Philippians 3 - 4.28.23

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

Philippians 3:19

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

…,their glory is in their shame,...

It is so insidious to me, Lord, at how so quickly an idol I thought I had banished crept back into my life. And although I am doing much better now (thank God for the church elders and fellow believers in my life!) I don’t believe the battle is won just yet but it will be in the name of Jesus my Savior and King.

Sometimes I read things in Your Word, Father, and on my second or third read a person can nearly observe the gears turning in my head. It is that Holy Spirit “woosh” kicking in. I chose this verse because my battle has been with my own flesh for months (more like 33 years overall but yea this time around months) but then the third part of this verse just hit me like a ton of bricks.

To glorify what should be shameful, is only accomplished when you are absolutely blind. You are only able to see or perceive truth in your own skewed direction, while at the same time being completely oblivious to what is true. How completely and utterly sad that is Lord. I don’t wish to become like that if I can help it.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

Lord, help me to stop becoming an expert in the wrong things in my life. If I know a little too much about an ungodly, shameful topic which I am proud of, bring it to light for me today. 

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

For I wish to live for Your glory and not my shame.I choose to set my mind on You Lord instead of earthly things. I pray that I align with Your Cross today and forever, my Savior, my Lord, my King. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee

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