Day 9: Philippians 4:1-7

Filed Under Category Devotionals, Philippians by allpeopleschurch

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: How do we respond when our circumstances bring us down into despair, hopelessness, and doubt? Philippians answers this question. The church in Philippians was in the midst of persecution. Paul himself wrote this letter from prison. And yet, what did Paul command the church to do?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

Notice how this passage doesn’t say to ‘rejoice in the Lord’ when you feel like it, when you feel blessed, or when things are going your way. Paul states that we are to ‘rejoice in the Lord always.’ Many times, when circumstances are not going our way our tendency is to give-in to negative emotions. Worshiping God and thanking Him does not feel genuine when we are sliding downwards emotionally into despair.

These times, however, are the exact times when we need to rise up in our spirits and worship God. Why? Because He is near. Because He is good. Because He is alive.

Finally, as we rise up and worship, God grants us the very joy and peace we need to overcome (v7). Choosing to rejoice is God’s prescription for walking in joy and peace.

RESPONDING TODAY: Is there an area in your life which overwhelms you? Read Psalm 103:1-7 out loud. Begin to worship God verbally with this area in mind.

June 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment Tags: 92115, all peoples church, church in san diego, devotional, joy, Philippians

Day 8: Philippians 3:12-21

Filed Under Category Devotionals, Philippians by allpeopleschurch

TODAY’S READING: Philippians 3:12-21

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Paul sets forth an important principle in today’s reading that is a key to living a life of hope and joy: having a heavenly perspective. Having a heavenly perspective allows us to remember three things:

We live for different goals that the world lives (v14).
Our goal is not to fulfill our own appetites, but to demonstrate God’s Kingdom (v19)
God is sovereign and his Kingdom reigns over every other power on the earth… and we are citizens of that Kingdom!(v20)

When we remember these three things, our circumstances have little affect on our joy. Why? Because we know the end of the story – God’s Kingdom will prevail and is prevailing over every obstacle in its way.

RESPONDING TODAY: What circumstances are stealing your joy and hope today? Read this passage and review them under a heavenly perspective. Ask God, “What are You saying about this situation?” Writing down what He says will give you hope.

June 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment Tags: 92115, all peoples church, devotional, joy, Philippians

Day 7: Philippians 3:1-11

Filed Under Category Devotionals, Philippians by allpeopleschurch

TODAY’S READING: Philippians 3:1-11

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Through the life of Paul we see an important lesson of the New Testament: No one is righteous enough to find relationship with God on their own, even the most religious.

Paul’s religious resume’ seems impressive, even ‘faultless’ in ‘legalistic righteousness’ (v 6). Yet even Paul, a religious man who followed all the rules, wasn’t perfect enough to find God on his own. Paul goes on to say that his religious works, knowledge, and reputation is ‘rubbish’ compared to knowing Christ (v 8).

We cannot earn God’s favor, His affection, or His salvation. Our righteous acts, when done in our own strength are ‘dirty rags’ to Him (Isaiah 64:6). The life that God desires is one of faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross is sufficient for our salvation, for our healing, and for our restoration into right relationship with God.

Without faith it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

RESPONDING TODAY: Is there an area of your life where you are trying to impress God or others with your good works? Turn that area back over to God in prayer and trust Him for the favor that only comes through faith.

June 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment Tags: 92115, all peoples church, church in san diego, devotional, joy, Philippians