Passage of the Day: Philippians 2: 7b [ NIV - see highlight passage in bold/underlined] … 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
Philippians 2: 7b [NASB] … 7b …, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
My Journal for Today: John MacArthur ends his Strength For Today devotional on this date, while focusing on today’s verse, but also by quoting the words of Jesus in Matt. 20: 27, where our Lord said, “…whoever wants to be first must be your slave [or ‘bond servant’ in the NASB].” And then MacArthur asks his readers if we, who call ourselves Christians, really pursue that model of Christlikeness by serving others in lowliness – as their SLAVE - as we have also read in Phil. 2: 3 – 4. That’s how Christ came into the world to serve as a slave to the will of His father, humbling Himself, even unto the cross, to serve mankind as was the will of His Heavenly Father. And since Phil. 2: 5 commands us to take the attitude of our Savior, we should see ourselves as a SLAVE to our God, first, and then to others as modeled by Jesus.
Today’s highlighted verse (Phil. 2: 7b), uses the Greek term “morphe” when it refers to Jesus taking the “very nature” (or “form” in the NASB) of a bond servant [or more accurately “SLAVE” according to MacArthur]. That, of course, is the Greek word which is the base from which comes our word “metamorphosis” or the more modern term “morph,” which refers to something changing its essence, from one form to another. And as we’ve been studying thus far this month, Christ did this by His “kenosis,” or by emptying Himself of His claims to Trinitarian majesty as He was incarnated into a babe and lived for 33 years as a man, finally dying as the Lamb of God on a cross for all of us. So, as MacArthur points out, Christ, fully God, “morphed” into a servant or slave to live His life as a man on earth. And again we read Paul’s exhortation in Phil. 2: 5, that our attitude, as Christians, must MORPH from our basic sin nature to become that of Christlikeness as we aspire to live like Him. So, above all, the logic and truth of today’s verse would point us to become bond servants of God as was our Savior; and our servanthood to Christ, in our surrender to His Spirit, is our status as bond-slave to Him as we live our lives for His purposes.
Jesus was the ultimate slave model, totally “bonded” to the will of His Heavenly Father - and also to the needs of all of mankind - as He ultimately served us by dying as the suffering servant that we might have eternal life (see John 3: 16). In fact over 700 years before Christ came among us, Christ, the Messiah, was depicted as the One who would become almost unrecognizable on the cross, serving mankind [see Isaiah 52: 13 – 14]. What we’re reading in Phil. 2, is how Christ’s fulfillment of those prophesies plays out in the lives of those who come after Him … those of us who serve Him as His disciples [really, more accurately, as His “slaves”]; and in doing so, those who serve God’s Kingdom do so by serving others.
Christ’s servanthood is our model as we strive toward Christlikeness; and it again begs the question, “Are we, in fact, living out this mandate for servanthood or slavery to our God?” I, for one, have far to go; but I’m bolstered by God’s promise (in Phil. 1: 6) that He is doing a work in me to shape me into His image – and this most certainly leads me to become more of a slave to His Spirit in this process.
But stay tuned; … there’s even more to come about our Servant and Lord.
My Prayer Today: Transform us, Lord, into Your likeness … as a true slave to the Father as we serve others as You did. Amen
=================
Blogger’s Note: If you’re a follower of John MacArthur’s teaching, as you certainly can perceive I am, you may want to read Dr. M’s book, Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity In Christ, which goes deep into a study of the term “slave” in the New Testament, which is a term which has become watered down and slighted by many Bible translations. That book really helped me when I was writing the journal entry you read above.
Showing posts with label servanthood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label servanthood. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21, 2011 … The Humility of Jesus’ Kenosis
Passage of the Day: Philippians 2: 7 - [see underlined verse] 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but [Jesus] made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
My Journal for Today: I know why Jesus said that He came to us as the Son of God. He expressed that in God’s Temple by reciting, from God’s word in Isaiah 61: 1 – 2, the prophesy of the Messiah coming to do what was written in the Old Testament [see Luke 4: 17 – 21] …
SCRIPTURE: Luke 4: 17-21 … 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him [Jesus]. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Now, … even though I know this in my head, I believe and understand what was happening in that passage and from today’s verse, in my heart I don’t think I’ll ever be able to comprehend the “WHY” behind the Second Person of the Trinity being willing to empty Himself of His majesty and become that very special Babe in Bethlehem … so that all the prophesies concerning Him, as Messiah, would be fulfilled and He would become the Lamb of God Who saved mankind from sin. This act of God’s Son, by the way, is sometimes referred to as the doctrine of “kenosis,” which is from the Greek verb “keno,” which means to make something of value null and void.
Today’s verse (Phil. 2: 7) is one place in Scripture where that verb is used; and “kenosis” a gross understatement of what Christ’s incarnation was all about. The theological doctrine, as MacArthur teaches this morning, called “the kenosis,” was the Greek reference for Christ emptying Himself of His glory/majesty for … ME (and you, of course). And don’t you just stand in awe of what today’s verse describes. And since we’ve been discussing HUMILITY this month, in this verse we see what is probably the most powerful example of Christ’s infinitely humble nature as can every be found in the Bible, save the Cross and Christ’s Passion, of course. And, if we are to aspire to Christlike humility, this is the model we must use as our example … our beacon of hope to be like our Lord, as exhorted in Phil. 2: 5.
We certainly need a model or a target of humility, falling so short of God’s glory as humans in our sinfulness (see Rom. 3: 23). We know that Jesus, Himself, called His disciples (and all believers) to be empty of self as we follow Him (see Luke 9: 23 - have you got that one memorized yet – if not, today should be the day to do that little self-emptying task for Christ – because it’s the first day of Spring – a day where something new from God should come alive!!!). Christ, of course, would never call us toward any course of action, in His Name, if we could not, with His grace, be able to do what He commands (besides 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9, see the Great Commission in Matt. 28: 19 – 20). When He calls us, His promise is to be, not only with us (Heb. 13: 5) but ahead of us (see Deut. 31: 8). Therefore, we can fulfill Paul’s exhortation to be humble like Christ (again, Phil. 2: 5); and Christ’s magnificent example points the way for us.
My Prayer Today: Fill my emptiness with Your fullness, O Lord! Amen
My Journal for Today: I know why Jesus said that He came to us as the Son of God. He expressed that in God’s Temple by reciting, from God’s word in Isaiah 61: 1 – 2, the prophesy of the Messiah coming to do what was written in the Old Testament [see Luke 4: 17 – 21] …
SCRIPTURE: Luke 4: 17-21 … 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him [Jesus]. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Now, … even though I know this in my head, I believe and understand what was happening in that passage and from today’s verse, in my heart I don’t think I’ll ever be able to comprehend the “WHY” behind the Second Person of the Trinity being willing to empty Himself of His majesty and become that very special Babe in Bethlehem … so that all the prophesies concerning Him, as Messiah, would be fulfilled and He would become the Lamb of God Who saved mankind from sin. This act of God’s Son, by the way, is sometimes referred to as the doctrine of “kenosis,” which is from the Greek verb “keno,” which means to make something of value null and void.
Today’s verse (Phil. 2: 7) is one place in Scripture where that verb is used; and “kenosis” a gross understatement of what Christ’s incarnation was all about. The theological doctrine, as MacArthur teaches this morning, called “the kenosis,” was the Greek reference for Christ emptying Himself of His glory/majesty for … ME (and you, of course). And don’t you just stand in awe of what today’s verse describes. And since we’ve been discussing HUMILITY this month, in this verse we see what is probably the most powerful example of Christ’s infinitely humble nature as can every be found in the Bible, save the Cross and Christ’s Passion, of course. And, if we are to aspire to Christlike humility, this is the model we must use as our example … our beacon of hope to be like our Lord, as exhorted in Phil. 2: 5.
