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Listen to this week’s message Joy in the Journey – Week 3 (Watch Here)

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(Reprinted from Fathers’ Day – 2022)

We begin the Lord’s prayer with the words, “Our Father in heaven.”  Each of these words or phrases is so significant.  “Our” implies a personal relationship we have.  “Father” implies the role God plays in our life. “In heaven”…why is that so important?

This short phrase distinguishes our requests we present to our earthly fathers from our heavenly father.  It does not diminish the importance of our earthly fathers, but rather heightens the blessing of having a heavenly father.  Jesus highlighted one:

Jesus said 9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11)

Our heavenly Father has perspective.

Earthly dads desire the best and want to give their best to their children.  Magnify that exponentially and one realizes they have a heavenly father who perfectly knows what is best for his children…and welcomes your request.

Our heavenly Father has an even larger and bigger perspective than our earthly fathers.  Sometimes our dads have or do withhold giving something because they know that it is not the best for their child.  As a child this can be frustrating, and perhaps only the perspective of time will allow us to see that dad really did know and do what was best.  How much more our relationship with our heavenly Father.  We can always trust that he knows and gives what is best…even if it doesn’t match what WE think is best.

Our heavenly Father is perfect.

This means a lot to me as an earthly dad.  I am not perfect.  My girls know that well.  I am grateful that I have a heavenly Father who is willing to forgive and restore when I fail.  I treasure that my girls always have a perfect heavenly Father to whom to look up when they see shortcomings in their earthly dad.

Our heavenly Father portrays pure justice and unconditional love.

No better example have I found to understand the balance God has of justice and love than to be in the role of a dad.  The two, justice and love, are perfectly compatible and one should not be overlooked for the sake of the other.  Justice can not exist without love and love without justice.  What do I mean?  It is loving to have boundaries and limits to life.  Justice from God is real because he gives us those boundaries in which to live so that we experience the greatest blessings on this earth and in heaven.  Just like a father tells his child, “Don’t run in the street” because he desires his child to not experience getting hit by a car.  In fact, if the child runs in the street, he may be disciplined to know the seriousness of the infraction and how much dad loves his child to ensure it doesn’t happen again.  Love from God is real because he desires the eternal blessing of his children.  Love is not a boundary-less grant to a child to do whatever they want.  Love desires to guide a child in the way of righteousness and to the eternal blessings of heaven.  I treasure that my heavenly Father is perfectly both and as an earthly dad can learn from his examples of justice and love.

Our heavenly Father is present…always.

Earthly dads get busy with work, hobbies, chores, and just life in general.  Sometimes we are not as present for our children as we would like.  Our heavenly Father is available 24/7…every day to listen to our prayers, remind us of his promises and guide us with his Word.

Earthly dads are great and a blessing from the Lord.  How much greater a blessing we have to be able to call God, “Our Father IN HEAVEN.”

Apply: What other blessings do you receive from your Father in heaven that is better and more perfect than from your father on earth?

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank you Father for your eternal perspective, your perfect love and justice, and your ongoing presence.  We treasure that you have thought enough of us to bring us into an eternal relationship with you! AMEN.

Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in the Journey: Week 2 (WATCH HERE)

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Philippians 1:27-30 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. 

The Christian life has suffering, but stand firm!

To be sure, the Christian life is not a life of ease. The apostle Paul didn’t sugarcoat the reality of suffering. From prison, he wrote to the Philippians not only to encourage them, but to remind them that following Jesus often involves struggle. Yet through that struggle, God shapes faith, builds endurance, and glorifies Christ.

Paul gives us a challenge: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The word “conduct” refers to being a good citizen, living as someone who represents a greater kingdom. For the Christian, that kingdom is not Rome or America; it is the Kingdom of Heaven. Every choice, conversation, and response becomes an opportunity to reflect the gospel’s truth, value and impact in our lives.

Paul then urges us to “stand firm in one spirit” and to “strive together.” The image here is of soldiers holding the line in battle or athletes working as one unit. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone nor should the Christian suffer alone.  God desires and places us in community with others to support each other, especially when going through pain and suffering. Unity in Christ and with other Christians gives us strength to endure together what would be crushing alone.

But why the need to stand firm? Because suffering is part of the life of the Christian. In verse 29, Paul says, “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” That word “granted” is rooted in grace. It’s not a punishment—suffering for Christ is actually a privilege. It identifies us with Jesus, who suffered for us.  But as with every call the Lord gives us, he does not leave us unequipped.  He gives us the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

This is not easy. Suffering, especially unjust suffering, feels unfair. A single mother may wonder why she’s been abandoned. A teenager might face mockery for standing up for their faith. A retired couple might endure loneliness and loss. But Paul reminds us that our struggles are not random—they are part of our discipleship. And they are not without purpose.

