Guess Who? Devotionals
Psalm 51:10
May 31, 2024 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Psalm 51:10
Do you worry that your mistakes have piled up so high that God isn't with you anymore? Do you fear that He doesn't want you in His presence anymore because of the things you've done? I want to reassure you, that nothing can separate you from the love of God. If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you are clothed with His righteousness, and you are forever a child of God. But in our earthly bodies, we still deal with the feelings -- the feelings of worry, doubt, and fear. If you feel this way, you're in good company. David expressed these feelings in Psalm 51. He cried out to God, "Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me." Friends, the feelings will come, and they may seem overwhelming at times. But you are never alone. God will never leave you, and He wants you to bring those feelings to Him. Bring your pain, bring your mistakes, come to Him with a repentant heart, and He will restore the joy of your salvation. Have joy knowing that your salvation is secure, not because of anything you've done (good or bad), but only through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. PASSAGE: Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. PAUSE: Psalms 32 and 51 focus on David confessing his sin against the Lord. At first, King David tried to hide his sin from God and others. God’s mercy and grace are available to everyone. Let us all bow in brokenness and repent. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, create a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me! Fill me with your Holy Spirit! I pause one more time to confess my sins before a Holy God, who is graceful and kind, to forgive me of all my sins.
Psalm 32:1
May 2, 2024 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Psalm 32:1
Have you ever held something inside because you were nervous to share it with the person that you wronged? Maybe something big, but maybe even something small. Regardless of what it was, I'm guessing it swirled in your head and maybe even gave you a sinking feeling in your stomach. I know because I've been there, too. It's unsettling to feel like your very soul is in turmoil. Friends, I want you to know you're not alone--we have all made mistakes, we have all wronged others, and we have all fallen short of the glory of God. The turning point is what we do with our sins. Do we let them swirl inside of our heads, or do we confess them to each other and to God? When I have opened up to others, there has come a freedom that didn't feel like it was possible before. Only through confession can there come healing and freedom! Know with confident assurance that your sins have already been forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus. Allow that confidence to motivate you to openness and confession, and be blessed! PASSAGE: Psalm 32:1 - "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." PAUSE: Blessed or happy is the soul knowing their sins are forgiven. Even after adultery and murder, David knew that his confession of sin unlocked the doorway to happiness. Hidden sins always lead to anxiety. Because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, we must confess our sins. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the cross of Jesus Christ. I am truly blessed knowing that I have been set free in Christ and through confession.
James 5:16
May 1, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • James 5:16
Oh, the multitude of broken relationships, marriages, families, and churches caused by the separation, pain, and isolation of unconfessed sin. Unconfessed to God, and unconfessed to one another. Sin is NEVER just something that hurts the one committing the sin. It ALWAYS has a negative relational impact on those around us! Our sins are like little (or big) bombs that leave hurt, distrust, and confusion in its path. Unconfessed sin is a huge lose-lose situation! I lose because I carry around in my heart the burden of guilt and shame. And I am hindered in my walk with Jesus and my service for His Kingdom. Those around me, especially those I’ve sinned against, lose because the wedge in our relationship caused by my sin remains in place. And again, God’s remedy for reconciliation is genuine confession. When I choose to humbly own (confess) my sin and, when appropriate, ask for forgiveness, my burden is lifted, and our relationship is restored and set free to move forward in a God glorifying way. “Confess your sins to each other.” This needs to become a regular practice in the life of every believer! PASSAGE: James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." PAUSE: Let’s be honest. Confession of sins is hard. It is hard for us to acknowledge our sins, much less confess them to our family and friends. Confession of sins ultimately results in the healing of our souls. Spiritual, emotional, and relational health demands that we confess our sins. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to be healthy. Lord, grant me the courage and wisdom to confess my sins to other believers who care deeply about me.
