Philippians 1 - 12.4.24

Scripture

Philippians 1:18-21

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, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Observation

Paul is writing his letter to the Philippians from prison. He does not know what is going to happen to him – will he live or will he die? And yet, in the face of great adversity, he continues to rejoice, knowing that God is in control. He knows that God will continue to use him regardless of his circumstances.

Application

I have to think that Paul sometimes struggled with normal human reactions – at times he must have been scared, angry, disheartened, or a host of other emotions. But whatever came his way, he was able to trust God and allow God to use him.

Vs. 12-13 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

How would the palace guard and everyone else know that Paul was in chains for his faith in Christ unless he told them about his faith in Christ? Paul was not wallowing in self-pity – he was allowing God to use him in every circumstance.

I 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.

Prayer

Father, help me to overcome feeling sorry for myself when I encounter hard times. Help me learn to rejoice in all circumstances, knowing you are in control. Help me to allow myself to be used in all circumstances. I want to be able to say, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”

- Debbie Dunn

Ephesians 6 - 12.3.24

SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 6:10 - 12

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

OBSERVATION

This is one of the most quoted and studied scripture in the Bible, and for good reason. We can all use every tip and tool available when it comes to battles with the enemy of this world: the Devil.

First and foremost, the Armor of God is where we can be strong in the Lord and have his mighty power. You can find specifics on the armor in verses 14 – 17. In addition to reading more about it, I highly encourage everyone to watch Pastor Levi’s series on the Armor of God to learn more about each piece of armor. Here’s the first sermon in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqAAeraJvOw

We might think our struggles on this earth are from the individuals we have disagreements with, or situations that occur in life, but this scripture shows the root of these struggles “is not against flesh and blood.” Realizing there is a spiritual element to our struggles, and not a physical human element, is eye opening. It brings about a whole new view to what goes on in this world. Your prayer life, how you view these struggles, and overcome them can dramatically change.

APPLICATION

Years ago, while watching a Star Trek Next Generation episode (yes, I am a sci-fi geek), I literally had one of those moments where a Biblical principle comes to life. No, I’m not saying the episode or series is anything on a Godly level, but it did provide a powerful visual for this very scripture verse. The episode revolved around a species of people who could not be seen but were alive in another dimension. I realized the episode was a great visual example of the spirit world around us. We can’t see them or know their movements but they do exist. In 1 Peter 5:8, we’re told to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Be encouraged because we have a powerful way to defeat and stand against the devil with the Armor of God.

Next time you have a struggle or a disagreement with someone, anything that is “flesh and blood,” remember that what you’re going through might come from a spiritual force and not the person you’re dealing with. The struggle could be a spiritual battle that has nothing to do with that person but is a deeper spiritual level. Realizing this fact can change your perception of the person. If you can view them more as a vessel of the enemy and not a personal attack on you, your prayer life changes, and your interaction with that person can change. In that moment, you can see that person as God sees them with forgiveness and mercy. During the struggle, keeping the Armor of God on will give you the power and strength needed against the “devil’s schemes”.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your word which is the power needed against the Devil. You’ve given us everything we need to be victorious in these battles. Help me Lord to always have your Armor on to be ready for battle. Help me to not become complacent or lazy. Give me your strength, wisdom and power to be victorious in each battle. Lord, help me to remember that each battle is not against the person I’m dealing with but can be part of the devil’s scheme to weaken or defeat me in a spiritual way. Lord, help me to view the people in life that are being used as the enemy’s puppet, not something personal against me. Help me to love these people just the same as you love them, died for them and seek to save them. In Jesus name! Amen

- Mary Oberg

Psalm 121 - 12.2.24

Scripture

Psalm‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

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Observation

The Psalmist writes that true comfort, safety and protection comes only from the Lord.

Relying on other things, other people and even ourselves for what only God can provide will always leave us disappointed.

Just a disclaimer that God still works through people and we need people. There have been seasons in my life where I have needed people and counselors to give me a hand out of a pit because I couldn’t encourage or lift myself out of it.  However, people are still faulty because we have limitations. We have limits on our time, resources, emotional and mental energy and strength; limits on wisdom and limits on what we can control. 

Perfection is found in Jesus Christ alone. Our only hope is in Christ. He is available for us 24-7!

Application

Look up.

Are you mourning and in need of comfort? Go to Jesus. (Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matt. 5:4)

Need wisdom? Ask the Lord. He gives freely to those who ask. (James 1:5)

Need encouragement? Go to the Lord through His Word. (2 Timothy 3:16-17.)

Need protection from the evil one? Run to Him. (2 Thes. 3:3)

It is promised that we will have trouble in this world. But, He has overcome the world, so let’s keep looking up to Him! (John 16:33)

Prayer

Thank You Lord that Your eye is always on us. Thank You that You are always available and know the depths of our heart. Thank You that whatever we are walking through in life, You are right beside us celebrating with us, leading us and even carrying us through it. We are nothing without You and thank You that Your love never fails or ends. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi