Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Usually, we focus on the positive things we should do to reflect good character and be more Christ-like. Here the verses focus on some “don’ts” as well. Either way, from whatever angle we come at these behaviors, this is good counsel. How much better the world would be if people just behaved like Paul suggests.

Context: In Chapter 2, Paul is sharing with us how we can have an attitude like Christ. We know he was 100% man as well as 100% God, but we can learn so much from how Jesus lived and behaved. He could not sin because he was God, so we have to work extra hard to try and attain some of what Paul teaches us. This chapter is full of great wisdom, but these verses go a long way to helping us be better humans. Continue reading “Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This”

John 10:27-28 – His Sheep

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” (John 10:27-28)

I don’t often think of myself as a sheep, but when I read and reflect on this verse I want to be one. Well, at least I’d like to be as Jesus describes them. To be totally devoted to Jesus is how I want to live my life, and this verse has some great promises.

Context: In Chapter 10 of John’s gospel, Jesus has identified himself as the “Good Shepherd.” It would have been a very interesting comparison back in those days because shepherds were not revered highly in society. Yet, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep would have been unique and almost intimate. These verses follow that discussion when the people were pressuring Jesus to confirm he was the Messiah. His response is priceless and worth memorizing. Continue reading “John 10:27-28 – His Sheep”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As believers, we’re always seeking God’s will for our lives. In in our head, we know God’s will is perfect, and we want to be living in it. The Lord’s Prayer even has a petition that says, “Thy will be done.” That’s what we pray for, but do we know what it is? Do you ever question God about it? And then we encounter a text like this, reminding us so simply.

Context: In Chapter 5, Paul is setting expectations for the Thessalonians about Jesus’ return. He wanted them to be prepared, even though nobody knows when that day will come. We are still waiting all these years later. Our memory text comes from Paul’s final words of advice. He speaks of how we should relate to others and how we should live our lives while we wait. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You”

2 Corinthians 5:7 – What Do You See?

For we live by believing and not by seeing. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I don’t know about you, but I certainly look forward to seeing Jesus face to face. I’m not trying to rush to the end of my life or anything, but he did promise to return and that could always happen first. But until that day comes, this verse explains our way of life. We have to believe in something we cannot see.

Context: Interesting that this verse is part of Paul’s discussion about our new bodies, the one we receive after we die. While we are living in our current bodies that get wrinkled and have aches and pains, we are not “at home” yet with the Lord. While we’re here, we live by faith, and that’s a great message to remind us to hold on. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 5:7 – What Do You See?”

Joshua 1:8-9 – Meditate on This!

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9)

What wise words to empower the new leader, Joshua! We can take this message to heart because the promise is still valid and applicable for us today. We know this “Book of Instruction” as the Bible. As we read God’s Word, we glean wisdom we can find in no other source. The words of Scripture are truth for life, an instruction manual from God himself.

Context: This verse falls early in the first chapter of the Book of Joshua. You will recall Joshua was the leader God chose to follow in Moses’ footsteps. Can you imagine that assignment! Joshua was the one who led the people into the Promised Land after 40 years of roaming around the wilderness. God’s charge to Joshua was to be courageous and know he was not alone. The Book of Instruction was a guide to serve him well. Continue reading “Joshua 1:8-9 – Meditate on This!”

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