Day 20

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him.” Phil. 2:13

Sometimes we worry and fret thinking we aren’t doing enough for God.  Paul reveals a secret to us in the verse referenced above. God provides special gifts, once you surrender to His Son.

Paul knew what he was talking about. He had been a self-righteous crusader, doing angry and violent acts in an attempt to please God.  As a result, Christians were persecuted and killed.  All this was done under his power, self-effort and pride. Then he met Christ.

Paul, employing his own strength and determination, met Jesus and was blinded.  As Ananias prayed for him, God did above and beyond what Paul expected.  As his physical sight returned, his spiritual insight was totally readjusted.  He began a whole new life, trudging the dusty roads, proclaiming the truth he lived. He no longer fulfilled God’s plan according to Paul’s own interpretation. He knew without question the road he traveled and the life he lived was aligned with God’s plan and purpose for him.

The life he lived and the things he did came from a source other than his own desire.  God was working in him, giving desires that were no longer his own. Things he never thought of doing before were now at the top of his agenda.  More amazing still, God gave him the power to succeed at those things that God had placed in his heart and mind to do.  God still does this miraculous thing for us. Lean into God’s love.

Dearest Father,

In Your wisdom and love, You know that I am dust and on my own I can do nothing that would please You.  Take away the worry and fretting I do when I feel I am not enough. Allow me to live in the truth of Your marvelous, gracious gift described in the verse above.   Thank You so much. Amen.

• Joanne Lodge

Day 19

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” Phil. 1:27

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he is encouraging all believers to unify in both spirit and mind to live out the gospel.

How do you suppose Paul intended for us to live out our lives worthy of the gospel? Not alone. We all face struggles, obstacles, and suffering in our lives that can be road blocks for living out a Christ-centered life. There are times when, due to these roadblocks in our lives, it becomes so easy to put ourselves first. It can become easy to lose focus on Christ and not put others first, before ourselves. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Paul commands we support each other, our neighbors, our church, and our community, to unify and come together for the sake of the gospel. Unifying makes it possible to spread the word of the gospel and the promise of Christ’s love for us all.

Heavenly Father,

I pray that whether I am by myself or with others, I always stand firm in my faith. I pray my fellow Christians and I keep a unified spirit and that we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Amen.

-Katie Curtis

Day 18

“Among these people you shine like stars in the world because you hold on to the word of life.” Phil. 2:15b-16

Cedar Hills Community Church was started as a small group of people who lived in the same area of town.  They worshipped together, babysat each other’s children, and brought food to each other when they were in need. Their vision of living life with God and with each other has continued for 60 years.  Many of us were not even here 60 years ago, but God’s church is still here.

What were the families of early Cedar Hills like?  That small group of believers were able to “hold on to the word of life.” They were able to “shine like stars.”  This light has been shining in the Cedar Hills area of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and continues today.  What an honor we have been given to continue that work for the Lord.  What a responsibility we have to be a shining star in our neighborhoods for future generations.

Today, our facilities are showing some aging and regular wear and tear because we are using our building to shine in our community daily.  Besides our programming use, Cedar Hills Church is home to many community groups who use our facilities regularly. We continue to live life with God and each other, while we “hold on to the word of life.”  I think that small group of believers from 60 years ago would be pleased that we are still here, still shining a light, and holding onto the Word of God.

Father God,

Thank You for Your blessings on Cedar Hills for 60 years, and we pray that You continue to bless our community. We ask blessings on each person who enters our doors, and may we continue to honor You by being a light to our community.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Lois Deerberg

Day 17

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5

My kitchen table is my most important piece of furniture in the entire house. It’s where I offer hospitality.

A recent Global Leadership Summit speaker, Dr. Krish Kandiah, knows something about hospitality.  He is founder and director of Home for Good, a charity in the UK seeking to find loving homes for the world’s most vulnerable children.  He says, “hospitality is the opposite of prejudice.” Prejudice is an opinion that is not based on actual experience. Hospitality, or generosity shown to those who are far from home, erases opinions by providing actual experience.

Having other sinful humans seated at my kitchen table, next to my sinful self, is messy. But inviting others in and having actual experiences with them is the way to live like Christ. Inviting the sinner and his or her mess into our lives is exactly what we are called to do. Providing hospitality – this is how to move towards the same mindset as Christ Jesus. And like my kitchen table, this church building can allow for hospitality, if we take care of it.

Dear God,

Please help me with my selfish and ugly sin struggles. Though these struggles occur daily, I trust that You are with me, even in the mess. I know that You walk alongside me and love me even when I make poor choices that hurt other children of God. I know that I can call on You at any time and You will hear my cry.  Thank you.

In Your name I pray, Amen.

-Lindsey Ungs

Day 16

“I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Phil. 1:3-5

Most people would agree that the Apostle Paul was a truly Godly man, but we know from the Bible that he wasn’t always as positive about all the churches that he planted as he was about the Philippian church. Looking back over my own life, there are people that I remember, but I wouldn’t say that I necessarily give thanks for them.

For example, during my freshman year in high school, I was shy and skinny and kind of a nerd.  There was a sophomore in my PE class (Troy) who thought that he was hot stuff at soccer, until this nerdy kid (me) scored a goal on him during PE.  Nerdy kids are not supposed to score goals on hot stuff kids, so from then on, he always wanted to fight me after school.  Thank goodness that I rode a different bus home from school than he did!  I definitely remember Troy, but I can’t honestly say that I give thanks for him!

Fast forward to today…I have great (and positive) memories of Cedar Hills, even though I have only attended here for about 10 years.  I thank God for the Biblical teaching that is our foundation.  I thank God for the wonderful friends that I have made in Sunday School and in my small groups.  I thank God for the great worship experiences each week and the mountaintop worship on Christmas Eve.  I thank God for the Lenten meals and meditations that lead to Easter.  And mostly, I thank God that He continues to use Cedar Hills to truly Grow the Good that He wants us to do.

Dear God,

Thank You for Your continued guidance and blessings to Cedar Hills, as we strive daily to do Your will.  We thankfully remember those people who have positively influenced our lives toward Jesus. Please give us the strength and courage to continue Your mission to grow the good that You have started.  Amen. 

-Gary Mills