October 29: Philippians 1:18-26
Key Verse: Philippians 1:18
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.
Devotion:
As the apostle wrote these words, I’m sure he would have been thinking about the joys which await him in Heaven rather than thinking about the persecution or other woes which could await him on earth. This is one thing we face as Christians all the time, facing rejection, ridicule and other horrible things just because someone objects to you pointing out the truths in life!
Nobody likes to be told they are wrong or that there are shortcomings in the way they live or act. I can remember a few times in my life where I pointed out the shortcoming of the business that I was involved with and the bosses objected strongly to what I had to say – so much so I was forced to resign on one occasion just because I did what had to be done to save my bosses from blame for what was about to happen.
I thank God I do not have to do such things for God because I know He always stands for the truth and always expects righteousness in all cases. I am not ashamed for standing up for God at any time. What I do get ashamed about is when people ask me to stand up for them when I know they are doing things wrong.
Christ did what had to be done and was blamed for doing what He did. He stood up for the truth and people objected. They upheld their own ideals instead of the truth Christ was holding up. This is what we need to do as Christians – Jesus set the example for us to live by.
Points to Ponder:
Do you take shortcuts to save embarrassment?
Will you stand up for Christ’s truth?
October 28: Ephesians 2:19-22
Key Verse: Ephesians 2:22
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Devotion:
What Jesus did for us about 2000 years ago changed the world, not just for the people at the time but for all people all around the world who are ready to listen to the gospel – the good news. Because Jesus did what He did, we have become members of one big family under Him as our chief cornerstone…
What is a cornerstone? We lack the real knowledge of the importance of a cornerstone nowadays because buildings are built up around concrete posts, plinths and on concrete foundations. Back then the cornerstone would be the stone laid down in the beginning upon which the house would be built, not balancing on a single stone in the corner but around which the whole house would grow. If that cornerstone was not secure, it could take down the whole building if it shifted!
With Christ as our cornerstone, our building becomes purposeful and stronger, being holy at its core and built upon righteousness and truth. That is the importance of the cornerstone – the rest of the house is going to be fashioned on that stone. Without the core of truth and righteousness the Holy Spirit could not dwell within us and we would not have the hope and guidance He gives us.
God knew it could all be possible if He allowed Jesus to die for our sins and have us forgiven at our very cores. That is the wonder and splendour of what Christ has done for us. Accepting that as the truth it is gives us the best starting place to build the best possible version of us in which the Holy Spirit can dwell!
Points to Ponder:
Do you sometimes think you are too corrupt for God?
Jesus has cleaned you from the inside so the Holy Spirit can dwell in you!
October 27: Ephesians 6:10-20
Key Verse: Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Devotion:
What were you taught as a child; were you taught to fight back when someone did something wrong against you, or were you taught to try and make peace or turn away from things done against you? I think I was taught something in between because my parents tried to teach me God’s ways of doing things but I went to a boarding school where we had to fight back or we would get beaten up… so I saw both sides of the proverbial coin and had to make my own decisions as I grew up.
I am truly thankful my parents did teach me God’s ways because I have also seen many of my friends get into big trouble for retaliating when things did not go well. When we retaliate we tend to go much further than we should because our feelings get the better of our common sense and we do more than we at first think we should. That seems to be the way of the world and we are taught this on many fronts, from films to sayings and even our governments!
God wants us to put our trust in Him and allow Him to protect and guide us when we face adversities in our lives. It does not mean turning away medical help because He may be the one who has brought the right doctor to the right place at the right time to treat you and help you stay alive! I know I have had a few incredible doctors turn up to help me just at the right time over the past few years!
We do have to put our full trust in God though and not just a little bit here and a little bit there. God can do so much more when we give Him all the time and chances He needs. He is working things out for our good and for our betterment. We must trust Him by always trying to keep with the truth because that is where He is. We need to be ready to obey Him and trust He will guide us. Always turn to the bible to start that conversation with God because He has already told us so much in those words! Jesus started, finish by obeying Him and praying for more guidance at all times.
Points to Ponder:
Who do you turn to to find the truth?
Will you keep looking in your bible for more advice?
October 26: Ephesians 6:1-9
Key Verse: Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Devotion:
When we talk about love, we don’t tend to look at the whole picture but focus on the feelings of the here and now instead. Love encompasses so much more than the here and now and we need to open up our horizons to see just how awesome it really is! God has a full grasp of what love is and tried to show us through what Jesus did for us; we need to step up and take notice!
When God talks about love it is not limited to a feeling between two people, nor between family members, siblings or any other earthly pair – God talks about love through the whole experience of the world and everything in it. When you see a wonderful vision, maybe the autumnal colours of the trees, a gentle waterfall, a roaring river, a bleak mid-winter scene… whatever raises those feelings within you is just one aspect of what love encompasses.
Jesus wants us to take full grasp of love in our lives and share it with all the people around us not limiting its spread of meaning. Jesus laid down His whole world so we could know His love for us. We should be willing to go to extraordinary lengths to make sure we can experience a bit of that love He shared with us!
Love must be shared with the most unlikely people and in the strangest of places before we can begin to comprehend the gravity of this thing called love. We need to cast aside our limitations and our expectations allowing God to guide us through the Holy Spirit as we come to terms with what we just don’t know!
Points to Ponder:
How do you describe love?
Will you allow God to guide you toward a greater and deeper love?