Growth Spurt Devotionals
Philippians 3:10-11
September 29, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Philippians 3:10–11
I think back to when I was a child experiencing a hurt or heartache, and there were a few things that were so comforting that it instantly provided relief. I knew when my mom would kiss my wound or my dad would pick me up that everything was going to be okay. And then we age, life grows harder, and the pain cuts deeper. But I want to encourage you not to lose sight the confident assurance that remains in the one thing that can bring us comfort no matter what storm we are facing. The Apostle Paul encouraged his readers by reminding them of the hope we have in Christ because of His resurrection. We will experience suffering in this life, but our hope in Christ is not just wishful thinking--it's a guaranteed comfort that He has proven through His resurrection and that He's promised to us. PASSAGE: Philippians 3:10-11 - "10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." PAUSE: While in jail for sharing Christ, Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to truly know Christ in the midst of their suffering. Because of the resurrection, we not only have hope, but we have a hope that we can depend upon. PRAYER: Father, thank you for the resurrection. Release the power of the resurrection of Christ in my life. I want to know You better. Turn these stormy seasons into a pathway to grow in my faith!
Hebrews 12:1-2
September 28, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Hebrews 12:1–2
When we go through a tough situation, the enemy wants us to feel isolated. He wants us to think we're the only one dealing with a situation like this. I want you to know that no matter what you have gone through or you're going through right now, you are not alone. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to remain strong and to reflect on the faith of those who have gone before us. Even though these men and women made mistakes and were far from perfect, chapter 11 applauds those who demonstrated great faith through their trials and tribulations. Find encouragement from this great cloud of witnesses, find support from believers around you, and turn your eyes toward Jesus--the founder and perfecter of our faith! PASSAGE: Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." PAUSE: The writer of Hebrews wrote to a church that was persecuted and suffered tremendously. He encouraged them to stay on course and to finish the race. He told them to fix their eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith! Jesus wants our faith to grow as we experience storms. PRAYER: Father, forgive me for taking my eyes off Jesus. Just like those heroes of the faith, help me to put my faith in You, help me to look to You for strength.
Romans 8:18
September 27, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Romans 8:18
Often when we go through a tough time in our lives, it consumes our thoughts. Maybe a relationship struggle, a diagnosis, or a loss. We wake up thinking about it, it's on our minds all day, and we go to bed thinking about it. Every decision we make is affected by this cloud that's hanging over us. What hope can we have in those moments when everything around us seems dark? In the letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul encouraged them to look beyond their present sufferings to greater days ahead—when we are in God’s presence. It’s important to note, Paul isn’t downplaying the suffering you’re going through. But he’s pointing out that when we experience the true glory of being with God, it will make any struggle you’ve faced seem so insignificant. So friends, while you go through stormy seasons, keep your eyes fixed not on the present sufferings, but on the glory to come! PASSAGE: Romans 8:18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." PAUSE: Thankfully our sufferings are temporary. A better tomorrow is coming, a tomorrow that is filled with God’s glory. When we compare our present sufferings with eternal glory, it fills our hearts with hope. Whether you can see it or not, God is at work, both in this world as well as in you. PRAYER: Father, thank You for your glory. Help me not to focus on my suffering, but help me to place my hope in the better future that is coming!
Romans 15:13
September 26, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Romans 15:13
Last year we experienced a power outage at our house, so we fired up the generator. The gas engine roared outside as electricity was being produced inside of it. Inside the house, we plugged our extension cords into the refrigerator, freezer, and a few other essentials, but nothing happened. When I went outside to check things out, the extension cords weren't plugged into the generator yet. The source of power was ready and available, but we weren't experiencing the power yet because we weren't plugged in. The hope, joy, and peace we receive from God is a power source that we are forever connected to once we are plugged in. Through faith and trust in Him, we are filled by His power. We will certainly continue to face challenging circumstances in this life, but we can be filled with hope and experience peace and joy that only the Holy Spirit could give us. When facing hard times, remember that you are connected to the source. Rely on his power to fill you and overflow with hope! PASSAGE: Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." PAUSE: Paul tied our hope to our faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. As we learned previously, our growth is tied to us and the Holy Spirit. When we believe, we not only overflow with hope, but His Spirit gives us joy and peace. PRAYER: Christ Jesus, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, your generosity is so gracious, I pray that today I may abound in hope!
