Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Philippians 3:10-11, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

“That I may know him.” That was the goal and purpose on Paul’s heart while he was sitting in prison, that he would know Jesus fully in his personal relationship with him and to know the power Christ puts forth now from sitting at the right hand of God. Knowing Jesus intimately and resting on his resurrected power gave Paul peace, and it gives me peace.

We can say we know someone because we sit and talk together (or text or email back and forth). We can say we know someone because we are committed to them as a friend. We can say we know someone because we recognize their strengths and see what is different about them from others. But knowing Jesus includes all of these yet goes beyond them.

• Jesus is my shield, overseer, and protector; therefore, I know him.
• Jesus is refining me and washed me with his precious blood on the cross. To that extent, I know him.
• Jesus has subdued my enemies beneath his feet. I know him in that character as I have shared and committed these instances to him.
• Jesus is my great shepherd, and I know him because I am His sheep.
• Jesus has proven he cares for me, and I have seen him move mountains and part my own Red Sea for me.
• “They say he is a door: I have entered in through him, and I know him as a door.” Spurgeon.

So how do we know Jesus better? By going through the various trials and sufferings in our fallen world and bringing them all to the feet of Jesus Christ our Lord. That is how our personal relationship with Christ deepens. There is nothing that He does not know, and he has abundant compassion, love, grace, and mercy waiting to be given, for any pain, tragedies, heartaches, and setbacks, because he has felt those things too.

My prayer and desire of Jesus is for him to give me wisdom as I need to know him better today than I did the day before. I need his help in expressing his kindness, love, faithfulness, and goodness in his name. Our world needs love and kindness and I don’t always naturally give out love and kindness in my responses when I have felt hurt or rejection. Do you? Yet Jesus did.

People around us are either going towards being near to God or away from him. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” It was pointed out to me recently, that Jesus’s closest friends, the disciples, all disappointed him (Mark 14:37-42). One betrayed him and another disowned him (Mark 14:17-42). But Jesus told them, because he had spent time in prayer, “Get up! Let’s go! See – My betrayer is near (Mark 14:42).”

As I continue to grow in knowing Christ better, I will have his shield of protection over me, going ahead of me and behind me. I will make mistakes, but Jesus restores and corrects me when I have failed him in fighting back with harshness in tone and words, in a verbally heated wrestling match, or passing onto others how I have been treated wrongfully, and indulge in self-pity. That is called a sin, which is gossip (Romans 1:29b-32). Jesus loves me unconditionally in spite of my flaws and gives me forgiveness, grace, and love when I repent and ask his forgiveness. I need to improve in doing the same to others even when they don’t apologize. May I know Jesus better today than I did yesterday, as I learn from my failures, and as he shows me his redeeming work in me, working things out for my good (Rom. 8:28). I look ahead, waiting and watching for Christ’s return, and say too, Get up! Let’s go!

Listen to Danny Gokey – Give Me Jesus (Live). 1/24/16.

Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Charles Spurgeon has said, “Grace all-sufficient dwells in you, believer. There is a living well within you springing up; use the bucket, then; keep on drawing; you will never exhaust it; there is a living source within.”

Did you know the motive behind God’s work in our lives is because it gives Him pleasure to do it? Don’t you take pleasure in helping your children work out problems they are experiencing? Doesn’t it give you pleasure? The same is with our Heavenly Father giving us His loving grace and mercy with unconditional love.

Think about where you have been in what you have gone through. Then compare it with where you are now, in your relationship, and walk with the Lord. Do you see improvement? Do you recognize when you have had some spiritual “growth spurts” when God has really worked in your life in financial problems, physical ailments, a spiritual mentor, or even our current COVID crisis? There is a benediction the author of Hebrews wrote in chapter 13:20-21, which states, “Now may the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Do you have a predicament you are struggling with today? Or do you have a vision, a dream, that has not been fulfilled? Roll it over to God – commit it to Him. Abraham experienced that. It says in Hebrews 6:15 that it was not until he patiently waited – endured, that Abraham obtained the promise of God. Understand the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility after spending time in prayer. Keep on obeying and following Christ. Don’t give up. God will fulfill what He has placed in your heart in His time. Patient endurance has a way of perfecting our faith (Hebrews 11 lists the examples of the hallmark of the saints’ patience). Then rest in Philippians 2:13, NIV, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Listen to Spirit Rise by Tavis Cottrell (Lyric Video) 1/11/2020.

