A Room Prepared for Us

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 3, 2026

A Room Prepared for Us

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

Read: Philippians 1: 18b-26

The Christian poet John Donne wrote that every man’s death diminished him, because he was involved with mankind. Therefore, he wrote, “send not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” (John Donne, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation XVII.) In that simple phrase, Donne captures the heart of Christian community, the essence of heaven, and the highest quality in the Kingdom of God. Donne is pointing to a respect, even a reverence, for human life. This quality was sorely missing in the Roman Empire.

In Philippians 1:19-26, and in Chapter 3, Paul lays the foundation for the Christian’s understanding of life after death. Here Paul makes it abundantly clear that he does not fear death, because he knows his mortal death will transport him into the presence of Jesus. By no means is Paul cavalier about death. In places like 2 Corinthians 1: 8-11, Paul expounds on the threat of death he often faced. However, he always rested in his faith that Christ ‘loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Paul knew the Romans, with their lack of respect for human life, could easily execute him as a troublemaker. He wasn’t volunteering to go to the gallows. He was affirming that as much as he wanted to live, and proclaim the Good News, and teach his disciples, he also knew that when his work was completed, Jesus would be waiting to greet him.

This abiding faith empowered Paul to remain firm in the face of persecution. He concludes this passage with a call to the church to remain steadfast in unity, and to not be intimidated by those who oppose the Kingdom of God.

My Takeaway: I remember making several visits to the Hospice House to pray with a dear friend dying of cancer. In each prayer with my friend, my mind was steadfast on the promise of Jesus: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2) I believe it was this promise that inspired Paul to finish well. 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Because Of This I Rejoice

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

November 2, 2026

Because Of This I Rejoice

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Philippians 1:18b

Read: Philippians 1: 12-18a

Whenever we are facing trying circumstances, we can pray, “God, please show me your perspective in this situation.” When God reveals His perspective, it will always be consistent with His redemptive purposes for humankind. The Apostle Paul beautifully modeled this truth throughout his life. Paul teaches us that we can give thanks to God in all circumstances because we know “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Our passage for today is evidence of this truth.

Paul’s attitude about being in jail affirms the words of Joseph to his brothers in Egypt after their father died: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20). Paul’s jail cell became his pulpit. Paul’s congregation in jail included the whole palace guard as well as the other prisoners. (Philippians 1:13) This was just part of the good God caused to come out of Paul’s circumstances. When others within the church heard how the prisoners and guards were being ministered to by Paul, they were encouraged and inspired to boldly proclaim the Gospel without fear. (Philippians 1:14) And then there were the pagans.

Paul wrote this Epistle to the church in Philippi to thank them for providing his sustenance while he was in jail in Ephesus. The local gossip was full of news about this itinerate preacher who had been jailed for claiming a dead Jew had been brought back to life by Almighty God and was now the reigning King of all the earth. Even though these gossip mongers were not followers of Jesus, Paul said the message about Christ was being proclaimed, so he could rejoice. (Philippians 1:18) What the ruling authorities intended for evil, God was using for good.

My Takeaway: From beginning to end, the Bible shows that God’s redemptive purposes cannot be denied. Because nothing is impossible for God, I would do well to be more proactive in seeking God’s perspective on all the circumstances I encounter. How about you? 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Finishing Well

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 30, 2026

Finishing Well

“. . . that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

As I seek to make the Life in Christ my way of Life, I will be writing these mediations over the next several weeks as I read the book of Philippians. One of my favorite verses in this epistle is Philippians 2:13 where Paul affirms that God is at work in me. (And you!) That verse is made even more powerful for me by verse six in today’s reading:

“God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Finishing what he started was very important for the apostle Paul as he affirmed in 2 Timothy 4:7, where he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” We live in an era where going the distance is not the norm. There was a time when professional athletes were expected to finish the race, but no more. We have relief pitchers in baseball, and all manner of specialists in football and other team sports, making it unnecessary for many athletes to go the distance to finish the race.

Of course, life doesn't work that way. Our goal for life is not about how we start; it’s about finishing well. I know we all have experienced things in our lives that we did not finish. However, that wasn’t our goal when we began. Our goal was to finish what we started.

In the Gospel of Mark, the young man at the tomb instructed the women to go and tell Peter that Jesus would be waiting for him in Galilee. (Mark 16:7) Why? Because God wasn’t through with Peter. God isn’t through with me either, or you!

My Takeaway: I am both comforted and cautioned by today’s text. Comforted to know God is continuing to form Christ in me until He completes His work. Cautioned to stay alert to God’s work within me. Frequently, each day, I want to ask, “How am I experiencing God at work in me?” 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

 

Your Own Divine Revelation

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 29, 2026

Your Own Divine Revelation

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Matthew 16:15 

When Jesus was in Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” The town had a Roman name because it had a temple built to the Roman god, the Emperor. Jesus asked that question as he was surrounded by idols to the Roman gods. Jesus’ question and Peter’s answer are meaningful to the followers of Jesus today from two perspectives.

First, our relationship with God is inherently personal. Each of us has the responsibility of responding to the message of Christ and committing our lives to him fully and without reservation. No other person can make this decision for us. In making our decision, we ultimately are responsible for responding to Jesus’ question, “But who do you say I am?” I have been blessed to have studied under great teachers and pastors. I’ve had good friends to encourage me along my journey. Even so, Jesus doesn’t ask me who Brennan Manning or Fred Craddock says that he is; he asks me, “Who do you say I am?”

Jesus’ question is almost a Catch-22, since the question is beyond any human’s capacity to correctly answer. As soon as “Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” Jesus made it clear that Peter’s response was one of divine revelation: “Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am” (Matthew 16: 17 MSG).

