Most of you have probably heard this statement before; “It’s not what you know, but who you know that really matters.” Usually people who use this phrase are talking about connections that can help get you in somewhere; a job interview, a sales contact, a school, a dinner reservation, etc. As Christians this phrase can also be made to apply to our eternal destination, it is not our knowledge of the Bible, but our relationship with Jesus Christ that will get us “in”.
But let’s look at this question from a couple of different angles as it relates to the Christian life.
First of all, who do you know?
Who do you really know? Who is in your “inner circle” of trusted Christian friends? Who looks to you for counsel, guidance, spiritual advice or just to listen to them when they are in need?
Second, who knows you?
Who really knows you? Who do you share your struggles with? Who do you look to for counsel, advice or a listening ear? Who do you allow to challenge you or confront you in your life? Who do you not have secrets from?
Consider this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together;
If a Christian is in the fellowship of confession with a brother, then he will never be alone again anywhere. (p.113) Bonhoeffer is talking about the spiritual reality and power of Christian community.
It is not easy to truly know or be known by others in this way. Our natural reaction is to withhold at least part of ourselves from others because we want them to like us. Sometimes we even hide the truth from ourselves.
God has given us the gift of community; authentic relationships where He is at the center, in order that we do not have to withhold, pretend or hide.
Take a moment to list those who you feel are closest to you…
Thank God for the true friends in your life.
Ask God to help you develop the kind of relationships that will help you to grow into the person He wants you to be.
Monday, January 11
Answer this question: How would you describe yourself?
Go ahead, make a list and jot a few things down that describe who you are…
What kinds of things did you write down? What characteristics or qualities made your list? It is not a very easy thing to capture in just a few words is it?
Now read Ephesians 2:11-22…
What are the characteristics that define the people Paul is writing to in this passage?
What single fact shapes their identity?
Do you see yourself primarily and fundamentally as a member of God’s family?
Is the fact that you belong to Christ the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about who you are?
Sociologists and psychologists tell us that the primary issue for early adolescents is “identity formation”, they are trying to answer the question; who am I? From a spiritual perspective, I think this is the primary issue for every human being regardless of their age.
Questions for reflection:
How have you struggled with this question in your own life?
How does the passage in Ephesians help you answer this primary question?
How might your view of yourself & your view of others change if you were more secure in your identity in Christ?
Thank God for giving you a new identity in Christ and ask God to give you the security in Him that you need…
Go ahead, make a list and jot a few things down that describe who you are…
What kinds of things did you write down? What characteristics or qualities made your list? It is not a very easy thing to capture in just a few words is it?
Now read Ephesians 2:11-22…
What are the characteristics that define the people Paul is writing to in this passage?
What single fact shapes their identity?
Do you see yourself primarily and fundamentally as a member of God’s family?
Is the fact that you belong to Christ the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about who you are?
Sociologists and psychologists tell us that the primary issue for early adolescents is “identity formation”, they are trying to answer the question; who am I? From a spiritual perspective, I think this is the primary issue for every human being regardless of their age.
Questions for reflection:
How have you struggled with this question in your own life?
How does the passage in Ephesians help you answer this primary question?
How might your view of yourself & your view of others change if you were more secure in your identity in Christ?
Thank God for giving you a new identity in Christ and ask God to give you the security in Him that you need…
Friday, January 8
Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
This Psalm celebrates God’s desire to fill us with his joy – both now and someday in his eternal heaven. Begin your time with God focusing on his presence in your heart – and his promise of joy.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
After reading our “core text” one more time – focus on the last half of the last sentence. Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Most scholars believe Paul is looking ahead to the promise and joy of heaven. I think there are two primary thoughts in Paul’s mind: first, there is the promise of rest and joy in the presence of Jesus, his Lord. At this point in his life Paul is in prison and knows he is probably facing either continued imprisonment or even death at any moment. He is fully prepared for the end of his earthly life and the beginning of his eternal life!