Philippians 2:10-11, “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Remember the words of that song sung several years ago by the Gaither’s that went like this: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There’s just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus. Like the fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Let all heaven and earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms shall all pass away. But there’s something about that name.” Paul quoted Isaiah 45:23 and 49:18 from the Old Testament, and pointed out in the New Testament, in Romans 14:11, and Philip. 2:10-11, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess to God that Jesus is Christ. That means every atheist, agnostic, blasphemer, ungodly, false cults followers, angelic beings, dead human beings, and demonic fallen spirits – even Satan, will come face to face at the Great White Throne Judgment and be forced to bow and confess that Jesus is Christ, to the glory of God. But they will hear God say, “Take them away! I never knew them!”

Paul knew he would stand before Caesar, at his trial, who had what was considered a high name in governmental importance. But Caesar’s rank, or any of our present governmental positioned people, is nothing compared to the name of Jesus Christ. Men ridiculed and slandered the name of Jesus, but God exalted, honored, and gave Him the name “Lord” (Phil. 2:11; Acts 2:32-36). He arose from the dead in victory and ascended to the Father’s throne. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and chief priests realized every time, no matter what they thought of the disciples, that every time they had been in their company, these men had been with Jesus. There is a day coming when all will surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and God who is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14).

 “Acknowledging Jesus as Lord must include submission, obedience, because, by definition, the title of Lord assumes it.” John MacArthur. Although I have many flaws, problems and have made mistakes, as I am living this out in my daily life, it will affect my work/career, family, and home life. It also requires I be a good steward of money and material possessions and not waste any spiritual gifts, talents, relationships, and opportunities provided to me. It involves sacrifice, restraints guided with grace, studying the Scriptures, and following the example of Jesus. I have to ask myself, how well am I doing this? At the end of the day, did my co-workers see Jesus in my actions and responses? That is the key to letting our light shine for God’s glory – Jesus is Lord and God is the great I AM. The only certainty I or anyone can count on in this life is Jesus is coming back soon, and every knee will bow before Him and confess Jesus Christ is Lord!

Listen to Casting Crowns Nobody (Official music video) ft. Matthew West.

Philippians 2:3-4,“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Paul had a concern about the lack of unity within the church at Philippi, which was a very cosmopolitan city and had great diversity. False teachers were coming in from without (Phil. 3:1-3), members disagreeing within (Phil. 4:1-3), and what Euodia and Syntyche were debating about Paul does not state. Paul declared that humility, gentleness, patience, “alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences,” (Ephe. 4:2 MSG) was highly needed. So if God has shown us mercy, why is it often times hard not to humbly show grace and mercy to those we have unpleasant interactions and disputes with, in a loving manner, yet not compromise in our spiritual convictions and integrity? Anyone that overhears the interaction needs to see Christ-like dedication of a spirit filled transformed life’s example of John 13:45, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I admit this is not always my first reaction, when life gets messy. Can you think of any examples in your life when you have been vulnerable and had this problem too?

“Paul knew there is a difference between unity and uniformity. True spiritual unity comes from within; it is a matter of the heart. Uniformity is the result of pressure from without.” Warren W. Wiersbe, “Be Joyful. Even When Things Go Wrong. NT Commentary on Philippians.” When facing the temptation of rivalry, being in competition for the same objective or superiority in the same field—living out our spiritual identity in Christ-like love, is the supreme action required and takes humility. It can happen in our work, committees we serve on, and other relationships. The importance and art of strategy needed, taking out the emotions and responding with radical love, no matter what, as Paul declares in Philip. 2:3-4 is necessary for guarding against jealousy and selfishness in maintaining peace and being united. Paul was the supreme example of living his life in serving others as Christ did. Paul said, “I am what I am by the grace of God . . . I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me . . . I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.”

I remember the races my brother and I would have when getting out of the car, after going anywhere and returning into our driveway when we were young. We each would be yelling, “Me first! Me first!” in our running strides to beat out each other in entering the house before each other. It was all about wanting to be first in competing against what I wanted rather than what Jim wanted and vice versa. Often I am still there. What about you?

During this isolation time with our COVID situation, I think we find it a privilege to be with other people more than before. It gives us joy. We have all been given more time to think and pray for one another. Now when we are together with family, friends, or co-workers, it is our opportunity to really listen to their stories and explore who they are. Asking what the back story of things they hold dear to them in their beliefs and actions is. If I knew the secret hurts and disappointments of those I disagree with, I might find my animosity towards them lessen. It is something I need to put into practice.

Paul is saying, forget this “Me First! Me First!” mentality. “Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.” Philippians 2:4-5 MSG.

Listen to Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West – Lyric Video – by InBeautiful Chaos -Misfit Heroes Music Video

Philippians 1:27-28, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that are standing firm in one Spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of salvation, and that from God.”

