Value Others As You Do Yourself

Scripture: Philippians 2: 1-3

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Scripture Commentary: Humility involves having a true perspective about ourselves

Selfish ambition can ruin a person and a church but genuine humility can build both.  Many people, even christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves.  Self ambition and/or vain conceit brings discord.  We are to value others above ourselves.

Paul stressed spiritual unity, asking that everyone love one another and be of one spirit and purpose with Our Lord Jesus Christ.  If we work together, caring for each other’s problems as if they were our own, then we are living by Jesus’ example of putting others first.

This doesn’t mean that we’re putting ourselves down.  This just means that  we work to move out of our selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy.

You can approach life expecting to be served or you can be a server for God

We are all sinners before God, saved by His grace.  Because He saved us, we have great worth in His kingdom.

Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up His rights to obey God and serve us.  We are to serve out of love, not guilt or fear.

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Philippians Chapter 2

Ask God and Believe He Will Answer You

Scripture: James 1: 5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Scripture Commentary: If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God

Do you ask God for guidance in your life or for things in your life?  Everyone has needs, but what of other people’s needs?

Do you go out and seek to help others?  If you follow Jesus, you know He will take care of you.  By studying the Word, God will give you the wisdom. And wisdom is practical discernment that begins with respect for God which leads to living right.  The result is an increased ability to discern right from wrong.

If your mind wavers between earthly things and God, then you’re on the wrong path.  To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself wholeheartedly to God.  He will put you on solid ground.

True wealth lies in developing your spiritual life, not your financial assets.  God is interested in what is lasting (your soul), not in what is temporary (money or possessions).

Strive to treat people as God treats you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
James 1

Don’t Stew in Bitterness, Rage and Anger

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 29-32

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Scripture Commentary: Bitterness, rage and anger are the path that leads to Satan

God, in His grace and mercy, has forgiven us for our past and for our sins.  He has given us new life.  If we are His, then we can forgive others as He has forgiven us.  If we can’t say anything good about a person, then we are to say nothing.  We are to go to God and let the Holy Spirit that is in us work in us, then we will see and feel the bitterness, rage and anger peel away.

The Bible doesn’t tell us that we shouldn’t feel angry, but we shouldn’t hold onto that negative emotion.  Anger will destroy and give Satan a hold on us.  Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships.

God forgave us!  We shouldn’t let a day end without working to mend our relationships.  We are to mirror God’s love to others.

God acted in love by sending His only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.   He was raised from the grave on the third day to give us a way to be with Him and His Father for eternity.

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Ephesians 4

The Lord Is My Mighty Fortress, My Deliverer

Scripture: Psalms 62: 1-8

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.  How long will you assault me?  Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence?  Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies.  With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Scripture Commentary: God is the fortress that shields us from harm

David expressed his feelings to God and then reaffirmed his faith.  Prayer can release tension in times of emotional stress.  Trusting God to be our rock, salvation and fortress will change our entire outlook on life.

God values our faithful work for Him

No longer must we be held captive by resentment towards others when they hurt us.  It can be tempting to us to use honor, power, wealth, or prestige to measure people.  We may even think that such people are really getting ahead in life.  But on God’s scales, we are all a “breath,” a puff of air.

Wealth, honor power, or prestige add nothing to our value in God’s eyes, but the faithful work we do for Him has eternal value.  When we are resting in God’s strength, nothing can shake us.

Have you placed your life in God’s hands?

When you do, the so called burdens you carry will leave you because He will carry you through.

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Psalms 62

Do You Listen to God or to Yourself?

Scripture: Ezekiel 2: 1, 4, 7

He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” (1)  The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ (4)  You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. (7)

Scripture Commentary: Love the Lord your God and listen to his voice and hold fast to Him*

Do you listen to God or to yourself?  Are you rebellious, impudent and hardhearted?  God knows the true answer, so be honest.  If you have an open and obedient attitude, God will fill you with His spirit and power so that you can accomplish the job He has for you.

We’re living in the same times as Ezekiel, with people living in sin and saying that it’s OK.  Men with men, women with women, stealing, lying, and living only for oneself.

We are made from the dust of the ground yet God chooses to place within us His life and breath. And He asks us to serve Him.  How can we serve God and live in sin?  We are weak, but living for God will strengthen us for the purpose He has for us.

