Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, because he came close to death for the work of Christ …” Philippians 2:29-30 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Living on the edge”   I once read a quote I like very much and which I have held onto. It was an editorial note in the “Every Man’s Bible” and it was about the man Paul was referring to in Philippians 2:29-30 – Epaphroditus. The editors said that one of the lessons we can learn from his example is to be willing to venture out of our comfort zones and even take some risks for the cause of Christ. For example, Epaphroditus was on the mission field with Paul (a courageous act in itself). Then he got seriously sick and almost died. But despite that, as soon as he was well again, he was ready for his next big adventure. In this case it was to travel to Philippi as Paul’s representative.   The quote was: “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” The editor’s point was that most of us are obsessed with our comfort and safety – to the point that we go to great lengths to avoid anything that takes us out of our comfort zones or which could be the least bit risky. Well, if you’re not living on the edge for Christ; if you’re not venturing out of your comfort zone and taking a few risks to be a blessing and encouragement to others; then in the opinion of the editors of the “Every Man Bible,” you’re taking up too much space. Get out there on the edge a little bit.   In these verses Paul said that people like Epaphroditus are deserving of honor and recognition. The world is quick to honor people who are beautiful, rich, powerful, and talented, but what kind of people should the church be quick to honor? It should be the people who go over and above for the cause of Christ. They’re the ones who are deserving of our recognition and honor.    Such people are also the ones who are making a difference with their lives. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to far-away places and doing dangerous things. But it does mean they are actively and intentionally on-mission with Jesus in the world. Paraphrasing the great church leader John Wesley, it means that the person is committed to doing all the good they can, for all the people they can, in all the ways they can, for as long as they can. This is a person who lives life large. This is a person who is committed to being a force for good for the cause of Christ. This is a person whose life makes a difference.   We get a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy when we know we are making a difference for the cause of Christ. So, don’t be timid. Be willing to live on the edge for Jesus.   God bless, Pastor Jim   If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus – my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need – since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick.” Philippians 2:25-26 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Thank God for the encouragers”   I thank God for those with the gift of encouragement. Encouraging someone is one of the most impactful ways to bless a person and it is a major Biblical theme. The Bible is filled with encouraging verses, encouraging examples, and encouraging people. Barnabas has always been one of my favorite New Testament personalities. He was such a source of encouragement for others that the apostles gave him the nickname “The son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).   Barnabas was such a good example of an encourager that Linda and I once owned a book company that we named after him, “The Barnabas Book Company.” Our motto was, “Encouraging books that will change your life.” I think encouragement is so important that in our church we keep blank encouragement notes in the pew-backs. The idea is for a person to write a note of encouragement to someone and place it in the offering plate. We then forward that encouraging note to the person for them.   In Philippians chapter two we read that Paul wanted to send his protégé and associate Timothy to the Philippians to check on them and to bring news to them – as well as to be a source of encouragement and blessing to them. But for some reason, Timothy wasn’t going to be able to make the trip right away. But that was okay because Paul had another man to send who would be an even bigger source of joy and encouragement for the Philippians – Epaphroditus.   In Philippians 2:25-28 we learn that Epaphroditus had been ill, almost to the point of death, and that the Philippians heard about it and were distressed by the news. But now he was better – well enough to even travel, and so Paul was going to send the news of his recovery to the Philippians by Epaphroditus himself. Evidently, they were only going to learn about his recovery when he walked through the door and delivered the news to them in person.   What a surprise that was going to be. You can picture the startled expressions and the people jumping up to happily greet him. They had been praying for him and for his recovery, and now the answer to their prayers walks through the door! What a time of joy and encouragement. Paul was probably chuckling with delight as he planned it.   Is there someone you can be a source of encouragement for today, someone you know who needs a shot of joy and encouragement?  Everyone needs to be encouraged. Everyone could use a little more joy. Be the source of that encouragement and joy for someone today.   I thank God for the encouragers in life!   God bless, Pastor Jim   If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “Now I hope in the Lord to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you.” Philippians 2:19 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “A kingdom perspective”   In recent devotionals I have referred to the mission trip a group from our church went on to eastern Kentucky. We partnered with our friends from Mr. Airy, MD to work in conjunction with the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). The underlying mindset of those involved in that effort is an example of what is called “a kingdom perspective.” A kingdom perspective is when we shift our focus from our local church to the larger kingdom of God outside the walls of our church.   