Daily Devotionals

Devotional - Whatever Is Noble

2026-05-28T04:58:00Z

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Os Guiness wrote: “The Hebrew word for “fool” is very close to the Hebrew for “noble,” with only one letter different, and it is sometimes only in the outcome of their lives that the people considered noble by the people of their time are shown up as fools or pronounced as fools by God. David’s wife Abigail was originally married to the more obvious type of fool, and she described her first husband as a “worthless man” who lived up to his name, Nabal, which means “son of Belial,” or fool (1 Sam 25:25).

By contrast, the farmer called a fool by Jesus (“You fool. This very night your soul is required of you”) may well have been the much admired and industrious pillar-of-the-community business man whose sole folly was to leave God out of his reckoning and therefore to miss the one factor in his business plan that counted in the long term.”

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable; think about such things. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a heart to desire Him and Him alone in all that you do.

“Use the noble gifts which God has given you!” - Jane Welsh Carlyle

God’s Word: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS †

Devotional - Do Not Worry

2026-05-27T04:58:00Z

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Max Lucado writes: “The United States is now the most anxious nation in the world.” (Congratulations to us!) The land of the Stars and Stripes has become the country of stress and strife. This is a costly achievement. “Stress-related ailments cost the nation $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity, while our usage of sedative drugs keeps skyrocketing; just between 1997 and 2004,

Americans more than doubled their spending on anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and Valium, from $900 million to $2.1 billion.” The Journal of the American Medical Association cited a study that indicates an exponential increase in depression. People of each generation in the twentieth century “were three times more likely to experience depression” than people of the preceding generation.”

As Christians, when worry enters our life, we need to draw near to our Heavenly Father and give our anxiety to Him. Today in prayer, give the Lord all of your worries and receive from Jesus His perfect peace.

“No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear.” – George Macdonald

God’s Word: “"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Gentleness

2026-05-26T04:58:00Z

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5

Ray Ortland wrote: “One of Christianity’s most brilliant theologians, Jonathan Edwards, taught us that gentleness—he called it “a lamblike, dovelike spirit”—is not an optional extra but instead is “the true and distinguishing disposition of the hearts of Christians.” In other words, gentleness is the most Christian way we can be. I wonder what we think of that. Certainly, none of us oppose gentleness. But do we esteem gentleness? Have we moved all our chips onto the gentleness square, as if our very future depends on how gentle we prove to be?

To the degree that we have renounced pushiness and embraced gentleness, we are making the real Jesus visible in our world today—which is success, no matter what else might happen to us. Jesus himself said, “I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). And here is why that’s amazing. We know a lot about Jesus, because he told us a lot about himself.”

There is strength in gentleness when we are firmly rooted in Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His example of gentleness and seek to be more like the Savior.

“Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity.” – Charles Swindoll

God’s Word: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Stand Firm

2026-05-25T04:58:00Z

“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1

Luther's stand at the Diet of Worms is legendary. Having written blistering indictments of the abuses of the Catholic church and theological treatises which challenged its teachings, Luther was summoned in 1521 to the German city of Worms. He could make it all go away. All he had to do was take it all back; to recant.

Rather than submit to the authorities representing the power of the pope and Holy Roman emperor, Luther submitted to the Holy Scriptures, in submission to God. He defended himself and his writings, knowing that it could mean an end to his life, ending with the words, “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.”

It isn’t hard to see why the actions of Martin Luther resonated with so many Christians, and why they still do today. Luther might just as well have quoted Peter from Acts 5:29, that we “must obey God rather than any human authority.” (NRSVUE)

No matter what life may throw at you, stand firm in Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in this chaotic world, He is our solid ground!

“Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Our Citizenship

2026-05-22T04:57:00Z

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” – Philippians 3:20

Over 120 countries allow multiple citizenship, including nations like the US and the UK. Countries like Japan and India do not allow dual citizenship at all and require renunciation in the case of acquiring another citizenship.

Getting a second or third passport should be done with a clear strategy and can provide benefits like drastically expanded visa-free travel.

Obtaining foreign citizenship can be done through descent, naturalization, marriage, and investment.

