As disciples of Christ, we are learning to base our identities on Jesus. Our goal is to become more and more like Jesus as we purposely follow Him and walk in His footsteps.In what ways are you living out your walk as a disciple of Jesus? In what ways would you like to grow as one of Christ’s disciples?For more faith and fitness content, check out SoulStrengthfit.com

Jesus calls His followers to pursue one thing in life. He calls us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness above all else. When we do that, we are enabled to allow the pursuit of Him - of knowing Him, loving Him, and seeking His kingdom - to dominate our thoughts, actions, and words. But most of us have divided loyalties. We seek the Lord one moment, but seek our own desires the next. While we want to do one thing, we say or do the opposite. This double-m...

This devotional pairs with Week 3, workout 3 in the Finding Joy Series at soulstrengthfit.com His use of this phrase “in the Lord” points to the unity believers have in Christ. Because all believers are “in Christ,” all believers are in Christ together. This isn’t to say that there won’t be conflicts or disagreements between believers - even seasoned and mature Christians. Euodia and Syntyche had “labored side by side” with Paul (v3). We don’t know the nature of the disagree...

To experience the peace of God, far more wonderful than the human mind can understand, we are told to refuse to worry about anything. Why is this what we must do in order to experience the peace of God? Because worry is the #1 thing that can steal your peace. Financial trouble? Don’t worry about anything. Anxious about the kids? Don’t worry about anything. Stressed about work? Don’t worry about anything. Conce...

Our opening passage is Philippians 3:12-21Paul says he is pressing on toward the goal. He refuses to look back, and he strains to move forward to fulfill God’s plan for his life. He wants to accomplish all Christ had in mind for him when he “took hold” of him on the Damascus Road. When Christ took hold of you, He too had a great deal in mind for you and your life. What does it mean for you personally to refuse to look back, but to “press on to take hold of that for whi...

Paul sets an example of living in joy in the book of Philippians. We can find 5 “Happiness Habits” that Paul lives out in Philippians 3.Our opening verse is philippians 3:3, The Living Bible Translation & Message version:“We Christians glory in what Christ Jesus has done for us and realize that we are helpless to save ourselves.” Philippians 3:3 “We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it” Philippians 3:3 (MSG)Paul relaxes in the fundamental truth...

“Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!” Paul is reminding us that God is our only real source of joy and comfort. All too often, we rely more on God’s good gifts - health, family, loved ones, financial security - than on God himself. But when believers rejoice in the Lord, they are finding joy and thanksgiving in His goodness - with or without His gifts.Do you have the tendency to find more joy in God’s gifts than in God himself?Scripture reminds us of the n...

Philippians has been full of personal updates and practical matters. Paul now continues to give personal updates on two servants for Christ who demonstrate the ideals and characteristics that Paul had been encouraging in vv 1:27-2:18. Both Timothy and Epaphroditus have “served” Paul in his time of need, and Epaphroditus was even willing to lay down his life for the gospel message. It is not uncommon for Paul to give updates on others involved in sharing the gospel message.&nb...

Paul calls us to “work out” our salvation for it is God who “works in” us. Notice the parallel in these phrases. We have our own contribution to make in the unfolding of our salvation, and God has a part to work in you. Note, Paul does not say we work for our salvation, but that we work out ourRead: Ephesians 2:8-9Paul’s use of the phrase “work out your salvation” can be compared to working out. We already have our salvation through our faith in Christ. We are no...

This devotional pairs with workout 2 in Finding Joy at soulstrengthfit.comNotice Paul’s opening word in this passage (in the NIV translation). “Therefore” is a connecting word, and he’s linking his hymn of praise to Christ in vv6-11 to instructions on how to apply the example of Christ’s humble obedience to their lives.He calls the Philippians to “work out” their salvation.This may initially sound like he is suggesting that salvation comes by works rather than by saving grace, but this ...