After all these instructions, Paul ends chapter two with a promise: the presence of the God of peace. I cannot fathom a greater presence than Him and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Father, give me the desire and wisdom and strength to grow more and more like Jesus.
Paul felt confident telling the Philippi believers to follow his example because Paul emulated the One who’d saved him, redeemed him, changed him from the inside out. Do you have a Christian mentor—someone whose example points to Him? I hope you do. We all need those Godly examples. And you…
HYMN DAY! I realize this verse is from last week’s devotions, but I couldn’t resist sharing it today along with the incredible hymn written by Horatio Spafford following the tragic loss of his young son in a fire and his wife and daughters in a shipwreck. That he could still…
Nutritionists say we are what we eat; I say we are what we think about. What consumes our mind will affect our attitude and actions. Therefore, thinking of excellence and things worthy of praise will positively impact what we say and do. So where do we find these things of…
True, honorable, pure, lovely, commendable… It’s a sad commentary of the time in which we live, but very little of what is reported in our news and social medias could be defined by that list of words. So does that mean these qualities have been obliterated? I don’t think so.…
Here’s the end result of taking our supplications to the One who is capable of meeting the need: peace. There is absolutely nothing better than God’s peace. Sometimes I can’t explain it, but I know it’s there. Every day that I draw a breath is a good day to rest…
Anxiety can really weigh us down. I wasted a lot of years in constant worry, and all that time I was essentially telling God I didn’t trust Him. Sure do regret that now. A better way to deal with concern is take it to the Lord in prayer. Tell Him…
HYMN DAY! The words for “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” are actually a poem written by Henry J. Van Dyke. They were put to a melody composed by Ludwig Beethoven a century earlier. I’ve always loved the majesty of this hymn, such praise given to the One who created the…
Reasonability seems to have taken a backseat to making one’s opinion known. Those who attempt reasonable discourse might find themselves ignored or shouted down by the crowd. But that shouldn’t stop our attempts. The world needs to see a different example than noise and selfishness. Think of Jesus standing silent…
One of my most precious memories of my mom took place a few days before her graduation to heaven. She was in her hospital bed, eyes closed, and suddenly I heard a whisper. I got up and drew close in case she needed me for something, and I realized she…

