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devotion

Finding Gratitude in Every Circumstance

Devotion: In Everything Give Thanks

Scripture

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Reflection

If you look closely, this verse isn’t really saying “be thankful for everything.” Instead, it says “be thankful in everything.” That’s a big deal because it means you don’t have to force yourself to be thankful for rough patches, like a flat tire, getting sick, or facing obstacles. 

The Bible doesn’t just mention “some things” or “a few things.” It talks about everything. And when it says everything, it really means all of it, big stuff, small stuff, important stuff and trivial stuff. l 

Philippians 4:6-7 is all about not letting anxiety take over your life. Whenever you’re feeling stressed out, just take a moment to chat with God. Ask for His help and remember to say thank You for the good stuff too. This is a great way to deal with your worries. And then, you’ll feel that peace from God that goes beyond what you can understand, keeping your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

When things get tough, try to find thankfulness by remembering that God’s goodness is still around you. He’s always there, guiding you through everything for your growth and betterment, just like it says in Romans 8:28.

Practicing gratitude is a great way to step back from the crazy stuff going on around you. It reminds you to look to the One who supports and cares for you. Jesus can be like your personal “reset button,” making it easier to handle and get past those negative feelings that might mess with how you see things.

It helps you see and value the kindness and understanding that’s always around you, even when times get tough. At the core, this routine is all about helping you find that inner peace and build a stronger connection while you grow spiritually.

Prayer

Father, help me notice the little things today that usually go unnoticed, like the cozy warmth of the sun and the friendly smiles of people around me. I’m making a real effort to be grateful for what I have, even with everything going on. I believe You’re always here with me, helping me tackle whatever life throws my way. 

I’ve come to understand that even minor things can really boost my mood, so I want to take a minute to acknowledge and treasure those small details that make my day a bit brighter. Thanks a lot for sticking by my side through everything.

You’ve shown me how important it is to appreciate both the little things and the big stuff in life. With profound humility, I worship You, Almighty God, for I know there is absolutely none like You anywhere in existence. 

Your wondrous attributes and boundless kindness leave me utterly speechless, as I reflect on the unparalleled nature of Your being. I lift my voice and heart in adoration, celebrating the unique essence of Your divinity. Truly, You are the One and Only God, deserving of all my praise and devotion. In Jesus’ name, Amen,

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Dr Andrew C S Koh
Categories
devotion

Triple Peace Explained

Devotion: Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Scripture

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.

Reflection

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it really means a lot in Jewish culture. Shalom is often used as a friendly greeting in the Hebrew-speaking community. It’s not just a way to say hi; it’s like wishing someone peace and happiness too. When you meet someone, especially in a Jewish setting, it’s polite to say shalom to help build a nice vibe. Using this greeting can definitely brighten up the mood and strengthen your connections with people.

Usually, feeling “at peace” goes hand in hand with being happy and just feeling good about life, where everything seems to click together nicely.. Your bills are handled, your kids are doing great, your boss is happy with you, and everyone at work is getting along just fine.

According to the Bible, peace means something different. It’s this deep kind of calm that you just can’t explain. This awesome feeling of peace can just show up when you least expect it. It doesn’t let outside stuff get in the way and feels super comforting even when you’re facing challenges.

Like when you’re sitting nervously in a hospital waiting area or trying to figure out the ups and downs of your relationships. You can totally feel the benefits of this peace without needing to understand every little thing about it. It’s like a shield that helps guard you from those heavy waves of anxiety and sadness. 

The Bible explains that there are three unique kinds of peace that you can experience when you’re justified by grace, showing just how meaningful this triple peace is. 

First off, there’s the peace of God, which gives you that calm feeling and security inside. Then, you have the peace from God, showing the blessings and comfort He shares with you when you reach out to Him. Lastly, there’s peace with God, which is all about fixing that relationship between you and your Creator. This is really important for a spiritual journey that feels meaningful.

In John 14:27, Jesus tells His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” He’s making it clear that the peace He offers is different from what you will find in the world. Unlike the temporary and shallow peace that can come and go, His peace is deep and lasting. He encourages you not to worry and to let go of your fears. This really hits home as a soothing reminder that you can find true calm through Him.

