Gather in Stillness
Small, Christ-centered gatherings that make room for Scripture, honest conversation, prayer & friendship — without the influnce of culture, social media, or hurry of everyday life.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
A better path of living + learning
Disconnect from the noise. Connect with God.
Still Fellowship is a disconnection ministry — an invitation to walk away from the noise of the modern world so we can better connect with God, family, and one another. We believe that life becomes clearer and fuller when we loosen the grip of screens, social media, cultural influences, distractions, and any force that pulls our attention away from the voice and nudges of the Holy Spirit. In stillness, we rediscover the abundance and simplicity that God intended for our lives.
Learn at Home
Still Learning House encourages parents to homeschool- seeing learning as worship and discipleship. We help families build creative, faith-filled rhythms of home learning.
Still App · Coming Soon
A powerful devotional + study app designed to help you disconnect from the noise, stay rooted in Scripture, and walk out a slower, more intentional life with God.
Today’s Study
3/17 — Living to Please God Alone
Scripture
"Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be pleasing to him." — 2 Corinthians 5:9 (ESV)
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." — 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
Study
Paul reveals a fundamental driving motivation for the believer’s daily life: the desire to be pleasing to God. This goal transcends external achievements, spiritual experiences, or human approval. True faithfulness rests on maintaining a single, steady aim — to live in a way that receives God’s approval.
In 2 Corinthians 5:9, the Apostle points out that regardless of circumstances, whether physically present with the Lord or still in this world, the standard for living is to seek God’s pleasure. This is not a casual ambition but "our aim" — it implies deliberate effort and constant focus. This aim guards the believer from drifting toward lesser motives, such as seeking applause from others or worldly success.
Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 9:27 emphasizes the discipline necessary to safeguard this ambition. Paul's metaphor of disciplining the body speaks of the rigorous self-control needed to align one’s actions, thoughts, and desires with God’s will. Without this daily surrender, even a godly ministry can falter, leading the believer to become "disqualified" — to fall short of the calling.
Maintaining this ambition requires regular self-examination, recalling God’s standard, and asking: "Am I truly living to be accepted by Him?" It warns believers to watch over ambitions, ensuring they do not stray toward personal glory or human accolades.
Christian service is not about success metrics or emotional highs; it is about the daily walk of obedience and wholehearted devotion to the Lord. The deepest satisfaction and meaning come from pleasing God alone, knowing He alone determines true worth.
For the ordinary believer, this teaching encourages a relentless commitment to internal holiness and outward faithfulness. The quality of ministry or faith is never more than what is hidden in the heart and consistent in small, private moments. Ultimately, the aim is to live before God’s gaze, whose approval surpasses all else.
Today From Proverbs
Proverbs 20:6 - "Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?"
Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Today From Psalms
Psalm 18:23 - "I have also kept myself from my guilt; I have not suffered the attack of the wicked."
Psalm 78:72 - "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."
Reflect & Pray
- What motives drive your daily work and spiritual efforts? Are they truly aimed at pleasing God?
- How can you practice discipline over your thoughts and actions to align more fully with God’s will?
- In what ways might you be tempted to seek human approval instead of God’s acceptance?
- Who in your life sharpens or encourages you to live faithfully before God?
Lord Jesus, help me to fix my eyes on You alone, seeking Your approval above all else. Keep my heart humble and my steps disciplined so that I may live pleasing to You in everyday life. Teach me to reject lesser ambitions and to find joy in faithfully serving You only. Amen.
Scripture References
- 2 Corinthians 5:9
- 1 Corinthians 9:27
- Proverbs 20:6
- Proverbs 27:17
- Psalm 18:23
- Psalm 78:72
Still Fellowship is a non-profit founded by Aaron Tomberlin, created to help people and families live and learn differently — in peaceful resistance to the system and in freedom with Christ.