Paul asks us to join him in praying for everyone, everywhere. For himself, he asks for boldness and faithfulness in his present circumstances rather than ask for escape from those circumstances. May we pray for the boldness to make the most of every opportunity rather than escape from the challenges that God uses to create those very opportunities to glorify God!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul tells us that we will need the full armor of God in order to resist the strategies of the Enemy. Just as God seeks to unite all things in Christ (Eph 1:10), the Devil's strategy is to sow division, distrust, and discouragement. To fight against such schemes is true spiritual warfare!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

We are to submit to one another not only in our marriages but in all relationships, and always out of reverence for Christ. Like with wives and husbands, Paul addresses two other pairings -- children and parents, slaves and masters. Rather than support any inequalities, Paul continues to counsel mutual love and respect. As valuable as political freedom might be, spiritual freedom and personal dignity matter even more!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Yes, wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands. However, that simplistic understanding misses the shocking truth that this passage also calls husbands to submit to their wives! While that might not seem shocking today, it was nothing sort of revolutionary 2,000 years ago! And it's not just husbands and wives -- we are all called to submit to one another, to serve one another, out of reverence for Christ. Who is God inviting you to serve today out of reverence for Christ?

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

The Bible continually contrasts the path of wisdom with the path of foolishness. Ultimately, to be wise is to live in a way that makes sense given what is real and true. Paul thus encourages us to make the most of every opportunity, shining God's light into the darkness around us. God is our ultimate reality, and worship is one of the most powerful ways we are reminded of this truth!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #4 of Highrock's fall series, "Imago: Relationships that Reflect Our Maker" from Matthew 18:15-20

We often begin any pursuit by asking, "What would be pleasing to me?" When we start from such a place, it is hard to believe in limits to our lusts and greed. Instead, Paul reminds us that we are children of light and real life and joy is found in seeking what pleases God. Let us ask and explore what pleases God rather than just what pleases ourselves!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

There are so many ways that we tear one another down through our words and actions. "Instead, be kind..." says Paul (v32). This exhortation is not just simplistic advice. Instead, Paul is reminding us to be like children who imitate our heavenly parent -- a God who has been incredibly kind and forgiving to us!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

What we wear (like a uniform, business casual, or a wedding ring) can powerfully shape our actions and attitudes, and even how we view ourselves. Paul uses this image of clothing to describe our new identity in Christ. We are called to take off the old clothing -- our old ways of thinking and living -- and to put on Christ, our new identity.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul highlights what are sometimes called the A.P.E.S.T. gifts -- Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers. People sometimes mistakenly think that these people are supposed to do ministry while the rest of us support and cheer them on. Not at all! Instead, the role of these five gifts is to help ALL of us identify and activate our own gifts so that we all find our place in Christ's body.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/