Philippians 2:5-115Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. ]]>
In Andy Stanley’s book, “The Principle of the Path”, he shares a great prayer that he and his wife pray over their family. It’s so good that I just have to share it. First though, it’s helpful to know where it originated from, which is Proverbs 27:12 – “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Great verse, huh?! Reminds us to slow down and watch for the warning signs in ours and our children’s lives.
Here’s the prayer:
“Lord, help us to see trouble coming long before it gets here. And give us the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it.”
]]>As I was reading 1 Samuel 1-2, there were some things that stuck out to me about Samuel’s relationship with his mother. [...]]]>
If you’re a mother, mommy, mama, or mom, let me be the first to say “Happy Mother’s Day”! Also, this post is for you! But…if you’re not a mom, then please continue as well.
As I was reading 1 Samuel 1-2, there were some things that stuck out to me about Samuel’s relationship with his mother. First off, his mother Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord as an infant. This meant that Samuel was taken to the temple to be raised as soon as he was weaned from his mother. I can’t even comprehend that emotion, and it’s not just because I’m not a woman!
So what do Samuel and Jesus have in common? Check out these two verses below. The first is 1 Samuel 2:26, and the second is found in Luke 2:52.
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Woah! Pretty similar, huh?
What is one of the common threads between Samuel and Jesus? They both had mother’s that had dedicated their child’s entire life to the Lord. Both Hannah and Mary knew that even their own children weren’t truly theirs. Their children belonged to the Lord.
]]>Examen.Me gives you options to do “Examens” which is a cool and neat [...]]]>
I’ve recently begun using an online Bible study and journaling tool called Examen.Me. I have to admit though that I have some automatic interest in it because my college roommate, Brent Minter, is the one who created it through some serious God-given vision.
Examen.Me gives you options to do “Examens” which is a cool and neat way of saying “devotion”. There are daily Gospel, Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalm examens, which all aim at the heart of a believer.
My personal favorite so far though, has been the Journal Examen. For some reason, it just seems quicker, safer, and cooler to put my journal online.
For those prayer warriors out there, there is a very intentional (as is the whole site) and guided Prayer Examen that will lead you through various people and categories to pray for.
I highly recommend Examen.Me! Check it out and let me know what you think!
]]>The past couple of weeks we’ve been covering the power of the tongue. After understanding that the thoughts that are in our minds then fill our hearts and overflow from our mouths, we’ve discussed just how powerful those words can be.
Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your [...]]]>
The past couple of weeks we’ve been covering the power of the tongue. After understanding that the thoughts that are in our minds then fill our hearts and overflow from our mouths, we’ve discussed just how powerful those words can be.
Ephesians 4:29 – 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.
Proverbs 12:18 – Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Using a large plastic sword and a box of first-aid supplies, I stressed the contrast of just how powerful our words can be to either destroy or build and heal one another. Don’t forget that after being pierced with a sword, there will be some scarring. We should forgive one another of hurtful words and seek forgiveness when we are hurtful. But wouldn’t it be great if we never had to ask others for forgiveness due to our careful and wise use of our words?
What are you doing with your words today? Are you building others up? Or tearing them down?
Are your words piercing? Or are they healing?
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