When believers suffer for Christ, we become a sign. Verse 28 tells us that our courage is “a sign to them [our opponents] that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.” In other words, our willingness to suffer without fear or retreat becomes a witness to the world that the gospel is real, and that our hope is not in this life but in the life to come.

How, then, do we stand firm?

First, remember what Christ has done for you.  Second, surround yourself with other believers. And third, keep your eyes on eternity. Trust that your struggles, when surrendered to God, are never wasted.

So don’t give up. Don’t give in. Stand firm. Strive together. And suffer, if you must, as one who belongs to Jesus. Remember he has purpose for you in every pain!

Apply: What helps you to stand firm when sufferings and challenges come?  How might you rely on the Lord and community of believers to walk with you during the heaviness of your challenge?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when suffering comes, help me to stand firm in faith and live a life worthy of Your gospel. Give me courage to endure and the strength to walk in unity with others for Your glory. AMEN.

Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in the Journey: Week 2 (WATCH HERE)

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Philippians 1:18-26 Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 

Decisions that involve two good choices can sometimes be the most challenging. When there is one bad choice and one good choice, that makes it pretty easy.  But two good choices?  That can be a challenge.

We can go to Disney or Universal Studios…two good choices.

We can go swimming or go for ice cream…two good choices.

We can have a steak for dinner or shrimp pasta…two good choices.

We can keep living or die…two good choices?

At first glance we might say, “I don’t want to die.  That’s not a good option.  I want to keep on living.”

I don’t think many would disagree with you.  However, the Apostle Paul lays out both as good options.

As he is in prison, he expects to be released, but is not certain.  As he goes through suffering, he envisions life with the Lord in heaven.  Yet he knows by living he has opportunity to continue to serve the Philippians and others with the Gospel.  This too would be a good thing.

Sometimes when we are going through suffering and pain, we see good and bad options.  Perhaps it goes something like this:

“I really want this hardship to end” (That would be a good option.)

“I pray this doesn’t last too long” (Longer suffering would be a bad option.)

“I don’t want to die.” (Death would be a bad option.)

Here’s what we know about suffering.  God has a purpose in all of it.  So, we have three good options in regard to our suffering, pain and hardship.

First, God could choose to bring an end to the suffering and we are able to move forward in life without the worry or stress about it.  This would be a good option.

Second, God could choose to allow the suffering and pain to endure and he will teach us to rely on him and also perhaps use our suffering as a witness to encourage others.  This would be a hard, but good option.

Third, God may choose to allow the relief of our suffering to be death and entry into heaven.  This would be a good option.

If the Lord allows our life to continue, we get more opportunities to live and share the Gospel.  If the Lord allows our life to end, we get the experience of enjoying the joys of heaven.  This is a great experience.

When we can see even death as a good thing, we are beginning to see Christ in every circumstance.  And when we see Christ in every circumstance, all the options that are available are good. 

Apply: What is the challenge you are enduring today?  As you ask God to reframe your perspective, what are the possible good things that can come from your time of suffering?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for my sufferings and challenges.  I trust that you will bring good and your glory to my circumstances.  AMEN.

Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in the Journey: Week 2 (WATCH HERE)

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Outward activity can cover inner pain.

Yesterday morning, I was listening to a speaker share his journey into an inner wholeness that found his grounding in grace and the truth of God’s identity for him. He happened to be the pastor of a very large church in San Antonio.  In his journey, he realized that he was driven by proving his critics wrong.  When he took over the church in San Antonio, he lost 4000 of the 11,000 members.  People didn’t like his style or his vision, so they left.  He then sought to overcome his detractors by building the attendance past his predecessor.  He was driven to prove his critics wrong.

The motive was not pure.

The outcome in now a church over 20,000.

As a pastor, it hurts when people don’t connect with your gifts.  It is challenging to deal with critics who don’t like your style of ministry.  It is tempting to do things to get people to like you.  As well, it is tempting to preach the Gospel to grow the church for selfish, ego purposes.  

Pain in your own soul can drive preachers to do the right thing (preach the Gospel) for wrong motives.

Forgive us, Lord!

This challenge is not new to the 21st century.  In Philippi, there were various people that were proclaiming the Gospel.  Not all of them out of pure motives.  It seemed like some wanted the notoriety of Paul and to take over his spot in his absence.  Others may have wanted to have a household name as a preacher of the Gospel.

Their motives were not pure.

But the Gospel was still being spread.  

Here was Paul’s reaction:

Philippians 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

At the end of the day, Jesus was being proclaimed.  It appears the motives of their heart were not affecting the truth of their words.  People were hearing about Jesus.  People were hearing about grace and forgiveness.

