Joyful in Jail... The X Factor Devotional - Day Twenty Four - February 11, 2010

“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
Philippians 1:14

Prisons today are five-star resorts compared to those in which Paul suffered.  He enjoyed no heated cell with private toilet and sink.  There was no mattress for sleeping, no TV room for relaxing, no well-stocked library for reading and study.  There was only the dark encasement of rough stones, filled with putrid odors and the pungent reminders of human depravity.  Perhaps worst of all were the chains, their rusty coarseness scraping his skin raw, constantly tugging at him.

As if imprisonment weren’t painful enough, Paul had to endure something worse:  the stinging criticism of those who called themselves his Christian brothers.  They dared to attack God’s apostle even while he was held captive.

Stop and imagine yourself in Paul’s situation.  Feel the weight of the chains on your raw skin.  Taste the nauseating daily food.  Listen to those dreadful sounds of suffering that filled his ears day and night.  Look into the menacing eyes of the Roman prison guards.

You are there.  You are suffering.  You are chained.  You are Paul the apostle.  Now, what’s your attitude?  What fills your heart through the weary hours?  Here’s what Paul wrote to his friends in Philippi:
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.  Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Philippians 1:12-14).

What an attitude!  Rather than being furious and inflamed with self-pity, Paul is encouraged by the positive impact of his negative condition.  In spite of the severity of the circumstances, Paul is joyful.

Prayer Focus:  What a lesson Paul teaches us!  We have troubles and trials, sure; but what is our attitude, and what is our commitment?  Paul was joyful and he kept on advancing the gospel.  What is God teaching you today about joyfulness and the priority of advancing the gospel – reaching out?  Most certainly this spiritual journey will end in God moving on all of our hearts to provide a 3 year financial commitment of some kind to further the kingdom.  Are you seeing the joy of giving even in difficult times?  Paul did!  Pray for God’s wisdom and grace, in this regard.

Disappointment... The X Factor Devotional - Day Nine - January 21, 2010

"Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel forever."
1 Chronicles 28:4

This expression from 1 Chronicles followed the greatest disappointment of King David’s life.  He had just learned from God that he would not have the honor of providing leadership for the building of God’s Temple.  David had said in 1 Chronicles 28:2 that his heart had been set on building a magnificent dwelling-place for the God of Israel.  Later, he describes the energy, enthusiasm, and unbridled generosity he had already invested in this God-honoring project:  "With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God — gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze…Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver…" (1 Chronicles 29:2-3).

After all of this sacrifice and preparation, David learns that he would not be the man to build God’s Temple.  What was his response?  What would we do in the face of such disappointment?  His response teaches us one of life’s greatest priorities:  focusing on the goodness of God.  Instead of throwing a "pity party," reflect on how wonderfully gracious God has been to you.  That’s exactly what David did.  Upon learning he would not be personally involved in building the Temple, he reminded himself and others around him of the incredible honor he already enjoyed:  "Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel forever" (1 Chronicles 28:4).

David did not allow this disappointing circumstance to rob him of his joy, nor did he regret having sacrificed so much to build the Temple.  He did not pout over his loss; he rejoiced in the honor that had been given to him as king and gave generously to the Temple project.  David’s lost opportunity could have made him resentful or bitter.  Instead, he maintained an attitude of gratitude and remained focused on the big picture of God’s purpose and glory.

Prayer Focus: Regardless of the disappointments you are faced with today, take some time to reflect on all the special expressions of God’s goodness in your life.  Put perspective on your disappointment.  How many good things are still a part of your life and your family’s life?  Are there others suffering more?  Thank God for how he has already blessed you.