Based on “Content with Who God Made Me” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 4/28-29/12,
Message #6095; Daily Devotional #6- “Thankful, Not Envious”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Paul had a special place in his heart for the church at Philippi. They were a loving, graceful congregation, who enjoyed giving generously to Paul's ministry. They had learned the mystery of sharing all they had for the cause of Christ. Not that they had much to share, since these were days of extreme persecution for the Church, and Christians were more concerned with survival, which made their gift to Paul so special. He knew that instead of scattering and hiding, this church had met together and thought of his need before theirs. It appears that the Philippians understood that any time they placed the needs of someone else over their own, their generous God blessed them. Every time Paul thought of the Philippians, he thanked God for them. May the same be true for us! Are we prioritizing the needs of others over our own, or are we self-centered and self-absorbed? Are we regarded with kindness because we sow kindness into people’s lives, or are we avoided and excluded because of our religious disdain? Since we have the Mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) as a result of the Spirit's presence in our hearts, then we should be caring, praying, compassionate and forgiving people just like the Philippians. We can be sure that they spent little time in comparing themselves with one another, coveting and contriving to be ‘top dog.’
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Apparently the church at Philippi had come a long way. It was the very first Christian church to be planted in Europe and had an acute fondness for Paul right from the beginning. They received his teaching, followed his ministry with great passion and were diligent in his care. In proclaiming that God would complete the good work that He had begun in the church, Paul was confirming and prophesying their continued growth and increasing passion for the Gospel. Paul understood that anything God begins, He completes. And so it is with us. Just like the Philippians, we are to be growing up into everything God has planned for us. Satan’s plan is to get us off track, self-focused, malcontent and envious of one another. Don’t take the poisoned bait! So let’s be about the work God prepared for us, individually and corporately as the Church. Let us welcome His good work in our lives and diligently press in until the day of Christ Jesus. Spend time with Him, not just today, but every day.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Philippians 4:11-12; Psalm 100:3-5; Exodus 20:17
cd
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.