Devotionals on the Go

We are disciples of Christ.  We join with each other and other disciples to participate in Jesus’ mission for the world, which centers around His role as the One “who takes away the sin of the world.”  As disciples of Christ, we seek to know Him, serve Him, and share Him with others. For more faith and fitness content, check out SoulStrengthfit.com

We are disciples of Christ.  We join with each other and other disciples to participate in Jesus’ mission for the world, which centers around His role as the One “who takes away the sin of the world.”  As disciples of Christ, we seek to know Him, serve Him, and share Him with others.   Conclude your time in prayer today.  Talk with the Lord about how He might want to use you as a loved and chosen...

As disciples of Christ, we are learning to base our identities on Jesus.  Our goal is to become more and more like Jesus as we purposely follow Him and walk in His footsteps. In what ways are you living out your walk as a disciple of Jesus?  In what ways would you like to grow as one of Christ’s disciples? For more faith and fitness content, check out SoulStrengthfit.com

Jesus calls His followers to pursue one thing in life.  He calls us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness above all else.  When we do that, we are enabled to allow the pursuit of Him - of knowing Him, loving Him, and seeking His kingdom - to dominate our thoughts, actions, and words.   But most of us have divided loyalties.  We seek the Lord one moment, but seek our own desires the next.  Whil...

This devotional pairs with Week 3, workout 3 in the Finding Joy Series at soulstrengthfit.com His use of this phrase “in the Lord” points to the unity believers have in Christ.  Because all believers are “in Christ,” all believers are in Christ together. This isn’t to say that there won’t be conflicts or disagreements between believers - even seasoned and mature Christians.  Euodia and Syntyche ha...

To experience the peace of God, far more wonderful than the human mind can understand, we are told to refuse to worry about anything .  Why is this what we must do in order to experience the peace of God?  Because worry is the #1 thing that can steal your peace.  Financial trouble?    Don’t worry about  anything.   Anxious about the kids?  Don’t worry about  anything.  Stressed about work?    Don’...

Our opening passage is Philippians 3:12-21 Paul says he is pressing on toward the goal.  He refuses to look back, and he strains to move forward to fulfill God’s plan for his life.  He wants to accomplish all Christ had in mind for him when he “took hold” of him on the Damascus Road.   When Christ took hold of you, He too had a great deal in mind for you and your life.  What does it mean for you p...

Paul sets an example of living in joy in the book of Philippians.  We can find 5 “Happiness Habits” that Paul lives out in Philippians 3. Our opening verse is philippians 3:3, The Living Bible Translation & Message version: “We Christians glory in what Christ Jesus has done for us and realize that we are helpless to save ourselves.”   Philippians 3:3  “We couldn’t carry this off by our own eff...

“Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!”  Paul is reminding us that God is our only real source of joy and comfort.  All too often, we rely more on God’s good gifts - health, family, loved ones, financial security - than on God himself.  But when believers rejoice in the Lord, they are finding joy and thanksgiving in His goodness - with or without His gifts. Do you have the tendenc...

Philippians has been full of personal updates and practical matters.  Paul now continues to give personal updates on two servants for Christ who demonstrate the ideals and characteristics that Paul had been encouraging in vv 1:27-2:18.  Both Timothy and Epaphroditus have “served” Paul in his time of need, and Epaphroditus was even willing to lay down his life for the gospel message.  It is not unc...

Paul calls us to “work out” our salvation for it is God who “works in” us.  Notice the parallel in these phrases.  We have our own contribution to make in the unfolding of our salvation, and God has a part to work in you.   Note, Paul does not say we work for our salvation, but that we work out our Read: Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul’s use of the phrase “work out your salvation” can be compared to working...

This devotional pairs with workout 2 in Finding Joy at soulstrengthfit.com Notice Paul’s opening word in this passage (in the NIV translation).  “Therefore” is a connecting word, and he’s linking his hymn of praise to Christ in vv6-11 to instructions on how to apply the example of Christ’s humble obedience to their lives. He calls the Philippians to “work out” their salvation. This may initially s...

