Philippians 1:1-2 – Personal and Grace-filled!
Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:1-11: Joy in the Journey: Week 1 (WATCH HERE)
The letter God’s Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to write is one that is filled with God’s heart communicated through Paul’s heart. In spite of challenging circumstances when Paul first visited Philippi (Acts 16), ten years later as Paul is under house arrest in Rome, he writes with deep love and appreciation for the saints in Philippi. While written almost 2000 years ago, God uses the same words to touch our hearts and lives today. In all situations he desires us to see his grace so that we find joy in our journey of life to eternity, just like the Apostle Paul did.
I pray these devotions this summer on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, encourage your heart and bring you joy for your journey of life to eternity with your Savior.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
The focus is always on Christ. Paul was imprisoned in Rome and Timothy, his partner and pastor friend was with him. The opening greeting is not from individuals feeling victim to the circumstances, but rather clear on their purpose: servants of Christ Jesus. Their life was identified by the one they serve and their reason for writing to the Christians in Philippi was the same. They write with hearts devoted to the Lord Jesus to bring encouragement from the Lord Jesus.
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Not only did Paul and Timothy see themselves through the lens of Christ, they saw all the people in Philippi through the lens of Christ. People like Lydia, the seller of purple cloth who came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah or the jailor and his household who were baptized when grace entered their lives. Each one was a recipient of the grace of God that made them holy in the eyes of God. They were people who were not identified as saints because of their good works and contribution to the community of Philippi, but simply because they were in Christ Jesus. Everyone covered in the blood of Jesus is rightly called a saint. Paul saw them through this lens and he wanted them to see themselves through this lens.
The same is true for you. Your status and identity is a saint in Christ Jesus. You are not defined any longer by your sin, but by your Savior. YOU are a saint in Christ Jesus!
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We can receive nothing greater from God than his grace and peace. With these words, Paul not only sets the tone of his letter, but fills the hearts of his recipients. Grace is God’s undeserved gift of his love and forgiveness that he has given to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Peace is the calm in our hearts knowing that our relationship with God is no longer in conflict because of sin, but rather at peace because of the payment for sin Jesus made. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
What is exceptional about this statement is both grace and peace are FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let our efforts be put aside, for that ruins grace. Let our search and striving for peace cease, for the quest is not attainable by our efforts.
Grace and peace are God’s gifts to you! He doesn’t demand payment. He doesn’t add conditions. He simply puts these gifts in your lap to enjoy each day. He wants them to set the tone for your day and be the reality that fills your heart.
You are loved. You are at one with God.
Enjoy this gift today!
Apply: Grace and peace can sometimes be concepts “out there.” How can the gift of grace and the status of peace be more real in your heart and life today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of grace and doing all that was necessary to bring peace with God. Let each day be filled with the grace and peace only you can give. AMEN.
What to do while waiting…
Today’s devotion is based on Revealed: Week 6 – Forever Revealed! (WATCH HERE)
Do you remember the first time you were old enough to be left alone at home? Usually there were two types of communication before mom and dad left. Here’s what you are to do and the expectations and here’s what will happen if you don’t follow those expectations. They would leave with the words, “We’ll be back soon” and then walk out the door voicing the words, “We love you!”
What ensued after the door closed could go one of two ways, especially if you were in charge with younger siblings. First you could play the power trip and make life more difficult for your siblings by claiming more authority than was given to you. This may manifest in adding more rules, having your siblings clean your room, or other tasks before they can enjoy the evening treat mom and dad said they could have. Or second, you could simply do nothing and let your siblings do whatever they wanted and just check out and do your own thing. As a result the house gets to be a mess and crazy things happen.
Or you can simply communicate accurately to your siblings what your parents had said and maintain a calm household guided by the words of your parents, you simply being the messenger and guide with them.
In a very similar way, Jesus leaves his last words to his people before he leaves. The Spirit of God gives them to the Apostle John:
Revelation 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Jesus has given his words before he left the earth. We don’t need to add to them or take away from them, just read them, believe them and live them. He is up front with the consequences because he loves us enough to warn us. We have a tendency to let our pride and power want to add to things Jesus said to make us “more religious” or “more perfect” than someone else. As a result, we just place ourself under the law, not grace and doom ourselves to live under the curses given to law breakers. We can also become lax on our love for the Word and use just the words we like. As a result we lose grace. We lose Christ. We lose eternity.