One needs to decide what your motivation is behind acquiring additional passports. This could be for expanded visa-free travel, relocation, plan B, tax advantages, or business opportunities.

A second citizenship allows holders to upgrade their quality of life. They can move to countries with universal healthcare for residents, year-round pleasant weather, and high safety standards, such as Portugal and Spain.

For all who know Jesus Christ, we have a citizenship, a home in Heaven. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that through His grace, we have a Heavenly home.

“Socrates, being asked what countryman he was answered, ‘I am a citizen of the whole world.’ But ask a Christian what countryman he is, and he will answer, ‘A citizen of heaven.’” – William Secker

God’s Word: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household” – Ephesians 2:19

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Put Into Practice

2026-05-21T04:58:00Z

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9

Alasdair MacIntyre describes a child learning to play chess to illustrate the process of habit formation. “Imagine,” writes MacIntyre, “that in hopes of teaching an uninterested seven-year-old to play chess, you offer the child candy—one piece to play, and another piece if the child wins the game. Motivated by his sweet tooth, the child agrees. At first, he plays for the candy alone. (And he will cheat to win, in order to get more candy.) But the more the child plays, the better at chess he gets. And the better at chess he gets, the more he enjoys the game, eventually coming to enjoy the game for itself. At this point in the process, he is no longer playing for the candy; now the child is playing because he enjoys chess and wants to play well. And he understands both the intrinsic value of the game and the way cheating will now rob him of that value. He has become a chess player. Moral formation in virtue works much the same way. We often need external incentives and sanctions to get us through the initial stages of the process, when our old, entrenched desires still pull us toward the opposite behavior. But with encouragement, discipline, and often a role model or mentor, practice can make things feel more natural and enjoyable as we gradually develop the internal values and desires corresponding to our outward behavior. Virtue often develops. That is, from the outside in. This is why, when we want to re-form our character from vice to virtue, we often need to practice and persevere in regular spiritual disciplines and formational practices for a lengthy period of time. There is no quick and easy substitute for daily repetition over the long haul. First we have to pull the sled out of the old rut, and then gradually build up a new track. As with most human endeavors, we usually do not do this alone. Our parents, most obviously and deeply, contribute to our character formation, but so do friends, mentors, historical figures, and the community of saints past and present. If we marry, our spouse will shape our character, as will our teachers, and the fictional characters we read about and find inspiring. Our coworkers influence our habit formation. And so do the friends with whom we spend the most time—which is why good parents care so much about their children’s friends. When we make a new resolution or try to cultivate a new habit, having a community back us, or even a single partner with whom to practice or from whom to learn, can make all the difference.”

You can’t train for every instance in life, but we can put into practice what we have learned from the Lord. Today in prayer, take a step of faith and follow Jesus in all that you do.

“Some dear friends think the GOSPEL can only be accepted. But Jesus & Paul modeled how to live it, serve it & share it daily.” – Rick Warren

God’s Word: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:17

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Persevere!

2026-05-20T04:58:00Z

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14

During the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Japanese gymnast Shun Fujimoto broke his right knee while competing in the floor exercise. At the time, Japan and the Soviet Union fielded the world's premier gymnastics teams, each striving to capture as many medals as possible. Despite the severity of his injury and the excruciating pain, Fujimoto chose to continue competing the following day in the rings—his signature event.

His performance was exceptional, but what stunned spectators most was his dismount: a triple somersault twist executed and landed squarely on his broken knee. As one doctor later remarked, "How he managed to do somersaults and twists and land without collapsing in screams is beyond my comprehension." When questioned by reporters afterward about his remarkable feat, Fujimoto reflected, "The pain was sharp and intense—like being stabbed—and brought tears to my eyes. But now we have the gold medal, and the pain has faded away."

Persevere in following Jesus in all that you do. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that through His perseverance salvation has come to you.