Prayer

 Father, I’ve discovered something that really matters. I don’t need a perfect life without problems to really feel at ease and find my inner peace. 

I’m putting my energy into discovering this unique sense of peace that feels like a protective wall around my thoughts and feelings, helping me to deal with the day-to-day stuff with a little more grace and understanding. 

Instead of stressing about being perfect, I’ve decided to focus on finding the peace that helps me feel good and enjoy life to the fullest. In the end, it’s this peace that helps me face whatever the day throws at me with courage.

I can’t thank You enough for the beautiful gift of grace. It really brings this awesome peace that seems to surround me all the time. 

Your grace is far more than a mere abstract concept. It really changes how I live and gives me a wonderful sense of calm and confidence each day. Feeling forgiven brings a calm that fills my whole heart and mind that is beyond human understanding. I feel really grateful for this amazing experience that brightens up my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotion is taken from my book, 33 Days of Daily devotion. If you like to have a free copy of this book click on the link below:

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Dr Andrew C S Koh

Categories
bible study devotion

My God shall supply: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

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Philippians 4: 17-20

Introduction

Paul, the author of Philippians, wrote this thank you letter to the Philippians Christians between AD 60-62 in the Roman prison, chained to a Roman Pretorian guard, According to church tradition, Emperor Nero released Paul in AD 62, but rearrested and beheaded him in AD 66 at the Mamertine prison in Rome. 

This is one of the 4 Pauline prison epistles,. Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. 

The theme of Philippians is “joy and rejoice in Christ”. 

Passage

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 1:17-20

Reflection

Paul was not greedy for money. He encouraged the Philippians Christians, and us, to give generously out of a grateful heart, to receive God’s blessings in return. Paul was in chains, hungry, secluded, and needy, but his spirit soars like an eagle. He was contented, at peace, and grateful. He thanked his supporters  for their timely and generous support. God will supply all that he needed out of the abundant riches of Christ. God is no debtor to anyone. He owned every cattle on a thousand hills.  

 

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully”

1 Corinthians 9:6

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” 

Luke 6:38

Memory verse

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:19

Application

What have you got to worry about? God knows all your needs and all your problems. He will supply all that you need. Surrender your life to Him. Let Him take over the driver’s seat of your life. God will replenish the things that Covid pandemic took away. and eaten Do not throw in the towel. Trust Him. Do nor fear, just believe.

Prayer

Heaven Father, thank You for abundant provisions. Help us to sow generously to the work of Your kingdom. Help us to store up treasures in heaven that lasts into eternity, in Jesus’ name, Amen

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Philippians, lesson 11

Lesson 11

Philippians 4: 8-23.

VV 8-9, 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul implored the Philippians Christians, (and us), to meditate on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, good, praiseworthy, to learn, emulate, and imitate him in words, actions, and deeds.

VV 10-13, 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Greek for abased is “tapeinoo”, which means in humble circumstances. Greek for abound is “perisseuo”, which means in abundant circumstances. Paul rejoiced in Christ and was contented in all circumstances, in poverty and in prosperity, in hunger and in fullness, in good times and bad times, in freedom and in prison.

1 Tim 6: 6-7, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out”.

Philippians 4:13 is a memory verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

VV 14-16, 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

The Philippians church supported Paul financially in his second missionary journey when he was ridiculed, persecuted, beaten, and imprisoned by the Jews in Philippi. They supported him when he had left Philippi for Thessalonica.

VV 17-20, 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul was not greedy for money but encouraged them (and us) to give generously out of a grateful heart, to receive God’s blessings in return. He thanked them for their timely and acceptable offering through Epaphroditus.

2 Cor 9:6, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully”

Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Philippians 4:19 is a memory verse, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.

VV 21-23, 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Greek for saint is “hagios”, which means consecrated or holy. Pauline theology considered all Christians as saints.

Ephesians 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus”.

Paul sent greetings from all his coworkers in Rome, including Christians in Caeser’s household, who were converted and saved through the Roman Pretorian guards, who were converted and saved by Paul. Paul ended this epistle with a doxology, benediction, prayer, and Amen.