December 1 | Philippians 2:1-8

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DAILY READING

Philippians 2:1-8

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REFLECTION

Be Like Jesus

by Kim Starr

Sometimes God talks to us in subtle ways, like when Jesus told parables that people, even his disciples, did not understand until he explained them. Other times God talks to us directly like when he spoke to Moses in the burning bush. In the passage for today, God, through Paul, is telling us exactly how, as Christians, he wants us to act.

Paul starts off by telling us that, if we have any happiness from being a Christian, if we have any comfort from God’s love, if we join with others and share his spirit, if we have any compassion, tenderness, or thoughtfulness for others, we are to make his joy complete by having the same love for one another and being of one mind and one in the spirit. We are to be humble and value others and look at their interests above our own.

That’s a tall order and can be difficult to do. Thankfully, Paul goes on to tell us how we are to accomplish this: we are to be like Jesus. Now, being exactly like Jesus is impossible because we all sin; he did not. But we can look to him, emulate his qualities, and ask him to help us be servants, put others’ needs above our own, and be humble.

When Jesus walked among us, he had a servant heart, and he led by example. He even did the will of his Father by dying on the cross for us. He alone made the way for us to enter heaven and live and be with God forever. He wants us to do the same thing. He wants us, through our actions and words, to let his light shine through our lives and touch others. The goal is to expand the kingdom of God by how we act, what we do, and what we say. Endeavor to do exactly what he asks and have the mindset of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Oh God, I come humbly before you asking that you give me the mindset of your son, Jesus Christ. I want to be like him. I want your light to shine through me in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Let every single thing I do or say draw people to you. Thank you for helping me. In your precious, holy name I pray. Amen.

November 30 | 1 Peter 4:8-13

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DAILY READING

1 Peter 4:8-13

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REFLECTION

Trouble, Expect It and Rejoice In It

by Judy Webb

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Suffering partners us with Christ. Do these words comfort us as we face major troubles in life? At first blush I would respond with an emphatic, “No!” It might surprise you to hear me say, “well it should." Let me explain. Almost thirteen years ago I sat in the ER with my husband. We had just closed on our retirement home in Eagle River, Wisconsin, and were excited to begin the three-year countdown to moving into our dream home. After waiting through hours of testing, we received the diagnosis…terminal…three months or less. Can you relate? Have you had a severe trial put in your path that took your breath away? Most likely, but if not, there will be one someday. Scripture tells us not to be surprised. Shocked maybe, but not surprised. How can we expect anything different from what Christ experienced?

When he shared with the disciples that He would suffer and die, they protested, preferring to believe Jesus would be with them forever. Their hearts were breaking just hearing these words from Jesus, much like ours do at the word "terminal."

This season Dave and I were entering would refine and define our faith. The words from James 1:2-3 jumped from the page of my Bible. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” I must admit, it took a while to consider it pure joy.

It is still a challenge to look forward to suffering as Christ did. I realize that suffering partners us with Christ. If we are to live with Him, we can rejoice in suffering and give all the glory to God. Acts 14:22 teaches us: we must go through many hardships; John 16:33 tells us that in this world we will have troubles, but then 2 Corinthians says, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

PRAYER

Father God, this is a difficult passage to embrace, but once we do, it makes so much sense. Give us the faith and desire to travel the road laid out before us, the road you walked first. Amen.

NOVEMBER 29 | 2 TIMOTHY 1:6-14

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DAILY READING

2 TIMOTHY 1:6-14

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REFLECTION

FAN THE FLAMES

by Judy Webb

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Do you know your Spiritual Gift? Have you known it for a long time because it happens to be an area you are passionate about? Has your gift changed your life, or the life of those around you? Do you speak enthusiastically when using this gift, and does it seem to light a fire in your spirit?

FEARSOME NOT TIMID: 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that our gift will make us bold, not timid. We will not lack courage or be fearful when working within our gifting. We will sense God’s power as we maneuver this life using this special gift to lead others to know Jesus. Love and self-discipline will be our companions on this journey. God doesn’t want us to be shy with this gift(s), but to be strong and courageous.

POWER AND LOVE: Our love for Jesus and His word will stir us to move forward, always remembering this battle is the Lord’s. (2 Chronicles 20:17). Our unselfish and loyal affection for God and one another is the key to using our gifts as God intended; Never to build us up but to glorify God. The Holy Spirit supplies us with unlimited strength to love all we encounter. He never told us it would be easy, only that we will be able to stand firm in His power and grace.

SELF-DISCIPLINE: The Spirit will supply restraint and willpower when we ask for it. Certain situations will require us to call upon the Spirit to fan the flames of our gifting. We need to remember that we live in this world but don’t wage war as the world does. (2 Corinthians 10:3) We need discretion at our disposal, always facing situations with sober minds.

In this often-cold world, we cannot allow the fire of God’s love and good news to cool down. It is this fierce fire of love that warms us. Daily fan the flames of your faith and encourage others with your gift. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2 Timothy 1:14)

PRAYER

Dear Father,

Thank you for the Spiritual gifts you have given each of us. Teach us to use them for your glory. Be a Presence in each of our lives this week as we have opportunity to share our gifts with others. Amen.