“All things are possible to him who believes, yet more to him who hopes, more still to him who loves, and most of all to him who practices and perseveres in these three virtues.” – Brother Lawrence

God’s Word: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” – Hebrews 10:36

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - My Example

2026-05-19T04:57:00Z

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” – Philippians 3:17

Mia Levetan wrote: “There once was a popular shaman in India whom people would seek out for advice. People would stand in line for hours, waiting to hear the choices they should make in their lives or the changes that would be in their best interest. One day, a mother took her son to see the shaman. They waited in line for several hours, and when it was their turn, the mother said, “Shaman, tell my son to eat less sugar.”

The Shaman paused for reflection, then told them to come back in 4 days, and the two were replaced by those behind them. The mother was irritated. She did not understand why she had to come back again. She didn't understand why the Shaman didn’t just tell her son right then, instead of wasting all this time. Though she was frustrated and confused, she took her son back to the shaman 4 days later. They finally reached the front of the line, and the mother said, “Now will you tell my son to eat less sugar?”

The Shaman looked at the boy and told him why it is important for him to eat less sugar. The mom was puzzled. This is exactly what she wanted, but she wanted it 4 days ago. She asked, “Why could you not have done this the last time we were here?” He said, “I, too, could have benefited from eating less sugar. I did not want to give advice I myself didn’t follow.””

We all need to have godly examples to copy so we can live godly lives. Today in prayer, praise Christ for the godly men and women in your life and strive to be more like Jesus.

“If doing a good act in public will excite others to do more good, then “Let your Light shine to all” Miss no opportunity to do good.” – John Wesley

God’s Word: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Our Own Abilities

2026-05-18T04:58:00Z

“though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more” – Philippians 3:4

For all the gifts and abilities that God has given us, we are still his creatures who do not possess the divine control over life. But that limit is rejected in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The doctor believes his power to rival God’s, and he intends to inject life into his own creation. When he does so he creates something incredible, but a lifeform he ultimately sees as monstrous.

When we attempt to animate something on our own, we struggle with the consequences of our decisions. We do not have that power, nor could we manage such a power with sufficient wisdom if we did.

Yet, Christians should not despair when we see parts of our world that look lifeless. We cannot resuscitate or bring life to hopeless situations, but that does not mean all is lost. The prophet Ezekiel had a vision of death, looking out at a valley of dry bones. Such is a picture that is hopeless if we are left alone. But our God is Lord over life and death, and he can speak and make those bones alive again. He tells us, when we seem dead and utterly lifeless, to just wake up, and let the light of Christ shine on us.

We cannot put our confidence in our own talents; we need to place our faith in the One who has given us our talents and abilities. Today in prayer, confess any sin of pride. Give thanks to Jesus for all the talents and abilities He has given you.

“Talent is God-given; be humble.” – John Wooden

God’s Word: “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” – Philippians 3:3

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Rejoicing In The Lord!

2026-05-15T04:58:00Z

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” – Philippians 3:1

In his book “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit”, Christopher H.J. Wright wrote: “There were three annual festivals in Israel—Passover along with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. You can read about them in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16. These were opportunities for all of the people to have some holiday, since they were told not to work (in addition to the regular weekly Sabbath day, of course).

But more than that, they were told to rejoice. “Rejoice before the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name” and “Be joyful at your festival”. God’s overflowing blessing each year should produce overflowing joy—with celebration, eating, drinking, and rejoicing.”

Do not let any troubles come between you and your joy of the Lord. Today in praise, rejoice in Jesus that He has given you eternal life.

“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Being Selfless

2026-05-14T04:57:00Z

“For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 2:21

In his book “Enough About Me”, Richard Lui writes: “Researchers at the University of Kentucky and University of Central Florida who explored the neurobiology of the selfish-selfless spectrum found that most of us are neither extremely selfish (which results in becoming aggressive psychopaths) nor extremely selfless (which results in becoming zealous altruists).

Most of us are between these extremes, moving closer to one side or the other on the spectrum depending on the circumstances. When it comes to selfishness and selflessness, it turns out we’re not static, nor are we incapable of moving toward one end or the other. Breaking stories often prove out this fluidity, as they often include someone on the psychopath end of the spectrum who has done something extremely selfish; the answer to that are the altruists who step up and remind us there are amazing people ready to act, to call a halt to the actions of those who epitomize selfishness.”

