260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 175 - Philippians Intro & Chapter 1: Gracias & Testimonial…

Introduction to Philippians: This is one of three of Paul’s letters that he wrote from prison (also Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon). That is especially significant when you consider that the theme of this letter is JOY! Only when we have God’s Holy Spirit and God’s perspective on things can we experience joy in all circumstances. Then church at Philippi was started by Paul on his second missionary journey and is the most personal letter that he wrote to a church. It includes one of the most important passages in the New Testament on the “kenosis” of Christ = His self-emptying or self-humiliating (2:5-8). And this letter contains a lot of familiar verses that have been memorized by many over the years. Philippians 1: Gracias & Testimonial… Yes, I like Mexico and have friends there, so I’m still using the little Spanish I know! Anyway, Paul kicks off this letter, like many of his letters, by giving thanks. He is extremely grateful for their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…” The believers in Philippi had helped Paul financially at least twice (4:16) and Paul saw that as sharing in the work of Christ! And with that he gives these words of encouragement: “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Paul then gives an amazing personal testimony of how being in prison is advancing the work of Christ: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really 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. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” Paul saw in his imprisonment not punishment but possibility! And as a result, unbelievers believed and believers shared their faith – COOL GOD STUFF! Paul attitude was amazing too! He didn’t care what motives people had for sharing Christ – he was just grateful they were! He was also confident that God would give him courage to be unashamed. And he didn’t matter to him if it cost him his life – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” So, he concludes with “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” In other words, whatever our circumstances, live for Christ! Even if – or better yet – even when it means suffering. And oh yeah, verse 29 probably does not top the list of our memorized verses but it is true regardless! SO WHAT?! *What circumstances are burdening you and overwhelming you right now? Let’s not allow the enemy to rob us of the joy we have knowing that Jesus is with us to help us face whatever we face! Pray and move forward in HIS strength! *Fill in the blank: For me, to live is__________.... What did you put? Success? Football? Being rich? School? (ok, probably not) Take a look at where in your heart you spend your hours & dollars - that is a good indicator!

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 174 - Ephesians 6: Submission & The Spiritual Battle

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Ok, so how many of your parents have made you memorize these verses? Yeah well, Drew & Jessica have had to learn them too! The promise if you do obey is both quality life (“go well”) and quantity life (“long life”). And yes students, dad has a big responsibility here as well: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” As a dad, this is a great reminder. But students, even if you have a dad who overbearingly upsets you, that doesn’t not make you exempt from the command to obey (darn). Paul then turns to slave & masters. Now I know this may not be as relevant now, but if you consider your employers as masters, it certainly is relevant. We are to work hard to please both them & God! Paul concludes by preparing his readers for the spiritual battle! He reminds us of a number of things: - That our strength is in the LORD – not ourselves (10). - That our BATTLE is not with people but with Satan and his demons (11-12). - That we must PUT ON the full armor of God for protection (13) - That we must STAND FIRM with truth & what is right (14) - That our FEET should be out sharing the good news (15) - That our FAITH acts like a shield (16) and our SALVATION protects our renewed mind (17). - That our weapon is the WORD of GOD (17). I’ve always been told that the Word of God is our only offensive weapon, but I believe there is another: PRAYER! It’s mentioned 5 times in 18-20: Pray, Pray, Pray!!! Prayer and the Word of God are both offensive weapons we are to familiar with if we are going to fight strong in the Lord! SO WHAT?! *Why not take some time today and honor your parents. Maybe do something without being asked (ok, they may have a heart attack), or let them know how much you appreciate them or pray for them. Here’s a prayer thought: For the most part, we will grow up to be much like our parents – good or bad! Since this is highly likely, then we need to pray that our parents be like Jesus so we will be too! Let’s pray it

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 173 - Ephesians 5: Imitators or Imitation?

What do Sweet & Low, Little Debbie Swiss Cakes & Mellow Yellow all have in common? They’re fakes! Imitation! They’re not sugar, they’re not Ho Ho’s and they’re certainly not Mountain Dew! Paul begins with “Be imitators of God………..and live a life of love…” The word for imitators is mimos – it’s where we get our English word “mimic” and in this context it means to follow, to be like. Imitation makes external changes & tries to look like the real deal, Imitators, on the other hand, have internal changes that occur because of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives! Paul says at least four things about this. First, people who aren’t changed internally by God will not make it to heaven (5-7). Second, light = good, darkness = bad! (8-14) Because believers have been called out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9), we should live like it. Period. Third, imitating God keeps us from wasting our lives (15-17). We are to “make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” In other words, our time will soon be up on this planet, don’t let wine control you but the Holy Spirit! Finally, Paul gives evidences of a Spirit-controlled & changed life (18-21). Fellowship, worship, thankfulness and submission are all signs of being Spirit-controlled! Then Paul concludes with what mutual submission looks like: wives to husbands, husbands to Lord, children to parents (ch 6), slaves to masters (ch 6). SO WHAT?! *When, where and in what area is it most difficult for you (& I) to be an imitator of God? Identify it and then ask God’s Holy Spirit to change us in these areas! *Since the time when you, by faith, believed & received Jesus, what areas of your life have you seen change? Take a moment and thank God for those changes! Then be bold and ask Him to show you other areas where He desires change! *How ya’ doing with submission? Parent? Teachers? Speed Limit signs? Submission says a lot about our character.

