February 15, 2022 | Philippians 3:1-6 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue In today’s world, confidence is a positive trait. We want our children to be confident adults, so we tell them they are unique, above average, and destined for greatness. But Paul’s view, as he tells us in Philippians 3:1–6, is radically different. His confidence was […]
February 14, 2022 | Philippians 2:19-30 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue What makes a perfect pastor? Churches searching for a pastor today will often develop a profile of the kind of person they are hoping to find. They might want someone with an advanced theology degree, a powerful style of preaching, or a history of successful […]
February 13, 2022 | Philippians 2:17-18 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue When you think of Old Testament sacrifices, you probably think of animals. And it’s true! God’s people worshiped Him by offering lambs, bulls, and sometimes even doves or pigeons. But they also worshiped with other kinds of sacrifices, including grain in the form of flour […]
February 12, 2022 | Philippians 2:14-16 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Most of us will agree that conflict is hard to avoid. But in the past year or two, the stresses of the pandemic have seemed to increase the number of arguments we are having. Fights are breaking out in airplanes, schools, grocery stores, and workplaces. […]
February 11, 2022 | Philippians 2:12-13 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Many who love to ride choose pedal-assist bicycles. These electric bikes are powered by a motor that makes it easier for the rider to pedal. The rider still exerts force, but the energy that produces motion comes from the motor. Continue to work out your […]
February 10, 2022 | Philippians 2:9-11 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue Writing a story is like climbing a mountain. The author takes the reader on a journey up the mountain, adding one detail on top of another. But the most pivotal action happens at the very peak, what we call the climax. The gospel story ascends […]
February 9, 2022 | Philippians 2: 7-8 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue English Reformer Miles Coverdale described the essence of Christ’s humility in this couplet: “For our sake made he himself small/That reigns Lord and king over all.” The order is important. Jesus already existed as “Lord and king over all” when He was born in […]
February 8, 2022 | Philippians 2:5-6 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue when I am sitting quietly, my wife will smile and tell me what I am thinking. She is almost always right. We truly know someone when we understand the way they think. In today’s passage, Paul opens a window into the mind of Christ and […]
February 7, 2022 |Philippians 2:1-4 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue William Carey, pioneer missionary to India, said: “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” The key phrase in the second half of this saying is “for God.” Sometimes our spiritual ambitions are more focused on ourselves than on God. In the previous chapter […]
February 6, 2022 | Philippians 1:27-30 DEVOTIONS This Month’s Issue When Martha’s pastor visited her in the hospital, she assured him that she wasn’t afraid. “I’m ready to die,” she said. “I’m glad to hear that,” he replied. “But what if you recover? Are you also ready to live?” Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy […]