Seek Reconciliation
Read: Philippians 4:1-3 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. (v. 2) In 1983, Pope John Paul II went to prison to visit the man who had tried to kill him the year before. To many people in the world this was an astonishing act of forgiveness. But for the pope […]
Consider Your Calling
Read: Philippians 3:12-21 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (v. 14) In third grade, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up: President of the United States. Needless to say, that was not actually my calling in life! As I got […]
Reorienting Your Priorities
Read: Philippians 3:1-11 I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (v. 8) Disappointment comes when you can’t get something you think you need. And while that is natural, it’s also an opportunity to ask: “What am I really living for?” How you answer this question shows your […]
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 […]