Category: Philippians

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Why Worry?

There’s a whole lot of life that needs to be lived and the Father wants it to be free from worry!

Years back, many years ago, I read a book written by a very successful and innovative American businessman, Jon Huntsman. He wrote a book, “Winners Never Cheat”. I still have it in my library of influential books.

Anyway, Mr. Huntsman, had challenges in his business, like all successful businesses, and opportunities for worry. He said he had a box, a worry box on his desk, and anytime he was presented with one of those opportunities he wrote down and put it in the box and released the pressure of worry. He opened the box once a week and amazingly many of the notes were no longer an issue. They had resolved without his worry or stress. The ones that were still a concern, he left in the box.

Such a simplistic approach to problem solving. But Biblical! Mr. Huntsman was a man who trusted God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLV

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLV

“ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 NLV

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?…30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 NLV

Maybe, just maybe, we should follow Mr. Huntsman’s example and make a worry box. Write down our concerns, large and small, open the lid, put the “worry” to rest and close the lid.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

God has a much better capacity for handling challenges successfully than we ever will. Afterall, He knows all our needs before we do and He has promised to never leave us or abandon us.

Why worry?

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In the Midst of the Storm

This morning when I opened my computer I was taken back by the images of the destruction in Nepal. And now for days and weeks ahead they will be recovering.

Others are facing storms that aren’t pictured on the news, the devastation may be visible but not captured by a lens or it may be internal and can’t be seen at all.

Whatever kind of storm you may be facing let God bring you peace.

“ Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” 39 Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm.” Mark 4:37-39 CEV

Let God bring you peace in the midst of your storm. Keep your focus on His presence and not the size of the waves!

Peace – perfect peace!

When we’re in turmoil, confusion, stress we need to readjust our focus. I’ve heard it said that Christians just put their heads in the sand and don’t look at things right. Not true, our heads aren’t in the sand but instead they are in the air. When our focus is up, we will be in perfect peace even in the worst circumstances.

“The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLV

Re-adjust your focus today. Looking at things the way the rest of the world does blurs the truth and causes you to “try” to fix things yourself. Being self-centered is a true recipe for disaster. Being God-centered is a place of peace and rest.

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. 4 So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].” Isaiah 26:3-4 AMP

Make God’s word the first and final source of focus and live a life of peace even in the midst of the storm!

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Heartfelt Thanks!

This morning I have a personal note of gratitude for all of you who join faithfully each day to experience the Good News of God’s love!

Nine years ago this month, my friend encouraged me to post a morning blog. I didn’t know the first thing about setting one up but he did. He sent me a sample of what he had done and Kristi’s Morning Devotional was born.

I have enjoyed sharing the Scriptures with you day by day. It was a slow start but God has been faithful to build the readership.

“ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,” Zechariah 4:10 NLT

In the first few months readership was very low, less than 3500 reads over a total of 5 months. The Lord has been faithful and readership has now grown to over 8000 per month. What a joy to know the Lord is reaching these people through His word.

I am humbled and blessed because it is you who have shared the blog with your family, friends, Bible study groups and Facebook/Linked-In pages.

“I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Every time I think of you, I thank my God. 4 And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. 5 This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it. 6 God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns. 7 You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work God has given me, ” Philippians 1:2-7 CEV

Let me encourage you. If the Lord has given you a dream, a purpose, a talent, use it for His glory. You’re never too young to start or are you ever too old. This ministry started when I was in my 60’s.

“Don’t despise small beginnings”. I have heard that in my heart several times a month for the last nine years. I am so blessed when I read your comments of how the Lord encouraged you through the morning’s writings. Your prayer requests are not taken lightly. I lift them to the Father’s throne room.

” For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 NLT

Thank you for being a part of my mornings and in turn, a part of my life!

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Wisdom Speaks

I have a question for you. How many times in the last week have you found yourself saying, “I just don’t know what I should do – or what choice I need to make – or what path I should follow”?

Yes, I’ve been there and done that more times than I would care to admit. So, you can imagine how excited I was this morning when I opened my Bible to Proverbs 8 and there was the header at the top of the page which said, “Wisdom Speaks”.

