REMEMBER THE WILDERNESS

And thou shalt remember all the
way which the Lord thy God led
thee these forty years in the
wilderness, to humble thee,
to prove thee, to know what
was in thine heart, whether thou
wouldst keep his commandments,
or no.
Deuteronomy 8:2

Talking to some friends lately about being in captivity, not because of being imprisoned in jail. but of feeling captive to a negative situation in our lives. Captivity is where we are put in a place with seemingly no way out. It might be a habit or any kind of negative happening in our lives.

What the Israelites went through in the wilderness in the beginning and even intent was not a captive situation. The Israelites were happy to return back to their home land. They had no idea though, what a time of testing they would experience in a 40 year period of time. As I was reading in Deuteronomy 8, I realized the people were being given some back-of-the-wilderness instructions.

This verse took me back...back to some of my own wilderness wanderings. My first trip was leaving my home town to go to college in Kansas. It was my first time to be away from home for a span of time. I didn't know anyone, the surroundings very different. I can't tell you the things the Lord taught me while attending that Christian college in my four years there. I felt a depth of loneliness that first year I had never known before. After college I went to a city next to Chicago where I worked in a Christian center with young people and some adults of a different race than my own. Not only was I lonely, but was in a cultural situation that for me was very different and challenging. I adjusted, but for a time, there were many tears when my head hit the pillow at bedtime.

I could go on as could you, but in verse 2 of this very informative chapter, my eyes stopped there realizing how God listed some of His expectations of His people in this venture toward a home place many had never known. God was hoping there would be some lessons learned in that time, some spiritual skills developed and a strong relationship with God Himself strengthened.

First, God wanted them to be in a loving relationship with Him.  He meant them no ill will.  There was so much catching up they had to do spiritually.  God wanted there to be a willingness on their part to love Him and find happiness in Him even in the wilderness.

Second, God wanted them to come to realize their only sufficiency was God Himself. No more self-sufficiency was in order in the desert. God wanted something very new from His people. He wanted their eyes off of selves and on to Him. If it took the wilderness to accomplish that, so be it.

Third, God wanted them to know their own hearts. It would appear they didn't know themselves very well. In many respects, they were getting reacquainted with the God of their fathers while coming to know themselves better. This took real self-examination regarding their obedience on an individual level. In that time, it was vital that they trust and have faith in God to the point of choosing obedience.

That chapter revealed even more hopes for God's people. God wanted to be remembered by his people, that they would worship Him only. God cautioned the people that as parents chasten their children, so He would also chasten them as needed...all out of love.

I look at my wilderness days and can see myself in all of these areas. Away from home for the first time, I went for a time with no close-by support system. I learned quickly that God was my support and that no matter where I lived, He would always be with me. All of this was very humbling for me. I came to know quickly that I didn't have a heart totally given to the Lord. I thought I was in pretty good shape spiritually but the wilderness taught me so much more regarding my need for a closer relationship with the Lord. All of this drove me to God's Word, hanging onto every word for dear life.

As uncomfortable as our wilderness times may be, it pleases the Lord when those times drive us to Him. I think of some friends today away from family in a nursing home. Some are in a hospital bed with few visitors. We have missionaries in distant places away from home and family who may feel at times they are in a foreign wilderness. I'm thinking of some friends who in recent days have become widows...alone, facing their new normal.

I've also come to know that a wilderness for us isn't necessarily a place, but can be where we are emotionally or spiritually. Despite who, what or where we are, God got there before we arrived. He has a wonderful way of being with us and still meeting us at another place. We are so loved by God who wants only what's in our best interest. We will benefit so much better if we decide to walk in step with Him wherever He chooses to lead us. When they come, I pray I will never waste a wilderness moment.

