21 Nov December 29th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

HOLD FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE  

Philippians 2:14-16 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky  as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

An anchor keeps a boat in place, steady and secure even during severe storms.  The stronger the anchor the better the boat does.  So it is with your life.  You need a solid, sure, secure anchor, bedrock, foundation for a non-anxious life certain of your future.

Philippians 2:14-16 exhorts you to do everything in your life holding firmly to the word of life.  In the NT, “word of life” refers to both the Gospel and also Jesus Christ.  Holding firmly to the Gospel anchors you firmly to the “power of God.” (Romans 1:16)  In this context, the Gospel’s power is for your salvation so that nothing in all this world can separate you from the love of God which is yours in Christ Jesus. (Read Romans 8:31-39)

Holding firmly to Jesus gives you your victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57;) you will be equipped to do everything for doing His will (Hebrews 13:21;) And, you can be assured He will be with you always to the end of your life or the world, which ever comes first. (Matthew 20:20)

Jesus told a parable about the importance of the foundation upon which your life is built:  “. . .  everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)  The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

This is why St. Paul urges you with the words of Philippians 2:14-16, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky  as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

Prayer:  Lord, send Your Holy Spirit into my life to work through the power of Your word and the sacraments to anchor me to Jesus.  In His name.  Amen.

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand

Even when steeples are falling,

Crumbled have spires in ev’ry land;

Bells still are chiming and calling,

Calling the young and old to rest,

But above all the souls distressed,

Longing for rest everlasting.

Surely in temples made with hands

God, the Most High is not  dwelling;

High above earth His temple stands,

All earthly temples excelling.

Yet He who dwells in heav’n above

Chooses to live with us in love,

Making our bodies His temple.

We are God’s house of living stones,

Built for His own habitation.

He through baptismal grace us owns

Heirs of His wondrous salvation.

Were we but two His name to tell,

Yet He would deign with us to dwell

With all His grace and His favor.

Here stands the font before our eyes,

Telling how God has received us.

The altar recalls Christ’s sacrifice

And what His Supper her gives us.

Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim

Christ yesterday, today, the same.

And evermore, our Redeemer.

Grant then, O God, Your will be done,

That, when the church bells are ringing,

Many in saving faith may come

Where Christ His message is bringing:

“I know My own; My own know Me.

You, not the world, My face shall see.

My peace I leave with you. Amen.”

(LSB 645)