Pray First

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:1

Prayer is to be a "first" matter in the church and in the life of a believer. Specifically praying for others is to hold high priority in our ministry. Can I say that prayer is a first matter in my life? in our church?

Our attitude should not be "After we have done everything else, pray." But rather, "After we have prayed, do everything else." Prayer comes first and is the foundation for all action, ministry, and witness.

Father, keep me mindful of the priority of prayer and help me to practice it a as a "first" matter in my life.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Great Sin and a Great Savior

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15

Would Paul have literally won a worst sinners contest? There were undoubtedly men whose deeds were worse than Paul's when judged by this world's standard. But Paul knew his own heart and the righteousness of Christ.

The heart that seems pure when looked upon by the light of this world is revealed to be stained with sin when held up to the light of Christ. Our realization of the magnificence of God's grace grows in proportion to our recognition of our own utter sinfulness apart from Christ. Then like Paul we will stand in awe of the fact that He saved us and give Him glory.

Lord Jesus, I am the worst sinner I know for I know my own heart. I thank you that you saved me and continue to pour grace on me daily. May your grace be magnified in my life that other sinners around me may be drawn to you.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The God of Peace

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
2 Thessalonians 3:16

Paul lived on troubled waters and was fond of referring to God as the Lord or God of peace (see Philippians 4:9 & 1 Thessalonians 5:24). God gives peace to His people as they look to Him (Isaiah 26:3). His peace is sufficient "at all times" and "in every way." If I don not have peace in some situation then I need to re-orient my life to the Lord and God of peace. Pray it through until peace comes (Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15).

Father, God of peace, I rejoice in the peace that you give. Help me to keep looking to you so that my life reflects Your peace to a troubled world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

The Awful Reality

"They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power." 2 Thessalonians 1:10

Without a doubt the New Testament presents the reality of hell as an awful place to spend eternity apart from the Lord. Modern skeptics may dismiss the thought of hell and the concept of everlasting punishment but the Word of God stands firm on the matter.

Does hell move me to reach out to the unsaved near me with the prayer that they will believe and become citizens of heaven? Or have I unconsciously been lulled into complacency by the skepticism of this age?

Father, knowing that Your Word is true and will be fulfilled move me with a sense of urgency and compassion to reach out to the unsaved around me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:23

Sanctification (i.e. holiness, Christ-likeness) is God's intent for every Christian's life. It is a thorough (through and through) sanctification that encompasses our entire being (spirit, soul, and body) that God intends to produce in my life and yours.

Sanctification is God's work. We can never sanctify ourselves. On our own we will return to the sin that we needed God to save us from in the first place. Sanctification is as much a divine work of grace as is salvation. To experience an ever increasing sanctification in our life we must receive it as God's work by faith and cooperate with Him in this great work by obedience. Don't forget the promise of the very next verse, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (5:24).

Father, I believe that you alone can produce sancification in me and that you will do it. Teach me to receive this grace, trust your working in me, and to respond in obedience.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Hope Makes All the Difference

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have not hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Hope makes all the difference in grief. As Christians we grieve only our temporary separation from a fellow Christian who has died. With our grief is mixed the hope (confidence) that our loved one is very much alive and with the Lord.

Hope makes all the difference not only in grief but also in trials. Whatever we face as Christians we face with the confidence that God is with us and that we shall overcome through Christ. No matter what our present circumstance may be, we are never without hope because we are never without Christ.

Father, fill my mind and heart with the true hope that is mine in Christ. Let hope transform my outlook in every circumstance as I rely on Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God's Fellow Worker

"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:2

God's fellow worker! Wow!!! What a title to bear. It speaks of both privilege and responsibility. It is a privilege to be on God's team and to participate in doing His work. Yet it is also a great responsibility to be faithful and carry out the work as assigned. Timothy was God's fellow worker but so is every Christian. No one is called to watch while others work. Every one is called to serve and witness in partnership with God. He works with us and through us as we answer His call. If we are faithful He will be faithful.

Father, what a privilege to be your partner in the work of the kingdom. Help me to be found faithful so that You can work through me as You desire to serve others and share the gospel.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Being Courageous

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2:2

It takes a lot for someone to be courageous. Imagine what Paul and Silas must have thought after they were thrown in prison in Philippi for calling out the spirit of a woman that was hounding them. (Acts 16:17-18) Yet while in prison they praised God and looked for opportunities to let others know about Christ. Then after they got out of prison they went to Thessalonica and shared the Good News while facing strong opposition.