Dear Father, thank You for those times when I was totally dependent you, away from all the familiar. You ministered to me in wonderful ways. I'm so much the better because of Your love and provision. In it all, You wanted to pull me to Yourself. Thank You Jesus for making my life so rich. In Your Name...Amen

WORRY OR FEAR

Be careful for nothing; but in
every thing by prayer and
supplication let your requests
be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall
keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

We've been looking at Philippians on these Fridays of our isolation time. I almost feel guilty coming to this passage, but it couldn't be left out of looking at this sweet letter from Paul to the Philippian church. These may be verses we have had quoted to us at times, perhaps used for some ulterial reasons, but never-the-less worthy of our consideration.

I am assured that no matter what God commands of us in Scripture, as impossible as it may seem, God will enable us to do what He asks of us. The Holy Spirit is more than willing to come along side of us with His power that enables our obedience. I don't want to be discouraging looking at these verses. They are two of the most hopeful verses we could latch onto.

As I read and pondered these two verses, something really struck me about verse 6. This has been the worry-wart verse for many. I understand in the KJV, the word “anxious” refers to worrying. I asked myself in this process, “Is worry (anxious) the real problem?” I reviewed times when I struggled with real bouts of worry. It may have had to do with career, finances, health issues or family concerns. (And don't we love that word “concern?”) In every instance of being anxious or filled with worry, it dawned on me that worry wasn't the root problem.

Worry is just the fruit of something else. That something covers a lot of things in our lives we think of as worry. I have come to the conclusion for myself (and you my come to the same conclusion) that the root of all worry is fear. All my anxious cares and laying asleep at night with a worry on my mind still traces back to the thing of fear.

For we Christians, fear, especially in our everyday situations is saying, “God can't handle this.” We may feel our worry accomplishes some positive thing in our lives, but my worry has never solved a problem in my life. Paul gives us some steps that bring us to some very positive outcomes.

Paul tells us to not worry (or be anxious). This means coming to grips with and recognizing the problem. We can't solve a thing until we admit the problem. He then says simply to pray, bringing our need to God with an appreciative spirit, being honest with God. How many times when having a difficulty has someone told us to pray about it. We might think even now that we've tried that and it just didn't work. Back up time...remember that praying in the right spirit is essential, and honesty before God not just regarding our request but regarding our own attitude is a must.

Then in verse 7 comes the wonderful promises. When we've sincerely prayed, we can back off, leaving it in God's capable hands. Result: peace of God. It's a peace beyond anyone's understanding, even our own. I believe that peace can be a blessing even to the point that those who know our struggles will sense the peace in us that only God can give.

Scripture is full of anti-fear verses that I won't copy but II Timothy 1:7 is a great place to begin.. I do know that fear is of Satan and when we live in fear regarding anything, we really contribute to Satan's ego trip. I never want him to have any victory in my life. I want us to follow the path Paul has put out for us to follow, a path of peace, loving God more than ever before. For we women, victory over any fear is hard to walk away from. It means recognizing it as sin confessing it as such and trusting the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to walk in victory.

Thank You Father, for the comfort You have been in these special days of being so isolated from other people. Thank You even more that in our isolation time, You have never left us for one moment. We praise You for being in charge of our every circumstances knowing that You do all things well and we need have no fear. In Jesus precious name....Amen

WADING THROUGH WEEDS

But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. To Him
be the glory, both now and to
the day of eternity. Amen
II Peter 3:18

When we first built our house here in Tennessee, it was discouraging looking out a window and seeing nothing but dirt for a yard. I was grateful with some weeds that grew because they were at least green. I just couldn't foresee any green grass ever covering our surrounding dirt. We had neighbors on both sides of us with nice grass and flowers. I so longed for good old green anything showing up on our dirt. I now marvel at all of the green that surrounds our house. Seeds were planted and fertilizer spread, all done as frequently as called for. It's still not the best but I'll take it.

