Interests of Others

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4

Written in the post “Best Motive for Serving” is that Paul didn’t get compensated for preaching the gospel. He didn’t say it was wrong and claimed that those who preach the gospel should be able to receive their living from the gospel. He made the comparison of a farmer who makes his living from what he produces on the farm.

For Paul, the reward was not for himself but for the interests of others and serving the Lord out of love. There was a freeing aspect in serving the Lord out of personal generosity as his faith expressed itself through love.

In the same way, the path built by our generosity is the best way for it is in giving that we find true joy and meaning. Giving not only our time or money but as pointed out in the song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell, giving our testimony or life story and how we became a Christ follower.

Those that give their story to others are blessed. The story of struggles, of pain, of shame, and that Jesus came to give us a new story for the future. A story of joy, of peace, and even fame because those who follow Christ have their name written in the book of life.

Index of devotionals

Overflowing with the Glory

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:15-16

As shared in the post “Sweet to Your Soul”, honey taste sweet and like honey wisdom is sweet to your soul. The objective then is to accept God’s grace and get filled up with wisdom. Then your soul will be filled with a rare and beautiful treasure that continues to grow in value. Each day we are the beneficiary of the past and have more wisdom to share with others.

You may never know what impact you have on others.  My dad was a high school teacher and coach for many years. One athlete wrote the following true story about my dad on facebook.

It has always been inspiring to hear dad passing along to us about those he has taught and coached. The achievements of his students not only as star athletes but also as student athletes that graduate and go on to flourish in life are very inspiring.

Not everyone is rewarded here on earth with knowledge of the impact you have on others but we all have the opportunity to someday be rewarded beyond our wildest dreams. Take inspiration from the song Home by Chris Tomlin. When we go to our eternal home, every fear will be gone, streets will be golden, and every chain will be broken.

Index of devotionals

Keeping the Name of the Lord

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;

   The righteous run to it and are safe.

One of my favorite takeaways from the study of Proverbs 18 and posted in “The Power Like a Strong Tower” is that our words have the power of life and death. By keeping the name of the Lord in our everyday living, we not only have power in our own life but also give power to those around us as we encourage them.

Keeping the name of the Lord shelters us like a fortified tower providing safety from the wind and high ground above the floods. As pointed out in the song Strong Tower by Kutless, keeping the name of the Lord provides strength when we are weak and courage if afraid. When the storms of life rage, the Lord is our strong tower and His mercy sets us free.

Index of devotionals

Taking in More Spiritual Food

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. - Romans 5:3

Taking in more spiritual food and less junk food is a great idea for shedding a few pounds as brought out in the post “Ideas for Greater Discipline”.

Not only does this idea provide added physical benefits but also spiritual benefits. As pointed out in the song Stay by Jeremy Camp, remaining in the light produces perseverance, character, and hope.

This day with God my friend, never walk away but stay in the light and throw all burdens away.

Index of devotionals

More Blessed to Give than to Receive

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ - Acts 20:35

Generosity is the best way to find joy and meaning. Paul gave his time to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Jesus gave everything; even His life. Receive inspiration from today’s song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell.

Index of devotionals

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

The post “Accepting Others and Working Together” brought out the thought that we are bound together by the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit. The idea is to have an attitude of kindness by focusing on the big issues that bring us together rather than the small things that divide us.

What we make happen for others will be given back to us so when we give a smile, a smile will be given back. When we act kind, we receive kindness from others. Be inspired by today’s song Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and have a day filled with peace and joy.

Index of devotionals

Connecting Each Other to the Power

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble - James 4:6

In the post “Power Available to All”, the mystery revealed in reading Romans 11:25-36 is that the divine power of God is available to Jew and Gentile. Understanding this mystery helps us all observe the greatness of God which takes away personal pride and makes us more apt to humbly show concern for others.

There have been several times when my vehicle would not start because of a dead battery. Jumper cables were used to recharge one battery from another. In a similar way, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, listen to their needs, offer some help, or pray for them.