“I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge and sound judgment. 13 If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies. 14 I am strong, and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment. 15 By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair. 16 Every honest leader rules with help from me.

17 I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search. 18 I can make you rich and famous, important and successful. 19 What you receive from me is more valuable than even the finest gold or the purest silver. 20 I always do what is right, 21 and I give great riches to everyone who loves me.” Proverbs 8:12-22 CEV

Wisdom and common sense, sensible advice and sound judgement, more valuable than silver or gold. These are the gifts of wisdom. When I read verse 17, it immediately triggered what James, the Apostle, said when he wrote his letter on godly living:

“ Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind.” James 1:5-6 ERV

God the Father, who is the giver of wisdom, enjoys giving to everyone who asks. The key in that is not doubting the wisdom God provides.

“ Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

When we take our prayers to the Lord, He doesn’t want us to worry about anything – ANYTHING. We ask for everything we need – WISDOM. God’s peace will direct our decisions and guard our hearts. This is practical wisdom.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. 11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do. 12 “So you will go out from there with joy.
 You will be led out in peace…” Isaiah 55:10-12 ERV

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ERV

I have long lived with trusting the peace of God. I’ve learned that if I’m not at peace about something, I shouldn’t proceed. God has been faithful to lead me by His peace.

Let’s close this with Wisdom’s words at the end of Proverbs 8.

“By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.” Proverbs 8:35 CEV

Wisdom Speaks life into our situations!

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Good Thoughts

The Apostle Paul said this: “Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:7-9 CEV

Think on good things. Keep pure thoughts and peace will be the by-product.

“It is better to live right and be poor than to be sinful and rich. 17 The wicked will lose all
of their power, but the Lord gives strength to everyone who is good. 18 Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. 19 They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce…

21 An evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving. 22 Everyone the Lord blesses will receive the land; everyone the Lord curses will be destroyed. 23 If you do what the Lord wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure. 24 The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall. 25 As long as I can remember, good people have never been left helpless, and their children have never gone begging for food. 26 They gladly give and lend, and their children turn out good.” Psalm 37:16-26 CEV

These thoughts, good thoughts, came flooding in this morning when I read this one verse, “Be wise! Remember this and think about the kindness of the Lord.” Psalm 107:43 CEV

Make it a great day – think on these things. The Lord is kind!

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No Brag – Just Fact

I am reading in Ephesians again. I find myself there quite frequently.

The letters that Paul wrote to the different Christian churches were for their instruction and correction. I find those letters do the same in my life. While I was reading this morning a phrase jumped out at me, “there is nothing you can brag about”.

Last weekend while we were in Williams there was a whole lot of bragging going on. We didn’t know it when we booked our trip, but the annual car show was also last weekend. We went into town on Thursday evening for dinner and had a hard time finding a place to park.

We quickly learned that 600 cars were entered and many others were on a waiting list. Oh my, there were some real beauties! Top quality paint jobs, gleaming wheels, tuck-n-roll upholstery and a few rust buckets. Each and every one was hoping to be named “the best”.

No brag, just fact.

People are a lot like that too. Wanting to be judged by their accomplishments, education, size of their home, the car they drive, the accolades they have received, their good looks and great personalities. They want to lay claim to their bragging rights.

I think the Apostle Paul might have been dealing with this very situation.

“In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2 You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. 3 Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.” Ephesians 2:1-9 CEV

We run into trouble when we begin to compare ourselves to others and brag on our “goodness”. Everything we have in this life that is good has been given to us by God.

“Don’t be fooled, my dear friends. 17 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. 18 He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.” James 1:16-18 CEV

“But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. 8 Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ” Philippians 3:7-8 CEV

Paul had been in the inner circle of Jewish society but as he wrote Ephesians and Philippians he was in prison. He knew what was truly important – knowing Christ as Savior.

A lesson for all of us – No brag, just fact!

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All I Need

This morning as I was praying a verse came to mind and when I looked it up I realized I had never thought of this as an “in Christ” verse before but there is was.

“My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. 20 Let glory be given to God our Father forever and always. Amen..” Philippians 4:19 CEB

In Christ, every need I have has already been met.

