What’s that series of movies called? Mission difficult? Mission easy-peasy?
Ahhh…Mission Impossible.
Not possible. Can’t be done.
But somehow Tom Cruise always manages to complete the mission, doesn’t he? Somehow, with his resume of spy skills and his team to support him, he always gets the win.
Philippians gives us a few ‘Missions Impossible’… are you ready? Here they are:
-Consider others above yourself.
-Consider loss what you used to consider gain.
-Rejoice always.
-Don’t be anxious.
Before you turn the missions down because they are clearly impossible to accomplish, take a look at what’s in our arsenal:
“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
All of these missions, at their core, are a matter of perspective. And isn’t the best part of every spy movie the part where you go, “Ahhh! That’s what’s really been going on the whole time!”
That is what Paul is offering us here with this credo.
[Consider others above yourself.] Seeing ourselves through the lens of the one who gives us strength changes the way we see others and therefore can change the way we treat them.
[Consider loss what you used to consider gain.] Considering the value of what success really is from Christ’s perspective will likely equal a shift in our priorities.
[Rejoice always.] Viewing our everyday with the eyes of him who conquered the cross and is coming to reign can give us strength to find joy in the mundane and even a glimmer of hope in our pain.
[Don’t be anxious.] Looking in the eyes of the Prince of Peace as he takes our burdens and walks with us through our trials reminds us that we are not alone.
That is how we complete our mission. That is how we, like Paul, are able to do all things through him who gives us strength.
Tom Cruise may do all his own stunts, but Jesus can do all of everything…so, yeah…go ahead and take that mission. You’ve got a good team.
-Susan Landry
Today’s Bible passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Philippians 1-4
The tagline might read: This motley crew of misfits does nothing but bicker and fight amongst themselves…is it Guardians of the Galaxy–or us?
In both cases, establishing a sense of identity leads to unity and purpose, and some big winning.
Ephesians 1-3
If Ephesians were an epic movie experience, the first half would establish how God sees us, our true identity. We’d hear our characters use words like chosen and included, forgiven, grace and saved. We would watch them go through a transformation from dead in transgressions to alive in Christ.
Somewhere in this segment, God would find an intensely personal way to show one of our characters “the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus,” … and I would definitely cry.
Ephesians 4-6:
As we prepared for act two, our characters (and we, ourselves) would recognize the real meaning of it all, and we might finally “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.”
Taking hold of the fullness of the love that Jesus has for us. Really understanding this love that goes beyond how much we know. Big stuff. That’s why this flick is such an epic.
Knowing who we are changes how we live and how we treat others, and that’s where the second half of the story leads.
When we are able to see ourselves through the lens of this all surpassing love, we can be humble, gentle, patient, speak and act in love; and things like bitterness, anger and rage take a back seat to kindness and compassion.
There’s a scene at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (that I always rewind and watch a second time if I’m alone). It’s just a short conversation between Rocket and Peter.
Rocket : He didn’t chase them away…Even though he yelled at them, and was always mean… And he stole batteries he didn’t need.
Peter [Realizes Rocket’s talking about himself, not Yondu]: Well, of course not.
{Gulp} {Tear} This team of individuals, unable to get along at the start, becomes not only a team but a family. And this moment of tenderness makes me cry every single time. Every time!
When the struggle is no longer against one another, we can fight the real battle…together, perhaps?… and win.
The true enemy is the darkness of evil, not each other. But we can only truly realize that, truly embrace that, when we are able to see ourselves in the light of our true identity, as God sees us. Until then, we’ll keep losing ground and wondering why.
Ephesians has no talking Racoons or Trees with attitude, but there are definitely supernatural powers and epic battles. And like any good superhero movie, the heroes sometimes need little reminders now and then to live up to their potential. That just might be how this lesson will fade out…
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
– Susan Landry
Today’s Bible reading passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Ephesians 1-6.
The best movies are more than a fun way to spend a couple of hours, they leave us with something. And a film doesn’t have to be deep and dramatic to be able to find lessons in it. Analogies are everywhere. Learning can come from many places.
Our devotional trailer opens on a fleeing man, Onesimus, with the voiceover telling us, “Under Roman law, there were no limits to the punishment a slave master could inflict on a runaway slave….but sometimes redemption comes when we least expect it. ”
Onesimus somehow found Paul, and over time he grew a faith…and a friend, it seems. At some point, Paul sent a letter to Onesimus’ former owner, telling him he was sending the slave back to his previous master.