Jesus left ALL his words for us to enjoy and put into practice while he is gone. They are for our blessing and for his glory.
He’s coming back soon. On his way back to heaven, he says, “I love you!” “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.” He wants us to wait with anticipation, a focus on his word and confident of his grace.
And when he comes back, it will be a joyous day, not one of condemnation, but one of grace and welcome into his kingdom!
Apply: Jesus is coming back. What will you resolve to do while you wait for him?
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, come! AMEN.
You are invited.
Today’s devotion is based on Revealed: Week 6 – Forever Revealed! (WATCH HERE)
Two things that make a person feel valued and loved is to be in the know and to be invited to participate in something you really want and need.. When you are given “inside information” it is a testimony to not just the importance of the information, but the importance of you, especially if that information is important and valuable.
As Jesus finishes the last book of the Bible, he says this:
Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
It’s always great to be in the know.
Jesus wants us to know. The whole book of Revelation is Jesus’ heart to make sure every member of his Church knows both the spiritual battle that is waging and the path to victory in his power and promises. He wants the Church to know as it seems beaten and broken by persecution that he hasn’t forgotten and really has given them the ultimate victory.
The names he chooses to give backing to his person and the testimony he gave is his connection to King David – both the Root and the Offspring. He was before David, but also of David. He is God, preceding David according to his divinity. He is true man, being born of the blood line of David. He carries the power of the eternal king and, like King David, a warrior who has won the victory over sin, death and the devil.
He is the “bright Morning Star.” The one that Shines to break the darkness. He is the one who brings hope to his people. In the visual of the book of Revelation, he is the one who always brings light, hope and life to God’s people.
He wants you to know him and his testimony.
It’s always great to be invited.
At the heart of Jesus’ life and ministry is the completion of the payment for sin, the dismantling of Satan’s power, and the victory over death. The nature of life and spiritual battles leave us weary and battle worn. As Jesus gives his testimony, the Spirit of God carries the task to make sure the life that Jesus gives makes it to the ears and hearts of people. He established his Church, his bride, to be a main communicator of this message. He wants those who have been refreshed by the water of life to be the communicators and inviters to others…that includes you and me.
The amazing nature of grace is that this refreshment is free.
We can invite without discretion and offer without cost. Why?
Because Jesus just wants people to be unburdened from their sin and live in the quiet hope that he has given them victory over sin, death and the devil.
Just like he has given to you!
Apply: Who do you know who is spiritually parched and would benefit from the Water of Life Jesus offers?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us your testimony and your invitation. Lead us to listen always to you and drink freely from the water of life. AMEN.
Forever has two options.
Today’s devotion is based on Revealed: Week 6 – Forever Revealed! (WATCH HERE)
Forever has two options.
Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Eternity is not vague. It’s not a foggy spiritual concept or an open-ended future for “good people.” Revelation 22, the final chapter of the Bible, makes the picture startlingly clear: Forever has two options. Two destinies. Two outcomes. One inside the city of God enjoying eternal life in the presence and perfection of God; the other outside, separated from His presence.
This is not a scare tactic—it’s a loving, urgent call to clarity. God wants you to know what’s at stake.
Option 1. The Blessed: Washed and Welcomed
Verse 14 begins with blessing: “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” This is not about physical cleanliness or good deeds. It’s symbolic language used throughout Revelation (see 7:14) to describe those washed in the blood of the Lamb—those who trust in Jesus for salvation, not themselves.
Their robes are white not because they lived perfect lives but because they were made white, made perfect by Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice on the cross. That’s grace.
And what’s their reward? Once again they have access to the tree of life—a direct reversal of the curse in Eden. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve were banned from the tree after sin entered the world. In Christ, the way back is open. These blessed ones are also granted access to the city—God’s eternal home, the New Jerusalem, where there is no more pain or death, only perfection.
This is the eternal hope of believers: to dwell with God, forever alive, forever loved.
Option 2. The Banished: Unrepentant and Outside
Verse 15 shifts the focus: “Outside are the dogs…” This is not about literal animals. In ancient Jewish culture, “dogs” was a harsh term for those considered morally impure or unclean. The list continues with people defined by sinful behaviors: sorcery, sexual immorality, murder, idolatry, and deceit.
