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

Day 15

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:14-16

Jesus shared these words with those around him, long ago and in a place far away. And yet these words still speak to us loudly in the place where we are. Thanks to our church ancestors, Cedar Hill Church stands today, still giving praise to our Father, God. Sixty years ago, those men and women brought light to shine in Cedar Rapids. We would not be able to move forward without that guiding light.

The faith that we see being shared today reminds me that the light is still shining and is still leading us to share our savior, Jesus. This is the faith that today we carry forward to the next generation. We need to make sure the future of our church continues to be a light shining in Cedar Hills, and throughout the corridor.

This reminds me of the song that I learned long ago in Sunday School….”This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine……All around the neighborhood, I’m going to let it shine…..Let it shine ’till Jesus comes….Let it shine….Let it shine…..”

Are you singing with me? Praise the Lord!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me to let my light shine so those around me can see Your love for us.  Thank You for the witness of Cedar Hills Church.  Help us to pass on the good news of You and Your great love and care for us.  Amen.   

-Karen Bronkhorst

Day 14

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6

I love seeing photos of solitary flowers that have struggled to grow among rocky crags or cracks in broken concrete pavements. How their seed came to be planted there is always a mystery!

But more amazing is how they not only survived in that hostile surrounding, but also bloomed into the flower they were meant to be.

Sometimes we are planted in surroundings hostile to God and to our Christian principles. We have an urge to pick up our feet and run, and to plant ourselves in a more nurturing environment, a place where other ‘plantings’ are more like us.

But maybe, possibly, God has us just where we need to be. He may be using us to bring light to a very dark place.  He may want to strengthen our faith by testing how well we do when conditions aren’t ideal. He may be saying to us, “Bloom where I’ve planted you in this garden, because I need you to bring beauty to a place that is barren. You may have struggles, but I will ensure that you thrive.”

Dear Father,

Help us to have the courage and wisdom to remain in situations that seem hopeless and need encouragement. Help us to see that we can be the light to others who are planted in darkness.  We ask this in Your Son’s holy name, Amen.

– Deborah Steinbaker

Day 13

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”  Phil. 1:3

Do you have people in your life you are thankful for?  People you thank God for every time they cross your mind?  I’m sure we can all think of people we would rather not spend time thinking about, but do we really stop to think about those people we cannot get along without? We all have those who help us with everyday tasks, make us smile, love us, and share in the everyday stuff of life.  How often do we thank God for them?

For that matter, how often do we thank them personally?  When was the last time you thanked a family member for doing laundry, fixing a meal, doing dishes, mowing the lawn or sharing the remote?  Do you have people at work, or neighbors who could use a thank you?  You could thank a coworker for being a good support system.  Thank a neighbor for being able to enjoy their beautiful flowers.  Thank church staff for their work each week. Could you make an effort to thank someone today for simply doing what is expected?  Write a thank you note, do something special for them, or simply look them in the eye, give them a hug, and say “thank you.”

After you thank them, try going one step further.  Thank God for them.  Take time to pray for them, asking God to bless them today. Put their name on a sticky note and attach it to your phone, so you can see their name and thank God every time you remember them.  Try thanking them and thanking God for them.  Watch for the joy to follow for them and for you!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for _____________ in my life. I appreciate him/her and all they do for me. I am blessed to have them in my life. Please pour out Your love and give them a special blessing today. May they know they are loved by me and by You.  Amen.

-Lois Deerberg

Day 12

“So be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil. 1:10b-11

Would you drink water that was 99% pure? It sounds good, doesn’t it? Cool, refreshing, clear… I’d probably drink a glass of water at 99% without thinking about it.

Now imagine that the last 1% of impurities was raw sewage?  Like…poo.  There is 1% poo in your water. Would you still drink the water?  Even though one minute ago that water sounded good and inviting at 99% pure?  Surely a little poo in your water wouldn’t hurt? It’s just a little bit!

A perspective shift!

I was challenged once upon a time about a similar perspective on sin.  I try hard, but was unbothered by the ‘small sins’ of life. The ‘acceptable’ sins.  As is most of the greater-Christian culture.  But Christ calls us beyond the 99%, because the leftover 1% is still raw sewage!  He desires a bride that is pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness.  And this pursuit of righteousness is to God’s glory!  We should pursue righteousness whole-heartedly! And not be content with just a little sin.

There is no little sin. There is no big sin.  To God, sin is sin. It was never His desire for us.  Pure. Whole. Blameless. That is our pursuit.  This is our legacy as the bride of Christ.  We should never be content with just a little bit. 99% is not good enough for the King of Kings!

Heavenly Father, Forgive us for letting the ‘little sins’ be okay.  Help our hearts to desire lives that are 100% pure and spotless. Holy Spirit, empower Your people to pursue righteousness, to live differently and to be the glorious bride that Jesus desires.  And when we do mess up, help us to run quickly to the throne of grace where we can find forgiveness and be made clean again and again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Leah Carolan

Day 11

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Phil. 2:12-13

God cares more about my growth than I do.

God cares more about our growth than we do.

God cares more about our plans, our hopes, our dreams and our future. Because God cares, God works to energize us by His Holy Spirit to do good that fulfills God’s good purpose. God’s Spirit is energizing us so that we will desire to do what pleases God so that God’s good work is carried on to completion.

“What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God Himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13, The Message Translation)

Dear God,

Thank You for fulfilling Your good purposes in my life. Guide me into the good plans that You have prepared for me.  I love You and I praise You for the gift of salvation. God, we love You and we praise You for energizing us to do Your good work. Amen.

-Kent Landhuis