TRNPLA

Years ago, Pastor Kim Davis preached at The Rock Community Church. I attended that church for fifteen years. In that time, Pastor Kim preached only once. If she preached another time, I do not remember. 

However, one thing I do remember, her message. She preached from Philippians. She gave us the acronym TRNPLA. It is made up of the first letters of the words Paul taught us to think about as we live. 

I’ve heard thousands of sermons in my life. I’ve preached about as many. But that sermon stands out. Why? Its simplicity. 

As you share the gospel remember to keep it simple. There’s a story that says Swiss Reform Theologian, Karl Barth, was asked to summarize his vast work and understanding of the gospel in one sentence. It is believed that he said that he can sum it up in the words of a song he learned at his mother’s knee. 

The song?

“Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so!” 

Like Pastor Kim and Karl Barth, keep the gospel that simple and it will spread like a wildfire. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.

Today’s Readings:

Philippians 4; Psalms 75; Proverbs 24:17-20

It’s The Rise

Years ago, Miley Cyrus had a popular song called The Climb. In this song she talks about the difficulties of life. She pines about how things are not always great. She says there’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m not sure what her motivation was for writing this song, but as we read this proverb, we see the same sentiment. 

The writer of the proverb says “though the righteous  fall seven times, they rise again.” It “ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side,” it’s the rise!

What has you down? Rise!

What hurt seems to linger? Put your trust in God! Rise!

As you head out for your day, make a conscious decision to push past problems and RISE! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 24:15-16

15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place;

16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Philippians 3:4-21; Psalms 74; Proverbs 24:15-16

Confidence In The Flesh

“I can do it by myself.” Anyone who has raised a child or spent time with  young children has probably heard that phrase. Unfortunately, the sentiment is not reserved only for children. Many adults make decisions thinking, “I can do it by myself.” Then disaster happens. 

Putting too much confidence in the flesh is our problem. We focus on what we can use our five senses to perceive, then we respond accordingly. We forget that the Holy Spirit, which dwells within us, can perceive far beyond our senses. 

We should consult the Holy Spirit before making any decision, especially life changing important ones. 

Where do you place your confidence? Is it in the flesh or in the Holy Spirit? No need to answer. Your life will reveal your choice. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Philippians 3:1-3

Further, my brothers and sisters, 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. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. 

Today’s Readings:

Philippians 2:19-3:3; Psalm 73; Proverbs 24:13-14

Your Value

It would be easy to read this passage and think that we are to have a low value. Paul says to value others above yourselves. However that does not mean to consider your value low. 

On the contrary, Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself. Your value is high. The value of others is also high. The children of God are all priceless. This is what we must understand. 

As we humble ourselves and consider the value of others above our own, we take on the humble posture of Jesus Christ, whose value is so high that God gave Him the name that is above every name. 

Yes, you have a high value. So what! Those in Christ have a high value as well. Treat them as such. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Philippians 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Today’s Readings:

Philippians 1:26-2:18; Psalms 72; Proverbs 24:11-12

Praying For You Always, Joe

Every day a group of people receive a prayer from a man named Joe. Each day he crafts a prayer to the Lord on behalf of the people he loves and for other brothers and sisters in Christ whom he has not met. He ends each prayer with “Praying for you always, Joe.” 

Joe is faithful in prayer. 

Paul was also faithful in prayer. This passage is a reminder that Paul never allowed his circumstances to hinder his prayers. Whether in chains or free, Paul prayed for others. 

Joe has his own “chains,” yet each day he prays. Why?

He knows the importance of prayer. He understands that it is prayer that moves the hand of God. He loves to hear our prayers. Even though He already knows, He wants you to pray. 

Take time today to pray for others. Maybe a friend’s face popped in your head, pray for them. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Philippians 1:3-6

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 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.

Today’s Readings:

Philippians 1:1-26; Psalms 71; Proverbs 24:9-10

Family Bible Time

One of the first passages in the Bible that I remember my daughter and I going over together is today’s verse. I’m not sure how we fell on that, so I cannot give any specifics as to why that was. 

However, through the years, I have focused on verse four of this passage because it helped me realize how bad of a father I was when my daughter was growing up. As I reflect on decisions I made, I can say with certainty that I exasperated my daughter more than a few times. 

