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He is able to do immeasurably more than we could think or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us...Eph 3:20

Remain In Me

5/26/2014

6 Days. In 6 days, the climb20 team will be on their way!

I have racked my brain and prayed about what to write this final week only to be left completely stumped! I've considered encouraging verses, caring for our bodies, our motivations, or our identity as believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Yet nothing seems right. One thing is always right though. God's Word is powerful on it's own, so I am leaving you some Scripture to meditate or chew on. Simply read, re-read, and pray over these words:

John 15:5-17
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Lord Jesus, I praise and thank You for coming to earth out of Your love and submission to the Father. Thank You for telling us through Your disciples and word what you want us to do. Please give us the strength and power to abide solely in You, to love You fully, and to faithfully love others, producing fruit that will last for Your glory. Amen.

I Can Do All Things...

5/12/2014

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:10-23
This was the #1 searched and shared verse on YouVersion in 2013. And let's be honest, it sure seems like a super awesome and encouraging verse. With this verse I feel like I can take on the world! Kilimanjaro will be cake since I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! However, this verse isn't a prescription to go and climb a mountain, win a soccer game, or achieve business success. It is much more than that, but we only get the full picture when we consider the verses surrounding it.

In verse 10 Paul says he's excited that the church is again so concerned for him and the ministry God is accomplishing through him that they've sent him gifts and finances to help. He's clear though that he wasn't saying this because he needed the money - he had learned how to be content, no matter the situation. Whether poor or rich, hungry or full, he had learned contentment. "I can do all things..." You see, God had given Paul the strength to endure all situations he faced. Paul continues to talk about his situation and the blessing that they in Phillipi are to him and his excitement for their giving because he knew God would also supply all of their needs (v. 14-20).

Can God strengthen us to do anything? Most certainly! Everything He has called you to, He will strengthen you to walk through. Let's stop using this verse as a license to do what we want. Instead, let's prayerfully seek out what He has called us to do and trust in His strength to faithfully complete it, especially being content throughout every situation.

Lord, Thank You for Your perfect and complete Word. Help me understand Your Word as You want it understood. Thank You for being the God of peace and contentment, for providing all things and promising to strengthen me in every situation You place me. You are my provider and sustainer. Amen.

Defeating Anxiety

5/6/2014

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:1-9
"Be anxious for nothing...." You've probably heard this verse before. In 2013, Philippians 4:6 was one of the top five Bible verses looked up and shared on YouVersion (see here). Many of us must struggle with anxiety or worry, or this verse wouldn't be so well known! This verse is great, but have you ever taken time to read the verses surrounding it? They can help us learn how to defeat anxiety.

"Rejoice in the Lord always" is how Paul starts talking about anxiety. No matter our circumstances, we can rejoice in the Lord! He never changes, He is always faithful, and He will carry out every promise. We can fully trust Him! So rejoice in Him, and anxiety won't have much of a foothold. Then He says "let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near" (v. 5). This gentle Spirit is not self-seeking, but calm and pursuing peace with others. And this gentleness is a testimony to you and the Lord being close. You see, these both have to do with our attitudes regarding the circumstances of our lives.

After the infamous verse comes a command to control what we think about: "whatever is true...honorable...right...pure...lovely...of good repute...any excellence and...anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (v. 8). Our minds, when focused on our issues and problems, can easily run away with anxiety! But Paul helps us understand how to stop worrying and being anxious: build our attitude on rejoicing in who God is, fueling a gentle Spirit that is filled with trust in the Lord, and thinking about what is good (which all good things are from God). Don't let your thoughts run away and cause you to sin by being filled with anxiety and worry. Focus on Him, rejoice in Him, and trust Him with every care and concern. He cares for you.

Father, Praise You for always being good, always providing, and never failing or changing. Even when everything looks dark around me, my hope is in You: Your character, Your mighty works through the years, and Your sacrifice. Help me trust You when I am tempted to be anxious. Please help me remember to check my attitude and focus my mind on true, honorable and right things. Amen.

Grace: License to Sin?

4/28/2014

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus...let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained" Philippians 3:14&16

Philippians 3:12-21
Licentiousness. A little less familiar word than last week's "legalism," but just as important! Just like a license gives you permission to do something, licentiousness is simply the opposite of legalism - taking God's limitless grace as permission to continue in sin. Paul didn't see himself as having attained perfection, but said he continued to "press on" and encouraged us to join him in "living by that same standard to which we have attained" (v. 16). The standard we have attained is Christ! Can we do it perfectly? No! But in Christ we are perfected, in that we have been set free from our sins. So let's live like it!

Ok, what's that mean? It means we live like sin has no hold on us, continually confessing and turning from our sin. We don't continue in the same sin - that would be blatant rebellion against God and could cause others to question our faith in Christ. Instead, we recognize our sin for what it is and praise God for His glorious grace that sets us free and seek Him to live in that freedom. When Christ died on the cross, He died for all of your sins. Not just the ones you had committed up to your salvation, but for all the sins you had and would commit. Let's not live in bondage to our sin anymore, abusing God's grace, but live fully in the freedom God has given us through the cross.