For this Paul rejoiced.

That doesn’t mean motives don’t matter.  It doesn’t mean that the “end justifies” the means.

Motives do matter. The writer to the Hebrews says, 

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Word of God is there to expose the motives of our heart.  We can do a lot of “Christian” things with a poor attitude.  We can seek to love others, serve others, or teach others with the motivation to be recognized by others because we have a pain of low self-worth.  We can be friendly and ensure everyone is taken care of and be motivated by a pain of low acceptance.

The gift of grace is that even into the pains of our heart with which we suffer silently comes the truth of God’s Word.  

Is your pain abandonment?  Remember God is always with you.

Is your pain acceptance? Remember you are a loved, child of your heavenly Father.

Is your pain recognition? Remember at your baptism, God said, “I am well pleased” with you!

Is your pain perfectionism? Remember Jesus was perfect for you.

The list could go on.  

As you serve Jesus and the light of the Gospel shines, rejoice!  As the motives of your heart are exposed, be healed by that same Gospel.  It does transform your motives!

Apply: Take an evaluation today of why you do what you do.  What does God expose?  How can God heal that hurt?

Prayer: Lord Jesus. Thank you for redeeming my activities done from a false motive and utilizing them for the advancement of the Gospel.  Create in me a pure heart so that all I do for you comes from a heart redeemed by you!  AMEN.

Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in the Journey: Week 2 (WATCH HERE)

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How you deal with pain inspires others!

 

Philippians 1:14 – “And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”

Almost every inspiring story posted on Facebook, written about or captured on the big screen is how the hero or heroine deals with pain, adversity and suffering.  Cheers erupt when the one who is oppressed rises up with strength and victory.

But it doesn’t stop with the cheers.  Those that are watching are inspired to step up their game or carry the torch the injured person was carrying.  Enduring, suffering, and overcoming pain and adversity is inspiring.  The will to live and the will to succeed triumph when pain is over come and defeat avoided. 

Pain in God’s plan is never wasted.  Paul realized this.  As he was writing from prison, he reveals a powerful truth: his suffering for the sake of Christ didn’t dampen the faith of others; it fueled it. His chains didn’t discourage his followers, but rather gave courage to those watching. His pain did not lead others to cower, but rather inspired boldness.  Those that were afraid to proclaim the message of Jesus because of the fear of arrest, were confident to speak boldly the Gospel.  Pain loses when others are inspired to preach Jesus through it!

For us, this verse shifts how we understand suffering in the life of a believer. Ironically, Paul is in prison, but he’s not a prisoner to his circumstances.  He is at the mercy of the guards, but he is not controlled by his captivity.  He doesn’t complain about his imprisonment or lament about missed opportunities. Instead, he rejoices that his chains have become a megaphone for the gospel. Others, seeing his unwavering commitment, have found their own voices. They “dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” What an incredible statement. Paul’s imprisonment which intended to silence him, has amplified the message.

When believers witness someone enduring hardship with faith, it stirs something within them. Courage is contagious. One person standing firm in Christ while walking through suffering often leads to others stepping forward in faith themselves. Pain, rather than being a dead end, becomes a platform.  Pain, rather than making us a prisoner, releases us to rely fully on the strength and power of the Lord.  Pain, rather than limiting our options or abilities, becomes a position of strength to speak of the goodness of God.

Satan would love us to think that our struggles disqualify us from influencing others. We imagine that only strong, “put-together” people can lead or inspire. But Paul’s example proves otherwise. It was not in his comfort, but in his chains, that he became most powerful in his witness.

Have you considered that your pain may be the very thing God uses to encourage someone else? Your story of faith while enduring the hardship of suffering might be what someone else needs to believe that God is faithful in theirs. Your endurance through a broken season can be the reason someone finds the strength to keep going.

That doesn’t mean we pursue suffering or pretend it isn’t painful. Paul never glorified prison for its own sake or minimized the discomfort. Rather, he recognized that, in God’s hands, his imprisonment was being used for a divine purpose. And that purpose extended beyond his personal story to impact the church at large.

So today, don’t hide your scars. Let your pain tell a story of God’s sustaining grace. Speak boldly, even if your voice trembles. People are watching, not out of judgment, but because they’re looking for hope. When they see Christ in you amid trial, they may just find the courage to trust Him more deeply themselves.

 

Apply: Ask the Lord to change your perspective on your challenges that they might become a platform of Gospel proclamation!

Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You use even my pain for Your glory. Help me to see my struggles as opportunities to inspire courage in others. May my life point to You, not just in my victories, but in my valleys. Give me boldness to proclaim the gospel, and may my faith spark boldness in those around me. Amen.