If I could go back, the advice I would give myself is spend more time reading the Bible as a family. I have always been bad about that. I read my Bible every day, but I almost never read it with my family. That’s not good. 

What about you? Do you have a time set aside that you spend with your family reading the Bible together? I believe family Bible time, done right, would smooth over many issues in the family dynamic. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 6; Psalm 70; Proverbs 24:8

Love And Respect

As a part of the pre-marital counseling sessions I lead, I’ve started  asking the man to define love and the woman to define respect. The purpose is for the other to learn how their spouse shows love and respect. Paul says a man must love his wife and a woman must respect her husband. It’s important for the husband and wife to know how their spouse defines love and respect so they will recognize it.

Divorce in the church is about on par as divorce outside the church. I wonder if that’s because “Christians” married to one another do not understand the significance of what Paul taught in Ephesians 5:21-33. 

Submit, love, respect, these are things that people find it difficult to do to another person. “I mean, what if they don’t return it,” is something that many people say. 

To that I say, “God loves you even though you don’t always return it.” 

It seems like we want God to love us how we want, when we want, giving us all that we want. However, we are not willing to love our spouse the way that God loves us. As a result, divorce in the church is as high as divorce outside the church. 

My advice: Treat your spouse as if you are talking to them in the presence of God and He’s attentive to your words, tone, and intention. I guarantee you would adjust how you speak to your spouse if you considered God. 

Challenge: Always consider the presence of God when you speak to anyone, not only a spouse. How you treat people is a direct reflection of your relationship with God. If you can easily yell at, condemn, or otherwise discourage others, then maybe your walk with Christ is not as “stellar” as you think. 

Accept the challenge. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 5:31-33

31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 5; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7

Cultural Christians

Spend enough time with cultural Christians and you are likely to lose sight of how God has called you to live. If one does not want to live like a cultural Christian then they have to learn one thing; what does a cultural Christian live like. 

Reading Ephesians 4, we come across a section that guides us into Christian living. This passage shows us a contrast in how the Gentiles lived and how the believers are called to live. As I read this section, I began thinking about the compromise I see in the Church today. 

We are concerned about how we look and how we are received, so we have a “tolerant theology.” Things that we know to be against the Word of God, we adjust so feelings are not hurt. Yet, we call ourselves Christian because we go to church and have read the Bible. 

Jesus said people will know we are His by our love for one another AND by our fruit. Cultural Christians do not bear the fruit of the Spirit. They can’t, they’re not connected to the “Vine.”

Spend quiet time with God. Ask Him if you are living as a cultural Christian. Ask Him if you are a believer, but you are comfortable living with “tolerant theology.” Be diligent in your listening and adjust your life as needed. 

Paul shows us, in this passage, that there is a right way to live for Christ. That’s the life we must pursue. Anything else is a compromise. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 4:17-21

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6

We Are Prisoners

This passage gives us great direction on how to live for Christ. Paul’s words, “as a prisoner for the Lord…” can be taken two ways. He could be talking about himself as a prisoner to Rome or he could be talking about believers as “prisoners” to the will of the Father. I believe the latter. We are prisoners to the will of the Father. 

How beautiful it is to be “shackled” to the desires of the One who created us. Think about a prisoner who is handcuffed to other people. They are not free to roam and go where they please. They must take into account the person or people to whom they are cuffed. 

Let’s take a different view of being shackled. When we are “cuffed” to the will of the Father, we do not want to do what we would naturally desire. We don’t want to seek the pleasures of the flesh. We want to seek the will of the Father through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is a life worth living. 

Will there be difficult times? YES! Will the Lord give you the strength and endurance to overcome these difficult times? Also, YES! 

You may be a prisoner, but you’re the best kind of prisoner. You are a prisoner of Almighty God! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 4:1-6

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 24:3-4

Just Imagine

“A good imagination opens up a world of possibility.”

I’m sure someone has said that at some point. But is it true? Does our imagination open up a world of possibility? According to Paul, faith in God far exceeds any possibility we can imagine. 

Which begs the question, should we use our imagination or should we put our trust in God and allow Him to guide our lives. 

I “imagine” we should do both. We should use our imaginations to better understand the realm of possibility, and we should put our faith in God because He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. 