“I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you… If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”
Charge it to me.
Do you see how Paul is mirroring the story of the cross here?
In this story we are Onesimus. Like him, each of us deserves punishment. We owe a debt. And like him, someone offered to take the punishment on our behalf, to pay our debt.
Someone has given us a second chance.
Maybe you’ve never really been in the position of needing a true second chance. Or maybe you have and you’ve just forgotten how demeaning and low it can feel. The graciousness of Paul, to speak of Onesimus as ‘my son’, ‘my very heart’, and ‘a dear brother’ must have allowed Onesimus to hold his head high as he returned to his former home.
The account of Onesimus and Philemon may be a short one, but the way that Paul used this opportunity to illustrate the gospel story is pure genius.
Maybe, in Onesimus, Paul wanted each of us to know that we are beloved. That we are worth saving. We are worth sacrificing for.
Maybe he’s telling us that knowing our true value allows us to hold our heads high as we live in our ‘former home’ until our forever home is ready for us. We are Abba’s children. We are Christ’s dear brothers and sisters.
This would be one movie that would pack an emotional punch, and you could be sure you’d leave the theater changed…if you were really paying attention.
And speaking of paying attention—the next time you are unsure of your standing, remember that you have a letter in your pocket that says, “Charge it to me,” and lift your head a little.
-Susan Landry
Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to here at BibleGateway – Colossians 1-4 and the itty bitty book of Philemon
A movie trailer gives us a taste of a film but by no means covers the depth of its entirety. When we read chunks of Scripture, it’s impossible to capture the fullness of its message in a short devotion. I hope that a short peek each day at a moment in each reading will tempt you to read the passage on your own and see what other plot twists you find!
Although Paul is the main character of the film, this trailer starts with a closeup of the Centurion.
A rugged soldier, captain of 100, standing on the deck of a ship at sea. He’s worried. A storm is brewing and as he looks to the man beside him, the man says, “You should have listened to me.” The man is not a sailor, he is a Jewish scholar and a prisoner, and he proceeds to instruct the Centurion how he can save everyone on board.
“Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”
Scenes flash across the screen of the Centurion cutting ropes in the blowing rain, Paul praying to God, the ship running aground a sandbar, soldiers arming to kill prisoners before they can escape, and the Centurion stepping in to protect Paul.
Dry and ashore the island of Malta, we watch, from the Centurion’s vantage point as Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake with no ill effects and as the islanders come to him to be healed. Music swells and we know that this is a story of changing perspectives and growing faith, and ours is growing right along with this hardened soldier’s.
Acts 28:16 says, “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” If I were writing this movie, I’d take some artistic license and that soldier would be the very same Centurion from the ship. It would make a great last shot, wouldn’t it?
Really, though, I wonder how this Centurion’s life was altered having made this trip with Paul. We’re told that his name was Julius, “When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius,” but not much else. The things that Julius saw and experienced must have changed him. They must have.
Along those lines, think of the ‘Centurions’ in your life. Those who live life in your peripheral. They might not be main characters, but they are on the sidelines. How is their life being altered having had you in it? What can you do to be more intentional about being a positive influence, planting a seed, showing a glimpse of the Father so that their story might be changed?
-Susan Landry
Today’s Bible passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here –Acts 27-28
Tomorrow we read 2 of Paul’s letters – Colossians and Philemon.
Throughout today’s reading and yesterday’s reading as well, we are told of the arrest and imprisonment of the apostle Paul while in Israel. He testifies before several different people in authority before eventually being sent to Rome to presumably face Caesar. He spends as much as two years in jail under Felix’s watch.
Why did God allow Paul to be in chains for so long before ultimately going to Rome to spend even more time in jail until his death? I am certain this time was not without purpose. One key from this passage that stands out to me is found in chapter 26, beginning in verse 25:
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul was afforded opportunities to influence high ranking officials that he likely would not have had were it not for him ending up in chains. He had those same opportunities in Rome. And as we know, Rome eventually became the center of the Christian world. It wasn’t until 313 AD, however, that the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which accepted Christianity: 10 years later, it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. So it took a while after the death of Paul (approximately 62-64 AD), but I believe the two are linked.
