I close one fist and say, "Well, except for ..." I complete the illustration by opening that fist again and saying, "We have to hold everything loosely and trust God to fulfill His purpose."

God has blessed us with so many things, but they're just things. So we can and should hold things loosely. We should gladly give up everything for Lord and Savior. We should be willing to lose what the world so highly cherishes, being assured that, if we do, we will attain what lasts: resurrection from the dead. Eternity with Christ.

Nothing else matters.