Sharing a song is a good way to connect each other to the power and recharge each other for the day. Here’s a song with that purpose in mind: Come as you are by Crowder.

Index of devotionals

Unlimited Grace

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

Today’s song One Thing Remains – Kristian Stanfill is about God’s love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out.

His grace is unlimited and keeps on flowing from day to day; from year to year; from generation to generation. As long as we are attached to God’s love, we will all share from the same nourishing food that gives us strength to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

So my brother or sister in Christ, let us all have a positive attitude towards our individual role in God’s plan. As a believer in the Gospel of Christ, we share from the same nourishing food that improves our life and the life of those around us.

Index of devotionals

Refining in His Timing

Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. - Philippians 4:4

Touched upon in the post “The Law and the Fall” are two opposite laws that Paul explains. One is the law of God that is holy, just, and good. Then there is the opposite law that he calls the law of sin which the human race is under because of Adam’s fall in the garden.

Every day, we get hit with so many negatives and it is a battle to control our thought life but with Christ, there is hope because there can be refining in His timing. We can overcome and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Some ideas that might help with our attitude and thought life is to start or end the day with uplifting positive music like this one: Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets. This will allow your thoughts to have a better chance to get in the right frame of mind as you start the day or retire for the evening. Then each day, you will be ready to show the world the love God has shown you in Christ.

Another idea for the end of each day is to write out a sentence or two on something good that happened or why the day was amazing. Think about what you are looking forward to tomorrow. Even though there is an internal spiritual war inside our soul between good and evil, we can be optimistic. With Christ by our side, the Holy Spirit will make it possible for the law of God to be in control and there are no limits to what can be accomplished.

Index of devotionals

Change for the Better

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul, If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

In the post “Riches of the Soul”, one idea brought out is to put God’s Word into practice by evaluating our life and determining the changes that need to be made.

We spend a lifetime working hard and trying to save enough to someday retire. But along the way, our greatest activities are to accept the riches of God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience to help us change for the better.

Persistently living as the Bible teaches adds to the riches of our soul which we will have not only in this life but the eternal one too! Take inspiration from this song: Live Like That – Sidewalk Prophets and give it all you have today.

Index of devotionals

Cheerfulness

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The memories you make give you a lift, good weather can give you a lift, but the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.

We get hit with so many negative thoughts on a daily basis. One idea to overcome is to start and end the day with uplifting positive music like this one: Hands of God by the Newsboys. This spiritual exercise gets your mind in the right frame of mind as you start your day or as you retire for the evening.

Index of devotionals

Meditation of My Heart

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

Going out in the backyard either at night before going to sleep or in the morning before sunrise with my dog Marlee, we can hear the sounds of a night. Marlee loves just lying in the grass, listening, and enjoying the cool breeze. I look up in the sky and see the stars and enjoy the amazement as God has painted another masterpiece to communicate His glory. The time in the back yard gives inspiration and hope; confidence that that God is with me and will be with me always.

In the post “More Precious Than Gold”, written about was just how precious God’s Word is and the need to share with others the precious insight that can be gained. Also mentioned was the exercise of memorizing scripture so it becomes deep-rooted into our heart and soul.  Another way to receive inspiration and hope is in music as in this video: Light Up the Sky – The Afters.

Index of devotionals

Grace Wins Every Time

Many people, organizations, and nations have great potential but one issue can get them off track. In the post “Step Ahead with Confidence”, written were some thoughts from the study of Hosea 10 and how Israel got off track with negative reactions to certain challenges. It is the same with us in our life today as we react to issues. What we have to do is keep working to stay on track.

With good habits, we can step ahead and maximize the potential God has given us. The Bible gives us great advice and we can have confidence because victory is assured through Jesus Christ. We can let the past go and know the future is bright because grace wins every time. Take inspiration from today’s video: Grace Wins – Matthew West.

Index of devotionals

Renewed Day by Day

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

In the post “Reward for the Soul”, the rich and powerful had oppressed the poor and there was idol worship throughout the land. The time had come for God’s judgment. Just like in the times of Amos, people today look for answers to life’s problems in the wrong places.

