- Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:3 – While there are some powerhouse verses in this chapter, we also see some essential teachings for the church in some of the lesser spotlighted verses, such as verse three. Here we learn that there were two sisters in Christ, that for some unknown reason had settled in disagreement to the point that even Paul heard about it in prison. Paul spoke then to whoever this “true companion” was that their role was to step into the disagreement and help these two sisters return to unity. Often this is the part of ministry life most people cringe at for most don’t enjoy conflict and most would rather stay out of someone else’s conflict. Yet in the church, if we have brothers and sisters in conflict our scriptural role is to help them reconcile. We are not to be content watching disunity and disagreement remain in the lives of our church family. As Paul directed his trust companion, so are we being directed by the Lord. However you are seeing disunity in your church family, help in the healing. The only one who benefits from the church remaining in a fractured state is the enemy. Be willing then to speak up, be willing to step in, and be willing to get your hands dirty if that’s what it takes. Often healing and reconciling is a messy business, but the end result can be unity once again in the church which is a worthwhile endeavor. See the fractures in the relationships between other believes and refuse to remain standing aloof to the state they are in. Help them into unity so they can be about the Gospel once again. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3419
- Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 – Most all are familiar with that last verse, but what I hadn’t noticed until today is it’s actually a secret being told. Like a secret ingredient being shared, this idea is the secret behind being content in whatever situation you find yourself in. That because you can do all things through Christ you can be content in the season of struggle you’re in right now. The way you can handle the good times and bad times with the same attitude of joy and peace is because of Jesus strengthening you to do all that. Again, it comes down to Jesus taking care of us. So if the season you are finding yourself in right now isn’t great, know through Jesus, He can help you not only get through but even be content during this time. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 546
- Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 – Today is day four of high school camp and this passage is one I feel could be spoken into so many situations we are navigating with students this week. The enemy is clearly after the mind of students, and the adults as well. He wants us to focus on things untrue, impure, and lacking of love. For such things are not of God nor what God would call us to dwell our minds on. What we learn as Paul is encouraging the church here in our passage is that we get the choice as to what our minds think on. We can think on the lies and destructive things of the enemy, or we can think of the good and pure things of the Lord. We can dwell on the evil and hurt and hate of this world, or dwell on our Savior who is over all this. You have a choice today on what you dwell on. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2405
Daily DEVO 