The Lord calls us to look beyond our own interests and to look to the interests of God and others. Today in prayer, confess any sin of selfishness and seek to be selfless in all that you do.

“There is no smaller package than a person all wrapped up in himself.” – Peter C. Moore

God’s Word: “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – 1 Corinthians 10:24

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - No Complaining

2026-05-13T04:58:00Z

“Do everything without complaining or arguing” – Philippians 2:14

In his book “Mere Christianity” C.S. Lewis writes: “Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others…but you are still distinct from it. You may even criticize it in yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then there will be no you left to criticize the mood or even to enjoy it, but just the grumble itself, going on forever like a machine. It is not a question of God “sending us” to hell. In each of us there is something growing, which will BE Hell unless it is nipped in the bud.”

As Christians, we need to curb our complaining and take everything to the Lord in prayer. Today in prayer, confess any sin of complaining and change your complaint into a prayer for help to the Lord.

“Murmuring is wasted breath, and fretting is wasted time.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS †

Devotional - Being A Servant

2026-05-12T04:57:00Z

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” – Philippians 2:6-7

The Swiss-German novelist Hermann Hesse published a short story in 1932 called "Journey to the East." In it, a group of men go on a long journey. Throughout their trip, they are accompanied by a servant named Leo. Leo takes care of all the chores—the menial tasks we so often look to avoid. But as he does these chores, there is a distinct sense of joy that fills Leo's life: he "whistles while he works" and lifts the group's spirits. The trip is a success until one day Leo disappears. Very quickly, the trip devolves into chaos, and each of the men chooses to give up on the journey. Years afterward, one of the men stumbles into the organization that had sponsored their trip, only to discover that Leo was not only a servant—he was in fact the leader of this excellent organization. The story was so popular that, according to journalist and author David Brooks, it inspired the concept of "servant leadership."

Of course, the one whom Hesse modeled his story on is also without a tomb—though for a very different reason. When we choose to serve faithfully and without recognition, we point to the ultimate servant leader: Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Jesus calls each of us to serve others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His example of being a servant and give Him thanks for the multiple opportunities we have to serve others.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have too much . . . it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt

God’s Word: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Being Humble

2026-05-11T04:57:00Z

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

One of the best stories of humility is that of a man who arrived in 1953 at the Chicago railroad station to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He stepped off the train, a tall man with bushy hair and a big moustache. As the cameras flashed and city officials approached with hands outstretched to meet him, he thanked them politely.

Then he asked to be excused for a minute. He walked through the crowd to the side of an elderly black woman struggling with two large suitcases. He picked them up, smiled, and escorted her to the bus, helped her get on, and wished her a safe journey. Then Albert Schweitzer turned to the crowd and apologized for keeping them waiting. It is reported that one member of the reception committee told a reporter, “That’s the first time I ever saw a sermon walking.”

The Lord desires that we love Him and humbly walk with Him. Today in prayer, confess any pride and seek to love the Lord, to love others, and to humbly walk with Jesus.

“They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud.” – John Flavel

God’s Word: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

DEVOTIONS IN PHILIPPIANS †

Devotional - Be Encouraged

2026-05-08T04:58:00Z

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” – Philippians 2:1-2

In his book Unshakeable Faith, Max Lucado shares a true story about a friend who competed in an Ironman Triathlon in Lake Placid, New York. According to Lucado, the residents of Lake Placid (population 2,500) pack the grandstands with the sole purpose of cheering on those who finish the grueling race.

This means they arrive in the afternoon and stay late into the evening as the stragglers finish. Dan was one of those stragglers, having started at 8 a.m. and spent the entire day (and much of the night) completing his swimming, biking, and running. With a few miles to go, Dan was completely exhausted. His feet were sore, his legs cramped—he mostly just wanted to give up. But suddenly, he began to hear the distant roar of the crowd. Dan's pace picked up. The pain and discouragement began to recede as a thought entered his mind: "I'm almost there!" As he sped on, he could see stadium lights piercing the darkness.