As the main point in this song: First – Lauren Daigle, the solution to our challenges each day can be found by seeking God first before anything else. Enjoy today’s inspiring music and have a blessed day?

Index of devotionals

There is a Process that does Bless

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. - Hebrews 4:16

Many times throughout the history of mankind, nations have gone astray. Such is the case as written about in the post “Actions to Take Now for the Good Life”. Amos was telling the people that there is a process that does bless God’s people; a way to change course away from their sins which included the oppression of the innocent, taking bribes, depriving the poor of justice, and idol worship to mention just a few.

Here we are in current times and the warning from Amos continues to apply in the present. Many nations throughout the world do not seek the Lord first. Even the United States of America in which the motto is “One Nation Under God” has lost their way as leaders no longer put an emphasis on integrity and upholding justice.

Albert Einstein once said “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning”.  We must continue to question: What does God want in the lives of His people? How can each individual take action now to seek what God has for them?

Learning is a life-long process so let us take every opportunity to ask questions, seek answers, and share with others. God wants His people to seek every good thing and glorify His name. Let us begin at this moment to give praise to the ONE who made this amazing universe as we are inspired by this video: Lifesong– Casting Crowns.

Index of devotionals

There Is No Debate That He Is Great

In the post “Worship the ONE True God”, written about was that the people of Lystra believed in many gods. Barnabas and Paul wanted the people to put all their attention on the ONE true God who provides for all our needs and lives in our heart.

God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time using “This Day with God” internalizes His guiding principles so they become an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

Even the activity of watching TV can help us focus more on Him. A few years ago on the TV show “The Voice”, Holly Tucker sang a song that puts our focus on how great our God is.

Holly is from the community in which I live and I’ve had the opportunity to hear her in local concerts. Enjoy today’s inspiring video How Great Thou Art – Holly Tucker.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

Index of devotionals

He Knows so Fully Disclose

There is a saying that character is doing what is right when no one is watching. In the post He Knows so Fully Disclose, I wrote about Ananias and Sapphira who sold some property. They held back a portion of the money and took the rest to lay at the apostles’ feet.

The husband and wife didn’t give the full amount they had received; only a portion but wanted people to think they had given it all. Their pride made them want to look good in front of others. The result was that they died for lying.

If our world was filled with people of character, the world would work the way God designed. He knows everything we do; all our thoughts and motives. Here is today’s inspirational video of a Man Who Finds 15 Thousand Dollars in a Computer Case and Returns the Money.

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. - Psalms 41:12

Index of devotionals

Love Beyond Measure

In the post “The Third Day”, we are told that the women went to the tomb of Jesus on the third day after the crucifixion and found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They were told that Jesus had risen!

Our mood can always be lifted by the positive affirmation God gives us through His Son. Today, we are made aware that Jesus demonstrated love beyond measure and this inspires us to return this love unconditionally to others. Enjoy today’s video Love Take Me Over – Steven Curtis Chapman.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34  

Index of devotionals

Adding Quality to Faith

Jesus talks about adding quality to faith and the power of faith when he says in Luke 17:6, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea, ‘and it will obey you.”

A mustard seed is very small but grows into a large plant. Faith is the same. Sharing about faith gives a great purpose because what we share today may pull someone through to meet the challenges of tomorrow and step ahead throughout the week.

God knows what He is doing and we can trust Him just like this video highlights: He is With US – Love & The Outcome.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

Index of devotionals

Sing for the Glory of the Risen King

Written about in the post Celebrate When the Lost are Found are three parables told by Jesus in Luke 15. In each parable, there is a celebration when the lost are found. There is a difference between daily victories and new victories. Celebrate outwardly when there have been those who have been saved which are the new victories. For those that have already been saved, the reward is a daily inner celebration of the soul.

When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.

Today’s video for worship and praise is Mighty to Save by Hillsong. Have a wonderful day with God!

In a loud voice they sang: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. – Revelation 5:12

Index of devotionals