Romans 12:12
September 25, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Romans 12:12
As a father, I often have to remind my kids to "be patient". When they realize something exciting is about to happen, they start to get anxious with anticipation. When they realize Christmas or their birthday is coming soon... "Be patient. It will be here soon." When we say yes to ice cream and they begin to crowd around us as we scoop it... "Be patient. It's almost ready." When they get a new toy and I struggle to open layers upon layers of plastic and twisty ties... "Be patient. I've almost got it" I remind them over and over to be patient because there is an assurance of something good to come. As their father, I know the waiting and anticipation will pay off when their hopes are realized. God wants what is best for us, and He knows what He has waiting for us. He knows that any trial or tribulation we face in this life will be temporary. We can rejoice in hope because we know whether it is now or in the life to come, God will see us through the storm. We can have patience through tribulation not because it is easy, but because of the hope we have from God! PASSAGE: Romans 12:12 - "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." PAUSE: The apostle Paul commanded us to rejoice in hope, to be patient in affliction, and to be faithful in prayer. Let us not overlook the fact that these are commands, which means they do not come easily. As Christ-followers, our hope that we have in God is something that we are to rejoice in, let us do it! PRAYER: Father, I want to be more joyful, especially in stormy seasons. Provide the courage I need to rejoice in the midst of the waves crashing over me!
Week 6
Join us each day for a devotional in the Growth Spurt series. Sign up for “Devotional Reminders” in The Chapel app’s notification settings. September 25 - Romans 12:12 September 26 - Romans 15:13 September 27 - Romans 8:18 September 28 - Hebrews 12:1-2 September 29 - Philippians 3:10-11
Mark 10:45
September 22, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Mark 10:45
Have you ever had VIP tickets to an event? How about flying first class? Or have you ever been honored with an award at a banquet? When we think of exclusive opportunities or a position of honor or greatness, our instinct is to expect a greater level of service that comes with it. Jesus’ disciples came to Him asking for more honor that they expected to come with their position, and in that moment He redefines greatness for them. He tells them that to be great is to be a servant to all. In God’s kingdom, it’s not about a position of power but about a heart of love and humility. Even the one deserving of the highest honor, the name above all names, Jesus, came to serve and give everything for the sake of others. Emulate what greatness really looks like—not being served, but serving others, just like Jesus. PASSAGE: Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” PAUSE: Jesus had one purpose – to serve and to give his life for others. The goal of life should not be to be served by others, but to serve others. The sole purpose of specialized service is to be like Jesus. Jesus served and so do we. PRAYER: Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for demonstrating love for us, by dying on the cross for our sins. Help me follow Christ’s example, I want to be a loving servant willing to give sacrificially for the benefit of others.
Ephesians 4:15-16
September 21, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Ephesians 4:15–16
There are some things in life that just don’t work well if you don’t have all the parts and pieces working together! Have you ever ridden a bicycle and had the chain skip off the gears? A bike without a working chain won’t get you very far! How about riding a bike without a seat? Sure, maybe you could make it work, but it’s not going to be nearly the same. Think how much harder you’ll have to work and how much it will slow you down. By themselves, the parts can’t take you very far, but working together you can reach the full potential of what the bicycle designer intended. As we in the body of Christ work together fully unified, we will grow stronger and be able to reach the full potential that God has designed us for. PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:15-16 - "15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." PAUSE: The apostle Paul viewed the church as the body of Christ. He clarified the win for every church: each church is to grow spiritually mature. We build muscle when we are properly equipped and empowered to serve others. PRAYER: Father, forgive me for being too busy to serve the body of Christ. Help me to be properly equipped and empowered to serve here at the Chapel.
1 Corinthians 12:6-7
September 20, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • 1 Corinthians 12:6–7
Some believers have “up front” leadership or teaching gifts and many others have “behind the scenes” serving gifts. And within each of those gift categories come a wide variety of settings that match the differing burdens or preferences of each believer. One thing we need to understand is that all gifts need to be cultivated and developed through actual usage. The key is to jump in and serve and try different things. You will be energized by some things and possibly drained by others. It’s easier for God to direct a moving vehicle than one that is sitting still! PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 12:6-7 - "God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other." PAUSE: The Holy Spirit reveals himself through the various gifts he has given us. Until we realize that our specialized service is the result of God’s Spirit working within us, we will never grow spiritually. We serve not for selfish reasons, but we serve to help the Chapel family grow spiritually together. PRAYER: Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit. Help me to appreciate the gifts that you have the body of Christ, empower us and our service for your glory.
Romans 12:3
September 19, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Romans 12:3
Living into the freedom that Jesus saves us for means humbly serving others with the grace gift he has freely given you! Let me say that again: You are never more free than when you are in the trenches of ministry serving others, blessing others out of your spiritual gifts & passions! But beware! Both pride and insecurity can rob you of truly stepping into this privilege of serving. Why? Because both pride and insecurity will keep you focused on yourself and not on others. On your needs and not theirs. So, with all the faith you can muster, trust God and get involved serving others! PASSAGE: Romans 12:3 - "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." PAUSE: Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to have a humble attitude when it came to serving the body of Christ. We are saved by grace but we also serve by God’s grace. Pride as well as low self-esteem will stifle growth spurts. PRAYER: Christ Jesus, thank you for the gift you have given me to serve the body of Christ. Help me to experience growth spurts as I help others grow.