As he approached the finish line, the roar of the crowd reached a crescendo. And seemingly out of nowhere, he heard over the P.A. system: "And from San Antonio, Texas, Dan Smith!" The people cheered, people he had never met were chanting his name: "Dan! Dan! Dan!" At this point, the pain was gone and he was encouraged to finish the race, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1).

We all need encouragement. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have His Word that can encourage us and it can encourage others.

“This ministry of consolation and encouragement is not to be regarded as inferior and of secondary importance. Did we but discern it, we are daily surrounded by lonely, aching and sometimes broken hearts.” – J. Oswald Sanders

God’s Word: “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” – Colossians 2:2

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - In A Worthy Manner

2026-05-07T04:58:00Z

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” – Philippians 1:27

On March 11, 1830, a young English girl, Alexandrina Victoria was studying a lesson on the royal family with her tutor. As the 11-year-old examined the genealogical chart, she suddenly realized the astonishing truth—she was next in line for the throne! Overcome with emotion, the short girl wept, then turned to her tutor and declared, “I will be good!” This revelation shaped her character, inspiring her to live at a higher standard—one worthy of a future queen, Queen Victoria that is. Victoria ascended to the throne at age 18 on June 20, 1837, and she served until her death at the age of 81 on January 22, 1901. Under Victoria's reign, Great Britain experienced unprecedented expansion in industry, building railways, bridges, underground sewers and power distribution networks throughout much of the empire.

As Christians, we represent Jesus Christ here on earth. Our lives should have integrity. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His supreme example of a life lived well and seek to be a person of integrity.

"No man on earth is getting along 'pretty well' without Jesus Christ." - William Fraser McDowell

God’s Word: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Living For The Lord

2026-05-06T04:57:00Z

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

In December 1666, Hugh MacHale, the youngest and most gallant of the Covenanters (a 17th century pro-Presbyterian group in Scotland), was brought to his trial in Edinburgh. He was given four days to live and then marched back to the prison. And in the crowd on the street, many were weeping that one so young and so gallant should have only four days more to see the sun shine. But there were no tears in the eyes of this young Gallahad of the faith. “Trust in God!” he cried to the crowd as he marched past. “Trust in God.” And then suddenly he saw a friend of his own standing on the edge of the crowd, and he shouted to him, “Good news; wonderful good news! I am within four days of enjoying the sight of Jesus, my Savior!””

Life is short, so we need to desire to want to live for Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for all that He is and seek to live your life for Christ.

“Death to the Christian is the funeral of all his sorrows and evils, and the resurrection of all his joys.” - John H. Aughey

God’s Word: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Avoid Selfish Ambition

2026-05-05T04:58:00Z

“The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” – Philippians 1:17

In his book “Enough About Me” Richard Lui writes: “Researchers at the University of Kentucky and University of Central Florida who explored the neurobiology of the selfish-selfless spectrum found that most of us are neither extremely selfish (which results in becoming aggressive psychopaths) nor extremely selfless (which results in becoming zealous altruists).

Pride and selfish ambition can lead to sin and lawlessness. Today in prayer, confess any sin of ambition and seek to follow Jesus.

“The best ambition is: Who shall be servant of all.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Joy

2026-05-04T04:58:00Z

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” – Philippians 1:4

Bradley Long writes: “The first thing the group of American church leaders noticed about the Central Asian pastor they were meeting was his smile.

It was huge. It was so big that anyone who looked at it had to smile too!

Then the pastor spoke and smiled even bigger, “The last time I was in prison they beat me every day for 2 weeks and I have to tell you how GOOD God is!”

The Americans were stunned. The pastor went on ahead as his joy increased even more. “Right before I arrived, there was a Muslim Imam imprisoned who had been telling all the prisoners how horrible they were and that God was going to punish them for eternity.”

The pastor’s excitement continued growing, so much so that the others were feeling excited and joyful themselves even though they couldn’t tell why. “And then I got there, and told them about Jesus and how much God loves them! Isn’t God so good?!”

For most of the Americans, this was the first time they’d met a believer who had been persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. But what they had to come away with was not the suffering, but the goodness of God and the joy of following him.”

