Daily Devotional

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Where do you dwell? Where does your mind dwell? Take a few minutes to let your mind wander. What are some of the thoughts that keep occurring? Paul’s letter to the Philippians provides a list of things that are worth dwelling on. Read again. What are these things?

Look at your two lists: How do the things on which your mind dwells compare with the worthy things Paul describes? Today, challenge yourself to change where your mind “dwells.”

God, we thank you for giving us good things on which to dwell. Guide us toward these things.

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron.

Philippians 4:6-7

"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."

What are we to do instead of being anxious?

This may come as a shock, but I don’t always enter my prayers anxiety-free.  As a matter of fact, anxiety is probably my number one incentive to approach God. Usually there is a problem bigger than what I can handle, or I am facing a crisis that scares me.  I come to God anxious, because I don’t know what to do.

The problem with this is that my anxiety comes from not knowing what to do. When did God ever set out the expectation that I would know how to solve every problem on my own? I don’t think He did. I am most certainly not God, and I can’t climb out of every hole on my own. Prayer, supplication and thanksgiving to God are all how we navigate the unknown instead of remaining anxious.

Read verse 7. Thank God for the promise that follows the command to give Him your requests.

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron.

Philippians 4:5

Where, exactly, do you get a gentle spirit? There are plenty of loud, angry people in the world. When you meet someone with a gentle spirit, you remember them. In Philippians 4:5, Paul talks about how boldly such a spirit stands out. We are to let our gentle spirit be known to all men.

Gentleness is powerful, and the person who provides it has something valuable to offer their community. Have you ever seen a schoolteacher quiet a room of students by whispering? Gentleness can be like that. Gentleness can be a small voice that draws people to it and helps them to become still.

Paul tells us another thing about this gentle spirit we are to have -- that we are to let it be known to all. Today, thank God for the people in your life with gentle spirits and ask Him how you might be the gentle spirit in someone else’s.

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron.

Philippians 4:4

 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Sometimes. Mostly. Every other week. If it’s not raining. These are the ways we consciously divide our time—we decide when we will get groceries or paint the basement and shuffle schedules accordingly.  So when we attempt to “always” rejoice, it can become a chore. We feel obligated to make room for it but don’t know quite how to start. “Rejoicing always” becomes the thing we feel guilty for not doing when life gets difficult.

I hate to-do lists. I make them, I lose them, I make more. And I cannot remember the last time I made it all the way through one. You can see, then, how the “Choice to Rejoice” wouldn’t really amount to much were it something I wrote down and tried to make room for. Rejoicing becomes like a label that won’t stick. Trying to keep a joyful cover on daily life can be exhausting.

Instead of rejoicing after good days, or in spite of bad ones, Paul’s call to the Philippians in chapter 4 verse 4 is to rejoice always. Can you think of anything that you do “always?” For me, breathing comes to mind…not much else. Today, take a few deep breaths and exhale thanks to God. And the next time life’s circumstances cause you to let out a groan, let your breathing be a reminder to fit rejoicing into the rhythm of your everyday life.

If you have questions regarding or would like to discuss today's devotion, please contact Myron.

 

Philippians 3:12-21

When I think of the Apostle Paul’s charge to “…forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead…” I’m reminded of the pilgrims and pioneers, whose passion, courage, tenacity, ingenuity and endurance would forever identify them with the pursuit of freedom. As Christians, our freedom rests in a relationship with Christ, a relationship that is constantly under assault and continually burdened by worldly pressures and weaknesses of the flesh. Just like pilgrims and pioneers we must press on in the face of adversity with our eyes fixed and our hearts committed to the way of Jesus Christ. We must not settle for less. We must not settle for secular security, for it leads the way to enslavement whose end is destruction and whose glory is shame. What will you be…a pilgrim and pioneer or a settler? Your freedom depends on it, so press on!

Have you become a settler? What’s quenching your pioneering spirit? Perhaps, it’s time to press on and pursue freedom in Christ!

If you have questions regarding or would like to discuss todays devotion, please contact Myron. 

Phillipians 3:12-21

“But one thing I do…”

 Sometimes the hardest part of a journey is found in taking the very first step and finally decide to move from just thinking to actually doing! No matter how easy we believe that to be, it really isn’t. Fear, uncertainty, doubt and confusion have their way of creeping into our confidence until we feel encased in cement rather than encouraged to explore. The Apostle Paul knew that the best way to thaw a potentially frozen follower of Christ was for them to engage and endure; to leave the past behind and do life in the present; no matter how difficult, no matter how imperfect, no matter how long the journey. Love people with passion, purpose and a vision for the future. That’s maturity in Christ…and it makes all the difference when the road turns treacherous. Decide to do, even if it’s just one thing, and do it! Oh! How God will reveal His joy to and through you!