Today, let’s ask God to give us courage. Paul gives us the key ingredient to having courage to face the opposition; it’s by the help of God.

Father, I ask that you would give me courage today to face the opposition and take a stand for my faith. Give me the courage to boldly proclaim the Good News of Christ.

Your Servant
Chris

Follow Me?

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord..." 1 Thessalonians 1:6

As new believers in Christ, the Thessalonians imitated the example of the only Christians they had ever seen--Paul and his missionary companions. In imitating these Christian men, the Thessalonians became imitators of the Lord Jesus.

Could a new Christian imitate us and in doing so be imitating the Lord? People learn first not by reading books but by imitating what they see. Therefore we need to be able to say to our new converts, children, and youth, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Father, help me to so carefully and faithfully follow the Lord Jesus that young believers can imitate me and thus be following Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Completing the Task

"Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.'" Colossians 4:17

We don't really know who Archippus was but he evidently had an assignment to serve the Lord in Colossae. He must have found it difficult to see it through to the finish. Perhaps we can relate to his situation. We are often better at starting something for God than we are at finishing it. If God gives us an assignment we need to see it through to completion. We must not allow distraction, difficulty, or drudgery to sidetrack us in God's work. Has God given you an assignment that you've let fall to the side without completing? A person to pray for or witness to or help in some way? A ministry to lead? Whatever God has assigned you see it through to completion.

Father, I thank you for entrusting me with your work. Help me to be faithful at all costs in completing the assignment. If their is some forgotten and unfinished task in my life please remind me of it today.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Heavenly Minded

"Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2

Our new life in Christ calls for a new direction for our affections and thoughts. Whereas once the things of this world consumed us now heavenly things should consume us.

There is abundant opportunity each day to think on and seek after earthly things. It requires intentionality to turn our hearts affection and our minds thoughts upward to Christ and spiritual things. We must resolve to do so and discipline ourselves to do so. Only as we do this will we truly put off the old fleshly life and put on the new life in Christ (vv.9, 10).

One key habit in this pursuit of a Christ absorbed mind and heart is to "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (v.16).

Father, help me to be less worldly focused and more focused on Christ. May my hearts affections and my minds attention be continually turned toward Him. As I read the Word let it indeed fill my life and "dwell in me richly."

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Lord Indeed

"So then just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord continue to live in him." Colossians 2:6

Jesus is Lord! To receive Him is to receive Him as Lord over our life. To live in Him is to live with Him as Lord over all of our being and doing. As we received Him so we must live in Him.

To call Jesus Lord is one thing but to live under His Lordship daily is another. He asked some, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Let's endeavor daily to bring our whole life into harmony with our confession of Jesus as Lord.

Father, I want Jesus to be Lord indeed of my whole life today. Help me to bring my daily living into harmony with my confession.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

THANK GOD

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.
Colossians 1:3

Paul shares an awesome example concerning prayer in the opening paragraphs of this letter (especially in verses 9-12). My attention was drawn to the aspect of thanking God when we pray for others. This idea should have been familiar to me because—only one page back in my Bible—Paul communicates a similar thought to the church at Philippi (…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.), but at least I caught it the second time. Paul was thankful for God’s work in the lives of these believers.

Thankfulness brings credit to God for what He has done. It reminds us that He runs the show. Our requests take on a different focus: we become more likely to ask for what God wants (instead of what we want) for the people we pray for.

Father, thank You for ______. Thank You for what You have done in her life. Thank you that your grace is sufficient for her. I ask that you continue to reveal Yourself to her and give her strength in this difficult time in her life.

Praying,
Jim

Promises in Context

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

We love to claim promises such as these! God is our gracious provider. Whether we need strength or other resources we can depend on Him. However, we need to make sure that we consider the context of the promise so that we rightly lay claim to the promise.

The promise of strength in Philippians 4:13 is for those who endure challenging situations in God's service as Paul had (vv.10-12). The promise of God's supply from His riches in Philippians 4:19 is for those who have generously committed their own riches to God's service as the Philippian Christians had (vv.14-18).

If we are serving God we can claim the promise of His strength for every situation we face. If we have committed our wealth to God's service we can claim the promise of His supply for our every need.