This list is not meant to single out specific sins as worse than others. It’s representative of those who persist in sin, those who refuse to repent, reject God’s grace, and love darkness more than light. It describes people who not only sin, but love and practice falsehood, embracing a lifestyle that pushes God out of the picture.
This isn’t about whether someone has failed. We’ve all sinned (Romans 3:23). The difference is whether we’ve come to Jesus for cleansing for our sin. The blessed are washed and welcomed; the unrepentant remain stained and self-ruled—and tragically, left outside.
Jesus makes a purposeful and stark contrast. God draws the line between two eternal destinies. Everyone will spend forever somewhere. The dividing factor is not who lived a better life but who trusted the Lamb.
So where does that leave you?
If the Spirit has worked in you trust in Christ, rejoice. Your robes are washed. You have full access to God and His eternal kingdom, not because of your performance, but because of Jesus’ perfect work on your behalf.
If you’re unsure where you stand—or if you’ve been living as if forever doesn’t matter—God’s Word is clear: Now is the time to turn to Him. There is still time to repent, still time to receive grace, still time to be washed in the blood of Jesus.
Apply: Who do I know that still needs to hear that forever has two options? Forward this devotion to them!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for making the way into the city through Your sacrifice. Thank You for washing me and calling me blessed. Help me live with eternity in view, not in fear, but in faith. Give me boldness to share Your truth with others while there is still time. Amen.
In the middle.
Today’s devotion is based on Revealed: Week 6 – Forever Revealed! (WATCH HERE)
Beginning and the End.
Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
With just a few verses left to finish the inspired Bible, Jesus speaks these words to the Apostle John and to his people. Like a parent giving last words of encouragement to a student they are sending off to college, so the Lord Jesus wants his people to be clear on a few things.
First, he’s coming back. His ascension into heaven was not a “Good-bye” but a “See you later.” In the same way he left he will come back. Read through Matthew 24-25 and realize that Jesus took time to teach us all those things that were to serve as reminders to this promise. Wars, rumors of war, earthquakes, famines, false Christs and more would be ongoing reminders that Jesus was coming back. Like parents going on a vacation and telling their children they will be back soon, so Jesus leaves but doesn’t tell the exact time he would return.
Have you ever wondered why? Perhaps it’s just to keep us always ready.
Second, he’s bringing a present with him.
While our works do not give certainty of our right relationship with God, they do give evidence of God working in our hearts. God notices. What those rewards of grace will be, we are not sure. But who can argue that any reward from the Lord Jesus would be a good thing!
Third, he wants us to know that he and his ideas, his work and his teaching are not just a speck on the continuum of time. He is not one that just comes and then vanishes, rather all that is hinges on who he is.
He is the Alpha and the Omega. This first and last letter of the Greek alphabet remind the reader that he has the first word and the last word. Letters make up words that make up sentences. The “Word made flesh” (John 1:14) is the one who began the world with his words and is the one who will bring the world to an end at his command. Many words will be spoken in between, but his words certainly are the ones that matter most.
He is the First and the Last. Quantitatively and numerically he is the prime mover and the one who will be finishing the number of time and days. He existed before all things and will be the one to bring an end to the existence of the world. All that needs prioritization, he comes first. All that needs a finish, he is “author and finisher” of our faith, our life, our purpose and priorities.
He is the Beginning and the End. Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus said. The counting of time began when the One who was at the beginning spoke the sun, moon, and stars into existence. He will be the one who witnesses the end of all that he created as well. The timeline of history will begin with the Lord Jesus and end when he comes with all his angels.
We sit in the middle waiting.
Why not take in the words of the Alpha and Omega?
Begin your days and end your days with Jesus, the first and last.
Journey each of your days, from the beginning of your life to the end so that you might enjoy all things the Lord Jesus has prepared to give to you!
Apply: What changes in your day when you bring awareness to mind that Jesus is coming soon?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing comfort to our hearts to know that our lives are set in the middle who you are. You are the first and the last, we sit in the middle. You are the beginning and the end, we exist in the middle. You are the Alpha and Omega, we listen to all your Word gives. Keep us ready for your return! AMEN.