Daily Devotions

Philippians 1:6 – God’s Not Done With You

I wish my testimony was one of unwavering faith.

I wish my high school class mates would all tell the same stories of my obvious love for Jesus. Of my commitment to the Gospel at all costs…

Now, some of them would. Because I do love Jesus and am committed to the Gospel.

But others wouldn’t because they’ve seen me fall to sin and act pridefully.

In fact, I’d wager that many of us are this way. We wish we could have another chance at past situations.

These were my thoughts prior to writing this. Pretty grim way to spend an afternoon, right?

But here was God’s answer to my angst and self-disappointment:

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How To Grow A Vibrant Spiritual Life

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30–34 ESV

I’ve always thought about today’s passage in an external sense, rather than about the spiritual life. After all, that’s how it presents itself.

The lazy person reaps ruin while the diligent can expect a healthy harvest.

Simple. Makes sense. It’s a good challenge to keep me working hard and ensure I don’t let myself slack off.

But what if we consider this sowing-and-reaping principle in terms of our spiritual life? Specifically in our relationship with God.

We might not all live in castles or own vineyards, but we do all have the most valuable possession in the world: a human heart, soul, and spiritual life that needs tending.

Which scene resembles your inner quality of life in the following ways:

    1. Your spiritual life and relationship with the Lord,
    2. and your relationship with yourself?

If you’re like me, it’s probably a mix of the two.

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The Enemy Jesus Battled to the End

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Matthew 28:16–17 ESV

The disciples had seen thousands of miracles. They’d even seen the greatest miracle of all: Jesus resurrected after three days in the tomb.

And yet, here at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, we read that “some doubted.” Even as they worshiped and received the Great Commission, the disciples doubted Jesus.

Unbelievable—isn’t it?

It’s so easy to sit here with my Bible in my lap and gape at their lack of faith. After all, you and I would never struggle with doubt if we had seen and experienced what they had, right?

Well… Not so fast.

Remember the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)?

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