Prior to making this statement, Paul shares that as we dwell with Christ, we may have the ability to understand how wide, deep, high, and long is the love of God. It is the knowledge of this love that leads us to realize that no matter what we think, God is able to do more. Put your trust in Him. It is not misplaced. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 3; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2

But God…

Years ago, I had a friend who used to tell her testimony. She called it her, “But God” testimony. I must confess, I’ve used that phrase in sermons as well. I love the sound of it. It comforts me. 

Paul proceeds this phrase with the reality that we were all lost in our transgressions. We were destined for hell, But God!

Let that marinate in your Spirit. Spend time thinking about your life before you accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation. 

After you spend time allowing the Lord to remind you from what He saved you, go share your testimony. One of the most selfish things you can do is know God and the mercy He has shown you but tell no one for whatever reason you would give. 

If you know your But God story, share it. If you do not know your story, learn it, then go share it! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 2:3-7 (NKJV)

3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 2; Psalm 67; Proverbs 23:29-35

Predestination

One of the longest debates in the Church is the idea of predestination. It says that God, in His sovereignty, has already chosen who will spend eternity with Him and who will not. 

There’s a problem with that theology. It is not supported by scripture beyond Paul and others using the Greek word equivalent of “predestination.” The word used in the Greek is “proorizo,” which means to determine in advance, ordain. 

But what was determined in advance? Who are the elect?

Ponder this: The what that is determined in advance is the Way to eternal life. The “elect” are those who choose the Way. 

Want evidence? Read in Exodus how the Death Angel chose which house to Passover and which house to take the first born. Anyone who had the blood of the lamb on their doorpost, was predestined to have their first born spared. Those homes without the blood of the lamb on their door post were predestined to lose their first born. 

I encourage you to pull on this thread of predestination. Many people do not seek God because they think He’s not for them. They believe the decision is already made so why bother. That’s a lie from the enemy. 

Please study the Bible and share this good news that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. That’s what is predestined! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Ephesians 1:3-6

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Today’s Readings:

Ephesians 1; Psalm 66; Proverbs 23:25-28

Apples From Grape Vines

If a contest were held amongst the best farmers in the world, I am positive that if the competition was who could get the most apples from grape seeds, no one would win. 

Is that the conclusion you would arrive at as well? Of course!

It’s a simple reality, what ever you plant, that’s the crop you will harvest. You understand this, but do you live it in your walk with Christ. 

Many Christians neglect their daily Bible reading, daily prayer, and regularly congregating with a body of believers. Then they get upset because “life with God doesn’t work” for them. 

That’s crazy talk. Paul says it well, “a man reaps what he sows.” If you want a right relationship with Jesus Christ, you must be intentional about your walk with Him. 

It’s not enough to know the Word of God, you must also live it. Yesterday we read about the fruits of the Spirit. Practice having those fruits be manifested in your life. That’s a good start. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 6:7-10

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 6; Psalm 65; Proverbs 23:24

Sarx

As you read your Bible you will come across the word “flesh.” The Greek word that flesh often comes from is “sarx.” This means the sinful state of human beings, which is contrary or at war with the Spirit. 

This passage provides the fruit of sarx. How many of these fruit do you rationalize away because “God knows your heart?”

Deception is a tactic of the enemy. Remember, he masquerades as an angel of light. When you do not recognize him because you’re focused on gratifying your flesh, it’s easy to fall into sin and stay their as you rationalize that if God was good and loving He would “want me to be happy.” That’s the biggest lie the enemy has convinced you to believe. 

God doesn’t want you to be happy, He wants you to be obedient. When the Bible says, “blessed” or “happy,” it’s usually followed by being obedient to the Lord. It refers to what you are after you’re obedient. 

Read Psalm 1, Matthew 5:1-12, and James 1:12 for reference. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 5:19-21

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64; Proverbs 23:23

Choose Your Pain

People hate pain. I hate pain. Who looks forward to painful situations?

Since we’ve established that no one likes pain, why would I title this, “Choose Your Pain?” Simple! 

In Christ, you must be obedient. However, the flesh and the enemy are always driving you towards disobedience. If you choose obedience, you will have the pain that comes with wanting something yet not being able to have it. If you choose disobedience, you will have the pain that accompanies the consequences of being out of right fellowship with the Father. 