He became my sin so that I could have His righteousness II Corinthians 5:21

He took stripes on His back so that I could be healed Isaiah 53:5

He told me to come boldly to his throne to find Help (Him) in time of need Hebrews 4:16

He became my strength when I am weak Philippians 4:19

He became my peace when things around me are in chaos. Philippians 4:6-7

He gave me a cup that runs over and abundance when the enemy is trying to steal, kill and destroy Psalm 23

He gave me wisdom when I asked for it James 1:5-6

As I am sitting here and thinking about what my day has in store, I know that in Christ, He has already supplied all that I need!

That’s a good thing!!

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Stand Up to Fear

I love that we have the story of Gideon in the Bible. He is the poster child of transformation. Going from fearful farmer to valiant warrior, all because he had an encounter with the Lord.

I think what I love most about this story is God’s faithfulness. He lovingly encouraged Gideon each step of the way. The Lord didn’t become impatient or frustrated, instead He gave continued instruction and showed His commitment to direct Gideon and deliver Israel.

After Gideon asked the Lord for proof of His willingness to lead him and Israelites, Gideon stepped out with the army but look where they went.

“ Early the next morning, Gideon and his army got up and moved their camp to Fear Spring. The Midianite camp was to the north, in the valley at the foot of Moreh Hill. 2 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army is too big. I can’t let you win with this many soldiers. The Israelites would think that they had won the battle all by themselves and that I didn’t have anything to do with it. 3  So call your troops together and tell them that anyone who is really afraid can leave Mount Gilead and go home.” Judges 7:1-3 CEV

They went to “Fear” Spring. God had a purpose for going there; remove fear from the camp. Everyone that was afraid was sent home. Twenty-two thousand soldiers left, only ten thousand remained.

Fear is persistent. It tries to wear us down, it’s goal is to defeat us and keep us from being who God created us to be.

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“ Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.” I John 4:18 ERV

God was not only working in Gideon’s life but also in the lives of the men who remained. The men needed to be alert, ready for battle.

“Gideon,” the Lord said, “you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I’ll test them…6 Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink. 7 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I’m going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of 300 defeat the Midianites.” Judges 7:3-7 CEV

Victory doesn’t come because of great numbers or worldly prestige. It comes from faith; trusting in God’s word and His purposes. It comes when we stand, firmly planted on God’s promises.

“ I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CEV

Stand up to fear; we defeat it not in our own efforts but by placing our trust in our God who never fails!

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Yes and Amen!

One more morning blog on the promises of God.

The little chorus I sang as a child goes like this. “Every promise in the book is mine, Every chapter every verse every line. All are blessings of His love divine. Every promise in the book is mine.”

The Apostle Paul put it like this:

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20

Somebody needs this this morning. I just love it when God wants to minister to someone and He decides to use me to bring the message.

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet? Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day. He had that dream as a 17 year old and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3

Then there’s Abraham who had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had this promise from God and had to wait 25 years to see if come to pass. During that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful. At age 100 he saw God’s promise come to pass.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain and he needed to build an ark and collect two of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching, waiting for his neighbors to repent because God was going to send the rain and it had never rained before. The neighbors never repented but God sent the rain. Promise kept.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes and it’s just about here.

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Wondrous Love!

I was thinking of one of my last visits with my mother before she died.

We always talked about Jesus and her desire to depart this life and join the Lord and so many of her family and friends in heaven. She was 97 1/2 years old.

She told me to tell her friends and our family that would still be on earth after her passing not to cry, have a party. She would be waiting for all of us to join her there someday. Thinking about that conversation this morning an old hymn came to mind, “When We All Get to Heaven”.

Sing the wonderous love of Jesus;
sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions, bright and blessed,
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
clouds will overspread the sky;
but when trav’ling days are over,
not a shadow, not a sigh! [Refrain]

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold.
Soon the pearly gates will open;
we shall tread the streets of gold. [Refrain]

The wondrous love of Jesus has been poured out on us in our life on earth and we will continue to be wrapped in His love when we leave here, when we “all get to heaven”.

“ Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.'” John 14:1-3 CEV

Be encouraged today – God is our faithful Father. He is our strength, our deliverer, our protector, our healer, our Savior. We can depend on Him!

“I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. 13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:12-13 CEV

Sing the Wondrous love of Jesus!

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