We have had many opportunities ourselves to influence people by our actions and by our words. Some of these times have been very intentional, as when we try to minister to someone, or very unintentional, as when perhaps someone we don’t even know notices something different about us because of our faith.
Sometimes, if we are lucky, we get to see some of the impact we can have on others. But more often than not, we will never know what fruit our actions and words will bear in others.
But that’s OK. All we can do, much like Paul, is to do the best we can, and then allow God to develop the seeds that we have spread. One thing is certain though. You have to plant seeds in order for them to grow. What are you doing to plant seeds in others? Do something! Be an encourager. Share your faith. Or just be really kind to others. You never know what kind of amazing impact you can have, even if you don’t see it.
-Greg Landry
Today’s Bible reading passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Acts 24-26.
Acts 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
That is the Apostle Paul laying it out pretty clearly. He was willing to go to prison and give up his own life in order to fulfill the job that Jesus had given him. And of course he did go to prison, and he did lose his life. But what an impact he had, and even more so because of his willingness to put the gospel above his own safety. That is one of the reasons his message stood out.
How far are you willing to go to stand for Christ? Christians have not suffered very dire persecution in this country yet. Some slight persecution, yes, but nothing like what Paul had to endure. And nothing like what many Christians in Africa, China and other areas of the world have to endure today. There is a book called Jesus Freaks that details the stories of many modern martyrs for Christ. It’s a tough read. As I read it, I wondered if I would have the strength and courage to continue to stand for Christ in the face of the consequences they faced. I kind of doubted it because I am not a big fan of being tortured. I don’t even like feeling hunger pains from missing a meal. I’m pretty spoiled.
But focusing on the momentary pain is holding the wrong point of view. What is a moment compared to eternity? Paul was focused on his goal to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus had given him. The greeting that Jesus is likely to give Paul upon the Apostle’s resurrection is “Well done good and faithful servant.” Sometimes I wonder if my greeting will be “I hardly knew you,” due to some of the choices I make in my life.
It is far too easy to deny Christ in little ways here and there. Such as not telling a coworker you are praying for them for fear of offending them. Not telling someone something like “May God Bless You” so that you don’t look too “Christiany.” (If that’s even a word – spell check doesn’t think so.) Or maybe if you are not willing to stand up and call a behavior wrong within a group of people that is calling that behavior right.
We as Christians are going to have a LOT of opportunities for that last one in particular in the days to come. For example, I can envision attempts to begin to categorize sections of scripture as hate speech under our country’s current direction. What do we do then?
So how far will you go in those types of situations? Will you stand up for the truth of God’s word, even if it perhaps meant going to jail? What are the lines you are going to draw in the proverbial sand? I encourage you to draw the lines now and stick to them. God’s word does not change. What you know to be true, or right or good now, is also going to be true or right or good in five years, and then again in ten years. But society will likely say it isn’t true or right or good any more over that time span. When that happens, we are more likely to change our own stance. I and you have already seen this in action in the church at large in the last two to three decades at least. That is why it is important to think upon these things now and and decide to make a stand in our minds.
Acts 21:12-14 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
May we all have the courage and fortitude of Paul, because the temporary pleasures of this life and this time are not worthy to be compared to the eternal gift of kingdom living. Times are only going to get tougher for Christians in this world and in this country. Don’t deny Christ in order to experience the current age longer at the risk of losing entry into the next age later.
-Greg Landry
Today’s Bible reading passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Acts 20:4-23:35.
There are a couple of verses in this section, paired with a verse from Chapter 1 that really stand out to me right now, under our present circumstances. Many, perhaps most of you reading this are presently cut off from some of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Either you are not attending services in person for obvious reasons, or maybe you are able to attend services yourself but are missing some members who are choosing to stay home right now. It’s a tough time for many of us in that regard, myself included.
We are still able to meet in person at our church (though we were not allowed to for a couple of months this past Spring), but several members have not met in person with us for some time due to health concerns. When we are cut off from each other, it hurts.
I recently read about a study led by pyschologist Alfred Tomatis regarding a group of clinically depressed monks. After much examination, he concluded that the group’s depression resulted from the abandonment of the twice daily gathering to sing Gregorian chants. They lost the sense of community that came as a result of them coming together to harmonize in song. Coming together to sing was a formal recognition of their connection and a shared moment of joy. Many of us have been missing that.