But he also speaks of “winning the prize.” If salvation is based on faith in the grace of Christ alone – what prize is Paul talking about winning? Again, most scholars believe that he is talking about the rewards that Christ promises those who have served him faithfully in this life. Heaven is the reward for all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord – but the Bible does seem to point to special honor and responsibility that will be given to those who have served Christ with great faithfulness (see 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). Paul seems to be expressing his desire to remain steadfast and faithful in his calling – despite great hardship – by looking forward to the promise of Christ.
Most of us don’t think about heaven much until we face the death of a family member or friend – or until we face a life-threatening situation ourselves. But heaven is real – and an eternal life of joy and service to our King is to be that which both sustains us in difficult times and inspires us to faithfulness to Christ now!
Take some time to think about, and maybe write about, how the certainty and promise of heaven can shape and inspire your life now.
Ask the Lord to remind you often that even now your are being prepared for your eternal destiny in him!
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You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
This Psalm celebrates God’s desire to fill us with his joy – both now and someday in his eternal heaven. Begin your time with God focusing on his presence in your heart – and his promise of joy.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
After reading our “core text” one more time – focus on the last half of the last sentence. Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Most scholars believe Paul is looking ahead to the promise and joy of heaven. I think there are two primary thoughts in Paul’s mind: first, there is the promise of rest and joy in the presence of Jesus, his Lord. At this point in his life Paul is in prison and knows he is probably facing either continued imprisonment or even death at any moment. He is fully prepared for the end of his earthly life and the beginning of his eternal life!
But he also speaks of “winning the prize.” If salvation is based on faith in the grace of Christ alone – what prize is Paul talking about winning? Again, most scholars believe that he is talking about the rewards that Christ promises those who have served him faithfully in this life. Heaven is the reward for all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord – but the Bible does seem to point to special honor and responsibility that will be given to those who have served Christ with great faithfulness (see 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). Paul seems to be expressing his desire to remain steadfast and faithful in his calling – despite great hardship – by looking forward to the promise of Christ.
Most of us don’t think about heaven much until we face the death of a family member or friend – or until we face a life-threatening situation ourselves. But heaven is real – and an eternal life of joy and service to our King is to be that which both sustains us in difficult times and inspires us to faithfulness to Christ now!
Take some time to think about, and maybe write about, how the certainty and promise of heaven can shape and inspire your life now.
Ask the Lord to remind you often that even now your are being prepared for your eternal destiny in him!
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Thursday, January 7
Psalm 51:1-2, 10, 12
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Begin your time with God today by spending a few moments in reflection and confession. Lay open the content of your heart before the mercy and cleansing power of God’s great forgiveness. Ask him to renew your heart today.
Philippians 3:13-14
But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Here Paul is likely thinking about his life before meeting Christ – when he devoted himself to persecuting the followers of Jesus. I think it’s possible that the memories of his own pride and hatred cling to him even though he knows his sins are forgiven. Is there any way in which the mistakes, failures and sin of the past year still cling to your heart and mind today? Take some time to write down some of the things – attitudes, actions, habits – that Jesus might want you to “forget” – that is, trust completely to him as you look ahead to what he has for you in the New Year.
Close your time with God by thanking him for his power to wipe the slate of our hearts clean – and re-commit yourself to his calling on your life.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Begin your time with God today by spending a few moments in reflection and confession. Lay open the content of your heart before the mercy and cleansing power of God’s great forgiveness. Ask him to renew your heart today.
Philippians 3:13-14
But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Here Paul is likely thinking about his life before meeting Christ – when he devoted himself to persecuting the followers of Jesus. I think it’s possible that the memories of his own pride and hatred cling to him even though he knows his sins are forgiven. Is there any way in which the mistakes, failures and sin of the past year still cling to your heart and mind today? Take some time to write down some of the things – attitudes, actions, habits – that Jesus might want you to “forget” – that is, trust completely to him as you look ahead to what he has for you in the New Year.