I encourage you to always choose obedience to Christ. That pain always leads to life. The other choice’s pain leads to death. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63; Proverbs 23:22

Zealous For Not God

In his letter to the believers in Galatia, Paul  explains that he does not understand how they have walked away from God. They turned towards the words of false prophets. 

This passage fascinates me. As I look at our society, especially in the United States, I see how easily “believers” in Christ turn to other gods. They turn to the god of money, the god of earthly influence, the god of politics, and the god of social status among others. 

For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would compromise their walk with Christ for the things of this world. Can you?

Take time today and sit with God. Ask Him to point out areas in your life where you have replaced Him with something that is not Him. This will be a challenging task. It is not easy to come to the realization that you have strayed away from God and become zealous for not God. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 4:17-20

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 3:23-4; Psalm 62; Proverbs 23:19-21

The Illusion Of Success

This proverb gives a warning we should all heed. As we live our lives for Christ, it can be easy to watch people, for whom Christ means nothing, be insanely successful. It seems like everything they touch turns to gold. But that’s only an illusion of success. 

It is the fear of the Lord that leads to eternal success. Living a life that is pleasing to God, through faith in Jesus, enables us to spend eternity with Him. 

As we live our daily lives, we may appear to be failing while non-believers appear to be thriving at every turn. The writer of this proverb tells us not to envy their success. But how do we do that when we see them have victory after victory while our lives seem to be spiraling out of control. 

FAITH  TRUST  PATIENCE

Without faith it is impossible to please God. We must put our trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Because God is not slow in keeping His promise. Instead He is patient. 

Meditate on this as you continue to follow God and walk by faith not by sight. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 23:17

17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61; Proverbs 23:17-18

The Christian Anthem

There are some passages in the Bible that stand out as quotable. Galatians 2:20 is one of them. It’s a verse that reminds us that our life is not our own. The life we once lived was crucified on the cross with Christ. 

You may wonder, “how can this be since Christ died long before I was born.”

God is omnipresent. He is in all time at all time. This is what confuses people about predestination. It isn’t that God has decided who will and won’t go to heaven. It’s that He knows because He’s in all time at all time. 

Therefore, when Christ climbed on the cross as an atonement for our sin, He took into account all sin for all time. This includes your sin. 

Simply accept what He did for the forgiveness of your sin and you too will have been crucified with Christ. Your life will no longer be your own. And that’s the best thing that could ever happen to you! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 2:19-21

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60; Proverbs 23:15-16

Face To Face

In this smart phone, internet age, it is easy to send messages and express disappointment while never looking someone in the face. I’ve heard of people who have ended long relationships via text messaging. I believe a professional sports team or college team’s coach was fired via text. 

This should not be. 

I love this passage in which Paul is sharing how he opposed Peter “to his face.” That was no small thing. Peter was the first leader of the Church. Peter walked closely with Jesus. Peter preached the first post-Pentecost message. For Paul to admonish Peter for any reason was a big deal. Notice that he had the courage to do it to his face. 

The Holy Spirit will provide you with that same courage to do whatever He has called you to do. This includes looking someone in the face and respectfully expressing disappointment. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 2:11

11 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59; Proverbs 23:13-14

Straight From Christ

We live in an Information Age. Whatever you want to know can be found via the internet almost instantly. On the surface, this seems like a God send. Why wouldn’t God want us to use every resource to better understand and spread His word. 

This passage reminds us that God, alone, is able to give us all we need. He should always be our first stop when we are seeking Him. He’s faithful to His word. 

It’s easy to forget that Paul was about as anti-“Jesus is the Messiah” as one could get. It was Jesus who called him on the road to Damascus. What makes you think the Holy Spirit cannot help you if you need Him. 

I recently had a conversation about this topic, what can we do to better understand God. The discussion seemed to have a few layers. I believe the key to answering that question lies in this passage. Paul was converted by a personal encounter with Jesus. 

If we want to better understand what God wants for/from us, we must always start with seeking Him in the secret place. He usually works in the quiet, not the storm. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Galatians 1:11-12

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 1; Psalm 58; Proverbs 23:12