Jesus came to bring us life and joy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that anywhere and at any time, we can have the joy of Jesus.

“I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart.

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, Down in my heart, Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy, So very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

And I'm so happy, So very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart” – George Willis Cooke

God’s Word: “Be joyful always” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - God's Grace

2026-05-01T04:57:00Z

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:2

In “Preparing and Delivering Christ-Centered Sermons II”, Bryan Chapell writes: “A number of you may be aware of Jerry Bridges’ series of books on holiness, and the book that maybe put him on the map was Pursuit of Holiness. Jerry’s a friend, so he’s told me these stories, and I don’t remember the exact numbers, but Pursuit of Holiness was the book that really brought him to fame. People were strongly motivated to obey God, to seek to honor Him, by Jerry’s writing in Pursuit of Holiness.

But he says that as he went around the country preaching on Pursuit of Holiness, there was always another sermon he had to preach after the series of messages based on the book. And he said the message that he had to preach after Pursuit of Holiness was how grace transforms us so that we can pursue holiness.

I mean, after all, it was in some measure, early on, just kind of a Nike Christianity: “Just do it. You just hunker down and try harder and do what God says here.” People were inspired but found themselves incapable. And so Jerry had to say, “Well, you know, it’s by the grace of God that you’re enabled to do what He says.”

… Here’s what happened. And I don’t remember these figures precisely, but Jerry says the first book, Pursuit of Holiness, which was all about “you just do it,” sold some three million copies. The second book, Transforming Grace, which says it’s actually God’s grace that enables, sold 300,000 copies.

The more we talk about the grace of God rather than what we do to get God to respond to us, the less people seem to be interested. And, you know, what Jerry Bridges said was, it’s actually the grace of God that is the power of the ability to pursue holiness, and our disciplines, as we practice them, are not about somehow paying off God so that He will be good to us but, rather, are simply the means by which God gives us to open our hearts to receive the grace that helps us understand what He provides in our behalf…

That inversion—understanding that His grace precedes our performance, not [that] our performance buys His grace—that shift changes everything.”

Thank God for His grace. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His loving grace toward you.

“Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 1:7

DEVOTIONS IN Philippians †

Devotional - Women To Be Praised

2026-04-30T04:58:00Z

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:29-30

In her book “What the Women of Exodus Teach Us”, Kelley Nikondeha wrote: “American history books contain stories of women who changed society with their hard work and insistence on justice. The women of the suffrage movement clad in white, those active in the temperance movement, and those advocating for better housing and protections for children contributed to the formation of our nation.

I can name the abolitionist Harriet Tubman of the Underground Railroad; Jane Addams, who started the settlement house movement in America along with other social work initiatives; Dorothy Day of the Catholic Worker Movement; and Dolores Huerta of the United Farm Workers in California.

But I confess that these women, some of whom I studied during my school years, seemed to be extraordinary exceptions when it came to my own perception of women. No one told me that this kind of strength and determination was common to all women.”

In our churches and Christian organizations, there are millions of dedicated Christian women who need to be praised for their faithfulness in serving the Lord. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for these women of faith and seek out some of them and praise them for their service to other Christians and to the Lord.

“The faithful person lives constantly with God.” – Clement of Alexandria

God’s Word: “Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4

DEVOTIONS IN PROVERBS

Devotional - Every Word Is Flawless

2026-04-29T04:58:00Z

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” – Proverbs 30:6

In life, whenever someone achieves success, criticism usually follows—regardless of their skill or the effort they’ve invested. An old story illustrates this truth. A woman crafted artificial fruit so flawlessly that people couldn’t tell it apart from the real thing. Yet, critics never ceased to find flaws, pointing out supposed imperfections in color, shape, or texture. One day, as they gathered around a display of her work, they singled out an apple, insisting it looked particularly fake. When they finished, the woman calmly picked up the apple, sliced it in half, and took a bite. It was, in fact, a real apple.

God’s word can withstand all criticism. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that His Word is reliable and is the truth.