 Today, what one thing can you do for the glory of Christ? What one thing will you do?

If you have questions regarding or would like to discuss todays devotion, please contact Myron. 

Philippians 3:12-21

One thing I’ve learned in my own experience of “pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” is that it takes a lot of love, both His and mine, to endure the journey. I’d like to share the lyrics of “My, Oh My,” a song written and performed by David Gray, to hopefully challenge and inspire you as you walk life’s road today:

What on earth is going on in my heart/Has it turned as cold as stone/Seems these days I don’t feel anything/Less it cuts me right down to the bone/What on earth is going on in my heart/What on earth is going on in my head/You know I used to be so sure/You know I used to be so definite/Thought I knew what love was for/I look around these days and I’m not so sure/My oh my you know it just don’t stop/It’s in my mind I wanna tear it up/I’ve tried to fight it tried to turn it off/But it’s not enough/It takes a lot of love/It takes a lot of love my friend/To keep your heart from freezing/To push on till the end/My oh my….

How do you keep your heart from freezing when the journey is cold and lonely?

If you have questions or would like to discuss today's devotion, please contact Myron. 

MONDAY:

“ Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus made me his own.” –Philippians 3:12

  I’ve been reading an excellent and provocative book of late: Off The Road: A Modern-Day Pilgrim’s Route into Spain. It’s about the ancient and abiding trek to Santiago de Compostela, otherwise known as, “The Way of St. James”. Author Jack Hitt’s compelling narrative explores the rhythmic beating of a wandering heart whose cadence finds God’s tempo in the footsteps of pilgrims enduring a long and difficult journey of physical challenge and spiritual awakening.

Endure and discover that life is about finding joy and peace in the journey.

 I believe that’s what travelers find on their way to Santiago de Compostela. I also believe that was the Apostle Paul’s desire for the Philippian church. Endurance is not easy, thus the challenge to “press on.” Pressing on means to diligently follow after, to pursue with all deliberate speed, to continually keep working toward and to constantly reach out to grasp that which is ahead of you…regardless of the pain and suffering it demands. As Christians, our goal is perfect fellowship with Jesus Christ. Don’t allow the labor and length of life’s journey to quench your joy and keep you from reaching a high and holy destination. Endure, persevere and find peace that surpasses that which any pilgrimage might afford; real peace found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

- In your spiritual journey, how is the terrain? Are you on a mountaintop or in a valley? Is it rugged or beautiful?

Psalm 34:4:

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, their faces will never be ashamed.

Radiant is defined as sending out light, a point where heat or light comes from, or luminous. 

Being a child of God has immediate and lasting changes. He promises us He has plans to prosper us, He gives us his Spirit to indwell and guide us, and He walks beside us to keep us safe.

Stop for a moment and think about fear and how often you are afraid of something in your life. It could be fear of losing your job, your partner, your child or fear of never having those things.

Now, imagine your life without fear, without the worry of who, what, and where. It seems unattainable but Psalm 34 tells us that it is attainable --that God grants us a luminous life, a radiant one that is uncontainable.

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron at mwilliams@southlandchristian.org.

Phillipians 3:12-21

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” 

I’ve got a question for you. Are you a partisan or a citizen? Webster’s Dictionary defines a partisan as a strong supporter of a side, party, or person; often, specifically an unreasoning, emotional adherent. One needs only to gaze upon the spectacle of the United States Congress to see the fruit of a culture of partisanship. Sorry, that was a cheap shot…but can you see the relational toll? To be a citizen has a very different connotation. Its definition suggests membership, allegiance, duty, ownership and entitlement. A citizen is a member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to that body; an allegiance with benefits, rights and privileges. The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen, knew the benefits of citizenship and applied them to a relationship with Christ. He challenged the Philippian church to remember the holy citizenship that their allegiance, duty and endurance would afford them; a transformation of mind and body made possible by the sacrifice of a Savior upon a cross. To be a citizen of heaven was to be owned by Christ, bought and paid for by his blood and, therefore, entitled to membership in the kingdom of God. To follow after the partisan pursuits of the world was to court destruction, shame, separation and enmity with Christ. Ultimately, there is no lasting joy in partisanship…but a heart committed to a heavenly citizenship will experience joy for eternity!

How about you…are you a partisan or a citizen? With whom or what does your allegiance lie?

If you have questions about or would like to discuss today's devotion, please contact Myron.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

 

Most of us remember being in our teens and wanting to belong to a certain group. Whether it was the popular crowd or theschool band, acceptance was always important. Some kids were willing to change their appearance, what they believed in, or how they acted to be part of a group they wanted to join.  Nothing has changed -- kids are still the same today.  Some of us found the perfect group, the group that loved us simply because we were who we were. They didn't expect us to be anything other than what we were--  and loved us because of that fact.