The tendency of human beings in general, and of churches as well, is that we often have a “me first” perspective. Our thoughts naturally go to questions like “What’s in this for me?” or, “How will our church benefit from this?” But that’s not how Jesus taught us to think. Instead, we are to take our eyes off ourselves, and even off our own church, and focus instead on others and on the larger world outside the walls of our church. That’s a kingdom perspective.   This is what Paul was referring to in Philippians 2:19. Paul’s focus always went far beyond just the place he was in at any given time. He never limited himself to just local thinking and local concerns. In this case, he sent one of his associates to go to another region, to another group of people, and to be a blessing to them in the name of Jesus and for the good of the Kingdom. Instead of keeping his closest associates with him for his own benefit, he sent them away to other regions and be a blessing to other people.   It’s important for Christians to have a kingdom perspective. Then it’s important to find ministry partners who share that perspective and who will work with us for the sake of the Kingdom. That is our focus at Oak Hill Baptist and it is also the focus of our friends from Mt. Airy. It’s also the ministry model that CAP functions on. God uses the staff of the Christian Appalachian Project to create the ministry context for kingdom work to occur in that region by hosting groups like ours.   I encourage all of us to develop and maintain a kingdom perspective in our personal walk with Jesus. Then be the catalyst to develop and maintain it in your local church. And then, develop ministry partners in other places who share that perspective and with whom you can work to help spread the gospel and build the kingdom of God on earth.   A kingdom perspective is a source of great joy for everyone.   God bless, Pastor Jim   If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests …” Philippians 2:19-20 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Good partners are a source of joy”   As you know, recently I was able to go on a mission trip to eastern Kentucky with a small team from our church. We met-up with a team from Mt. Airy, Maryland who we had worked with before and together, we did community service projects in support of the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP).   One of the things I love about the experience of our two groups working together with CAP is that spiritually it is always a mountaintop experience. CAP itself is an exceptional ministry that does an outstanding job of creating a service context for people like us to come and serve the people of Appalachia in the name of Jesus. Our two groups were made up of twenty-four high-achievers who love Jesus, love people, and who are passionate about serving others and each other. It was a spiritually dynamic environment and it is something we all want to experience more of. We will do it again in the future.     Good partnerships are like that. They are a source of encouragement, inspiration, and joy. And that’s what the Apostle Paul writes about in this section of his letter to the Philippians. He begins in verses 19-20 by telling the Philippians that he is going to send his ministry partner Timothy to them to bring them news about him and to find out how they are doing. He states that Timothy is “like-minded” in his care and concern for them. In other words, Timothy loved the Philippians just as Paul did and therefore through this act of service on Timothy’s part, he would be a source of encouragement and joy to both them and to Paul, and I’m sure that in the process, Timothy himself would be blessed too.   Everyone needs good partners. Nobody can do it all themselves. I’m grateful for my friend Steve Tate and his efforts to plan, organize, and lead teams to places like Martin, Kentucky, and then to invite us to join them. I’m also grateful for the leadership and staff at CAP for maintaining a strong base of operations in the heart of Appalachia and then providing the context for teams like ours to come in and serve. The mountaintop experience wouldn’t happen without them.   Who are the ministry partners in your world that you are grateful for? I encourage you to tell them so today.   God bless, Pastor Jim   If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “…shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Philippians 2:15-17 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Make your pastor happy”   Our theme for these two months is “living with joy,” and most of it has been about your joy and about being a source of joy for others. But this morning it’s about your pastor’s joy. This is about showing your pastor a little love and being a source of joy for him. And let me be quick to point out that this is the Apostle Paul’s idea, not Pastor Jim’s. This is simply where Paul has taken us in his letter to the Philippians and I’m just being faithful to the text (but yes, it does have the potential of turning out good for me as well. Lol.)   I’m joking a little but there’s a serious note to this too. One of the greatest joys any pastor or Bible teacher can have, is when people in the congregation show evidence of spiritual growth and even start repeating some of the lessons and themes the pastor has been preaching and teaching. Then they begin making changes in their lives and living Biblically.   That’s what Paul was writing about in these verses. The Philippian Christians were special to him. The church in Philippi was the first Christian church in Europe. The first Christian converts in Europe were in Philippi. Over the course of decades Paul visited them several times; he exchanged letters with them; and they sent financial gifts to help support his ministry. They were special to Paul and their growth was a source of joy for him.   In verse 17 he was essentially saying that as he looked back on his decades of ministry to them, and as he considered the strength of their faith and their commitment to service, he rejoiced and was glad. When it was all said and done, his ministry to them had been well worth all that he had poured into them.   If you want to encourage your pastor and bring some extra joy into his life today, you could repeat back to him a point or two from yesterday’s sermon (thereby letting him know that you were listening and learning). But even more than that, live a life of faith and obedience. Live like your faith is strong and deep and makes a real difference in your own life and in the lives of others. Nothing blesses the heart of a pastor more, nor brings him more joy, than to see his people thriving spiritually.   