Father, Thank You for forgiving all of my sin for all of my life. Please open my eyes to see if I am in bondage to sin. Help me confess and repent. Give me the strength to say no to temptation and teach me what it means to live free from sin. You alone are truly good and gracious. Amen.

Freedom From Legalism

4/21/2014

"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3:8-9

Philippians 3:1-11
Legalism. Recognize that term? Legalism means, "strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code" (Merriam Webster online dictionary). In our passage today, Paul tells believers to watch out for those who are of "the false circumcision," who put their confidence in the flesh. He points out that he was a model Jew, following all the rules and persecuting others in the name of God. But as "good" as he was, he realized that his pursuit of being a perfect Law follower meant nothing. At the end of the day, it is Christ who saved him, and he couldn't brag about anything he had done.

Now, it's easy to look at Paul and say, "Well, that was all before he was a Christian." And you're right! But I'd argue we still see legalism within the church today. Although no one would willingly say this is true of themselves, legalism is a form of earning your way before God. However, what were we just reminded of this past Easter weekend? Christ died for our sins and was raised to new life! His perfection is our perfection! We can't do enough good to earn us favor with God. We have His favor because we have Christ. Christ frees us from a life of fearful legalism, ushering us into a life of grateful and free obedience.

Take a minute. Do you have a tendency to trust in "doing"? To put stock in "living right" rather than knowing Christ? Pray, confess, repent and rejoice.

Father, You are so great! Your grace and mercy free me to worship, love, and obey You for who You are. Help me know You better, to trust You with every moment of my day today, and to enjoy Your favor You show me because of Christ. Amen.

Genuine

4/7/2014

"...and hold men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ..." Philippians 2:29b-30a

Philippians 2:19-30
Men like who? In the midst of encouraging the Philippians to be humble, focused on others, and to serve without complaining, Paul talks about two men. Timothy travelled and helped Paul in his ministry and Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians to Paul to help. Paul has nothing but love for these men and holds them and their selflessness up. Let's take a look at how he describes them.

Timothy is a "kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare" (v. 20). He's proven himself by helping Paul make the gospel known, like a child helps and serves with his father. Timothy is clearly consumed with the interests of Christ rather than his own! Epaphroditus is a "brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier" who had been very sick while working with Paul that he almost died. Neither Paul nor Epaphroditus wanted the Philippians to be concerned about him (since they didn't have phones, emails or facebook), so he went back to them. These men were absorbed with genuine care and concern for the interests of Christ, namely His people.

Do you know people like this? If so, let them know you are thankful for them. Honor them. And are you like the men described here? Are you genuinely concerned for the interests of Christ, especially your brothers and sisters whom you know as well as those you do not know?

Gracious God, Thank You for ordinary men who have served You that we can learn from. I praise You for Your grace and power and for giving that power to Your people so that we may live genuinely caring for Your people. In Your Name, Amen.

What are you reflecting?

4/1/2014

Philippians 2:14-18

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing..." Philippians 2:14

Paul follows his encouragement to work out your own salvation with a command: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (v. 14, emphasis added). This is pretty easy to say, not so easy to do. But Paul quickly explains why we are to do so: because how we do things shows others whose we are. If we are God's children, we should act like it!

Paul tells the Philippians to hold fast, stay committed to the Word of God until Christ returns. But instead of it being a reflection of God, it is because they are a reflection of Christ's work in and through Paul. There were many who questioned Paul's authority and apostleship (and still do) because he hadn't walked with or followed Jesus during His lifetime on earth. The church that Paul had founded could be a testimony to Christ's work in Paul, giving weight to his authority and leadership. His ministry could be more effective and more people might believe because of the faithful lives of the Philippians.

At your church, do you serve without grumbling? Do you do everything without disputing or do you stir up dissension and disrespect? Are you living in such a way that your church's ministry is more effective or hindered? Let's build up the body of Christ by being mindful of how we do everything. Remember, everything should ultimately be done for the glory of God.

Father, I praise You for always being good and for being kind enough to use me for Your purposes, plans, and glory. Thank You for the opportunity to live every moment as a testimony of Your goodness and the ministry of my church. Forgive me for not always having the right heart or attitude when I serve. Please give me Your strength to serve You with humility, thinking of others first, and without grumbling. In Your Name, Amen.

Work out!

3/17/2014

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work our your salvation with fear and trembling" Philippians 2:12

PHILIPPIANS 2:3-13
Brace yourself, it's a wild ride today!

