From the Kitchen Table

The Kitchen Table Devotional

1 Thessalonians 1 Day 2

We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; ³ constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and  steadfastness of hope

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

The key to resting is rejoicing.  It’s our constant thankfulness for all that God has done and is doing that keeps our spirits at rest.  Thankful for all He has done through the cross, in our lives, and by His spirit.  Rejoice in faith, hope, and love.  This all begins in prayer, telling the Father how thankful we are for all He has done, is doing, and will do. 

The Kitchen Table Devotional

1 Thessalonians 1 Day 1

Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace                        1 Thessalonians 1:1

Pay attention to how you enter the room.  This may sound trivial but it’s so important to everything you want to say or serve.  Grace and peace here have the idea of rejoicing and resting in Jesus.  Let those two characteristics define you and see what God will do with you and through you. 

The Kitchen Table Devotions

Philippians 4 Day 15

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4:23

The power to live beautiful lives is already in you through Jesus Christ if you have received Him.  Grace, the undeserved, and unreserved love of God that comes with His presence, power, passion, perspective, & purpose for our lives. It already lives in our spirit by the Holy Spirit for beautiful living.  Let what’s on the inside work itself out to the outside.

The Kitchen Table Devotions

Philippians 4 Day 14

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.      Philippians 4:19-20

The glory of the Lord is beautiful!  When we live for His glory, He reveals His beauty in this world.  And His glory looks beautiful on us.  Contentment, confidence, and concern for others, look good on us and reveal the glory of the Lord who lives in us.

The Kitchen Table Devotions

Philippians 4 Day 13

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

It’s a beautiful thing when we can share with others the concern, contentment, and confidence of God for the glory of Jesus.  It is truly a beautiful thing, but it can only be shared by those who own it.  It belongs to anyone who believes God’s word and God who spoke it.

The Kitchen Table Devotions

Philippians 4 Day 12

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.                      Philippians 4:13-14

Live with concern for others and walk in contentment with Jesus.  What else needs to be said, He is able and willing to provide for all who will trust in Him.

The Kitchen Table Devotional

Philippians 4 Day 11

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now, at last, you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Philippians 4:10

Never forget that beauty can begin with a simple act of kindness.  Kindness is a thought with an action.  Paul writes that he rejoiced greatly when the Philippians renewed their concern for him.  That’s how it works.  Trust God and take the initiative to bless someone every day, it creates praise on the earth.

The Kitchen Table Devotions

Philippians 4 Day 10

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.                                 Philippians 4:9

Just a note!  Keep on learning and keep on receiving because there is no end to God’s wisdom and glory.  Never think that you’ve got all you need.  The moment we stop learning & receiving is the moment we stop living in all that God has for us.

The Kitchen Table

Philippians 4 Day 9

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.                      Philippians 4:9

Practice His presence.  Paul says here to practice what you have received.  The Psalmist writes, “A day in Your court is better than a 1,000 outside.”  Three things are critical to living in His presence: praise, prayer, and practicing what we have received.  We’ve received the privilege of His presence, and practice that through times of praise & prayer.  Practice, and make it a habit to persist in His presence.  It will make your spirit conscious & courageous in this life.

The Kitchen Table Devotions

Philippians 4 Day 8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things                    Philippians 4:8

Keep thinking about Jesus and everything He is and does.  Our feet go where our mind goes.  Keep thinking about Jesus and go with Him.