Wednesday’s Devotion: Why I Can’t Do All Things through Christ

Philippians 4:13  (NKJV)  I can do all things through Christ  who strengthens me.

Let’s face it, just like any other pastor, I’m a busy person.  My day begins early with prayer and exercise (after a pot of coffee) and ends late usually in the den with my laptop as I answer e-mails, work on my Sunday study or write the next day’s devotion.  When my calendar and to-do lists fill up it would be easy to become overwhelmed.  As I walked yesterday morning seeking a sense of peace I considered the fact that being overwhelmed with all that one has to do is sometimes more a state of mind than anything else.  Sometimes when I start feeling that way I do the illogical.  I’ll go get my nails done or spend the day in the mountains – doing something totally unproductive.  I come home less stressed and get everything done anyway. 

I am going to start trying to try to thank God for the many blessings and opportunities that I have in my life instead of complaining about my full schedule.  I considered Philippians 4:13 and decided that we can’t take that literally.  We do need to set priorities and if we overload ourselves we are going to get tired.  Christ will help us with the important things but I don’t think Christ will give us strength to do all the unnecessary activities we try to cram into our lives.  I’m getting better at saying no to things I want to do and people ask me to do so that I have more time to do things I need to do.  And that includes time for play and exercise.  It really is all about the right balance of priorities.

God in Heaven, thank you for the opportunities you place in our lives.  Help us to choose our activities wisely and then give us the strength to carry them out.  We ask in the name of the One who knew to withdraw for prayer and rest.  Amen.

Friday’s Devotion: Spiritual Weight Lifting

Psalm 59:16 CEB   “But me? I will sing of your strength! In the morning I will shout out loud about your faithful love because you have been my stronghold, my shelter when I was distraught.”

I love our Wednesday night fellowship meals. Each week I present a short program or study.  As always, I learn grow as I prepare for them. This week I used some visual aids.  I wanted to share about physical and spiritual strength so I brought some of our dumbbells and a kettle bell.  When I was young and not in a close relationship with God I had to face life’s challenges without the strength God provides. My challenge might be like a 20lb weight but I was only able to comfortably lift a 5lb weight.  As I became a regular church-goer in my late 20’s I learned more about praying for strength.  I was able to carry heavier burdens – like my 15lb kettle bell.  Now God is truly my strength.  I have met many challenges successfully with God’s help.  I can carry the 20lb weight now although not yet with great ease.  I still have more to grow both spiritually and physically.  That growth comes from perseverance in prayer and in my physical workout with those weights.  God wants us to be fit spiritually, mentally, and physically.  Let’s all pray for direction and help in getting into shape.

Lord, you are our strength. Help us to rely on your strength and now try to function only under our own power and understanding.  Be our help and salvation today.  We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

Thursday's Devotion: A Different Kind of Strength Training

Philippians 4:13 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.

I think this is a new translation on Bible Gateway, or at least I’ve never used.  I like the way it translates this passage.  The more common one is “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  I certainly use this scripture a lot in my life.  I constantly surprise myself at the things I can accomplish.  I was still going strong last night at church at 8:30 in spite of little sleep the night before and no food since lunchtime. Much of what I do that is connected to ministry does not come from any power I have on my own.  I pray daily for God’s guidance and provision and strength.  I find those prayers answered, not just because I pray them but because I am serving God with that strength.  Many pastors emphasize “being saved” (not going to hell) as a reason to get someone to come to Christ.  I emphasize the power and positive changes available to our life here on earth when we develop a personal relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior.  The other will follow naturally.  Today a good friend is celebrating 2 years of sobriety.  I am so proud of him, especially because he, like me acknowledges that his power to succeed comes from Jesus Christ.  Congratulations to him! You can also have what we have if you will accept Christ and ask in sincere prayer.

Gracious Lord, we want and need your power, provision and guidance in life.  We humbly ask for this as we seek to have a relationship with you. Forgive our sins, save our souls and keep us in your care.  We pray in the name of the one who gave everything for our sake.  Amen.