Belonging to something means so much to us, we are built to love and be loved. The contentment and joy that comes with being loved for being you is a source of happiness and contentment.  That happiness in life is important but happiness fades. Belonging is important but few of us find the friend or group that will stick by us no matter what. Many walk through life without the confidence that they are loved and accepted for exactly who they are.

Those who love God have found the most fulfilling and joyous relationship. He loves us for us, created us to be His bride, and guides us along a path built just for us. Finding community is built into us just like taking a breath. God waits patiently for us to turn to him and ask for a relationship with him. In return he grants us a deep joy and contentment through a relationship with him.

 

Do you have a relationship with Christ?

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron at mwilliams@southlandchristian.org.

 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever

Psalm 16:11

 

 

My son and I often play a electronic treasure hunt game called geocaching. People from all over the state build little treasure chests and hide them for others to find. They hide them using GPS coordinates and  seekers use a map and compass to find the treasures. You leave your name on the log and go through the container to see if there is anything you can keep --  like a toy or a travel bug that you will move to the next cache you find. It is exciting to know you are on the right path as you watch your dot get closer to the cache.  Usually the containers are hidden far off the beaten path that requires hiking or crawling in places. After you find the container, it is easy to spot the way out -- but the way was hidden to youon the way in, because your eyes were glued to the compass and not your surroundings.

Life is similar to a treasure hunt in many ways. Normally, we are so intent on finding what we are looking for we forget to watch the path we are on. When we become children of the Master He has the path laid out for us; we just need to follow it. Stop and think about the freedom that He gives us! God loves us so much that not only has he laid out plans for our lives but he walks with us everyday. He is always there to love us and to listen. He is the support and friend we all crave in our lives.  He is always there and He wants only the best for us. God wants us to prosper and be the best we can imagine and more. The joy it brings me to know that God mapped out my life and has given me His spirit to live life with.

 

Are you following God's map for your life?  If not, what do you need to change?

 

 

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron at mwilliams@southlandchristian.org.

Romans 8:38 - "In these things we are more than conquerers through Him that loved us."

 

Not long ago, a friend of mine lost her six-month old baby girl to Sudden Infant Death syndrome. I cannot imagine the pain and confusion the moments and days brought after the death of her daughter. Family and friends encircled the family, encouraging and praying for them as they walked through funeral plans and the beginning of the mourning process. My heart, like many others, was broken for them as I read the updates and emails sent by friends. Finally, an update from the family came in the form of a song by Kari Jobe. The mother wrote the following, “This song has become my confession. I know he is for me.”

Such certainty is an amazing thing. Every message the family wrote was grief stricken but filled with thankfulness and joy. The term 'deep abiding joy' has floated around sanctuaries for decades -- but my friend and her family were living breathing examples of the undercurrent of the stream of love they had tapped into.

Romans tells us in chapter 8 we are MORE than conquerers. Victory is good, but victory over this world coupled with the love of God is amazing. God desires the best for us in all things, and that desire is perfected in His love. He has gifted us with His spirit to fill and guide us. He has made available the wellspring of contentment that leads  to joy. Joy, by nature, is uncontainable. It is more than happiness, it is the right, in the face of hardship, to know without a doubt we have won today and will win tomorrow. God has given us the victory over sadness, anger, and guilt. He has laid out an overflowing cup, all we need to do it take hold and drink deeply.

 

Have you claimed God's victory - Joy in the face of pain and sorrow?

 

 

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron at mwilliams@southlandchristian.org.

When I was young, my family and I would travel to Missouri to visit my father's family.  I remember walking at night, through the neighborhood, while my father pointed out where he played, swam, or hiked as a child. In the front yard of one house there were two trees. One tree was tall and full, while the other was smaller and sparse. My mother would explain that both trees were planted at the same time but one tree had tapped into an underground spring. The larger tree had an endless supply of water which allowed it to grow unfettered into the large oak it was supposed to be.

Life within God’s love is very similar to the two trees in Missouri. If we tap into His love, we will become exactly what we are supposed to be. Strong and full of life. Notice that the other tree did grow but It was far behind the larger tree.. God intended many amazing things for us when we were chosen as His bride, but it is our responsibility to tap into His love and soak it up fully. Although the tree did not have a choice in where it was planted, we do have a choice. We can choose growth, contentment, and joy in our life.

All of this and more is waiting for us in Him. God desires for us to be be full of life.

Which "tree" are you?

 

 

If you have questions regarding, or would like to discuss, today's devotion, please contact Myron at mwilliams@southlandchristian.org.

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