Promise for Today - We Live to Serve

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... He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT)

Happiness comes from harmony, and harmony comes from humility. And if you want to be humble, you have to learn to ask yourself this question: “What would Jesus do?”

What would Jesus do in this problem? What would Jesus do for that person who’s hurting? What would Jesus do at the office? On the golf course? In your marriage? Ask this question, and you’ll always come up with a humble answer that builds harmony and happiness rather than difficulty, defeat, bitterness, and resentment.

So what does it look like to act like Jesus? Philippians 2 gives three examples:

First:

Don’t demand what you think you deserve. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (Philippians 2:6 NLT).

Do you realize how countercultural it is to give up your right to something? Yes, you have rights, but there’s a better way to have your needs met than by demanding your rights. You can be tender without surrender, and you can be understanding without demanding.

Second:

Look for ways that you can serve. “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (Philippians 2:7 NLT).

If you want to be like Jesus, you’re going to have to learn to serve. Serving is a habit you can develop. And it starts not in the big things in life, but in the little things. God tests your humility every day in the little things, and then it’s shown in the big things. Character is revealed in the great crises of life, but it’s built in the little day-to-day things, like returning the grocery cart to the cart corral.

Third:

Do what’s right, even when it’s painful. “He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8 NLT).

This is what it means to act like Jesus. What did Jesus do, even when he was in pain? He was understanding, not demanding of what he deserved. He looked for ways to serve. And he was a servant in every situation.

Jesus is the ultimate model of humility, and God gave him the greatest honor in the universe. God honors your humility, too, when you follow Jesus’ example.

Talk It Over

What are some ways you can be “tender without surrender” or “understanding without demanding” in a relationship?

How have you seen God honor humility in your life or in someone else’s?

How can you serve someone today without being asked?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer: (excerpts from Crosscards)

Father,

          Soften our hearts to be tender toward You and toward those around us. Prepare our hearts and minds to be willing to serve, ready and available to help others even when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly to ourselves.
         Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us —family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers. Help us not to get so wrapped up in our own lives that we miss opportunities to serve. Teach us to be Your hands and feet, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.
          Give us a generous heart, that we might share what we have, acting with compassion rather than seeking praise. When we serve, fill us with a joyful spirit and help us to put others before ourselves.
Father, we cannot do this in our own strength. Empower us with Your Spirit to love, to be gentle, and to be a servant to all. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen

Something Different for May - Day 29 - To Please Others

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.”

And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.”

And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.”

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:1-13 NLT

Prayer - Day 29

Father, 

          Give me the same attitude of mind toward others that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice we glorify You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen!

Praying Through Romans - www.crosswalk.cocm

What Are You Wearing

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 NLT

Ours is a society that judges people by how they look - the cut of their clothes, their shoes, bags, what they drive. All subject to scrutiny and often fodder for the "Do you believe that?" crowd. Do we ever once look on the heart? However, to quote Alan Neel, "God did not call us to be the Equity judge." In truth, we are instructed to judge NOT... 

Where do we get off thinking we're entitled to judge anyone?

In Isaiah, the Word tells us that We are ALL infected and impure with sin [emphasis mine]. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Is that what we're wearing? God forbid.

Following our text for today, we must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

What's that you're wearing? Is it time for a complete wardrobe change? 

Prayer:

Father,
         Turn up Your Refiner's fire. Burn away that which is not pure before You. We're calling for a complete wardrobe change. We want to be dressed in YOUR righteousness.  In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen