October 31, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Rejoicing in the Lord is the energy that enables us to have joy in all things....
Keep Reading
October 30, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
What Paul asked of the Philippians was to engage in a healthy way and to work for reconciliation ... to help ... to walk that tension in the space between being helpful and being overbearing....
Keep Reading
October 29, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Having the same mind in the Lord starts with having the same mindset as the Lord or, to put it differently, thinking like Jesus....
Keep Reading
October 28, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Stand firm in the Lord. This is an exhortation for our own formation. But this is also an exhortation for our community....
Keep Reading
October 27, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Paul keyed in here on both current and future realities to write about his friends. And he communicated these realities beautifully....
Keep Reading
October 24, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Paul assumed that a faith commitment would have a practical outworking....
Keep Reading
October 23, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
If we allow our appetites to run roughshod over our lives, they will destroy us....
Keep Reading
October 22, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Tears are the healthy, appropriate emotional response to the reality that there are enemies of the cross of Christ....
Keep Reading
October 21, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
The way you're living your life today is either an imitation of or reaction to a network of people you've seen, heard or experienced....
Keep Reading
October 20, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Paul manages to be exhortational and instructional without being dictatorial and it's beautiful. That line is a hard line to walk....
Keep Reading
October 17, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Our relationship with Christ will continue beyond the gates of death and so our knowing of him will continue to grow....
Keep Reading
October 16, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
We understand better what it means for Christ to share in our sufferings when we have shared in his....
Keep Reading
October 15, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Knowing "the power of his resurrection" means both believing in his resurrection and experiencing transforming resurrection power in your life and relationships....
Keep Reading
October 14, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
All who've walked with Jesus for years have learned this truth: knowing Jesus is something that develops over time...
Keep Reading
October 13, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
If you have faith in him and are found in him, what's his is yours ... all of it....
Keep Reading
October 10, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Faith in Christ alone secures our place in God's community. Christ alone gives us what we need for joy. Everything else is icing on the cake....
Keep Reading
October 9, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Paul knew that his friends were in danger of being captured by other stories, stories that would drag them away from light and life and joy....
Keep Reading
October 8, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Paul speaks up here, convinced that his friends need to be on guard against a bad influence....
Keep Reading
October 7, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Repetition allows us to re-engage with the mystery and wonder of our faith ... and with the person who stands at the center of our faith, Jesus. To paraphrase one commentator, we never move on from Jesus, only to a more profound understanding and appreciation of him....
Keep Reading
October 6, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Paul didn't mind repeating himself in his letter to his friends. After delving deeply into theology and service, he circles back to his theme of joy: "rejoice in the Lord!"...
Keep Reading
October 3, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
When we participate in the bigger gospel story, we learn how to be close to people even when they're out of sight. Our bonds don't get broken by time or distance. We're freed from the temptation to hoard people like possessions....
Keep Reading
October 2, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
Chatham Church is full of men and women who serve week in and week out, at times at great personal cost. As we read about Epaphroditus and ask "Do we know people like him?" our answer is a resounding "Yes!"...
Keep Reading
October 1, 2014
|
Category:
The Connect Devotional
In Jesus Christ, you are secure even when you're not safe. Your value is secure, so you can take risks. Your relationships are secure, so you can speak the truth to power. Your eternal destiny is secure, so you can sacrifice your temporary comfort and safety....
Keep Reading