Philippians 2 - 4.27.23
Scripture
Philippians 2:5-8
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Observation
Paul is writing the church of Philippi and is encouraging them to take on the attitude of Jesus Christ. He implores them to be compassionate and loving. He reminds them to love one another and to work together for the one purpose of spreading the gospel to others. Paul tells them to not be selfish; to think of others as better than themselves. Paul tells them to humble themselves, to not only lookout for their own interests, but take an interest in others as well. Ultimately, Paul is able to point to the life of Jesus, and use that as an example of how they all should be living their lives.
Jesus not only talked the talk, but He also walked the walk.
You know the old saying "Actions speak louder than words"? Well Jesus spoke volumes through His actions. Here is God in the flesh, who gave up His throne from Heaven, to come down to earth and be born in a lowly manger. He came not with a sense of entitlement, but rather came to us with a humble heart. He came to serve, not be served. He came to not only tell us how we should live our lives, but he also demonstrated with His actions how to do it. And above anything else, He took the fall for our sinful nature. Jesus put God's plan, and others’ well being, ahead of His own. I cannot help but admire, respect, honor, and love Him for that!
Application
Does my life reflect one of following Jesus Christ? What areas can I improve in?
There is something about following Someone that you know put in the work themselves. You know that they were once in your shoes, and found a way to get the job done. There is something about following Someone that you know, when times are tough, that they don't mind rolling up their sleeves, and getting dirty. There is something about following Someone who is willing to do life with you, and has your back no matter what! There is something about following Someone who puts your needs above their own, and is even willing to die for you. Now that is Someone I am willing to follow and strive to be like each day!
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 NLT
Prayer
Thank You Jesus for leaving the comforts and riches of Your throne in Heaven, to lead us and show us how to live. Give me a humble heart to serve others the way You did. Give me the eyes for the lost so that I may help guide them and lead them to You. Give me discipline to not be stuck on my own selfish ambitions, but to instead be more driven to serve Your kingdom. In Your name Jesus I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
Philippians 1 - 4.26.23
Scripture
Philippians 1:12-14
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Observation
The Apostle Paul always seemed to be imprisoned for his faith, but because of his willingness to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without fear (even with the consequence of imprisonment), he actually inspired fearlessness in those he led.
Application
Be fearless. The world needs Jesus!
What is the worst that human beings/the world can do to us if we proclaim the name of Jesus and live by His Word? Cancel/reject us? Think we’re weird? Make fun of us on social media? It’s okay. We never know who we are inspiring to proclaim Jesus without fear, because of our fearlessness.
““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” -John 16:33 NIV
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” Psalms 118:6-7 NIV
Prayer
Dear Lord, you say that if I am ashamed of You and Your words on this earth, then you will be ashamed of me when You come in glory. (Luke 9:26). I don’t want that to happen. I pray for Your courage and boldness to proclaim Your name and boldness to share the Gospel in and out of season. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Ephesians 6 - 4.25.23
Scripture
Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…
Observation
We need God’s truth tightly wrapped around us in order to fight our battles and fulfill our purpose.
Application
This section of Ephesians on the armor of God, is a very well-known portion of scripture. Kids and adults alike are drawn by the imagery. Reading it this time, I decided to look up the meaning of the “belt of truth.” For the Roman Centurions, their belt, wrapped tightly around their waist, did more than hold their pants up. It held weapons, tools, and supplies, and pieces of protective armor hung from it. If their belt wasn’t properly secured, it could put their life at risk. Their belt could be considered the foundation for all their other armor.
Likewise, the truth of God and His word is the foundation of our armor. We must spend time with God and learn to recognize His voice. We must be so closely connected to Him that His truth becomes a part of us so that we can recognize what is true and what is a lie. John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Prayer
Thank you for today’s reminder. Help me to remember what is true: My God is almighty. He is bigger than the circumstances. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, God is in control. He has a plan for a hope and a future. God loves me. God loves others. God has commanded me to love others. These are the truths - the foundation - that I will cling to.
- Debbie Dunn