Paul shares how important fellowship with other believers was for him, in his letter to the Roman church:
Chapter 1:11-12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Similarly in Chapter 15, verse 32, Paul speaks of wanting to see his friends in order to be refreshed.
We believers are important to one another. When it seems there are fewer and fewer examples of decency and morality in the world around us, we need each other to be reminded that we are still on the right track, despite what is happening all around us. The most encouraging times for me are when I am able to spend the week with fellow believers at places like Midwest Family Camp and FUEL. I always feel like I get a little bit of a taste of the Kingdom during those weeks, by being able to spend so much time surrounded by so many fellow believers. Returning to the “real world” at the end of those weeks is often quite jarring and unwelcome for me.
Paul finishes his letter in chapter 16 by asking to have his greetings sent to several individual people in the church there. Barring being able to see these people in person, he still was able to send them encouragement from afar.
Are there fellow believers you know that you have not seen for a while because of this pandemic? What about other believers, or even non-believers that you know who could use some encouragement right now? And who couldn’t really? Today, it is so much easier to reach out to someone to give encouragement than ever before. So there’s no excuse other than the excuses we create. And though it is not as easy, Paul’s old fashioned method of reaching out to those far away, by letter, is still worthwhile today, and probably the most meaningful to boot.
I really think there has never been a better time to try to reach out and encourage others, especially those that we have been cut off from. Try to take the time, today, to reach out to at least one person. You may be surprised about how much impact that can make in someone’s life.
-Greg Landry
Today’s Bible reading can be read or listened to at Bible Gateway here – Romans 14-16.
I am a fairly humble fellow. I do not stand out in a crowd. I do not try to draw attention to myself. In fact I don’t like attention. I don’t consider myself arrogant and I am very aware of my flaws. And yet, there are still times when I allow myself to feel superior to others. Maybe we all do that at times?
No matter how many flaws we have, all of us are better at something than someone else. And in those moments where we take notice of that, it is easy to allow our egos to puff up a bit, isn’t it? Maybe that is even especially true for those, like me, that are more keenly aware of our shortcomings than our triumphs.
Paul touches on humility several times in chapter 12, and typically when I read these passages, I instantly think about people that are very arrogant, and think, “this doesn’t really apply to me,” or “I’m doing fine in this area.” But then (sometimes) I think about the thoughts that I opened with.
Beginning in verse 3, Paul says, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
There you have it. Each of us should NOT think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Well then how highly SHOULD we think of ourselves? Frankly, I would say pretty high, because we are each pretty incredible creations of God. And we have each been blessed with many abilities and talents. But as Paul points out, we have all been given DIFFERENT abilities. And it is key to remember that we have been given those abilities. We didn’t do anything ourselves to acquire natural abilities. Some people are born with great musical talent. Others with sharp intellect. Still others with amazing athletic skill. Paul here is speaking primarily of spiritual gifts, but all abilities and talents are indeed granted by our Creator. I really appreciate when I see gifted athletes giving credit to God for their abilities during post-game interviews. I am not always sure how sincere they are, but the message is true regardless.
In verse 10, Paul says to Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one other above yourselves. This is an outward extension of humility, and here, should be motivated by love. How often do you honor others above yourself?
Finally, Paul comes back to humility again in verse 16.
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
We should not just be showing humility to the people we are comfortable being with, or the people that are “our kind of crowd.” We should be showing humility to, and honoring above us those whom we would consider to be of low position.
Again, this is the example Jesus left for us, and it is a humility that is motivated by love, which Paul sums up perfectly in verses 9-21.
So, think of yourselves very highly, as an amazing creation, but do not think of yourself more highly than someone else. That is when you are thinking of yourself more highly than you ought. It’s about recognizing that God has given each of us different gifts, to be used to His glory.
-Greg Landry
Today’s Bible reading passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Romans 11-13.
Tomorrow we will finish the book of Romans (chapters 14-16).
I think Romans chapter 8 is one of the most encouraging sections of scripture. And boy can we use some encouragement right now.
