Devotionals for December 17, 2024
Christmas at TNLC is coming up on Dec 22 at 10am, Dec 23 at 7pm, and Dec 24 at 4 & 5:30pm!
READ
Philippians 3:17-21
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
REFLECT
Moana 2 recently hit the theaters. It features a Polynesian way-finder, an adventurous woman who sails across the ocean to find other people. During her adventures, she uses key stars in the night sky to stay on course. Yes, there are interruptions along the way, from creepy sea creatures to fun sidekicks. But those stars keep her on track. Imagine if Moana had used a nearby cloud or landmark to find her way. They’re close by and easy to see, but they move. They would’ve thrown her in the wrong direction. Likewise, Paul calls you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and those who model Christ-likeness. Just as a ship would crash with the wrong waypoint, Paul admonishes Christians to not fix their lives on temporary things. Paul has a long view of Jesus, our enduring hope.
APPLY
Q: Reread the end of the passage above. What is Paul eagerly waiting for exactly?
Q: How can you shift your eagerness and hope more on the coming Messiah?
Q: How will your family, friends, and church benefit from your example when your eyes are set on Jesus?
Q: How can you shift your eagerness and hope more on the coming Messiah?
Q: How will your family, friends, and church benefit from your example when your eyes are set on Jesus?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, I praise you that I can experience the power of your resurrection today! And I also look forward to the day when you come again and restore all things, including my body. Lord Jesus, I pray for your will in my life. Help me to focus on your coming kingdom today. Amen.
Lord, I praise you that I can experience the power of your resurrection today! And I also look forward to the day when you come again and restore all things, including my body. Lord Jesus, I pray for your will in my life. Help me to focus on your coming kingdom today. Amen.