Philippians 2:5-8
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death--
even death on a cross!
This is a tall order. None of us will live a life anything like Jesus' life, nor will we be forced to die on a cross. But we certainly do have opportunities to take the role of servant. What are some of the areas in which I could think and act more for others than for myself? Where can I just plain do more? Where is there need for me to do more?
Lord God, I am so thankful for all of your many gifts and for the opportunity for ministry you have placed before me. Help me to remember always that I am your servant, and a servant for you in all of my interactions and actions in this life. You are so good and so generous! I love you, Lord. Amen
Becky, transforming
Janet just sent me a note saying her Dad, Fred would probably begin his journey to heaven this afternoon. He has had a long and wonderful life but his body is giving out. Roz
Tuesday, November 21th, 2023
Philippians 2:5-
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
God calls us, His precious children, to fully surrender to Him. Not because He is interested in controlling our lives or ruining our fun. Quite the opposite. Jesus came so that we could live life to the fullest. Picturing Jesus in my mind i…
Philippians 2:5-8
As Paul reminds us with these verses, Jesus gave us the model of servanthood: obedience, slave, and humbleness. It seems simple, but we all know that for each of us today these qualities are sometimes difficult to follow. We have lots of excuses, but I know I must be better than excuses. While I know I will never come close to perfect servanthood, I must always be trying to get there.
Prayer: Gracious God, Help me as I journey with you to follow your example always. Amen
Philippians 2:5-8 If, through some odd wrinkle of circumstances I found myself on equal footing with God, would I have the fortitude and integrity to refuse to use those circumstances to my own advantage? This mental exercise can serve as a yardstick of my sanctification journey. After all, the point of sanctification is becoming more like Jesus for the sake of others, not for my benefit. Dedicated followers of Jesus heed His words in Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45. Our mission is to serve, not to be served.
Prayer - Jesus, Savior, Teacher, instill in me a deep desire to be Your servant by serving others in every capacity with which the Father has graced me. Guide me to use my…