With the green though, weeds remained. It was as if they had staked their claim early and had no intention of leaving. I must hasten to say that although weeds come with names, their own characteristics and sizes, I have put them all in two categories. Some weeds are beautiful. Many of them can be found on mountain sides. Coming into our town one sees huge drapes of wild vines loaded with wide leaves. I guess they aren't worth much of anything except they grow fast and full, up trees if any are near and even on utility poles and wires. Some may consider them a pest, but they really are pretty serving their own kind of landscape service. No one has to pay any attention to them as they just grow fast and full on their own. They are faithful to return every spring after drying up for the winter months.

The other category of weeds in my opinion are those weeds that are nothing but pests. They take over yards, flower beds, vegetable gardens and rob the soil of nutrients necessary for growing healthy plants. I have pulled some from around my rose bushes that come up with roots a foot long. They don't give up easily, but ruin the areas with their cocky selves. They almost dare you to yank on them. A few years ago, I couldn't picture myself pulling up those precious green things that decorated my dirt, but it's different now.

When you get down to it, weeds are not the desired thing, anywhere whether they are pretty or not. We don't have a “lawn” surrounding our house...we have a “yard.” A yard from a distance when all greened up, mowed and trimmed looks like something we might have spent lots of money on. However, a closer look if you were to walk across our yard, would reveal weeds...weeds of many types and sizes. They do not make for a real lovely lawn, but they seem to fit in, looking like the grass around them. Weeds may give the impression of being lovely, but they are phony where grass is concerned. They take up space where grass should be growing. Most landscapers avoid weeds like the plague.

Along this line, I got to thinking about weeds that can crop up in my own spiritual life. Those weeds take up valuable time and space that detracts from my walk with the Lord. Many of those weeds cropping up in my own life are of my own doing. Satan can't always be blamed for my deliberate actions. If weeds of sin aren't removed immediately, they will grow large, spreading with deep roots. These are weeds you and I need to get rid of. These weeds of sin vary from person to person. What may be a problem for me may not be one for you. Ripping them up may be painful, but any damage can be repaired and we are the better for the purging process.

Guess what? Those very same weeds keep popping back up. I may have a space of time where I am not aggravated by them, but Satan knows my weaknesses and this is where he plays a huge part. What am I to do? I do the same as I do with weeds that keep popping up around my rose bushes. I keep pulling them up and using proper weed killer to keep them at bay as much as possible. Weeds will always make frequent appearances as sin in our lives. We have to keep fighting being in the Word and in prayer. We also must stay alert, never complacent or prideful.

I'm grateful I can look at our yard and see healthy green, but I can see from the porch where some weeds are smugly nestled in with the good stuff. I don't want to be that kind of Christian. I want to be a healthy-grass-Christian and not a grass pretender like weeds are. May we live, grow and thrive for Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

Dear Jesus, I love following You and am so sorry for those times I allow weeds of sin crop up into my life. Thank You for Your consistent love and forgiveness in my life. In Your precious name I pray...Amen

JOY FROM JESUS

Whom having not seen, ye love;

in whom, though now ye see

him not, yet believing,

ye rejoice with joy unspeakable

and full of glory.

I Peter 1:8

Several years ago, a group of ladies I had taught in a Bible study purchased a lovely bracelet for me. It's a simple silver chain with crystal stones on it. In fact there are 14 of them. I have on that bracelet 7 varied color stones that are repeated. The seven stones are supposed to represent the Fruit of the Spirit. The first stone is a beautiful red color representing the fruit of LOVE. The very next stone, clear in color, represents joy...perhaps pure joy. The fruit is placed in it's intended order via Galatians chapter five teaching. I hasten to add that the colors of these stones have nothing to do with Scripture. There are many interpretations of color meanings in Scripture

I find it interesting that right after love comes joy. Love is basic to all the fruit. Every time I wear that bracelet, I glance over at those various crystals. Galatians, of course, doesn't use the word fruits in the plural because those spiritual qualities listed work together as one and they grow in us out of our relationship with Jesus.

