It's natural to want to put ourselves first, to look out for our own interests, but Jesus models self-sacrifice, calling us to be a part of his upside-down kingdom where we seek the good of others before our own.
Our world prioritizes external success, the recognition that comes when the spotlight is trained on you. But Paul calls us to cultivate the inner light of Christ, a steady glow of the Spirit that quietly dispels the darkness around us.
In our fallen state, we naturally grasp upward, reaching for recognition, status, glory; Paul points to Jesus and shows us a better way, the way of humility.
Do you find it hard to love others who are different than you? If so, Philippians 2 is the passage you need this week.
Our heavenly citizenship unites us even when everything else divides us. The gospel calls us to stand together around the cross, not fracture over our differences.
No one enjoys seasons of difficulty, but as long as we live in this fallen world, they will be inevitable. When hardship comes into our lives, what a comfort to remember that, in Christ, our suffering is never wasted.
Spending time with Jesus allows us to see his love for us more clearly, leading us to greater discernment of his will. As Paul prayed in Philippians, let us pause, fix our eyes on Him, and listen so we can reflect His heart to others.
Do you ever feel like there is so much unfinished work in your life? If so, take heart. There is reason to be hopeful.
Regardless of what we may face today, let your heart be encouraged with this truth: peace, love, faith, and grace are ours in Christ Jesus!
So often we think of prayer as something we ought to do, when in reality, it is a divine gift from our heavenly Father, one that connects us to our Savior, brings us peace and comfort, and strengthens us for every battle.
Our enemy is a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, but Paul lays out for us what we need to overcome: the full armor of God.
Do you have a tough time recognizing you're in a spiritual battle? This is a common challenge Christians have, but it's one we must overcome.
The Daily Devotional
Do you have a hard time honoring your parents? If so, here are some thoughts to consider.
The Daily Devotional
Far more than a happily-ever-after, marriage is designed to reflect the heart of Christ through humility, service, and self-sacrificial love.
The Daily Devotional
There's never a shortage of things to do, but living with discernment means being willing to let the Spirit redirect your focus from your list to what he is calling you to.
The Daily Devotional
Media is everywhere, and it's more than just innocent entertainment; it can be a lure from the enemy, pulling us into poor patterns of living. Let's follow the advice of Ephesians and refrain from participating in the works of darkness!
The Daily Devotional
God calls us to be renewed, to put off our old ways of thinking and living, and to put on a new self that is created in the likeness of Christ. What a gift of grace that we can participate in a new way of life!
The Daily Devotional
The term "diversity" can be a hot-button issue for many, but here is why it shouldn't be for Christians.
The Daily Devotional
According to Ephesians, we as believers have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead, and that same power at work in us is able to do abundantly above all that we can ask or think!
The Daily Devotional
What freedom comes when we surrender our striving and earning so that we can live secure and confident in the extravagant, unconditional love of God!
The Daily Devotional
Do you find it hard to approach God? If so, here are some words you need to read today.
The Daily Devotional
Differences abound in the body of Christ, and too often, we can fail to see other Christians as fellow workers in the kingdom of God. Paul reminds us that if we belong to Christ, we are one in Him!
The Daily Devotional
There is a lot of darkness in our world today, but this can be just the reminder our souls need.
The Daily Devotional
As Christians, what we do matters. But if our actions are motivated by anything other than our identity in Christ and our love for him, then we're in danger of making the story about us rather than pointing back to Him.