The Daily + Midweek Updates

Feeling like a novice at the Christian life means you’re right where grace begins—learning strength through Christ!

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11b).

Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash

Want to hear a comforting thought? Paul didn’t magically just know how to be content in abasement or abundance. It wasn’t a sanctification super suit handed to him by a Holy Spirit Howard Stark when he joined the Apostolic Avengers. He had to learn it.

Later in verse 12, he says it again: “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” That means it was hard at first. Confusing. He messed it up early on. But as he pressed onward, not giving up on his Savior's power and willingness to save, not quitting when he got it wrong or missed the mark, Paul learned “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

As you seek to follow Jesus today, you might feel like a baby who can’t walk. Or a rookie who’s missing all the signals. And guess what? That means you are perfectly qualified to learn contentment alongside Paul, under the strengthening smile of your Heavenly Father. Because it’s there, in the place of need, where the grace of Christ meets you. And as you receive His Word by faith and draw near to Him in the ordinary rhythms of grace, you’ll find what Paul found: that we can do all things through Christ.

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MIDWEEK UPDATES

• RESOURCES - Want to stay up to date on Immanuel’s teaching ministry? Whether you missed a Sunday or need a midweek word of encouragement, subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest!

• PRAYER - As we continue our series on prayer, we want to invite you to join us every Friday at 6 am in the Cafe at 4301 Charlotte Ave. for prayer. This is a great opportunity to go to our heavenly Father with frontline prayers, asking that His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Let’s see what the Lord will do!

• SUMMER WORK PROJECTS - This summer, we’re coming together for a series of projects to spruce up and care for our church home! We invite you to sign up for one (or more) of the project dates below:

  • Friday, July 18

  • Saturday, July 19

  No matter your skill level, there’s a place for you on the team. Thank you for making Immanuel an even more welcoming place for all who enter!

• MARRIAGE FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR - If you are considering marriage, engaged, or are young in your marriage, join us for our next Marriage Foundations Seminar. The seminar will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the café. Lunch will be provided. Register here.