“When the Bible speaks, God speaks.” – B.B. Warfield

God’s Word: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” – Revelation 22:18

DEVOTIONS IN PROVERBS

Devotional - Confessing Our Sin

2026-04-28T04:58:00Z

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13

In her book “Glittering Vices” Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung writes: “One of the movements in the rhythm of discipleship and sanctification is the movement of dying. The practice of confession is where the “dying” of conversion repeatedly occurs. We come as though to the edge of our own graves and renounce our old self and its habits and practices.

Yet that renunciation, as a preface to new life, requires knowing our sin. This is just how the tradition of the seven vices got started. The desert fathers’ classification of seven vices began as a Christian system of self-examination in the fourth century and continued to provide an almost ubiquitous rubric for confession in penitential manuals up until the fifteenth century—an endurance that testifies to their power as a spiritual tool for confession and repentance.”

We all sat there in silence because it was obvious that something beautiful and true had hit with a thud. We all thought it was a great idea.”

The best thing you can do with sin is to confess it and forsake it. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life to the Lord. Draw close to Him and receive His gift of mercy.

“A man should never be ashamed to own he has been wrong, which is but saying in other words that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Alexander Pope

God’s Word: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:3-5

DEVOTIONS IN PROVERBS †

Devotional - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow

2026-04-27T04:57:00Z

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1

In his book “The Golden Day”, Bob Burdette writes: “There are two golden days in the week, upon which, and about which, I never worry—two carefree days, kept sacredly free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday; Yesterday, with its cares and frets, all its pains and aches, all its faults, mistakes, and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. I cannot undo an act that I wrought nor unsay a word that I said.

All that it holds of my life, of wrong, regret, and sorrow, is in the hands of the Mighty Love that can bring honey out of the rock and sweetest waters out of the bitterest desert. Save for the beautiful memories—sweet and tender—that linger like the perfume of roses in the heart of that day that is gone, I have nothing to do with Yesterday. It was mine! It is God’s! And the other day that I do not worry about is Tomorrow; Tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its perils, its large promise and poor performance, its failures and mistakes, is as far beyond my mastery as its dead sister, Yesterday.

It is a day of God’s. Its sun will rise in roseate splendor or behind a mask of weeping clouds—but it will rise. Until then, the same Love and Patience that held Yesterday holds Tomorrow. Save for the star of hope that gleams forever on the brow of Tomorrow, shining with tender promise into the heart of Today, I have no possession in that unborn day of grace. All else is in the safe keeping of the Infinite Love that is higher than the stars, wider than the skies, deeper than the seas. Tomorrow is God’s day! It will be mine!”

We do not know what will happen tomorrow. Today in prayer, confess any sin of boasting in the future and trust in Jesus for all of your days.

“I never worry about the future, it comes soon enough.” – Albert Einstein

God’s Word: “Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.” – James 4:13-16

DEVOTIONS IN PROVERBS †

Devotional - Quarrels

2026-04-24T04:58:00Z

“It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3

In their book “Winsome Conviction” authors Tim Muehlhoff & Richard Langer write:

“In Paul’s day the church quarreled over the Jewish law and over genealogies, over meat sacrificed to idols and sabbath practices, and over favoritism shown to the rich patrons and negligence shown to poor widows. Churches clashed over the incarnation and the resurrection. They fought over which apostle was better than the others. They butted heads over race, class, and gender. They quarreled over the Spirit of Peace.

Modern churches are no different. We did some searching in the World Christian Database. Our query for Lutheran denominations yielded 186 distinct records worldwide. That sounds like a lot, but the Methodists (including Wesleyans) recorded 301 entries, only to be bested by the Reformed denominations (including Presbyterians) with 311. Yet it appears no one could beat the Baptists, who pegged the needle at 472, though it is possible that number is inflated if the Reformed Baptist denominations were counted twice.”

Instead of quarreling, seek to avoid strife. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for all that you have in common with other people.

“Sometimes, God doesn’t send you into a battle to win it; he sends you to end it.” ― Shannon L. Alder

God’s Word: “By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10

DEVOTIONS IN PROVERBS †