Have you ever noticed how easy to lose those things that we take for granted? Want proof? Think of how easy it was to take your fellow-members for granted at church . . . right up until last March. So Paul had the church at Philippi take a remarkable inventory. It's also useful for you and me. So, break out your clip board and join in.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for you and me to deflect our failings by pointing to the faults of others. It was a popular activity for those living in Exile during Ezekiel's day and they even came up with a saying they wore out to voice their complaint. In Ezekiel, God had heard enough. But instead of blaming others, God has given us something much better.

In Psalm 116, the psalmist asks, "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me?" That's a question you and I face as well. What is the best way to worship and give thanks to God for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life that He has given to us in His Son? His answer may surprise you.

It shouldn’t surprise us to know that we aren’t the first people to be humbled when they gazed up at the night sky. Looking up at those very same stars, David marveled at God's creation in Psalm 8. But the words of God, that Isaiah shares in this text, is something that really takes your breath away.

Have you ever watched the sport of rowing? In American colleges and universities it’s sometimes referred to as “crew.” And it’s at this time of the year that you may see teams out for practice on rivers. If you listen carefully, Paul's encouragement to the church at Philippi to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" sounds a lot like the encouragement and instructions that a coxswain might call out at the front of the boat.

Why does God have us wait? Having heard the good news of our salvation, that God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west by His Son’s death for us on the cross, and having been called to faith by the Gospel, wouldn’t the best thing that could possibly happen next - be to close our eyes and be with Him in heaven?

Do you feel bound? Have advancing years and failing health made you a shut-in? Are you off your feet and recovering from surgery? Are you doing fine, but staying close to home this year because of Covid? Are you cut-off from family and friends? You may not be in chains but you may feel a little fettered like Paul. You and I can take a cue from the apostle and take a closer look at the opportunities that God has given to us even today.

God isn’t fair. Well, He isn’t … at least not the way you and I think of fair. And that's good!

In Psalm 143 David prayed words that any hiker might appreciate. He said, “May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” However, David explains what he means. He begins by saying, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.”

As the apostle instructed weak Christians not to judge their brothers on practices which are neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture, and as he admonished those who were strong in their faith not to look down upon those who were still learning the distinction, he shared a familiar phrase from God’s Word in Isaiah. He said, “It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” So why did Paul choose to quote these words here in this passage?