Think Devotionals
Philippians 2:5
November 3, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 2:5
So, what was Jesus’ attitude toward the world? He set aside the glories of heaven and came to us on a radical rescue mission! He entered fully into our world and took on the entirety of our humanity. After a long season of hanging out with tax collectors and sinners, he humbled himself by giving himself over to the worst kind of death on our behalf – crucifixion. The attitude of Jesus that is to be in us is this: that we set aside our preferences and even die to our rights in order to love others sacrificially. Yes, friend, Christianity is about radical love! It starts with Jesus’ love for you and me, and then it extends outward as Jesus loves others through us. As we love others with His love. This is genuine humility on display, thinking of yourself less and others more! PASSAGE: Philippians 2:5 - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus!" PAUSE: Our lives should model the life of Christ. Christ Jesus is our one example. Christ was humble, kind, and loving. He did not think of himself first but always thought of others first. Life is not about me; it is about others. PRAYER: Father, keep me humble. Help me to focus on Christ as my example. Forgive me for my selfish thoughts, and help me to love others well today.
Philippians 2:4
November 2, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 2:4
The essence of sin is selfishness! The rebellious spirit in each of us says to God, “I want to be in charge of my own life; I don’t want to follow you!” But then God saves us and sets us free from all that. He begins to turn us upward and outward, first toward Himself and then toward others. He sets us free in Christ to daily die to our old selves and old ways and to join Him in the new life of love. A sure sign that you are growing up in this new life is that you begin to develop a heart for the well-being and spiritual encouragement of others. Jesus creates in us a growing capacity to say “no” to me so that I can say “yes” to sacrificially serving and loving and blessing those around us. And let me tell you, you will never feel more alive and free than when God uses you as a conduit of His love to bless another person, especially one with significant needs! PASSAGE: Philippians 2:4 - "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." PAUSE: Life is so much better when we stop thinking about ourselves and start thinking about others. We need to take our eyes off ourselves and think more about our family and friends. Track the focus of your thoughts today. Are your thoughts more about you or about those who are around you? PRAYER: Father, help me to focus. Help me to take my eyes off myself and to focus my eyes on those you have placed before me. Focus my thoughts today.
Philippians 2:1-2
November 1, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 2:1–2
Often, it can be difficult for a larger church like The Chapel to feel like a family. But we must strive for it to be a family, our spiritual family. This can happen when we gather regularly with a smaller group within the larger Body and do life deeply together. Isolation is the enemy and a tool of the devil. But notice the beautiful attributes that characterize healthy church families. Harshness is replaced with tenderness, and indifference is replaced with compassion. The family members are close and actively choose to demonstrate love towards one another. No one gets left out or left behind. And we forget about our differences and unite around the call of God to build His kingdom together. Are you in a Life Group, Bible Study, or part of a service team? Who are those key people in your life that make up your spiritual family? PASSAGE: Philippians 2:1-2 - "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." PAUSE: Oneness breeds encouragement and comfort within my church family. A house divided quickly falls! We experience “one mind” when we embrace having the same thoughts, same love, and same humility for one another. What we think about each other and the church matters greatly! PRAYER: Father, thank you for the Chapel. Create within me the ability to embrace oneness in my thoughts and my love for the Chapel family.
Romans 15:5-6
October 31, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Romans 15:5–6
One day in heaven, people from every background, nation, and tongue will be gathered around the throne of God, giving passionate praise and glory to our great God with one voice! The church exists to get that party started right now! God calls us and equips believers to live in unity. But this unity is not something vague and with no purpose. It is a dynamic unity of gathering together and properly giving God His due for His wonderful gift of grace, forgiveness, adoption, and new life that are freely given to us in Christ Jesus. This Sunday during worship, don’t just “show up to sing some songs.” Let’s gather with a unified heart focused on the goodness and grace of our God. Pay attention to the significance that the hundreds of others in the room are lifting their voices with you to glorify God! PASSAGE: Romans 15:5-6 - "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." PAUSE: Harmony is the pleasing arrangement of various parts. Whether in music, art, or relationships, harmony is beautiful and pleases our hearts. God is satisfied when we worship and praise him in harmony with one another. Our thoughts about Christ and his church influence the way we worship together. PRAYER: Christ Jesus, I want to praise you with the one voice with my church family. Forgive me for the times that I am critical about worship at church.
