Morning Devotional

Morning Devotional
December 17, 2003
"Hurricanes"
by Don Emmitte


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Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. (Philippians 1:3-6 NLT).

I know it seems odd that I would think about hurricanes at this time of the year. It’s not the season for them at all. However, I have been reading a new release by Clive Cussler that uses a hurricane as a vital part of the plot line. They usually develop after the hot months of summer when the waters in the Gulf of Mexico, Southern Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea warm up. This allows any little low-pressure storm scooting through their waters to have the potential to blow up into a huge raging storm that can do unbelievable damage to lives and property. Some, like Camille and the 1910 Galveston storm, are extremely destructive, destroying millions of dollars in property and claiming hundreds of lives.

Churches need to know that they face hurricane seasons as well. Often times, it’s not the periods of persecution that destroy churches. More often than not, it’s those periods of success followed by periods of calm and boredom that breed the hurricanes. Some little storm gets blown up way out of proportion and before long, huge amounts of damage are done to lives, dreams, and the work of God. This is the central topic in Philippians.

Paul loved the folks in Philippi very much. They were a special church to him. He let them support his ministry when he didn’t allow most others to do so. They knew him well and he knew them well. This precious group of folks were facing a potential hurricane caused by the disagreement of a couple women (Philippians 4:2-3), some dissatisfaction in the way one of their ministers had tended to Paul and his ministry (Philippians 2:25-20; 4:10-19), and some downright difficult false teachers whose demands and religious pedigree sounded great but whose teaching perverted grace into something very ungracious (Philippians 3:1-3). Here are a couple of insights from the book of Philippians; maybe you can come up with some more on your own!

Ų Recognize what a privilege it is to partner with each other in the work of Christ and speak that affection to each other. (1:1-11; 4:10-23)

Ų Reach beyond your problems and concerns, by getting to work faithfully serving God, carrying out his mission, and shining as his lights in the world. (1:12-30; 2:12-18)

Ų Remember how precious your brothers and sisters in Christ are and serve them rather than trying to be superior to them. (2:1-11; 4:1-3)

Ų Remind each other of good examples and imitate them, especially their recognition that they haven’t arrived yet at their goal. (2:19-30; 3:12-21)

Ų Resist the temptation to deny problems by addressing issues head on — kindly and openly, never surrendering the Gospel of grace to legalism. (3:1-21; 4:1-3)

Ų Rejoice in the Lord and his graciousness, and let this joy pervade your whole life and bring you God’s peace. (4:4-9)

Ų Renew your hope by talking about Jesus’ triumphant future for you. (1:6, 19-21; 3:12-21

Is it hurricane season in your church? With budgets and business conferences at this time of the year, only the Lord knows for sure. I do know that hurricanes will come. Let's just make sure we listen to Paul's teaching and keep them from being so destructive by serving the Lord with passion and serving each other with grace!