1 John 1:9
April 30, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • 1 John 1:9
Salvation through Jesus Christ delivers us from the penalty and power of the sin in our lives that separates us from God. For the believer, and I want to be clear on this, the presence of sin in my life is not an issue of “am I still saved?” or “have I lost my salvation?” But rather, it is an issue of whether or not I am living in right fellowship (think intimate relationship) with God. Think about how this works in human relationships. When a husband says something hurtful (sinful) to his wife, they are still married but the quality of their fellowship is damaged. But if he confesses his sinful words and asks for forgiveness then their closeness is restored. In the same way, when I sin it effects my relationship with God. God’s remedy for restoration is for me to confess that sin to Him. To “confess” means to call sin what it is! Don’t minimize it, don’t deny it, don’t excuse it, OWN IT! And don’t confess your sins generically (“Father, forgive me for all my sins”). Confess your sins specifically (“Father, forgive me for the harsh way I treated Bob”) and confess your sins repentantly (“Father, this harsh manner in me is evidence of a prideful spirit in me and is displeasing to You and gets in the way of me loving others well and for Your glory. Father, forgive me, cleanse me, change me.”) And because we still have a sin nature, confession before the Father (and others) needs to be a regular rhythm in our lives! PASSAGE: 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." PAUSE: “If we confess our sins” is a conditional statement. Whether we confess our sins or not, the choice is ours. Confession of sins is the entryway into a deeper walk with our Heavenly Father. Confession of sins restores our relationship with God and allows us to be honest with ourselves and others. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me. Today, I pause to confess my known sins and those I don’t even realize. Cleanse me, and please revive my soul today!
1 John 1:8
April 29, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • 1 John 1:8
Let’s face it, sin is way more complex and way more deadly than the average Christian thinks it is. Our flesh works so hard to minimize sin, rename sin, rationalize sin, blame-shift sin, or simply ignore sin. But ongoing sin in the life of a believer has the effect of stealing away our fellowship (close relationship/union) with the Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit). One sure sign of spiritual growth in the life of a believer is an ever-increasing sensitivity to both the obvious and the subtle sins going on inside of them and coming out of them! And in that growing believer there is deepening awareness not only of sins of action but also of sins of wrong motives, thoughts, and inactions. (Not doing the good thing I should do). Beautiful, ongoing fellowship with God is maintained as we cultivate a quick awareness of our own sin so that we will be quick to confess that sin properly to our Father who loves us. (More on that tomorrow). Note that the purpose for better awareness of our own sin is not so we will stew on that sin in shame and self-hatred! (Satan’s favorite strategy!) “Loving Father, help me to be more tuned-in to the convicting ministry of Your Holy Spirit, that I might be quick to own and quick to confess any and every sin that gets between You and me. Amen!” PASSAGE: 1 John 1:8 - "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." PAUSE: Jesus’s best friend, John, is clear. We deceive ourselves if we say we have no sin in our lives. We are not being truthful with ourselves and with others. Once we acknowledge our sins and confess our sins, we walk truthfully. PRAYER: Our Father who lives in heaven, I desire to take a deep look within my soul. Today, I begin a new journey; I will be truthful about how I live my life.
Week 4
Join us each day for a devotional in the "Guess Who?" series. Sign up for “Devotional Reminders” in The Chapel app’s notification settings. April 29 - 1 John 1:8 April 30 - 1 John 1:8 May 1 - James 5:16 May 2 - Psalm 32:1 May 3 - Psalm 51:10
Philippians 2:7
April 26, 2024 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 2:7
Growing up playing sports, I remember watching the professionals and imagining what it would be like to play in their league. What would it be like to really make a name for yourself and be one of the greatest to ever play the game? The honor--the prestige--the pure joy of getting to play the game you love most each and every day. If you were able to reach that level of honor, it would be pretty difficult to imagine walking away from that without a really good reason. In this passage of Scripture we've been exploring, Paul is setting up a stark contrast for us to realize just how big of a deal Jesus' sacrifice is. Jesus had the highest position of honor possible--God Himself. The Son was in the presence of the Father in Heaven, yet he gave up that position of honor to take on the lowest status possible--a servant. Jesus was willing to give up everything in order to save you and me. I want to challenge you to ask yourself this question -- is there anything in my life I'm not willing to give up if God would call me to? Begin to model your thinking after Christ's example of extreme self-sacrifice in pursuit of love toward others. PASSAGE: Philippians 2:7 - "...rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." PAUSE: Jesus emptied Himself of everything so that He could reveal His true nature. Yes, Jesus was fully divine and fully human, but He took on the role of servant and sacrificed Himself for all. As followers of Christ, we should be willing to give up whatever keeps us from being the humble servants we are to be. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the atoning sacrifice for my sins. Today, I commit myself to serving others.