Father, I thank You for the glorious promises of Scripture and pray that You would help me to so live my life that I may claim these promises as my own.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"All of us who are mature should take such a view of things." Philippians 3:15

In this chapter Paul testified that he had discovered "the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (v.8). Then he expressed his continuing goal "to know Christ" even more fully (v.10). And then he confessed, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (v.12). The great apostle had come to know Christ deeply yet he realized there was more of Christ to know and therefore he had not arrived at full maturity.

Turning from his own testimony and aspirations he charges the reader, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things." A mark of true spiritual maturity is the realization that we have not reached full maturity accompanied by a commitment to press on to a fuller knowledge of Christ. The Lord is like a shore-less ocean whose width and depth we can spend a lifetime exploring without ever exhausting. Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you!

Father, ignite in me a passion to know Christ more fully. Keep me resting content with the knowledge I have already gained and hungry for more of Jesus.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

"I have no one else like him [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." Philippians 2:20-21

Even among Paul's companions, Timothy was unusual because of His concern for the welfare of the Philippian Christians. Our natural tendency is to look first to our own interests and only to the interests of others as they serve our own. But the life of Christ in us will express itself in a "genuine interest" in the welfare of others (see 2:3-4). And when we have concern for the welfare of God's people we are in fact looking out for the interests of Christ Himself because His interest are tied up in His people, His earthly body. Our concern as Christian's should be Christ first, others second, and last of all our self. In this way we exhibit the attitude of Christ Jesus (2:5).

Father, implant in me the attitude of Jesus as it was exemplified in the life of Timothy through genuine concern for the interests of others and self-giving service.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God's Still Working on Me

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

God finishes what He starts. Once He lays hold of our life in salvation, He continues to work in us until the day we stand before Christ. His intent is to bring to "completion" (fullness, maturity) the new life He has implanted in us through Christ.

We were not born again as fully mature Christians and though we may have been Christians for some time we are not yet fully mature (see Philippians 3:12-14). God is working in us to bring us to full maturity and we must work in cooperation with Him daily striving toward that goal (see Philippians 2:12-13).

Father, I rejoice in Your ongoing work in my life. Help me to be attuned to Your work and cooperative with You as you take me toward the goal of full Christian maturity.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Borrowing Paul's Prayer

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make know the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19-20

Paul is the supreme example of a fully devoted follower of Christ. And because we desire to become fully devoted followers of Christ as well perhaps we should adopt Paul’s prayer and made it our own?

Do you take the message of the gospel with you wherever you go? Do you consider yourself an ambassador for God, or is that lifestyle just for pastors and missionaries?

Lord I pray that you would give me courage and the words that I need so that when I speak the mystery of the gospel would be made known to others. Help me to see myself as your ambassador, as your bondservant.

Matt

Living as Children of Light

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...and find out what pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:8,10

In Christ we have come out of darkness and into His light. We must, therefore, leave behind the things of darkness and learn how to "live as children of light."

Remnants of the darkness cling to us and must be eradicated by exposure to the light of Christ. This will happen in our life as weturn our focus from the things of darkness (see 5:3-7) and look fully into the light of Christ. "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Cor. 3:18 ESV). As we focus our attention on Him and immerse ourselves in learning what is pleasing to Him the darkness will be dispelled and the light will shine in us.

Father, remove the remaining strongholds of darkness from life as I devote myself to walk in the light with Christ. Teach me what pleases you and help me by Your Spirit to live it out.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Growing Together

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming, Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15

I always enjoy swimming in the ocean, however there are times when I feel like I am not in control and in those times I have to dig my feet a little deeper into the sand so that I am not being tossed back and forth by the waves. In these two verses, Paul gives us an image of a believer not having their feet firmly dug in and therefore they are being tossed back and forth by any new wave that comes there way. The waves and the wind that Paul is referring to is the deceitfulness of man that tends to pull people away from the church. We are the body and Christ is the head, we should focus not only on our own spiritual growth but we should also be concerened about our neighbor as well. We should not be afraid to reach out and pull those back in who have lost their footing. Paul gives us great example of how in verse 15 when he tells us to "Speak the truth in Love". Is there someone in your connection group that has not been in church, I encourage you to give them a call or write them a letter.

Father, help me to grow in my relationship with you today. Thank you for loving me and I pray that I will love and encourage someone today. Amen

Your Servant
Chris