Happiness is found through humility.  A heart filled with pride cannot be a heart filled with joy.  Self gratification and self service never lead to true joy, but rather service leads to joy.  In a world focused on self-care, the value of serving others and valuing others as more important than ourselves is easily overlooked Read Philippians 2:1-11 once again, NCV version: “Does your life in Chri...

The Book of Philippians Week 2 Devotionals Day 1 - Happiness & Humility Pairs with workout 1 Read: Philippians 2:1-11 There are four fundamental realities that Paul says believers have in Christ listed in v1.  What are they? Paul is calling them to progress in their unity as believers in v2.  What 4 things does he specifically call them to do? Be sure to check out all that SoulStrength Fit has...

This Devotional pairs with Week 1, Workout 3 in the Finding Joy Bible Study Workout program found at soulstrengthfit.com . For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. Paul’s Life for Christ 20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I t...

In his book How Happiness Happens, Max Lucado states: “Happiness happens when you give it away.”  The world teaches us that happiness is found by putting yourself first, focusing on self care, self love, and self gratification.  Self care and self love are utterly important, and God desires that we love ourselves and care for ourselves out of that love.  But true happiness is found through self sa...

This Devotional pairs with workout 2 from Finding Joy Workout program at soulstrengthfit.com Paul is encouraging the church that the gospel is spreading, not just despite his imprisonment, but through it.  He gives three examples in these verses to prove his point.  What are they?  (hint: vv12-13, v14, vv15-18) How would you explain in your own words how Paul's imprisonment strengthened belie...

This Devotional is from Finding Joy Fitness program found in the SoulStrength Fit Full Access membership. In Rick Warren’s study “The Habits of Happiness,” he says that happiness isn’t something you look for, but rather create.  Happiness is a byproduct of our lives in Christ, and our habits create our happiness.  Happy habits, he says, are just as addicting as bad habits, but a lot more rewarding...

This devotional pairs with Week 1, Workout 1 of Finding Joy found at soulstrengthfit.com . The Book of Philippians is commonly referred to as the “Joy Book,” and rightly so as Paul uses the words joy or rejoice at least 14 times.  Despite writing this letter from a prison cell, Paul is filled with joy because his joy comes from Jesus, not his surroundings.   The best evidence indicates that Paul w...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Read: Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:4-6, and Isaiah 26:3 Sometimes God feels distant.  Sometimes it seems that God isn’t cooperating.  Sometimes God seems late or unfair.   We all face times when it feels like God is far away or distracted, when our p...

Christ is the perfect model of patience. God wants us to be like Him, and the more we become Christ-like, the more we will have patience: patience with God, patience with others, and patience with ourselves.  As simple as it may sound, when you find yourself feeling impatient this week, ask yourself at that moment: “What would Jesus do?  How would Jesus respond?” and then act accordingly.  For mor...

You may not FEEL loved, valued, or special at times. It could be that others may not treat you according to your worth.  It may be that circumstances feel irreparable or hopeless.  It may be that you feel unnoticed or unloved.  Regardless of your feelings, you can choose to believe and live according to the truths in today’s Psalm. You can choose to believe God's truth, and what a difference...

God did not give you shoulders broad enough to carry all your worries through life.  He did give you the responsibility to pray about the issues that worry you, but He didn’t give you the burden of carrying it; you can’t do that.  The more you try to carry your own burdens, the more you diminish your effectiveness as a Christian.  If you are struggling with anxiety today, take your eyes off yourse...

Proverbs 25:28 tells us that A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. In your own words, what are the consequences of living without self control?  How does the image of this proverb help describe what a lack of self control looks like in someone’s life? Be sure to check out https://www.soulstrengthfit.com  

Of the three characteristics of the Good Samaritan – compassion, extravagant giving, and generous investment of time – which is most difficult for you to show? Why?