God bless, Pastor Jim    If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation among whom you shine like stars in the world.” Philippians 2:15 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Like a shining star for Jesus”   Thank you for your patience with me while I was away this week on a mission trip in eastern Kentucky and therefore not writing a devotional each morning. It was a wonderful mission serving with the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). I’ll try to weave some stories from the mission trip into future devotionals. For now, I will just say that the staff at CAP and the volunteers I had the privilege to serve with truly are shining stars for Jesus.   If you are living Biblically, and if you are open to the work of the Holy Spirit in you and through you, then you will be different. People should be able to observe your life and quickly recognize a difference between what they see in you and what they see in the world around you. You will shine like a light in the darkness. Paul says that we are to stand out in our society like a bright star stands out in the dark night sky. That will be a noticeable contrast.   But how do we accomplish that? How does it happen? The answer brings us back to what we were discussing in previous devotionals in this series – it’s the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. It’s a matter of us placing ourselves in a position before God every day whereby He has unhindered access to our heart.   We do that primarily through the basic disciplines of the Christian faith including prayer, Bible study, gathering with our church family for worship and fellowship, engaging in acts of service, etc. Over time, as we continue to live Biblically and to practice the disciplines of the Christian life, the Holy Spirit works in our lives to transform us into the people God wants us to be – people who do indeed shine like stars for Jesus.   In that verse Paul also said the children of God are living in a crooked and perverted world. That’s us – the children of God; and that’s our world – crooked and perverted. The contrast should be significant. It should be as stark as a bright star in a dark sky.   I pray that today we will all shine like stars for Jesus.   God bless, Pastor Jim   If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: ‘Do everything without grumbling and arguing.” Philippians 2:14 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Whining is a joy-stealer”   I know the Bible is complete and therefore, we are not to take anything away from it and we are also not to add anything to it. I know that’s true. And yet, I can’t help but believe there was supposed to have been an 11th Commandment, “Thou shalt not whine.”   Seriously, I have little patience for people who whine. You know, like I’m doing right now, I’m whining about people who whine. But whining really is a big problem, and for many reasons. For one thing, it’s irritating. Here’s a news flash: When you whine all the time nobody feels sorry for you! More than anything, they get irritated with you and they wish you would just stop.   Also, whining makes you miserable. It keeps you focused on the things that bother you, and the more you think about them, the more they will bother you. Then the more they bother you, the more you think about them and the more you will whine about them. Whining is self-defeating. It steals your joy and it steals the joy of the people who have to listen to you – and it never makes anything better, only worse.   Now, it’s okay to acknowledge things that are wrong and which need to be addressed. And it’s certainly appropriate to discuss the situation with others to get their insights and suggestions. But there’s a big difference between objective evaluation and constructive discussion, and whining. Objective evaluation and constructive discussion help to deal with the situation in a positive way that ultimately makes it better. Whining is critical and self-absorbed, and it helps nothing.   Christians shouldn’t be whiners. If there are things that concern you there are constructive Biblical ways to deal with those issues. Whining is not one of those constructive ways. The other thing to know about whining is that it is a terrible witness to the unbelieving world. If that’s the best your faith can do for you then why would someone else be interested in your faith?   When it comes to living what you profess to believe, there is no room for whining. Jesus came to bring us joy (John 15:11). Whining is a joy-stealer. It steals your joy and it steals the joy of those who have to listen to you.   God bless, Pastor Jim   (Note: I will be going on a short mission trip to eastern Kentucky tomorrow. So, this will be the last daily devotional message until Saturday November 2nd. At that time, we will continue our theme of living with joy. Please keep our team in your prayers.)   (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “It’s God working in you”   Yesterday we learned that a source of joy for us and for others is when we are “working out” our salvation, as Paul instructed in Philippians 2:12. In other words, we are living in a manner consistent with being saved and therefore our lives bring honor and glory to God, and they are a blessing to others.   Now we learn that this working out of our salvation isn’t so much by our own effort as it is a result of the Holy Spirit at work within us. In verse 13 Paul says that it is God at work in you to accomplish His will for good purposes. This working out of your salvation that Paul just wrote about in verse 12 is possible because the Holy Spirit of God dwells in you and makes it possible for you to live in a way that honors God. You don’t do this in your own power or by your own abilities. In fact, you can’t. You cannot accomplish God’s purposes in your power. It happens by the Holy Spirit working in you and through you.   So, stop relying on yourself and start relying on God. And stop making excuses for not doing things. Stop saying that you don’t have the time, or you don’t have the skills, or you don’t have the resources, or “I can’t do this or I can’t do that” It’s not up to you and it doesn’t depend on whether or not you have talent or time or money or anything else. If God wants it done then He is fully able to make it happen. He will use you to do it if He wants to and if you are willing to be used by Him. He created talent and time and money and He isn’t short on any of those things.   