Acts 1:14
October 30, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Acts 1:14
American Christians are often guilty of turning the spiritual life into a solo sport. And this is a tragic mistake! It is incredible how much the early church lived life together and how much we tend to live life apart. Imagine going before Christ’s throne of grace in the community of like-minded sisters and brothers. Seeking Him together, not just for the latest list of physical needs, but also for the spiritual growth of our families and dear friends, for the salvation of those in our lives who don’t yet know the love and forgiveness and new life in Jesus. Of course, there is the need for personal, private prayer with our Father. Jesus Himself modeled this. But where and with whom are you “joining together constantly in prayer?” This might be a missing piece that could breathe new life into your intimacy with God. PASSAGE: Acts 1:14 - "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers." PAUSE: The early church was built upon oneness. They lived in one accord with Christ Jesus and with each other. They devoted themselves to prayer. What we think and believe about Christ determines our thoughts and behaviors. Stop and reflect this week. What are your thoughts about Christ? PRAYER: Father, thank you for the gift of oneness. Grant me the ability to be in one accord with my church family. Create in me a devotion to pray with others.
Week 5
Join us each day for a devotional in the Think series. Sign up for “Devotional Reminders” in The Chapel app’s notification settings. October 30 - Acts 1:14 October 31 - Romans 15:5-6 November 1 - Philippians 2:2 November 2 - Philippians 2:4 November 3 - Philippians 2:5
Philippians 4:7
October 27, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 4:7
At times, life is just plain hard. Some of us more than others experience an extreme amount of hardship. Job loss, cancer, loss of a loved one gone far too soon. The pain of that experience is so very real, and we can't ignore that. There is no easy-button or magic wand we can waive to make it all better. But friends, we are not left without hope. As much as we don't understand the pain of circumstances we face, there is also a peace that God gives us which is beyond our understanding. Turn to God with all of your pain, troubles, trials, and heartache, and your Heavenly Father will comfort you. In situations where peace doesn't seem possible, let God's peace fill your hearts and minds. PASSAGE: Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." PAUSE: The peace of God is truly an amazing gift from God. One of the ways we rewire our thoughts is by replacing anxiety with peace. God’s peace not only surpasses all understanding, but it protects our minds and our hearts. PRAYER: Father, thank you for your peace. As this series continues, please replace all my stinking’ thinking’ with your thoughts of peace and joy.
Philippians 4:6
October 26, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 4:6
"Don't worry about it! Everything will be fine!" Have you ever given this advice to a friend or spouse, only to find out it made them more anxious or mad at you for even suggesting it! When we think about the thoughts that run through our mind, we have to fight the lies by replacing them with truth. When we say "don't worry" it's a true and good thing to suggest, but it can be unhelpful if we don't replace it with something better. The cure for anxiety and worry is to replace it with gratitude and thanksgiving. When we fill our thoughts with thankfulness, it leaves no room for worry. No matter what situation you find yourself in, find something to be thankful for, and give God praise for that. Even if it is as simple as "Lord, thank you this day and the breath I have in my lungs!" ASSAGE: Philippians 4:6 - "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." PAUSE: Anxiety and worry are idols. When we worry, we are saying that God is not big enough or gracious enough to handle our situation. Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul commanded us not to worry. The cure to worry is praying with a grateful heart. When we pray, we replace anxiety with peace. PRAYER: Father, teach me to pray! Teach me to pray in such a way that I give thanks for every situation and that I trust you with my current situation.
Philippians 4:5
October 25, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 4:5
Did you know that all Christians are to be known for their gentleness? Remember, this is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s sad that many believers have a reputation for being pushy or harsh or selfish. Think about a difficult situation going on in your life. Maybe you are tempted to take control to make sure you get the outcome you want. Maybe you feel tempted to turn up the pressure or the volume of your voice. Or possibly your mind is set on revenge rather than forgiveness. What would it look like for you to draw near to the Lord and ask Him for His gentleness instead? A gentleness that flows from knowing He is in control. A gentleness that brings a calmness to the situation that allows you to listen well and respond with love and wisdom. PASSAGE: Philippians 4:5 - "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." PAUSE: The Lord’s presence is what calms our anxious thoughts. The Lord is near both in his presence and in his return. Knowing that the Lord is always with us and that he is coming soon is the pause we need today. He is near! PRAYER: Father, thank you for the promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Lord, I desire to draw near to your presence, draw near to me!
Philippians 4:4
October 24, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 4:4
The first thing to notice in 4:4 is that this is a command. We are literally commanded to “rejoice in the Lord always!” That must mean that this rejoicing in not merely a feeling to be felt but it is a moment by moment choice that we must make. Yes friend, no matter what is going on in your life, including trials and suffering and loss, we can choose to rejoice in the Lord. This does not mean we are rejoicing for the trial or suffering. But we are choosing to rejoice that God has saved us and that God is working in the midst of our difficulty to deepen us and transform us to be more like Jesus in the way we live and love. And we rejoice that He is walking with us through our painful path, giving us His strength and peace and eternal perspective. And we rejoice always because we know that this current difficulty will not have the last word. In the end, Jesus wins! And we win with Him! PASSAGE: Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" PAUSE: What a powerful verse to memorize and to meditate upon this week. Rejoicing is never in our circumstances; rejoicing is always in the Lord. When our thoughts are focused on our problems, we always lose the battle for the mind, but when our thoughts are focused on the Lord, we always rejoice. PRAYER: Christ Jesus, I rejoice in you today. Help me to find my joy in you and you alone. Forgive me for taking my eyes off you and focusing on my problems.