It is so sad to see so many suffering from the effects of the Covid virus. Many, many people have lost work and income. Many children are not able to attend school in person. Abuse has increased. And many people have died or have otherwise physically suffered from this virus. It is very easy and very natural to be discouraged and worried right now. But for Christians at least, we need to cling to the fact that present circumstances do not alter the future promise that God has made.
One day, there will be no need to fear death from a virus or anything else. We will be made perfect in the coming Kingdom! That is the hope talked about in Chapter 8, and it is a hope that can not be taken from us.
Until that day comes, be encouraged, fellow believers, in the words Paul shares here. Verse 28 says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. That’s encouraging! That doesn’t mean everything will be perfect as we want it to be, but God, in His infinite wisdom knows what is best for our own good even if we do not.
Verse 31b – If God is for us, who can be against us? That is a great statement. What God has put in motion is unstoppable. No one will stop God’s plans, and God’s plans include YOU!
Yes, this pandemic stinks. And it doesn’t seem the end of it is super soon. But we have a certain hope in that coming day, and nothing can take that hope away or prevent that day from coming. Likewise, these momentary troubles can not separate us from the love of Christ. Paul tells us in verse 37 that in regards to these troubles we are “more than conquerors.” We WILL get through these momentary troubles. For that is all they are, in the bigger picture.
Finally, chapter 8 concludes with more incredible encouragement:
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I hope that is as encouraging for you as it is for me. Take these passages to heart. Remember them when the world seems to be against you or, as now, the world seems to be falling apart. Remember that your creator, your Father, your God is FOR YOU! And nothing can take that, or His future promise for you, away.
-Greg Landry
Today’s Bible reading passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Romans 8-10.
I’m skipping right to the end of chapter seven, to a dilemma that many Christians wrestle with.
Starting in verse 15, Paul says, I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Paul really nails what I and so many other Christians struggle with – the question of why do I continue to sin if I have turned my life over to Christ? Certainly all Christians still sin. I know my sins, and you know yours. But why do we continue to repeat certain sins over and over, if we know they are wrong, and we want to change our behavior? It’s frustrating. Many new Christians especially think they have left sin behind once they have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, only to be discouraged to discover that their sin nature is alive and well within them, as Paul points out.
I cannot begin to attempt to explain or examine every facet of sin, and why Christians still find themselves caught up in various sins, but I can offer at least one strategy that has worked for me, dealing with a specific sin. We should all have strategies for overcoming our biggest sin obstacles.
The following is an excerpt from the marriage book From This Day Forward by Craig and Amy Groeschel.
-“I have a special software installed that, although it allows me to get on the internet when I need to, filters what sites I can get to. And it sends reports of everything I see to my accountability partners. Maybe this sounds extreme to you (which doesn’t bother me at all). Maybe it sounds like a lot of trouble. It is. An obvious question might be, “So are you really that weak and vulnerable Craig? That if nobody was watching, you’d look at things that were immoral or impure?” I can honestly say the answer is, “No, not really.” Right now as I’m writing this, and as I’m thinking about these things, I’m in a really good place. My resolve is strong. I’m confident in my relationship with Christ, and everything is going really well. So why bother? Because if you are honest, you know that not every single moment of your life looks like that. Sometimes I get tired. Sometimes my feelings get hurt, or I get angry, or I feel like I’m not getting everything I deserve. And then, in those fleeting moments of weakness, every door to temptation that I might otherwise try to turn to is completely, thoroughly, securely locked. Strong Craig of this moment is looking out for weak Craig of those other moments.”
This is great advice. (By the way, the software he is speaking of is likely called Covenant Eyes, which we use in our house). When we are strong, we often don’t think about our weaknesses. But that is the best time to acknowledge them and plan what to do in case they return. If we can cut off access to committing some of the sins we have struggled with, then do it, if at all possible.
But when we do sin, whether large or small, habitual sin or not, we need not be discouraged to the point of giving up. Remember that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. And Paul humbly acknowledged that even he struggled with continuing to commit sins after accepting Christ. Our sin nature will not be completely shed until, Christ returns, and he delivers us from it. Until that day, we should be working to sin less and less. There are certainly strategies we can employ to try to accomplish that, as mentioned already. But thanks be to God that Christ’s blood covers us, despite our sins.
-Greg Landry
Today’s Bible passage can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Romans 4-7.
Seek Grow Love 