Philippians 2:5
April 25, 2024 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 2:5
I don’t know about you, but my default is often to look out for my own needs first. Having kids has helped to change this mindset, but it still takes effort and actively thinking about serving others before yourself. Even little things like getting food for myself because I’m hungry, but then realizing that I should have helped the kids first. We have a choice to make. We can continue to follow our own way, or we can follow Christ’s example. When we think more like Christ, our actions will shift towards an others-first mentality. The more often we choose to follow the mindset of Christ, the more our own thinking will be transformed. Eventually, our default reactions will begin to reflect Christ more and more! PASSAGE: Philippians 2:5 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus..." PAUSE: Every Christian has a choice. We can either follow the way of self or the way of Christ. The way of Christ is radically different. Christ was unselfish. He was humble, He was pure love, and He was authentic and genuine with others. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to think differently. Today, I desire to follow the way of Christ. Transform the way I feel about myself and others.
Philippians 2:3
April 24, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 2:3
Sin is selfishness to the core! And it drives our motives, thoughts, and actions unless the love and life of Christ intervenes. Sin only cares about others to the degree that the other can be used to serve my purposes. But then God saves us from the penalty and power of sin and begins to transform us into the character of His Son. He fills us with His Spirit and sets us free, unleashes us, to be the kind of people who are a blessing to others. As we abide closely with Christ and find our identity and security in Him, we are free to turn our focus on others with a heart of genuine care. God grows us into people who deeply love others. And not just in some generic way. But in a manner in which we pay attention to what is going on in the lives of others. What are their needs (spiritually, emotionally, physically, materially)? And then we choose to move toward that need with an action of love that blesses them, helps them. And God will guide us and give us wisdom on how to best love that person. And here is the payoff. When you are used by God to bless another person it is a win-win situation! They are blessed by your kindness, and you are blessed because you are a vessel that God is using to build His kingdom! Who can you bless today? Go do it! PASSAGE: Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves..." PAUSE: The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian church to be humble. He wanted them to think of themselves less and of others more often. If you find yourself centered on yourself, something is amiss. Take your eyes off yourself, start thinking about others, and find ways to encourage one another. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to be humble. Forgive me for my selfish ways. Help me to consider others before I think about myself. Change my heart!
Philippians 2:2
April 23, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 2:2
Every believer will be accountable before God for how he or she protects, promotes, and participates in the unity of their local church!!! Friends, this is not a little deal, it is a huge deal! Paul knows that the true living-out of the gospel by the people of God will always result in beautiful, deep unity. And when this happens it brings joy to his heart (and God’s heart as well!) And when it does not happen, which is far too often, it breaks the heart of God! Paul includes an emphasis on unity in nearly all of his letters. This gospel unity is characterized by a like-minded commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and to the disciple-making mission of His church. And it is characterized by deeply loved Christians (loved by Jesus!) turning towards one another and loving each other with that same love. The great Christian writer Francis Schaeffer calls this deep unity of the church the “final apologetic.” What he means is that the very best argument for the truth of the gospel to a watching world is the church living in unity and love. It is like a magnet that Christ uses to draw people to Himself. So, how are you protecting, promoting, and participating in the unity of The Chapel? PASSAGE: Philippians 2:2 - "...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." PAUSE: In Christ, we are one! We are all part of the same team, family, and community. The goal of our relationship with Christ Jesus is to be united. Unity is expressed best with our love for each other and thoughts about life! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my selfish ways! I desire to unite with my fellow believers in how I think about You, life, and our church family.
Philippians 2:1
April 22, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Philippians 2:1
A massive problem in the way western Christians read and understand the Bible and the Gospel is that we interpret it all through the grid of the radical individualism that permeates our modern culture! Of course, there is the reality that I must personally trust in Christ to be saved. But when I do that, I am saved into the Body of Christ, I am adopted into God’s forever family. Take note that the New Testament letters are written mainly to local churches, not individuals. And the ones written to individuals, like Timothy, are still focused on his pastoral care of a local church! We listen to sermons and do our devotionals (like this one) almost exclusively with a mindset of personal growth and application. And there is a place for that. But the overwhelming focus of New Testament Christianity is on the life of the community together! (Note: that is true of the Old Testament as well!) The focus is on such things as finding our place of serving (spiritual gifts) in the family. And living in a relationship of radical love for others in the community. And living in supportive, accountable, submissive relationships within the community. Help us, Lord Jesus, to think “we” before “me”! AMEN PASSAGE: Philippians 2:1 - "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…" PAUSE: In Christ, everything changes! At the top of that list is our relationship with fellow Christ followers. We transition from “me” to “we” from “mine” to “ours.” The thought of belonging to the community of believers should encourage us tremendously and change the way we think about church. PRAYER: Our Father who lives in heaven, I praise your name today. Help me realize that it is not my Father, but our Father who lives in heaven!