The Lord told Ezekiel not to be afraid.  Ezekiel was to speak His words whether or not the people listened.  God doesn’t expect us to understand everything about Him.  We are to be willing and obedient servants, faithful to what we know is true, right and Godly.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ezekiel 2

Additional Reading Also Referenced:
Deuteronomy 30

Salvation Is a Gift of God That Cannot Be Earned

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 8-10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Scripture Commentary: God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the gift of salvation

How do we respond to this gift?  We should respond to the gift of salvation with gratitude, praise and joy.

We became christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part.

If we are grateful for this free gift, we will naturally seek to help and serve others with kindness, love and gentleness.  We won’t work to merely please ourselves.  No action or work we do can helps us obtain salvation.  God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.

We are not saved merely for our own benefit but in order to serve Christ and build up His church.

Go out and encourage others who are struggling.  Show, through action, the love of Jesus Christ.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 2

The Chaff Blows Away, the Grain Bears Fruit

Scripture: Psalms 1: 1-2, 4, 6

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.(1)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.(2)  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.(4)  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.(6)

Scripture Commentary: Are you the chaff or the grain?

Which way is the wind blowing you?  Are you like the chaff being carried in all directions or are you like the grain that’s planted and ready to bring forth fruit for Our Lord Jesus Christ?

The more you are in God’s presence, the more fruitful you are.  On the other hand, the more you allow those who ridicule God to affect your thoughts and attitudes, the more you separate yourself from your source of nourishment.

You can have contact with unbelievers to witness to them, but you must not join in or imitate their ways.  You are God’s child and by being so, you must do your best not only to live His way but also to show others how God lives in you.

There are only two paths.  God’s path which is obedience, or the path of rebellion and destruction.  The path you choose determines how you spend eternity.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 1

Blessed Is the Person Who Walks With God

Scripture: Psalms 1: 1-4

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Scripture Commentary: Are you a person who walks in God’s path or in Satan’s?

There’s no middle ground.  Are you taking counsel in God’s Word by studying and living what you read?  The person who walks in God’s path is the person who takes the time to know and live His Word.

God’s wisdom guides you, giving your life meaning.  After you study God’s Word, meditate and think about what you have read.  Talk to God.  He will answer you.

The more you delight yourself in God’s presence, the more fruitful you will be.  In contrast, the more you allow those who ridicule God to affect your thoughts, attitudes, and actions, the more you separate yourself from your source of nourishment.

Your true friends will build up your faith in God, not tear it down.  The more you study God’s Word, the more you will be closer to Him and He to you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 1

Praise God In His Sanctuary

Scripture: Lamentations 2: 7

The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.

Scripture Commentary: The sanctuary is only the building; we are God’s light in the world

Our place of worship is not as important to God as our pattern of worship.  The church sanctuary may be beautiful to the eye but if its people don’t sincerely follow God, the church and the people in it will decay from within.

Are you merely reciting words you don’t really mean or understand when you worship?  Do you pray for help that you don’t really believe will come?

What do you do when God answers your prayer?  Do you thank Him but continue to live your life without change?  Do you express love for God that you don’t really have?  Or do you tell the people around you how God has answered your prayer?

You are the true temple of God

The building is the central place of worship, but we are the carriers of His Word.

Don’t substitute symbols, even so called good ones, for the reality of a living, personal relationship with God himself.  Earnestly seek God and catch a fresh vision of His love and care.

Have you forsaken Him?  God hasn’t forsaken you.

We are His and He is our Father, and He is waiting for you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Lamentations Chapter 2

Forgiveness Means No Payment Is Needed

Scripture: Ephesians 1: 7-8

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

Scripture Commentary:  Forgiveness wipes the slate clean

When we forgive a debt or offense, we don’t require a payment or settlement.  If we did, that would be the opposite of forgiveness.  If repayment is made for what we lost, there’s no need for forgiveness.  We have our due.

Forgiveness assumes grace

If you hurt me, grace lets it go.  I don’t sue you; I forgive you.

Grace gives what you don’t deserve.  That’s why forgiveness has the word ‘give’ in it.  It’s not about getting even; it gives away the right to get even.

When we repent, not only does God forgive, He forgets.  This is what God gives us when we trust Him.  This is why Christ suffered and died.

Forgiveness costs us nothing

Our obedience is the fruit, not the root of being forgiven.  This is why it’s His grace.  This grace cost Jesus His life.

How precious is the news that God doesn’t hold our sins against us.  Christ’s death on the cross made it right for God to forgive our sins.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians 1