Week 5
As we have talked about coming into the Father’s house and going forth to share his love with
everyone, it illustrates how we are called to work for good in the world. We do not do good
things to earn God’s love and acceptance. We do good things because we are already loved and
accepted. And Paul wants to remind us that we are not the only ones working for good.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God is working for the good of the world, and he is working for our good. Paul is not saying that
God never allows anything bad to happen to us. But no matter what is going on in our lives
either good or bad, God is still working for our good. This is especially helpful when we are in
the darkest of times. We are given hope, because God is always at work in our lives and he
always wants what is best for us and our world. And some day, this work that we are doing
together with God and with each other will be brought to completion.
Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Paul tells the Philippians and us today that God has a plan for our world and your life. Perhaps
not the minute details like the kind of car you drive, who you marry, what job you have, and
what activities you participate in. Yet God has given you your personality, talents, and interests
and calls you to think and act in certain ways – which will greatly influence the kind of car you
drive, who you marry, what job you have, and what activities you participate in.
It is not only what we do but how we do these things that determine the “goodness” or “God- ness” in our lives. But rest assured, when we are part of the Father’s house, he is working for our good! Living in his house and working in the world is what it means to be a part of God’s kingdom – a kingdom that goes on forever.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.
It is not only what we do but how we do these things that determine the “goodness” or “God- ness” in our lives. But rest assured, when we are part of the Father’s house, he is working for our good! Living in his house and working in the world is what it means to be a part of God’s kingdom – a kingdom that goes on forever.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.