Galatians 5:22-23
October 23, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Galatians 5:22–23
The job of the Holy Spirit is to produce the fruit of the life Jesus in us as we walk with Him in continual surrendered obedience! So we do not produce spiritual fruit from our own fleshly efforts. And the Spirit does not forcefully take over our bodies and produce spiritual fruit with no cooperation from us. Rather, we are called to bring our redeemed lives before the Lord as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1), which means we are dying to our own agenda and committing to God’s kingdom agenda. Then as we go forth into the circumstances and relationships of our lives we trust that the Spirit is working in us and through us to be conduits of Christ’s love and His beautiful fruit comes from deep within us, in our new hearts, and flows out to touch and bless others. PASSAGE: Galatians 5:22-23A - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control." PAUSE: The Apostle Paul revealed both the blessings and benefits of walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Most of our anxious and negative thoughts are the consequences of walking in the flesh, not the Spirit. It is literally impossible to walk in the Spirit and to be obsessed with negative and anxious thoughts. PRAYER: Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Allow me to walk in step with the Spirit, revealing to myself and to others the fruit of my thoughts.
Week 4
Join us each day for a devotional in the Think series. Sign up for “Devotional Reminders” in The Chapel app’s notification settings. October 23 - Galatians 5:22-23 October 24 - Philippians 4:4 October 25 - Philippians 4:5 October 26 - Philippians 4:6 October 27 - Philippians 4:7
Philippians 4:23
October 20, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 4:23
Do you have anyone in your life that just seems to always have a positive attitude no matter what's going on? Maybe you've asked yourself at some point "what's different about that person" or "what do they have that I don't?" If you're feeling that way, I want to encourage you that you, too, can have that kind of contentment. If we get stuck believing the lie that our happiness depends on our circumstances, then we will experience a roller coaster of emotions as we go through hard times. Instead, we can replace that lie with the truth that joy comes from the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul found joy even in the worst of circumstances because he was focused on God's grace, which made any temporary circumstance pale in comparison. PASSAGE: Philippians 4:23 - "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." PAUSE: Paul ended his letter to the Philippians with a powerful reminder of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wrote the letter of Philippians while in jail; instead of focusing on the negative, Paul focused on the grace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul’s relationship with Christ caused him to rejoice. PRAYER: Father, thank you for your grace. Encourage my spirit through this series. Help me to rejoice in my relationship with you; your grace is amazing!
Philippians 4:19
October 19, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 4:19
When our minds get stuck in the rut of thinking that it all depends on us, we lose sight of God as our ultimate provider. The Apostle Paul is speaking here about times that he has experienced plenty and times that he has experienced need. But in both scenarios, he was able to draw strength from Christ to bring him through whatever circumstance he faced. Replace the lie in your mind that says it all depends on you. Rather than relying on your own limited capacity, lean on God to provide for your every need from His unlimited riches! PASSAGE: Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." PAUSE: When we trust God, we realize that he graciously meets us where we are, whether in abundance or need. Instead of focusing on our limits, God wants us to focus on his riches. Pause and meditate on the riches of his grace. PRAYER: Father, I am rich in you. Thank you for providing for all my needs. Forgive me for the times when I focus more on my needs than on you.
Philippians 4:13
October 18, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 4:13
The Christian life is supernatural! You cannot live the new life that God has saved you and called you to on your own strength. It’s literally impossible. To experience victory over life long sin struggles, to become holy in your character, to love others radically with the love of Jesus, all these aspects of the Christian life are the fruit of a life surrendered to God & filled with the Holy Spirit. Yes, as we daily choose active faith in Christ, actively surrender our lives to His Kingdom agenda, the Spirit of the Living God infuses us with God’s strength to life and love with His energy which so powerfully works in us. (See Colossians 1:28-29) Please quit trying to live the Christian life on your own strength & understanding. Please ask Jesus for His promised power, that you would know it and experience it and live it! PASSAGE: Philippians 4:13 - " I can do all things through him who strengthens me." PAUSE: One of the most positive verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:13. When we think we can’t, God says we can. When we think life is impossible, God says with him, all things are possible. When we feel weak, he makes us strong. PRAYER: Father, thank you for the strength that you provide. Help me to think more positively when I say I can’t; help me to believe I can do things in Christ.