Lakeside Christian Church Blog

  September 11 – Take Up the Shield of Faith   Ephesians 6:16 –  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.   Scripture Reading – Joshua 1:1-18   Faith can be defined as having a strong belief, or confidence in someone or something, often held without physical proof or absolute evidence. Joshua was a man of great faith. Our scripture reading today is the beginning of his tenure as the leader of the Israelites and commander of the armies after the death of Moses. They are on the verge of receiving the promised land, but it’s not without cause for concern or uneasiness.   The land of Canaan flowed with milk and honey, but the inhabitants were strong. Yet when the spies who scouted the land were afraid, Caleb and Joshua stood firm in their faith. They trusted the promises of God that the land would be delivered to them (Numbers 13-14). In Joshua 1 God tells Joshua three times to be “st...

September 4 – Christ Our Righteousness   Romans 8:1–4  [1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.   Scripture Reading – Philippians 4:10-23 One of the most freeing truths of the gospel:  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Our righteousness is not something we achieve through perfect obedience; it is a gift we receive through Christ. Philippians 4:10–23 gives us a picture of what that freedom looks like in everyday life. Paul had learned the secret of being content whether he ...

August 28 –  Remember What Is True Psalm 103:1–5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.   Scripture Reading – Philippians 4:1-9 Paul’s words in Philippians 4 call us to remember what is true when life feels unsettled. He tells the church to stand firm in the Lord, rejoice, pray instead of being consumed by anxiety, and intentionally set our minds on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Psalm 103 begins with a similar command: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Both passages remind us that our hearts are prone to forget. We can become so focused on what is wrong, uncertain, or difficult that we lose sight of God’s goo...

August 21 –  The Shepherd Who Leads Us Home   Psalm 23:1-4 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.   Scripture Reading – Philippians 3:12-21   Psalm 23 reminds us that we are not walking through life alone. The Lord is our Shepherd: He provides, leads, restores, and stays with us even when the path leads through the darkest valley. Philippians 3 gives us a similar picture. Paul acknowledges that he has not arrived yet; he is still pressing forward, forgetting what lies behind and reaching toward what lies ahead. The Christian life is both a journey and a destination. We follow our Shepherd through difficult valleys while keeping our eyes fixed on the hope that awaits us....

  August 7 – The Word of Life   Psalm 33:4-5 –  For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.   Scripture Reading – Philippians 2:12-30   The apostle Paul tells us to  hold fast to the word of life  (Philippians 2:16). He is specifically referring to Jesus who is the Word. The Greek word for “word” is  logos , which means speech, message, or argument. In the case of Jesus being described as the Word, he is the ultimate divine message of hope. Jesus said he is  the way, and the truth, and the life  (John 14:6). So when Paul tells us to  hold fast to the word of life , he isn’t just referring to an inspirational speech or sermon. He’s referring to the redemptive message that Jesus is the expression of God himself in human form, the  good news of great joy that will be for all people  (Luke 2:10).   T...

  July 31 – The Joy Set Before Us Hebrews 12:1b-2 –  Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Scripture Reading – Philippians 2:1-11 Joy is an interesting word. It can be used as a noun, a verb, or to describe an emotion. As an emotion it’s sometimes used interchangeably with “happiness.” But generally, happiness is a temporary feeling driven by external events and circumstances. Whereas joy is enduring, coming from a deep-rooted inner state that is not dependent on circumstances. This seems to be the case for the apostle Paul. Despite being imprisoned he uses the words  joy  or  rejoice  at least 14 times in his letter to the Philippians. Paul tells the church to  complete his joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full acc...