SCRIPTURE
(Colossians 1:12&20) "For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven."
OBSERVATION
The ultimate goal and place of safety is being reconciled (made right) to a Holy God. In human history we have tried to earn, manipulate, and dominate or control others to gain security. The author of Colossians is identifying the one true way to peace and security: The blood of the Cross.
APPLICATION
In this day of international unrest and threat, we see world leaders meeting for peace talks. Their effectiveness is always short-lived and eventually broken. The only way to continual and eternal peace is still through the blood of the Cross. Peace talks won't work! Applying the redemptive blood of Jesus will!
PRAYER
Thank-you Lord for Your blood that was shed for me, and on my account. I will stand in Your redemptive peace.
By Pastor Roger Watson
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Take two and Call Me in the Morning!
SCRIPTURE
(Philippians 4:6&7) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
OBSERVATION
Philippi was a military city. More than likely security and defensive stratagies influenced the thoughts of the residents. Paul is communicating the peace of God is the antidote to anxiety and is available to those who learn the secret of turning fears into prayers and worries into thanksgiving for His provisions.
APPLICATION
Societal compromise leads to spiritual consequences, but the prayer of a righteous man can accomplish great things, and a thankful heart will empower God's peace that passes all understanding. If you are struggling with fear or anxiety, take two (prayer & thanksgiving), and call me in the morning.
PRAYER
Lord, when the economy of this world is shaken, help me always to recall Your peace is available to all who ask and rejoice.
By Pastor Roger Watson
(Philippians 4:6&7) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
OBSERVATION
Philippi was a military city. More than likely security and defensive stratagies influenced the thoughts of the residents. Paul is communicating the peace of God is the antidote to anxiety and is available to those who learn the secret of turning fears into prayers and worries into thanksgiving for His provisions.
APPLICATION
Societal compromise leads to spiritual consequences, but the prayer of a righteous man can accomplish great things, and a thankful heart will empower God's peace that passes all understanding. If you are struggling with fear or anxiety, take two (prayer & thanksgiving), and call me in the morning.
PRAYER
Lord, when the economy of this world is shaken, help me always to recall Your peace is available to all who ask and rejoice.
By Pastor Roger Watson
What are You Running Towards?
SCRIPTURE
(Philippians 3:13&14) "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
OBSERVATION
Paul has just given a warning to the Philippian church about putting confidence in the things they have, or he (Paul) has, achieved. Things achieved on our own efforts amount to rubbish when compared to eternity. He tells them to forget the past and run toward the calling in Christ.
APPLICATION
No matter how big your house is, how much money you have amassed, or how influential your job may be, in the end it amounts to nothing. That which will stand the test of eternity is found only in the call of Christ on your life. What are you running towards: a secure retirement, or a secure eternity. Don't put your faith in money or position.
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to see Your image on all that I pursue in life. Let Your love shine through me.
By Pastor Roger Watson
(Philippians 3:13&14) "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
OBSERVATION
Paul has just given a warning to the Philippian church about putting confidence in the things they have, or he (Paul) has, achieved. Things achieved on our own efforts amount to rubbish when compared to eternity. He tells them to forget the past and run toward the calling in Christ.
APPLICATION
No matter how big your house is, how much money you have amassed, or how influential your job may be, in the end it amounts to nothing. That which will stand the test of eternity is found only in the call of Christ on your life. What are you running towards: a secure retirement, or a secure eternity. Don't put your faith in money or position.
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to see Your image on all that I pursue in life. Let Your love shine through me.
By Pastor Roger Watson
What are you going to do for Me?
SCRIPTURE
(Philippians 2:3&4) "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for you own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
OBSERVATION
This prison letter is written with a theme of joy and unity. Paul is telling his Christian readers that you cannot have unity if you are only thinking of yourself. Self-focus leads to eventual situational frustration, and frustration is a growing cancer to joy. Paul's readers will not have joy if they focus on what other's should be doing to make their life better.
APPLICATION
True joy and fulfillment comes from serving others. When family members focus on how unfair a situation is, or how they didn't get what they wanted, an environment of discontentment soon follows. The church family should also actively seek ways to give rather than get.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me always to remember how You humbled Yourself, and gave Your all for my eternal well-being.
By Pastor Roger Watson
(Philippians 2:3&4) "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for you own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
OBSERVATION
This prison letter is written with a theme of joy and unity. Paul is telling his Christian readers that you cannot have unity if you are only thinking of yourself. Self-focus leads to eventual situational frustration, and frustration is a growing cancer to joy. Paul's readers will not have joy if they focus on what other's should be doing to make their life better.