As we journey through life, seeking to make the life in Christ our way of life, we can rest in the sure knowledge that God will take all the bits and pieces of information we have received about Jesus, and transform them into a divine revelation for us. Just as God authored Peter’s confession, so also will God reveal to us the rock of our salvation: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

My Takeaway: Six verses after Peter affirmed Jesus as The Messiah, Peter began reprimanding Jesus for predicting His coming death. Remember our quest to guard against satisfaction and complacency? We must focus on this quest, 24/7, lest we too hear Jesus say to us: “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matthew 16:23)

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Satisfaction And Complacency Should Be Guarded Against At All Costs

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 28, 2026

Satisfaction And Complacency

Should Be Guarded Against

At All Costs

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,

but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 

Corporate trainers like to talk about Critical Success Factors. They will often show the WWII movie, Midway, to illustrate their point. In the movie, the Japanese Navy launched reconnaissance airplanes to search for the American Navy Aircraft Carriers. The reconnaissance mission was successful in locating the US forces, but when the aircrew tried to radio their location, they found their radio wasn’t working. Their radio was one of the critical success factors, and they had failed to check it before leaving on their mission.

In our desire to remain securely centered in God’s grace, we need to be aware of the critical success factors in our individual lives. Sometimes this is referred to as besetting sin, or the place where we are most vulnerable to drifting into a legalistic or moralistic mindset. This is where the Ancient Greek precept, know thyself, becomes essential as we seek the life in Christ as our way of life. As we learn about ourselves, we can discern what aspects of our personality are most susceptible to being tempted to turn from the matchless grace of our Abba Father and seek to meet our needs for love, acceptance and self-worth through our own self-efforts.

Peter Kassig was murdered by ISIS on November 16, 2014. Peter wrote an email to his family and friends while he was in captivity. One of those excerpts has been particularly haunting to me: “It is okay to be happy and content, but satisfaction and complacency should be guarded against at all costs.” (Email to professors and mentors, March 2012)

I am involved in several community and church-related activities. However, I find that it is easy for me to drift into a state of satisfaction and complacency, thinking that enjoying the bliss of my retirement years should be my primary goal in life.  I know that I need to guard against complacency lest I miss God calling me into new adventures.  

My Takeaway: I find this prayer helpful in guarding against satisfaction and complacency:

"Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

If God Stopped Thinking of Me, God Would Cease to Exis

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 27, 2026

If God Stopped Thinking of Me,

God Would Cease to Exist

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.

You believe in God; believe also in me.”

John 14:1 

Sometimes our adversary, the enemy of God, confuses us into thinking Christian faith is about believing in certain doctrines such as incarnation, salvation, atonement and redemption. Those doctrines can be quite helpful to grasp the immense love that is God, but they are not the essence of biblical faith. Biblical faith is all about trusting God. Our Abba’s will for us is for us to respond to His unconditional love for us by unconditionally trusting Him. The foundation for such trust lies in our awareness of this truth spoken by the Seventeenth Century priest and mystic, Angelus Silesius, “If God stopped thinking of me, he would cease to exist.” I believe those words were true for Silesius, they are true for me, and they are true for you! When you trust your Abba Father, who is always thinking of you, the following statement is also true.

Because of Christ's redemption, you are a new creation of infinite worth. You are deeply loved, you are completely forgiven, you are fully pleasing to your Abba, and you are totally accepted by Him. You are absolutely complete in Christ. When your performance reflects your core identity in Christ, that reflection is dynamically unique. There has never been another person like you in the history of humankind, nor will there ever be. God has made you an original, one of a kind, a special person.

Wait! There’s more.

Because Christ is your life, God, your Abba Father, declares that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Abba further attests that this righteousness, since it was given to you as a gift, is not based on your behavior. You are not his righteousness or new creation because of what you did, or what you are doing, or what you have refrained from doing. Rather, it is because of what Abba has done in uniting you to Christ in death, burial, resurrection, and enthronement.

My Takeaway: Go and trust in who you are in the eyes of your Abba Father.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

100% Winning Deal

Meditations on

Staying in the Grace for Today

October 26, 2026

100% Winning Deal

I have put my words in your mouth

    and covered you with the shadow of my hand

Isaiah 51:16 

Not long after personal computers became commonplace, the manufacturers began including the card game Solitaire on their computers. Beyond the obvious entertainment value, the game helped the user master keyboard strokes and later become familiar with the computer’s mouse. Recent editions of this computer card game have included the option of “100% Winning Deals.” This option doesn’t mean that you will win every hand, only that every hand is winnable. If you don’t win on the first try, you can play the same hand over again. I like that option. I like playing the hand over again, knowing that the hand can be won. It’s not a futile effort; it is winnable!

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus gives his parable of the Growing Seed. Jesus said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” (Mark 4:26-27). Jesus is telling us that the Kingdom of God is a 100% Winning Deal. The Kingdom of God is coming, and no power on earth can stop it. We know that the Christian witness for God in times of persecution is the most powerful witness for God in the world. We can remain faithful to God in difficult times because we know our cause is just, and because we know with an absolute certainty that Jesus is coming again. The Kingdom of God cannot be stopped because it is a 100% Winning Deal.

What about the normal ebb and flow of our lives? How can our faith in the unstoppable Kingdom of God impact our daily lives? We can, by faith, believe that God has placed us in the center of His will. By faith in the certainty of God’s Kingdom, we can join Saint Paul and say, “In (Christ) we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

My Takeaway: Certainty in God’s Kingdom enables us, with hearts of humility and gratitude, to thank God for putting His words in our mouths and hiding us safely in His hand. When you know you are a winner, you can live life differently.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2026 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.