Week 3
Join us each day for a devotional in the "Guess Who?" series. Sign up for “Devotional Reminders” in The Chapel app’s notification settings. April 22 - Philippians 2:1 April 23 - Philippians 2:2 April 24 - Philippians 2:3 April 25 - Philippians 2:5 April 26 - Philippians 2:7
Galatians 5:16
April 19, 2024 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Galatians 5:16
Every step we take requires us to make a decision. In the blink of an eye, our brain decides to continue walking and proceed down the same path we've been on, or we could decide to stop, turn around, turn right or left. But we cannot decide to go in two directions at the same time. We cannot turn left and right simultaneously. We have to choose which direction we will go. The actions in our lives reflect this same principle. We cannot walk by the Spirit and gratify the desires of the flesh at the same time. Either we are doing one or the other, but we cannot be walking in both directions. As long as we live in this world with sin present, we will continue to have up and down moments in our walk with Christ--times that we go the right direction, and times that we go astray. But how can we minimize the sin in our lives and stop gratifying the desires of the flesh? Keep in step with the Spirit! If we are walking in obedience to the Lord, we will deny the flesh. You cannot walk in both directions at the same time, so walk by the Spirit! PASSAGE: Galatians 5:16 - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." PAUSE: Our marching orders are clear. As Christ's followers, we are called to walk by the Spirit. Step by step, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to influence and empower our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The fruit (Galatians 5:22) of following in the Holy Spirit’s steps will be evident to all. Watch your step! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I rejoice in the Holy Spirit. Forgive for the times; I want to live life my way. Encourage me to keep in step with your Spirit today.
Galatians 5:15
April 18, 2024 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Galatians 5:15
If you've ever dealt with a toddler who's missed their nap time, you may have experienced their number one weapon--the bite. No matter how loving and consoling I am trying to be, there have been times when my child has impulsively opened wide and gone in for the bite. I know deep down they don't mean to hurt me, and what they are doing is more instinctive and impulsive than anything. When we think about our own response and reaction to things that don't go our way--or when conflict arises--or when we've been hurt, what is our default reaction? What is our instinctive response? Do we allow the impulsiveness of our flesh to take over, and snap back when situations are not ideal? As followers of Christ, I pray that we would act more and more like Christ with each day. I pray that our instinctive reaction would become one of love! PASSAGE: Galatians 5:15 - "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." PAUSE: Any parent’s worst fear is that their toddler will bite another child. Our Heavenly Father’s greatest disappointment with Christians is when we choose to bite each other. Ask the Lord to reveal any relationships that you need to fix. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my words. Forgive me for the hateful and angry words that devour others. Allow my words to be loving and kind.
Galatians 5:14
April 17, 2024 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Galatians 5:14
This verse is Paul’s application of Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” I think the point is this, we demonstrate our love for God BY loving our neighbor as ourself! Elsewhere John said that if we say we love God but hate our brother we are a liar! (See I John 4:20-21). So how does love of our neighbor summarize the entire law? Think of some of the Ten Commandments. You cannot commit adultery and love at the same time. You cannot murder, steal, or covet and love at the same time. So, when we choose love over these law violations we are fulfilling the law! (See Romans 13:8-10!) And this is how Christ’s salvation sets us free! Rather than trying to keep the 613 laws of the Old Covenant, and maybe even doing it without a motive of love, we are free to put our focus on loving others well. And when we do that we will never violate God’s commands and we will be showing God how much we love Him! Who can you go love with the love of Jesus in some sacrificial way right now? Go do it! PASSAGE: Galatians 5:14 - "The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” PAUSE: The Apostle Paul, just like Jesus, summarized the LAW in one word: LOVE. Sometimes, we complicate the clarity of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world! The ramifications of the gospel are clear: love one another! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for simplifying the LAW. Help me to love others in the same way you loved me! I embrace the opportunity to love.