Spiritual Heroes
Read: Philippians 2:19-30 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men. (v. 29) Near the top of my list of spiritual heroes is a woman named Prue Crane. By the world’s standards, Prue is an ordinary woman—an unmarried, middle-aged English teacher living in Bologna, Italy. But in God’s eyes, Prue is […]
Why do Christians give thanks?
Are you feeling thankful? In this season, there are constant reminders to practice habits of gratitude. We know that being thankful is good for mental health, that it helps build stronger relationships, and it’s one good way to start a season of celebration. However, for many people, the relentless reminders to celebrate and be thankful […]
Quit Your Bellyaching
Read: Philippians 2:12-16 Do all things without grumbling or questioning. (v. 14 RSV) In The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis describes a grumbling spirit who finds herself in hell. A lifelong habit of complaining consumed her entire personality. Eventually, there was nothing left of her but a grumble, “going on forever like a machine.” It’s tempting […]
Practicing Service
Read: Philippians 2:1-11 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (v. 5) Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s hard to be thankful because we are self-absorbed. It’s easy to think that your problems are more urgent and serious than other people’s. Serving others is a practical way to become more thankful and less […]
In Their Own Words
You are equipping Albanian Christians for devotional ministry in their own context. A Young Church Just over 30 years ago, religion was illegal in the country of Albania. In fact, at that time Albania was the world’s only atheistic regime. Being caught with Christian material back then could mean prison time. It could mean that […]
Your Source of Security
Read: Philippians 1:19-30 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way. (v. 27 NIV) Anxiety is everywhere today. Each day the newspaper gives us new reasons to be anxious: war, terrorism, economic troubles. When it seems […]
Things Aren’t Always What They Seem
Read: Philippians 1:12-20 Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. (v. 19) Twenty years ago, I spent countless hours (and money I could ill afford) applying to graduate schools, only to be rejected. I wondered […]
You Are a Work in Progress
Read: Philippians 1:3-11 I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (v. 6) Sometimes you may be tempted to abandon the Christian life because it feels unrewarding. Growth seems painfully slow: the same sins tempt you, character flaws depress […]
Habits of Highly Thankful People
Read: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (v. 4 NIV) It’s Thanksgiving this month in the United States. Today’s verse gives us a good way to start the holiday season—by cultivating thankfulness before we celebrate. For some, the holidays are a favorite time of year. But for others who […]