In Scripture, it is interesting to see in Paul's writing to the Philippians that he can't seem to help himself through the Holy Spirit's leading from using the word “rejoice” all of 9 times. The Philippians were a special people to Paul. Paul had to write to some churches with words of correction and even disappointment. The Philippian church wasn't perfect as we can tell by some of the subjects he addresses, but it was a good church, a generous church. He encouraged them regularly in this book to be believers of joy.

Paul in the KJV doesn't use the word JOY in this book, only rejoice. That's okay. The two words compliment each other in every sense. Joy is that inner peaceful delight only given by the Holy Spirit. Rejoicing stems from that inner joy as it is an action word and demonstrates outwardly that inner quality that seems to just want to burst out of us sometimes.

Happiness is a good word, but I'm always hesitant to use it in this context. In our world today, for everyone saved or unsaved, happiness is a quality that seems to be dependent on our outward circumstances. As Christians, there are times our circumstances will not always be upbeat and problem-free. That's just life, but nothing can rob us of our inner joy. I've seen Christians in some of the most dire of events in their lives who, through tears still maintains that sense of inner joy they have no matter what's going on.

There is a very familiar verse we have all read and perhaps even claimed the last part of it. God's people had been far from Him, but were in the process of coming home and were anxious to hear the Word of God read to them. It's interesting to see their excitement as they received the reading. If you and I get away from God, our joy will be affected. Don't confuse joy and salvation. We can't lose our salvation, but if we get away from God, our joy can be dampered.

And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha,

and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the

Levites that taught the people, said

unto all the people,

“This day is holy unto the Lord your

God; mourn not, nor weep. For all

the people wept, when they heard

the words of the law.

God's people had returned home and the Word of God was read to the people. Many had never heard it but only heard about it. Here they were, as a people listening and weeping.

Then he said unto them, Go your way,

eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and

send portions unto them for whom

nothing is prepared: for this day is

holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry:

for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10,11

The people left but came back later wanting more of God's Word. I wonder when we are exposed to God's Word if we ever weep over it or even get joy from it. Do we starve as the folks in that day, to hear from the Lord. In these days, may we find our strength in the joy of the Lord.

Thank You, dear Father, for Your Word and for Your Spirit who faithfully teaches it to us. May we find joy and strength in Your Word and convict us to tears when need be. In Jesus precious name....Amen

I WILL

For I the Lord thy God will hold

thy right hand, saying unto thee,

Fear not: I WILL help thee. (41:131)

It's two words used a multitude of times in our language. Of course, we use “I'll” which is the same thing as “I WILL.” We have said in so many ways what we will do or won't do. There are times when we fulfill those “I wills” and times we have let someone down by our forgetfulness or busyness. We've all been guilty at one time or another. We've been let down from time to time by another “I will-er.” Be it me, you or others, it happens. We've almost become used to it because we live in a world where many folks deliberately make promises with no intent of keeping them.

Lately, I have loved spending time with some of the Old Testament prophets, I came across a neat little section in Isaiah that some commentators entitle “The Greatness of God.” This section is found in Chapters 40-48. There is so much in the Old Testament where I wonder how in the world God could put up with all the spiritual ups, downs, crashes, disloyalty over and over of His people. Unfortunately we live in just such a day as Isaiah. But through all of the spiritual unfaithfulness of God's people, He remains faithful.

In this entire book as in others in the Old Testament, I am finding a multitude of “I will” statements by God. Many of those promises the people probably considered to be in their favor. However, God also made some of those statements with regard to His displeasure with them and even various types of judgment He was planning. Whether those statements were positive or negative, God was and is a God of His Word. Whatever He says He's going to do, it comes to pass.

In this precious little gift box (Chapters 40-48), I found some of those statements that have to do with His presence in the lives of His people. They just seem to speak to where we are right now. Some will say, “That's Old Testament and God was talking to THOSE people.” Yes, He was. What I love about the Old Testament is that it shows throughout the character of God Himself. God doesn't change. What He promised then, He is quite capable of providing for you and me now. God is an entire Bible God. As His children, we benefit from who He is all the time. By the way, that includes warnings regarding our sin. God will never wink or blink at sin, no matter the century, year or present day.