I have heard the word “opposition” being used in many social media posts throughout these past few months. It seems to be the hot topic in many conversations, and in our thoughts that just isn’t going to go away. It has become very emotional. Paul experienced the most adversaries throughout his life and ministry than any other. It is recorded in Acts 16:22-24 that when he and Silas were in Philippi, many people attacked them. Then a group of judges had them stripped of their clothing and had Paul and Silas severely beaten with wooden rods. It was a massive miscarriage of justice because there was no fair hearing of attaining the facts, and Paul and Silas were not allowed to speak in their defense and were then incarcerated. While put in prison, Paul and Silas had a two-person songfest at midnight, which the prisoners all heard. Next, God caused an earthquake to happen,  and the Philippian jailer then believed in Christ, and even his entire household did the same. Impressive, wasn’t it? Rash and extreme behavior is always the result of a state of despair and was shown by the enemy. Satan considered Paul and Silas a threat to death and darkness. But the potent power of God overall always wins, as was shown that night.

Paul had close friends and people in the church that sometimes opposed him. Then there were government officials, beatings, three times suffered shipwrecks, stoning’s, unjust criticisms, false teachers, all opposed his ministry at times, in his preaching and teaching the gospel (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Yet Paul counseled the Philippians not to be fearful of anything the opposition might do or attempt to do. I can hear Paul saying, “So what? It takes strategy. Buckle up! Here we go!” Paul stated they were to stand firm and stand united in Christ, and not be alarmed by critics, no matter what happened. He reminded them that it takes practicing Christian teamwork, as we are citizens of heaven and need to act like it, having joy, even as we battle the enemy.

We all have the same Commander In Chief – the Lord Jesus Christ. We all possess the same armor (Ephe. 6), and our reputation needs to remain steadfast in our unity and love in living out our spiritual integrity, as Paul declared in Romans 12:9, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” We will have conflict in various forms and areas of our lives and relationships from beginning to end as Paul also experienced.

“If you are being attacked, it’s proof that the Enemy sees you as a worthy target, proof that you’re making an impact.” Jon Courson. Application Commentary. New Testament. I am reminded, that I must be sure I am representing Christ, and given the green light, in the authority of the Holy Spirit before stepping out in the power of the Spirit, when having any of those personal “critical conversations,” during any trying and troublesome circumstance. As the Message version so eloquently states Philippians 1:27-28 this way: “Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you – and both because of God.”

Listen to Casting Crowns – Make Me A River (Official Lyric Video) 10/4/2016.

Philippians 1:21-22, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.”

Paul was not consumed with life or death. His total ambition in life was to maintain his faithful witness to Christ and for Christ to be magnified, despite his own crisis of being in prison and not knowing if he would live or die. His own comfort was not as important to him as was advancing the kingdom of Christ, seeing things from an eternal perspective, and being a blessing to others.

I have recently returned from experiencing the tasks one must go through following the death of a parent. Frederick A. Van Loh passed this earth and entered Heaven on January 5, 2021. He was 94 years old.  It only took fifteen minutes. Dad viewed death as a “gain” and had longed for it for some time. He was at peace with God. He was a pilgrim whose journey came to an end.

My Dad enjoyed studying God’s Word and had several Bible commentaries, “An Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words” by W.E. Vine, and numerous Bible study reference book tools. I was able to bring some of his books home with me for my personal use. I cherish these books which will be an ongoing legacy from my Dad to me.

In going through all of Dad’s belongings and starting the process of notifying accounts of his death, the following became very real, as it was to Paul, of life versus death:

• Awards and trophies won for success, prestige, and fame, are left behind upon one’s death. They are forgotten in Heaven and do not have any significance there.
• Money is used for living, and dying leaves it all behind.
• One’s power and employment are for this earth. That is left behind upon one’s death, and is replaced with streets of gold and heavenly rewards up in Heaven, if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior.

If I am going to have joy, as Paul did, I must remember circumstances will become memories and get left behind upon one’s death on this earth. What is gained then has eternal significance and what is on this earth is elusive and unsatisfying. That is how Paul could maintain his joy and rejoice despite this uncertainty in his life, because of what He knew was awaiting him in eternity with Christ. The only way to rejoice and be full of joy despite our events in life, is to choose to remember Romans 8:28, and to have our identity solely in Jesus Christ. Christ must become the dominating power throughout our life on this earth. I seem to keep learning this lesson over and over. Paul had it down pat.

Paul was in prison, yet the message of Christ, the gospel, could not be imprisoned and prospered. Paul’s focus was to make Christ more accurately known, regardless if he lived or died. Either way, Paul knew he couldn’t lose. The Message states Philippians 1:21-22 this way, “Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose. As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do.”

Listen to Newsboys What I Want Them To Say (Lyric Video). May 26, 2017.