APPLICATION
True joy and fulfillment comes from serving others. When family members focus on how unfair a situation is, or how they didn't get what they wanted, an environment of discontentment soon follows. The church family should also actively seek ways to give rather than get.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me always to remember how You humbled Yourself, and gave Your all for my eternal well-being.
By Pastor Roger Watson
Why should I Listen to a Convict?
SCRIPTURE
(Philippians 1:12&13) "Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else."
OBSERVATION
At first glance, Paul's prison sentence may have seemed like a silencing factor, but the opposite was true. He had become so well known, and the authority or anointing with which he spoke was so evident, that his evangelistic message spread even further.
APPLICATION
It may seem at times that our living conditions are a sign of God's displeasure. The opposite may be true. When we respond to adverse situations with a motivation to glorify God, His redeeming message is witnessed by a broader audience, with a greater impact. This world is looking for the strength and power to face and overcome the negative environment they often find themselves in.
PRAYER
God, help me not to judge my spiritual authority by environmental trappings. I am always blessed when I worship You.
By Pastor Roger Watson
(Philippians 1:12&13) "Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else."
OBSERVATION
At first glance, Paul's prison sentence may have seemed like a silencing factor, but the opposite was true. He had become so well known, and the authority or anointing with which he spoke was so evident, that his evangelistic message spread even further.
APPLICATION
It may seem at times that our living conditions are a sign of God's displeasure. The opposite may be true. When we respond to adverse situations with a motivation to glorify God, His redeeming message is witnessed by a broader audience, with a greater impact. This world is looking for the strength and power to face and overcome the negative environment they often find themselves in.
PRAYER
God, help me not to judge my spiritual authority by environmental trappings. I am always blessed when I worship You.
By Pastor Roger Watson
If You can't see it or measure it, does it exist?
SCRIPTURE
(Ephesians 6:11&12) "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
OBSERVATION
Paul is trying to make a distinction between tangible earthly powers, those you can see and physically fight, and spiritual forces, which are not seen with the naked eye but are the more serious and eternally damaging. He encourages his readers to recognize the schemes of this invisible foe, and fight him with spiritual weapons.
APPLICATION
Modern science demands that if we can't see something, and thus measure its effect, it doesn't exist. Paul is warning us to watch out, because this way of thinking will lead you astray and destroy your faith.
PRAYER
Lord, help me remember that physical validation has little bearing on spiritual forces, or where our true battle lies. You are my help and deliverer.
By Pastor Roger Watson
(Ephesians 6:11&12) "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
OBSERVATION
Paul is trying to make a distinction between tangible earthly powers, those you can see and physically fight, and spiritual forces, which are not seen with the naked eye but are the more serious and eternally damaging. He encourages his readers to recognize the schemes of this invisible foe, and fight him with spiritual weapons.
APPLICATION
Modern science demands that if we can't see something, and thus measure its effect, it doesn't exist. Paul is warning us to watch out, because this way of thinking will lead you astray and destroy your faith.
PRAYER
Lord, help me remember that physical validation has little bearing on spiritual forces, or where our true battle lies. You are my help and deliverer.
By Pastor Roger Watson
It doesn't matter, God will forgive
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 5:5&6)"For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."
OBSERVATION
This letter to the church is one of Paul's prison epistles. He writes to a prosperous city and a blessed church from a position of confinement, about victorious living. Ephesus was a major city with great temptations to compromise a godly walk from heathenistic teachings and false worship. God will not allow shared allegiance.
APPLICATION
Contemporary society wants you to believe there is more than one way to God, and situational ethics is the standard setter for behavioral practices. God says he will punish disobedience, and condemn the one who serves another deity. He won't forgive the idolater.
PRAYER
Lord, always keep me mindful that idolatry is giving anything more importance than you. I worship You alone.
By Pastor Roger Watson
Ephesians 5:5&6)"For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."
OBSERVATION
This letter to the church is one of Paul's prison epistles. He writes to a prosperous city and a blessed church from a position of confinement, about victorious living. Ephesus was a major city with great temptations to compromise a godly walk from heathenistic teachings and false worship. God will not allow shared allegiance.
APPLICATION
Contemporary society wants you to believe there is more than one way to God, and situational ethics is the standard setter for behavioral practices. God says he will punish disobedience, and condemn the one who serves another deity. He won't forgive the idolater.
PRAYER
Lord, always keep me mindful that idolatry is giving anything more importance than you. I worship You alone.
By Pastor Roger Watson
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