May I suggest some cuddle-up time under God's precious wings (Ps. 91) with one or more of the following verses. May we sense anew His precious presence in our lives.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be

not dismayed; for I am thy God: I WILL

strengthen thee; yea, I WILL help thee;

yea, I WILL uphold thee with the right

hand of my righteousness. (41:10)

When thou passest through the waters,

I WILL be with thee; and through the

rivers, they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned; neither

shall the flame kindle upon thee. (43:2)

For I WILL pour water upon him that

is thirsty, and floods upon the dry

ground: I WILL pour my spirit

upon they see, and my blessing

upon thine offspring. (44:3)

And even to your old age I am He;

and even to hoar (gray) hairs

WILL I carry you: I have made,

and I WILL bear; even I WILL

carry, and WILL deliver you. (46:4)

In Hebrews 13, we read “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” God of the Old Testament is the God of the New and His promises are safe and sure, to be claimed by us. When God promises us His constant presence no matter our present circumstances,  He does exactly what He has promised.  We can rest in that fact.

Dear Father, thank You for Your many promises in Scripture and that we can trust Your promises all the time. Thank You for Your watch care and help us to remember that You will never leave or forsake us. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

GODLY THINKING

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are

true, whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be

any praise,

THINK ON THESE THINGS.

Philippians 4:8

Recently we looked at Philippians 2:5 and following verses that had to do with letting ourselves have the mind of Christ in our selflessness, servanthood, humility and obedience. When reading such a challenge in Scripture we tend to be a little negative because the challenge seems to much. Paul's command was “LET this mind be in you....”

We don't like anyone messing with our heads. We make up our minds about things. We don't want to be told we are wrong about any of our thinking. When we think something, we think it from the top of our heads to the big toes on our feet. How often when younger perhaps at home with parents did we say or think, “You can't tell me what to think.” I'm afraid to ourselves we may have said that any number of times as adults.

We are presently in a difficult thinking time. We've been told to stay home and don't go anywhere. Ordinarily Brian and I wouldn't go much of anywhere anyway. We are home bodies. He goes for an orchestra practice on Monday evening and on Friday morning I go get my hair done. The rest of our activity has to do with church. Well, orchestra is done for the season, I'm not getting my hair done for now and church is on our computer screens. The most people I see looking out my front windows are joggers and bikers most that appear to be tourists (who aren't supposed to be here)from heavily infected flu states.

Where you live may present some different things for you. I know grandparents who can't visit with their grandchildren. Some folks have had to cancel trips. Grocery stores may not have the products needed. The walls of the house seem to be closing in. News on TV (if you watch it) is so depressing. Money in the bank account is dwindling. Someone you know and love may be out of a job. Concern over becoming ill. Some folks may be dealing with more than one of those things listed.

Despite the times, Paul in two places tells us what to think. If we want healthy minds in these days of turmoil and concern, it will mean revamping how we think and what we think. It's almost a retraining for us, but with Holy Spirit power, He can do anything in us but, we must be willing to participate in the training. For most of us, it's probably been a long time since we even considered the good, bad or ugly of our thinking. Paul lists some things for us to think upon. Once again it seems a lot, but we can step into the circle and take charge. The change in our thinking will improve our lives and hopefully give God the glory. So what are we to think on:

Truth: Honesty that is God given, not only with others, but with ourselves as well.

Honest: Truth in action

Just: That which is worthy of respect and right.

Pure: Moral purity

Lovely: Beautiful

Good report: Thinking only in light of spiritual good and relaying such in conversation.