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 172 - Ephesians 4: _nity – Top Priority

You guessed it – it’s not unity without “U”! It’s transition time. The first 3 chapters lay down some truths and beginning in chapter 4 Paul says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” The truths of God have always been meant to be lived out, to be applied. Paul had already told the Corinthians that “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” and we see that same truth being taught here in regards to how we treat one another. I see four principles from the first 16 verses: 1) Unity depends on love that comes from character. We are to be “completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” 2) Unity begins with unity with God. Seven times in 3-6 the word “one” is used in relation to the Lord. 3) Unity brings diversity of gifts – just “as Christ apportioned it.” Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers – all differ, but one purpose: “to prepare God's people for works of service…” 4) Unity demands maturity in our growth. If we are gonna’ have the same goals as believers, we need to understand Bible truths more & more. Paul finishes the chapter with a contrast of the old life & new life. The old life involved falsehood, deceitful desires, anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, etc… But “In Christ” we are to speak truthfully, not deceive or steal, etc… Much of this happens by watching what we say: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Don’t be angry, bitter, etc… with others, that saddens God. Instead, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” SO WHAT?! *Do you get along with fellow believers? Or do you resent them? Hey, let’s remember, we’re on the same team – the body of Christ – and the enemy would love to get us at each other and keep our focus off Jesus! Let’s ask forgiveness for acting selfish in the body and that God would give us a spirit of love for each other. *How are you involved in “works of service that God has for you? In what ways are you helping prepare others to serve God? Both are necessary and commanded. Lord help us be passionate about the things YOU are passionate about! *A lot of conflict could be avoided if we would just obey verses 29 & 32! My mom used to always say to me, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Ha – she was paraphrasing verse 29! I believe that the more we do this, the more unified we will be! *So how do we change? Well, according to vs 22, it’s a killer! Die to the old ways, BUT be resurrected to new living – and it starts in our minds!!!

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 171 - Ephesians 3: “CHRCH”

“For this reason…” = therefore = because of the Gospel, I’m in prison for Christ’s sake! Paul has no problem as to the reason why he is in prison. He then explains three “M’s”: The MYSTERY (2-6) – “is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” God’s grace now extends to ALL who believe & receive! Heirs, members, sharers – great stuff! The MINISTRY (7-13) – We are servants and ambassadors, representing our Lord and we’ve been given the great privilege of helping people get right with God! Wow - more great stuff! The MESSAGE (10) – How does God desire to accomplish this ministry? Through the CHURCH – all believers, you and me! We are the means to accomplish God’s desire that “none should perish and all come to repentance” – 2 Peter 3:9. So…..are you ready for this one…… bottom line…….It’s not Church without “U”! The title is correct, not misspelled…..he, he…. Ok – maybe I’m stretching it, but if you & I are not involved in God’s good work, we are disobedient to His call on our lives! People need to Know Jesus and Make Him Known! Paul finishes with incredible prayer for the Ephesian believers. God is totally “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” SO WHAT?! *When was the last time you shared the “mystery” – the good news of Jesus with someone? Last week? Last month? Last year? Ask God for an opportunity to share Christ today and then the boldness to do it. Then let me know how it went – I’d love to hear from you! *In what ways are you allowing God to “…strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” Spending time in the Bible? Prayer? Witnessing? Serving?

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 170 - Ephesians 2: Old Life vs. New Life