Philippians 1:13-14, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

Paul could have written a long letter to the church at Philippi about all of his burdens in being in prison and not preaching and reaching millions of people in Rome, which was his heart’s desire. Instead, Paul wrote about the blessings it provided in sharing the gospel and summed it up by stating, “what has happened to me.” Paul always used whatever situation or circumstance he found himself in to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Paul maintained having joy despite being in a  Roman prison twice, beaten, and many times near death. On one occasion he was stoned, and three times he was shipwrecked. He never wasted time and was the best at using it for honoring the Lord Jesus Christ out of devotion and gratitude for God’s saving grace and mercy upon his own life. Paul’s example gave the Christians in Rome, that saw Paul’s imprisonment and realized his life was in danger, more boldness in spreading the gospel. Paul realized his current circumstances were not what was important but how he spent his time about them was.

During Paul’s Roman imprisonment, he wrote letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. 1 Timothy and Titus he probably wrote after his first release from prison, and 2 Timothy was written during his second imprisonment, as he awaited his execution. Paul spent a total of five to six and a half years in jail. Yet, he kept referring to joy throughout the letter to the Philippians. Paul understood the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility and saw the Holy Spirit’s power to answer the Apostles’ expectant and believing prayers during his lifetime (Acts 4:31). What a powerful example he was.

This is a lesson to me in not wasting time throughout my day by grumbling about irritating things surrounding me as I often tend to do. My happiness is not required, but having a thankful heart is. That is how Paul remained joyful. God’s blessings and power were still with Paul in prison, despite his burdens. But the believers in Philippi wondered where the power of God was in this circumstance in Paul’s imprisonment. Don’t we wonder the same with our current unfavorable situations, be it COVID-related or current political events?

God did not waste Paul’s time in the Roman prison. God doesn’t waste our time either, though we may waste it by not understanding God’s purpose, at the moment, in our lives. God used Paul right where he was, in chains, in prison, and he remained joyful. So I am asking myself, how can I be more joyful, use my time wisely, pray expectantly and believingly, and then be enabled to be bolder in sharing the gospel too? That is my takeaway from Philippians 1:13-14.

“The same God who used Moses’ rod, Gideon’s pitchers, and David’s sling used Paul’s chains. Little did the Romans realize that the chains they affixed to his wrists would release Paul instead of bind him . . . He did not complain about his chains; instead, he consecrated them to God and asked God to use them for the pioneer advance of the gospel. And God answered his prayers.” Warren Wiersbe. Be Joyful Even When Things Go Wrong You Can Have Joy. NT Commentary on Philippians.

Philippians 1: 9-11, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Who is it that you desire to influence? Is it your co-workers, family member, friends, relatives, or a neighbor? Paul knew the best way to influence people was by praying for them as he did for these believers in Philippi. This was also Paul’s prayer for new Christians in Thessalonica: “And may the Lord make you increase in and abound in love for one another for and all, as we do for you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:12. Showing love is the first and necessary step in being of benefit to others and encouraging them, as Christ poured His grace, love, and mercy to us by His provision, protection, and presence in our lives.

Paul recognized the believers in Philippi had a love for one another, but he wanted it to be more, as he told them “that your love may abound more and more.” Paul saw (from a distance since he was in prison) the image of God upon these believers. Distance did not stop their mutual friendship and admiration. Unity in fellowship has no interstate traveling restrictions, especially today with our modern devices of text messaging, emailing, calling on the phone, and getting to see one another in person when that is possible. Who in your circle of friends do you see the image of God upon? What is it they have done for you that has made this lasting impression?

Paul’s mood of joy comes through in his letter to the Philippians, despite his living circumstances in a prison cell. The reader can hear Paul’s cheerful voice in his written expression of nurturing and cherishing by praying for these believers, with passion and generosity. With the pandemic and the need to wear masks in public, our voice tone is even more critical now in verbal or written conversations. Have you noticed that? One’s mood is heightened in being received by our tone of voice because the mask is covering up our mouth when required to be worn. Think about that for a moment. What can you say that will turn someone’s mood around and put a smile upon their face despite what may be going wrong and out of their control?

I received notice from Grammarly, that in 2020, Grammarly users paid more attention to the tone and wording they used in not only what they said but how they said it. I find that interesting and worth noting.

James 3:18 is a parallel verse which says, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Jon Courson said in his Application Commentary, “So, too, Paul says, “Although there’s a very real war in which you’re involved, be very careful that in your battle mentality you don’t start chopping this person, that group, or the other ministry. Don’t pick on them; pick what is helpful from them as fruit that can be used for your own growth.” Those are wise words.

One’s honor, integrity, uprightness, and truthfulness need to be rooted in love. I like The Message’s version of Philippians 1:11-13, “So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus would be proud of; bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” That is my challenge for 2021, in making Jesus Christ attractive to all I encounter, filled with the fruit of righteousness, to the glory and praise of God, by my mood, tone, and voice being received in any form of conversation.

Listen to Casting Crowns and Matthew West sing Nobody.