Paul says if there is virtue and praise in these things, then that's where to LET your mind go. We must train ourselves to think in Godly ways on all those things that are positive, good and clean. Every now and then just to quietly question, “Will this thinking honor God?” “Is God pleased with what I'm thinking about right now?” Come up with your own searching questions. My bad thought attacks come when I am in bed and have trouble getting to sleep. Satan knows my weaknesses and where to hit my mind with subtle, negative thoughts. If not careful, I'll just go ahead and run with them and then they grow and grow.

In our day with so much negativity, we have God's power to help us rise above all the junk of this world. Our thoughts affect our health and well being more than we realize. A virus may not all that needs cleaned out of most lives. Let's use this time to benefit us spiritually, which by the way, begins with our thinking.

Thank You Father for this wonderful tool box of spiritual character with which to work and live as You desire. Help us, Holy Spirit to be open to Your leading. Without Your strengthening we can't accomplish any one of these thinking points. Thank You Jesus for making this wonderful life available to us. In Your Name...Amen

ENJOYING YOUR BIBLE

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Please allow me to suggest some things that folks have taught me through the years regarding my treatment of the Word of God. We have all been told probably since our salvation that we should read our Bibles every day. Really? Unless one grew up in a strong Christian home, that rule of thumb was more than frustrating for someone like me at the age of ten. With some maturity and some excellent spiritual friends and teachers, I learned I could be myself with that most precious Book.

First, please know that your Bible isn't a religious relic to be worshiped because the two words HOLY BIBLE are printed on the front. Several years ago, there was a couple that always sat in front of us in church. One day, she came in, sat down, turned around and wanted to show me what her hubby had purchased for her birthday. From a tote bag, she pulled out a box...a Bible in the box...an expensive Bible in the box. I asked why she brought her new Bible in the box. She said to keep it new. Until the day we moved, that dear lady (and I do mean sweet, dear lady) still carried that Bible in it's original box. We should respect our Bibles, not mistreat them, but a Bible is a tool, a textbook to be used.

One day while in college, I walked into another friend's room. She was laying on her tummy across her bed, chin on her folded arms on the edge of the bed. On the floor right under that was an open Bible. I apologized up and down for interrupting her devotions. I'll never forget what she said with a radiant and smiling face...”Oh that's okay Glendarae, this isn't devotion time. I'm just enjoying myself with some extra recreation in the Word.” WHAT??? Recreation is swimming, playing ball, jogging on a track, hiking...and you know the rest. This time in the Word for her was recreation. When I think of recreation, I think of something enjoyable, even fun. Can I regard my Bible as holy and still find enjoyment, even fun with it? I've come to believe that God loves when I enjoy Him and what He has to say.

Others have taught me some things....some hints that have enriched my Bible study. In a these days of confinement, let me suggest a few of them you might pick from and try.  Please keep in mind that I never treat the Word of God with any disrespect. It is not a ten cent puzzle book to be treated that way. I want God to speak to me through it every time I open it's pages. I, like others, can have a wandering mind as I read. There are things I have found that keep me focused. The following are some of those things that have kept me “tuned in” to not just reading words but to staying alert to what those words are saying to me. If you disagree, that's okay. Here we go:

*Be a Bible marker. Even if you have to purchase a cheap Bible from Walt-mart get one you can write, underline and make notes in.

*Go to Psalm 119. In every verse but three in the KJV, there is a word that has reference to what the Bible is....law, statutes, commandments, etc. Read through the Psalm and mark those words. They will remind you what God's Word is to do in us.

*Something very different I've suggested that I do at least once per quarter is to read through the four Gospels, but read the red letters (Jesus statements) only. This takes away the crowds, scenery, etc. hearing only what Jesus speaks. It's something I always look forward to doing.

*I have been using a new Bible for a few months and as I read, I am circling the names of Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Master, Teacher...any name for God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Talk about fun (if I may use the word), I love now turning every page (except Esther) seeing God's name standing out all over the place.