1 Peter 4:10
September 18, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • 1 Peter 4:10
God’s grace is His provision of His spiritual resources given to us freely in order to live the Christian life victoriously! His grace infuses every believer with new spiritual power through the Holy Spirit and He gives us spiritual gifts in order to serve and bless others. Christians are living a life of walking in His grace when they are down in the trenches of life with others people, serving them in the love of Christ out of their unique gifts and passions. So the question is: what are your gifts and who are you currently serving them with? It is in this place of service that the Christian life will become the joyful adventure it is supposed to be! PASSAGE: 1 Peter 4:10 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace" PAUSE: God’s grace works in mysterious ways. By God’s grace, we have been gifted to serve, in addition to that we get to funnel God’s grace unto others. Peter is clear each one of us has a gift and we are called to steward that gift. PRAYER: Father, I want to be your servant. Teach me how to serve well for your glory. Grant me the strength I need to be your servant for your glory alone!
Week 5
Join us each day for a devotional in the Growth Spurt series. Sign up for “Devotional Reminders” in The Chapel app’s notification settings. September 18 - 1 Peter 4:10 September 19 - Romans 12:3 September 20 - 1 Corinthians 12:7 September 21 - Ephesians 4:15-16 September 22 - Mark 10:45
Psalm 119:11
September 15, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Psalm 119:11
It's late at night and you think of something important you want to remember the next day. What do you do? You might write it down on a sticky note and stick it right in the middle of your bathroom mirror. Maybe you put a calendar appointment in your phone to remind you. Maybe you text a friend and say "Remind me to tell you about ____ tomorrow!" Maybe it's so important that you don't forget, so you do all three! To remember the message of God's word and really live it out, we need to be intentional and consistent with reading Scripture. When we store His word in our heart and mind, it will impact the way we live. Start building the daily habit with simple reminders. Write a verse on a sticky note for your mirror. Set a reminder or calendar appointment in your phone. Text a friend and commit together to be in God's word every day! PASSAGE: Psalm 119:11 - "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." PAUSE: Bible intake is one of the core spiritual disciplines. Today, we have access to the Scriptures, we can read it, listen to it, and study it. Yet it takes a daily commitment to dive into the Word of God. Memorize Psalm 119:11! PRAYER: Father, thank you for the Word of God. I want to know it and memorize it, give me the strength and energy to study and apply your Word to my life. Thank you for this series, Help me to grow spiritually every day.
1 Corinthians 16:2
September 14, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • 1 Corinthians 16:2
If you look at the habits of a disciplined athlete, when do they make the decision to practice? Do they wake up without a plan and see if training will fit into their schedule that day? When do they decide to eat a balanced diet? Do they wake up that day and hope something healthy is in the refrigerator? Not at all. An athlete prepares well in advance to make training and healthy eating a priority. They intentionally set aside and protect time in their day to devote to training. They are intentional about what they stock their pantry with, and they plan their meals ahead of time. Spiritual disciplines require the same intentionality. The spiritual discipline of generosity requires intentionally planning ahead. When we don't plan ahead, it's much easier to reach in the fridge for an unhealthy snack. If we rely on last-minute decisions or giving from our leftovers, our heart will not be in the right place when we give. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church instructing them to be intentional about their giving. He wanted them to plan ahead and be prepared when the time came to give. How are we treating our finances? Are we making a last minute decision with our leftovers based on a feeling of guilt or obligation? Friends, plan and prepare ahead of time with a cheerful heart, knowing that you are giving God your best! PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 16:2 - "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." PAUSE: The apostle Paul considered stewardship a spiritual discipline. Each week the believers in Corinth were to set aside a portion of their income to give to the church. Once financial giving becomes a priority, the church flourishes. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for everything you have given me. Forgive me for being selfish with my finances, allow me to be more disciplined.
Luke 6:12
September 13, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Luke 6:12
Why pray if God is sovereign? He already knows everything. First of all, prayer is for our benefit. God has given us the gift of a relationship with Himself and He calls on us to love Him and trust Him! Prayer is the place that we express our love and trust to God. Not only this, but our prayers make a difference. God is able to take the prayers of faithful saints and calculate them into His sovereign plans. There is a time for short, sweet prayers. But there are also times for extended meetings with God. When burdens are heavy, when big decisions are before us, or when our hearts are full of joy & praise for all His goodness. Maybe it’s time for an “all-nighter” with God. PASSAGE: Luke 6:12 - "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God." PAUSE: On some occasions, Jesus spent the night in prayer. Once again, he went to a solitary place and spent the night praying to his Heavenly Father. Jesus prioritized his relationship with his Heavenly Father. How about you? PRAYER: Father, teach me to pray. Grant me the wisdom to get up and to pray the next time I have a sleepless night. Forgive me for doing before being.