So, it’s not a question of what you can do, but what He can do in and through you if you will just cooperate with Him. It’s also not a question what you do or don’t have, but rather what He has and will make available to you so you can then accomplish His purposes.    But remember, Paul was giving us instructions about things we “do”. Working out your salvation doesn’t happen automatically and it is not magic. Also, God doesn’t force it on you. He won’t do these things in you and through you against your will. You have to cooperate; you have to be obedient. Then, once you are in forward motion, being obedient to what God has called you to do, the Holy Spirit will work in you and through you.   So, to live a life that is focused on the things that really matter and which will make a difference, we determine to work out our salvation – intentionally and actively doing the things we know we need to do, and we rely on God rather than on ourselves.   God bless, Pastor Jim     (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “Work it out”   I once knew a man who, as a young man, had a near-death experience in an airplane. He was on a commercial jetliner that had a mid-air mechanical malfunction and which began falling out of the sky. It was crashing and the passengers all knew they were going to die. Fortunately, the pilot was able to get the plane under control. It did not crash and the young man went on to live a long and productive life. In fact, because of his near-death experience he resolved to treasure every day and to make the most of his life. He went on to be the founder and leader of a Christian mission agency and of a Christian publishing company. He made sure his life made a meaningful difference for the cause of Christ. He was “working out his salvation,” as Paul wrote about in Philippians 2:12.   Please note that Paul did not say we are to work “for” our salvation, but that we are to work “out” our salvation. You cannot work for your salvation. It comes to you by the grace of God and as a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Working out your salvation is something Paul has already been teaching us in the first few passages of this letter. In Philippians 1:27 he wrote “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”   Working out your salvation involves daily activities that you intentionally engage in and disciplines you practice which help you live like you really are saved. Working out your salvation is the practical application of salvation. It is the result of salvation. Working out your salvation consists of the things you do because you are saved, and since Paul included this lesson as a major theme in his letter of joy, he must mean that this working out of your salvation will be a source of joy for you and for others.   When you work out your salvation you are putting feet to your faith and you are being like Jesus. Your life should be different and better because of the salvation you received as a gift of grace. You cannot work for your salvation, but you should be working out your salvation.   I encourage you to be intentional today about working out your salvation. Your salvation should make an observable difference in how you live.   God bless, Pastor Jim     (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571

Good morning everyone,   Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”   Our Bible verse for today: “For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (CSB)   Our thought for today: “The end result”   Let me ask you: That example I told you about yesterday, the one about the wife and the way she sacrificially served her disabled husband, did that inspire you?” And if so, how do you feel about that woman? What do you think about her?” If you’re like me, then you were inspired by that story and it left you thinking highly of the wife, maybe wanting to be a little more like that in your own life.   We don’t engage in acts of humble service so that people will think highly of us – that would be the wrong motive. We do it out of love for God and for others. We do it because of a genuine desire to be a blessing to others and because we want to be more like Jesus. But as followers of Jesus, the inevitable result of such conduct on our part will be that others will notice, it will enhance our reputation with them, it may inspire them, and it will bring honor and glory to God.   And before you start feeling skittish about the notion of enhancing your own reputation with other people let me quickly remind you Who you represent. If you are a Christian then you represent the Lord Jesus Christ. So, when people consider your reputation, that’s a reflection on the Jesus you follow.   Also, as we’ve learned in previous devotionals on this subject, acts of humble service are a source of joy for us and for others. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that Jesus endured the cross because of the joy His humble and selfless act would ultimately produce for himself and for others. (For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross …) Our acts of humility and sacrifice produce joy for us and for others, and they bring honor to the Jesus we follow and serve.   One thing to understand, as Paul explained in Philippians 2:9-11, because Jesus humbly submitted to the will of the Father, and because He sacrificially served others, it was God Himself who exalted Jesus and lifted Him up in the opinion of others. Likewise, if your genuine humble attitude and your selfless acts of service result in an enhanced reputation for you in the eyes of others, it is God’s will for it to be so. He has lifted you up in the eyes of others. And because people know that you are a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, your good reputation brings honor and glory to Him.   The end result of genuine humility and selfless acts of sacrificial service is that it brings joy to you, it brings joy to those you serve, and it brings honor and glory to the God you belong to.   God bless, Pastor Jim   (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571