*Get a small notebook. Write a verse in it each day. Sometimes I write more. I date the writing as I go. Writing Scripture slows me down to really pay attention to each word. It doesn't take much time, but can take as much as I want and this is such a personal blessing.
*While reading, I always circle the word "all".  For one thing, when the Word says "all", that's exactly what God intends.

Don't misuse the Word. It's precious and inerrant. No matter how wonderful it is, what use is it if we aren't reading, enjoying and applying it, so for it! You might be surprised in these days of confinement how free you will feel.

Father, thank You for our Bibles. There are Christians all over the world who would give anything to even own one. Some are dying because they have one. Help us to appreciate this precious book and to learn from it and enjoy the learning process as we come to know You better. In Jesus precious name...Amen

BEING LIKE JESUS

Let this mind be in you, which was also

in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought

it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and

took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he

humbled himself, and became obedient

unto death, even the death of the cross

Philippians 2:5-8

A couple of weeks ago, our son visited us with his family. His oldest son and I were looking at some pictures. I had a recent one of his cousin he hasn't seen in awhile. He asked me if that was Aunt Beverly. I told him that it was his cousin not his aunt. He said, “She looks just like her mom.” I told him that they have heard that before. All of us have known people who look just like someone else. There are ladies I have admired through the years who I've told, “I want to be just like you when I grow up.” I didn't know at the moment how to really compliment them. I saw Jesus in them like they didn't see in themselves.

Foundational to the book of Philippians is the above section of verses that are basic to who Jesus was/is and what that should mean to us. Paul's challenge to us is found right at the beginning of verse five. His first six words don't seem to be a suggestion but a strong challenge that to us might seem impossible. He says for you and me to have the mind of Christ. That sounds next to impossible, but Scripture never gives us a command we can't attain to. Needless to say, it won't happen if we haven't had our own personal salvation relationship with Jesus. There may be others who feel they can skip that step, but without an introduction to Jesus, growing in Him just isn't going to happen.

In the context of Paul's precious package here, he gives us a couple of areas where we can be spiritually successful. While in the likeness of man, Jesus never sought to climb any ladders leading to popularity/reputation. In fact, in the Gospels, we find Him saying at times to others to not tell of some of His miracles. This attitude and mindset brought out in Jesus his servant hood. Jesus, the Son of God actually washed the feet of His disciples after their last meal together before He would go to the cross. That may not seem to be a big deal to us but in those days, culturally for all folks, even slaves weren't required to wash the feet of dinner guests in their owners home. When a guest, every consideration was extended except that you washed your own feet. A basin of water and towel was provided for you. People wore sandals and feet were a real mess. For Jesus to wash feet was a very significant gesture.

Paul also speaks of Jesus' humility. Even Jesus humbled Himself to His Father. He knew the Father's desire for His Son's life and Jesus humbly yielded to the Father's authority, even to the point of going to the cross. He didn't go there because He was guilty of anything. He went because you and I have been guilty of many things for which a perfect sacrifice was required.

So Paul tells us to LET the mind of Christ permeate our own minds. It means our not seeking to have some great reputation/popularity for ourselves. To have His mind, we are to be servants. This requires our thinking first, of others and doing for them when they have need. Then we see the humility of Jesus. These three things culminated in His obedience, even to death on a cross. We need those three things as well, as we are often called to die for something in our lives or circumstances.

We'll never attain to those four things perfectly until Heaven. For the time being, Paul said: LET this mind be in you. Let means for us to allow something to happen, to put forth effort to reach out to. We often don't set any spiritual goals because we just don't think about it. Here in this passage, we have four things to pray about that the Holy Spirit will do the work in us. I can't be any of these things without His empowerment.

Our world is crying for Christians who are earnest in living all out for Jesus. Nothing would make our Heavenly Father happier. LET us be seekers to the higher things of Jesus. May we want to look like Jesus and to be more like Him.

Dear Father, help us to love You more than we ever have. If we don't love You well, we'll feel no urge to serve You well. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to have a desire to be more like Your Son, Jesus...and we pray in that precious name...Amen