In verse 3, following his words about unity, Paul commands the Philippians to watch their motives - our regard for one another should not come from selfishness or conceit but out of humility of mind. And what better example can he give than Christ? Jesus became a servant, taking on a human appearance and existence (v. 4-8). He had eternally existed with God the Father (Jn 1:1) and in coming to earth He showed complete submission to the Father by dying on the cross. He could have told the Father how He wanted to do things, what He thought would be best, but He didn't. He humbled Himself (v. 8). His Father's plan was more important than His life - and Him following that plan brought Him back to life and gives us life. And so, the Father exalted Him, giving Him all authority and power, meaning all people from all time will one day bow before Him and confess He is Lord (v. 9-11).

Now consider, this gospel compelled you to obey and place your trust and faith in Christ. So your job is not to determine other's place in salvation, but to look at your own with great care, diligence ad concern. It is God at work in you! Take care to listen to Him and seek how He would have you respond. You are responsible for Your walk with The Lord. With the description of Christ's humility and servantly submission, it can be easy to see where other believers don't measure up, but stop! Don't work out their walk with The Lord for them, work out yours! If you think it doesn't need any work, read through the description of Christ in verses 5-8 again and pray for The Lord to open your eyes.

Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself, for submitting to Your Father's will, and saving my life. I will never be perfect like You, but please help me grow in loving and serving others with humility. Help me to look at my own heart and walk with You rather than try to fix others. I praise You for loving me just as I am. In Your Name, Amen.

Striving Together

3/3/2014

"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ....that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" Philippians 1:27

Philippians 1:21-2:2
Christ is to be proclaimed no matter what! That's what we read last week. This week we'll see Paul continue to use his own life, experience, and desires to encourage the Philippians to stand firm and strive together for the faith of the gospel.

Paul recognizes that his life's purpose is to bring exultations to Christ (v. 20), and so in verse 21 he is saying that to live is the opportunity to bring Christ constant and continual glory or exultation though death would be greater - he would gain life with Christ in eternity. There's no comparison! Yet he accepts that it is better for him to remain on earth so that he can build up and encourage the churches and believers.

In light of remaining, he gives the believers one charge: "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (v. 27). And what does this mean? He tells us - Unity. Having "one spirit, one mind, striving together" (v. 27), "united in spirit, intent on one purpose" (2:2), that purpose being "the faith of the gospel" (1:27). There will most likely be conflict and suffering, but Paul urges the believers (and us today, I believe) not to be thrown off by those difficult circumstances (v. 28). Instead, trust God and continue in love, fellowship, affection, and compassion, striving for the gospel.

Let go of the petty differences and hurts you've encountered within the body of believers. Go, be reconciled with all believers. Let's be unified in spirit and intent on one purpose, living out and making known the gospel of Christ.

Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for creating me to not only be in relationship with You, but with all of Your people. Help me remember the purpose that I share with them, to bring You glory and make You known. Thank You for my church. Please help us to have one heart and one mind focused on You. I praise You for being our perfect God, greater than all else. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Purpose of Life

2/24/2014

"...and that most of the brethren, trusting in The Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear...What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice." Philippians 1:14, 18

PHILIPPIANS 1:12-20
When Paul wrote to the Philippians, life was rough! He was in prison!!! No comfortable, easy life for Paul. But that didn't discourage him or even cause him to question God. He didn't face trials and adversity as a punishment or unfair treatment by God, but he saw his situation as an opportunity for making God known - verse 13 says that the entire group of guards (and everyone else) knew about Christ because of his imprisonment. This awful situation wasn't so awful because Christ was made known to people who wouldn't have heard about him otherwise!

As if making Christ known to the guards and others wasn't enough, Paul's imprisonment and his eagerness to share the gospel in his predicament encouraged other Christians to also share the gospel! Sure, some did it with impure motives, but Christ was still made known! Your response to adversity can have the same effect - do you hang your head and mope, "woe is me," or do you use it as an opportunity to praise God and let your praises rise to the ears of others? Because I'm pretty sure that's what Paul was doing during his imprisonment - praising God and praying (read Acts 16:22-34 about his first trip to Philippi when he was thrown into prison).

Paul finishes this section stating that he will rejoice that the gospel is being made known, no matter how it happens. Paul knows that the gospel spreading means him enduring trials and adversity is for his good - their is no shame in those difficulties because of their purpose! And that purpose? That "Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death" (v 20b). Paul's purpose in life is always the same, no matter what is going on. And it is the same purpose and calling that you and I all share in Christ - that He is exalted or glorified in every aspect and situation of our life, good or bad, whether by life or by death.

Father, Thank You for Christ, for His sacrifice to leave Your side and walk this earth. Thank You for His perfection, death and resurrection that defeated satan and the effects of sin. Thank You for the strength that He gives me to endure and make Him known in every situation. Please help me face trials and adversity with praise of You, because You never change and Your works through Christ can never be changed. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

IMPACTER OF THE WEEK

Author

Alyssa lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and 2 children with a 3rd on the way. She enjoys running, reading, and a good cup of coffee. She also co-edited and contributed to a one-year devotional for women.

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