Philippians 2
Inspired thots
Again, God confirms to me that I should care about my brothers & sisters in Christ. The verse that stands out is 2:21 - :"for everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ"
How true! Man is a selfish being, caring for himself. But Christ is SO different; caring for man; for ME.
Yes, it is important to IMITATE Christ, although it is hard.
Jesus looks not at HIS own interest. Verses 5-11 are amazing!
Attitude Change is needed.
* Christ is God in His nature but did not consider Himself EQUAL to God the Father. How mind boggling!
* Christ was willing to take on a SERVANT nature instead of exercising His Godly nature when in human form
>>> this tells me that humans must be humble in nature/attitude. Christ took on the right attitude for the right form
* Christ exercised Humility and Obedience - 2 attributes of man that are pleasing to God.
~ God the Father REWARDS Him to the Highest place
And the interest of Christ is the interest of God His Father which is others' salvation while those saved must continue to work out their own salvation. I am in the latter and I need to take on Christ's interest, which means I need to care for others who need Christ.
The essence of 2:21 is repeated in 2:4 - "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"
It is good to take care of myself; but I must also take care for others. SO, LNG here I am!
A daily time out with the Lord Jesus, to hear Him speak to ME. I am asking the Lord to share HIS thoughts with ME, to teach me more about Himself, and how I can be drawn closer to Him... for 'His thoughts are not my thoughts and neither are His ways my ways' Isaiah 55:8,9. This blog is not a theological exegesis. This blog is to record down the INSIGHTS & INSPIRATIONS of God's Word to me; speaking LIFE into my life for Abundant life! :)
Showing posts with label care for others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label care for others. Show all posts
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Reacting to Others
1 Thessalonians 3 & 4
Inspired thots
Though the passage is written for a different context, it speaks to me of my group of interaction.
Yes, we have not met for some time... but I have not forgotten them in thought (2:17)
I did not have the same passion as Paul to 'make every effort' to see them; rather, I was glad to take the excuse to 'avoid' them, meeting only WHEN the situation calls for it. I was 'tired'.
Indeed, I was as Paul - standing it no longer, best to be left by myself. (3:1) pondering, waiting on the Lord, praying for them
I needed the solitude to rest and wait on the Lord; there were too many things happening....
New Year; New school term; new responsibilities; more work...
something has to go. I was already sleeping later, waking up earlier; but praise God for freshness to start the new day!
Yes, when one is not careful, 'the tempter' has tempted some and my efforts have been useless. (3:5)
BUT LORD, let it not be useless. They are your precious children; bring them back to Yourself.
Praying for them to stand firm in the Lord (3:8,10); that's the best I can do... no, I can do more, if I want to and make time for. Let me not kid myself. But Lord, I wait on You to lead me on every step.
Yes, Lord; You can still use me to 'supply what is lacking in their faith' (3:10)
Yes, Lord; I can still impact people. You are not done with me yet.
Inspired thots
Though the passage is written for a different context, it speaks to me of my group of interaction.
Yes, we have not met for some time... but I have not forgotten them in thought (2:17)
I did not have the same passion as Paul to 'make every effort' to see them; rather, I was glad to take the excuse to 'avoid' them, meeting only WHEN the situation calls for it. I was 'tired'.
Indeed, I was as Paul - standing it no longer, best to be left by myself. (3:1) pondering, waiting on the Lord, praying for them
I needed the solitude to rest and wait on the Lord; there were too many things happening....
New Year; New school term; new responsibilities; more work...
something has to go. I was already sleeping later, waking up earlier; but praise God for freshness to start the new day!
Yes, when one is not careful, 'the tempter' has tempted some and my efforts have been useless. (3:5)
BUT LORD, let it not be useless. They are your precious children; bring them back to Yourself.
Praying for them to stand firm in the Lord (3:8,10); that's the best I can do... no, I can do more, if I want to and make time for. Let me not kid myself. But Lord, I wait on You to lead me on every step.
Yes, Lord; You can still use me to 'supply what is lacking in their faith' (3:10)
Yes, Lord; I can still impact people. You are not done with me yet.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
All Kinds of People
2 Timothy 3:10-4
Inspired thots
There are many kinds of people in the world; it is important to uphold each one in prayer.
1) the faithful and righteous like Paul who did the Lord's work fervently. v10
~ pray for continuing perseverance to serve the Lord despite being persecuted.
~ may the Lord rescue His faithful and righteous.
2) evil men and impostors v13
~ pray for protection against these and their deception
~ pray that they will receive your grace and be set free from their deception
3) the young ones in Christ v15
~ pray for maturity in Christ through understanding Scriptures
~ pray for their faith to be strengthened and firmness in their stand on the truth of Jesus
~ pray that they are not easily swayed by deception
~ pray that they will grow in Christ to be equipped for every good work
4) those who are in the ministry 4:3,11
~ pray for faithfulness to remain in God's calling
~ pray for continued passion to minister
5) believers who choose to hear what they want to hear
~ pray for enlightenment, correcting and repentance
~ pray that the truth of Scripture will set them free from erroneous understanding of their faith
6) those who are in love with the world 4:9
~ pray for God's grace to change their hearts back to God, and turn from the world
7) those who oppose God 4:14
~ pray for God's mercy and grace to change their heart
~ pray for protection against such spiritual attack on the gospel
8) the weak 4:16
~ pray for those who fall easily from the faith when persecution comes
~ pray for strength in the Lord to arise within and build up the spirit man in faith & truth
9) those who have not heard the gospel (the Gentiles) v17
~ pray for salvation to come upon them, with opportunities to hear your word and feel your love
10) the church of God
~ pray for strength and unity to live their lives worthy of their calling
This is a new insight for me. Thank you Lord for your revelation. My heart must learn to care for others like Jesus cares for me.
Inspired thots
There are many kinds of people in the world; it is important to uphold each one in prayer.
1) the faithful and righteous like Paul who did the Lord's work fervently. v10
~ pray for continuing perseverance to serve the Lord despite being persecuted.
~ may the Lord rescue His faithful and righteous.
2) evil men and impostors v13
~ pray for protection against these and their deception
~ pray that they will receive your grace and be set free from their deception
3) the young ones in Christ v15
~ pray for maturity in Christ through understanding Scriptures
~ pray for their faith to be strengthened and firmness in their stand on the truth of Jesus
~ pray that they are not easily swayed by deception
~ pray that they will grow in Christ to be equipped for every good work
4) those who are in the ministry 4:3,11
~ pray for faithfulness to remain in God's calling
~ pray for continued passion to minister
5) believers who choose to hear what they want to hear
~ pray for enlightenment, correcting and repentance
~ pray that the truth of Scripture will set them free from erroneous understanding of their faith
6) those who are in love with the world 4:9
~ pray for God's grace to change their hearts back to God, and turn from the world
7) those who oppose God 4:14
~ pray for God's mercy and grace to change their heart
~ pray for protection against such spiritual attack on the gospel
8) the weak 4:16
~ pray for those who fall easily from the faith when persecution comes
~ pray for strength in the Lord to arise within and build up the spirit man in faith & truth
9) those who have not heard the gospel (the Gentiles) v17
~ pray for salvation to come upon them, with opportunities to hear your word and feel your love
10) the church of God
~ pray for strength and unity to live their lives worthy of their calling
This is a new insight for me. Thank you Lord for your revelation. My heart must learn to care for others like Jesus cares for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)