This chapter contrasts a person’s life BEFORE they by grace thru faith believe in Christ, with a person’s life AFTER believing in Christ. It serves as a great reminder because I’m a good forgetter! “As for you, you were dead…” Ok, so I’m pretty sure this is not like Princess Bride’s “He’s only mostly dead.” The Bible teaches us that before we knew Jesus as Savior, our ability to change our situation was zip, zero, ziltch, nadda – dead people can’t don anything! 100% of my salvation is from God! So how do we relate to the world, the devil and the flesh? THE WORLD: “…in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world…” Before Christ, we had no choice but to follow the value system of this world: looking out for #1, God as the center of the universe is a lie (Romans 1:25), etc… IN Christ, our new relationship with the world involves things like: Being in the world but not of it, realizing we don’t belong here, we’re foreigners, God IS the center of everything, etc… THE DEVIL: “…you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Before Christ we had no choice but to follow temptation. Now, IN Christ, Satan has no authority in our lives. His deceptions to procrastinate the work of the Lord or compromise our beliefs don’t need to be followed! THE FLESH: “All of us also lived………gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.” Lust ruled before Christ, but IN Christ we’ve been given His Holy Spirit living in us to say NO to ungodliness (Titus 2:11-14). It is a battle, I know, but one that God wants us to fight! “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” – Whoohoo! Grace, Grace, Grace – it’s all by Grace – If we had something to do with it, we’d brag! And all for the purpose “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Paul finishes saying our true citizenship is now in heaven with God. We were far from Him, (separated), “objects of wrath” and have now been brought near (reconciled) through “the blood of Christ!” SO WHAT? *Of the three – the world, the devil, the flesh – which one do you battle most with? *How ya’ doing? Are you engaged (Titus 2:11-14) or are you a POW? Remember – God has already won the battle, so we are not fighting for victory but from victory! *Does hearing that we have ZIP to do with our salvation bother you? It doesn’t need to if we truly realize that we were dead and that dead people can’t do anything! Our acceptance before God is never based on our performance - Whew! *How are you involved in the good works God has for you? You have great significance as a member of the body of Christ. If you’re not serving in your church in some way, purpose to get involved this week. If you don’t know how, maybe ask your parents, pastors, mentors, etc…

260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 169 - Ephesians 1: The Doctrinal “Hall of Fame”

Introduction: WHO AM I? If we’re honest, most of us struggle with identity issues – significance, security. Parents, peers, school, culture and teachers are just some of the mirrors we look into in our search for who we are. For many, this is painful. There’s a song that came out when I was in high school called “At Seventeen” that most of you won’t know but the words still cut as Janice Ian shares her painful search for identity. If you are a believer and you struggle with these things, then this letter is for you! The book of Ephesians describes a believer’s position IN CHRIST (Chapters 1-3) and then the results (or application) of that position (Chapters 4-6). Ephesians 1: The Doctrinal “Hall of Fame” The first 14 verses in Ephesians are AMAZING! You could do a good 7-10 studies on these verses but dang, I have only one! So here goes: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Everything we need to live a life for God, to be restored to fellowship with God and with others has been given us IN CHRIST (this phrase used 10 times in first 13 verses)! The moment we believe, we receive! Then Paul goes on to explain those spiritual blessings: ELECTION (4-5a, 11-12) – This is a reality, a fact. HE took the initiative. There was nothing about us and He chose us in Him. For what purpose? To be “holy & blameless in His sight.” and “for the praise of his glory.” ADOPTION (5-6) – Again, there was nothing about us, God did not need you or me, but He wanted to make us His kids (“in accordance with His pleasure and will”) and so He did. REDEMPTION (7a) – This is a deliverance, a ransom paid by a price. In other words, God bought us back. How? And what was the price? “…through his blood…” Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine! FORGIVENESS (7-10) – of our sins! And the qualifier? “in accordance with the riches of God's grace…” Being chose, adopted, redeemed & forgiven has nothing to do with our performance but is all by GRACE!~ SALVATION (13a) – How is a person saved? “…you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed…” When you hear the Word of God and by faith you believe, then you receive! MARKED/SEALED (13b-14) – This is a guarantee, a pledge, a down payment. The word used speaks of an engagement ring. When I asked Jean to marry me, I gave her an engagement ring. It wasn’t the full wedding band, but a promise, a deposit of what was yet to come. When we believe & receive, God deposits His Holy Spirit in us as a promise that He will finish what He started. And someday in heaven we will be perfected! INHERITANCE (14) – All we are and will enjoy as children of the King! Being the King’s kid has benefits that are out of this world. The Father elects & adopts, the Son redeems, forgives, saves & gives an inheritance and the Holy Spirit is our seal – the Trinity at work! WOWSA! This is great stuff! After all this it should cause us to pray & give thanks and that is exactly what Paul concludes the chapter doing – that we would “know Him better.” Another reason why Knowing Jesus is the first part of my life goal of “Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known.” SO WHAT?! *Let’s take some time today and thank God for all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Go ahead, list them out – I Double Dog Dare Ya’! *How do you view yourself, your identity? Often we can compare ourselves with others. And certainly our culture seeks the best looking, smartest, most talented, etc…. But I am so glad that my acceptance before God is NOT based on my performance! IN CHRIST I have been given a new IDENTITY – I am accepted by God and adopted into His family because of faith in Jesus Christ! I’m royalty! I’m the King’s kid! So are ALL who trust in Him alone to be saved from their sins! Now that beats any “self-esteem” talk you or I could ever receive!