Close your time with God by thanking him for his power to wipe the slate of our hearts clean – and re-commit yourself to his calling on your life.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Wednesday, January 6
Psalm 119:30-32
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Take a few moments in prayer to “set your heart” on the Lord. Confess to him those things that might keep your heart from being free to hear his word today.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
Paul knows that Christ has taken hold of him.
Paul also is absolutely committed to taking hold of Christ’s purposes in his life.
But Paul confesses that he has not yet achieved his spiritual goals – he has not yet become all that the Lord wants him to be.
In what ways can you identify with Paul in his admission that his spiritual growth is an unfinished process?
Take some time to reflect – and write down – areas of your life that you know Jesus would want to grow, strengthen or change.
What would you say are the top three barriers or hindrances to your own spiritual growth?
1.
2.
3.
Close your time with God in prayer – recommitting yourself to “pressing on” in the process of spiritual growth.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Take a few moments in prayer to “set your heart” on the Lord. Confess to him those things that might keep your heart from being free to hear his word today.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
Paul knows that Christ has taken hold of him.
Paul also is absolutely committed to taking hold of Christ’s purposes in his life.
But Paul confesses that he has not yet achieved his spiritual goals – he has not yet become all that the Lord wants him to be.
In what ways can you identify with Paul in his admission that his spiritual growth is an unfinished process?
Take some time to reflect – and write down – areas of your life that you know Jesus would want to grow, strengthen or change.
What would you say are the top three barriers or hindrances to your own spiritual growth?
1.
2.
3.
Close your time with God in prayer – recommitting yourself to “pressing on” in the process of spiritual growth.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Tuesday, January 5
Psalm 119:14-16
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Take a moment to thank God for the beauty and power of his word. Ask him to help you focus your mind and heart so that you may understand the truth he has for you today.
Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Paul seems to be suggesting here that while our journey with Christ begins with understanding and receiving the gift of eternal life, God has a purpose for each one of us that goes beyond salvation.
Paul eventually came to understand that Christ’s purpose for his life was to bring the gospel to the Gentile world. In what ways have you “taken hold” of Christ’s purposes for your life? What questions do you have about what he may want for you or from you?
Take a few minutes to write out answers to these questions – then close your time with God by asking him to make his purposes for your life clear through the coming weeks.
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10 Minutes with God, Monday, January 4, 2010
Psalm 119:17-18
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Spend a few moments in prayer; ask the Lord to quiet your heart and mind that you may know his presence and hear his voice.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul here describes his relationship with Christ as a dynamic process – a kind of intentional journey.
Take some time to think about your own spiritual journey.
Were you raised in a Christian home? Were you exposed to the truth of Christ early in life – or did you meet him later on?
Who were the influential people in your journey toward Jesus?
When and how did Christ “take hold” of you?
Was there a decisive moment when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior – or was your experience of salvation more of a “process?”
Can you define 1 or 2 spiritual turning points in your life?
Take a few minutes to write out an outline of your faith journey. After doing so - close you time with God by thanking him for the people and experiences he has provided you along the way. Ask him to give you an opportunity to share your story with someone who needs encouragement in their journey.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Spend a few moments in prayer; ask the Lord to quiet your heart and mind that you may know his presence and hear his voice.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul here describes his relationship with Christ as a dynamic process – a kind of intentional journey.
Take some time to think about your own spiritual journey.
Were you raised in a Christian home? Were you exposed to the truth of Christ early in life – or did you meet him later on?
Who were the influential people in your journey toward Jesus?
When and how did Christ “take hold” of you?
Was there a decisive moment when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior – or was your experience of salvation more of a “process?”
Can you define 1 or 2 spiritual turning points in your life?
Take a few minutes to write out an outline of your faith journey. After doing so - close you time with God by thanking him for the people and experiences he has provided you along the way. Ask him to give you an opportunity to share your story with someone who needs encouragement in their journey.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
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