We certainly need a model or a target of humility, falling so short of God’s glory as humans in our sinfulness (see Rom. 3: 23). We know that Jesus, Himself, called His disciples (and all believers) to be empty of self as we follow Him (see Luke 9: 23 - have you got that one memorized yet – if not, today should be the day to do that little self-emptying task for Christ – because it’s the first day of Spring – a day where something new from God should come alive!!!). Christ, of course, would never call us toward any course of action, in His Name, if we could not, with His grace, be able to do what He commands (besides 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9, see the Great Commission in Matt. 28: 19 – 20). When He calls us, His promise is to be, not only with us (Heb. 13: 5) but ahead of us (see Deut. 31: 8). Therefore, we can fulfill Paul’s exhortation to be humble like Christ (again, Phil. 2: 5); and Christ’s magnificent example points the way for us.
My Prayer Today: Fill my emptiness with Your fullness, O Lord! Amen
Sunday, October 10, 2010
2010 – October 10 – Leadership with Integrity
Study from God’s Word… Nehemiah, Chapter 7, then 11-12 … Passage for Reflection: Nehemiah 1: 2 … NIV 2 I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.
My Journal for Today: So, I’m reading on in Nehemiah, and in Chapter 6, we read that the walls for the city had been miraculously rebuilt in just 52 days, a remarkable feat; but then again, those of us who know and believe in God Almighty know that nothing is impossible when God has called one to a task. As my mentor used to tell me, “God’s calling will always come with His enablement.”
But what now for Nehemiah, this great leader who’d been called by God to lead a contingency of God’s people back to Jerusalem to rebuild those walls. Well, now that the walls are rebuilt, Nehemiah, being the leader he is, realizes that there is need for organization of the people and to promote resettlement of God’s great city, … the City of David. And so, he feels a second calling on his life … to utilize his obvious spiritual gifts of leadership and administration. Now the task is to get the right people into the city from those who had been living outside the walls and to establish organization and re-establishment of the Jewish traditions of the priesthood and let God’s order prevail again in the Temple city.
So, one of his first orders was to appoint his brother, Hanani, along with one other Jewish leader, Hananiah, as chief of the gatekeepers, which would have been like appointing his brother as the co-sheriff of Jerusalem, a very critical position. But why his brother? Doesn’t this smack of nepotism; and maybe it would, if we didn’t have Nehemiah’s own explanation for the appointment? But it would not be terribly surprising for anyone who knew Nehemiah to realize that he would elevate his brother, Hanani, to a position of leadership, because it had been Hanani who had brought the news of the walls needing repair back to Susa when Nehemiah was the cup-bearer for Artaxerxes (see Neh. 1: 2).
But beyond this emotional and familial connection, Nehemiah, in today’s highlight text tells all that he chose his brother to fill this critical position because of the spiritual integrity of Hanani. And a man in Nehemiah’s position, as Governor of God’s Holy City, being able to trust the integrity of any of the city leaders would have been one of the main criteria for Nehemiah selecting that man into leadership.
And surely we recognize, as did Nehemiah, that he could only trust men in leadership who feared and revered God. And Nehemiah had not only seen how his brother Hanani had traveled all the way from Jerusalem to Susa to bring the news of the broken walls to Nehemiah; but he surely had seen his brother in action while the walls were being rebuilt (though we don’t know all these details). Nehemiah had seen Hanani’s reverence for God in action; and now he needed a man to be an overseer of security for the city; and his brother was an obvious choice.
As Dr. Smith puts it this morning in his devotional, ”One’s lack of integrity begins with one’s lack of a relationship with God. Lying only happens because of what is underlying.” And the opposite is true, of course. One’s veracity and strong moral character are measured by the depth of relationship one has with God Almighty. And Nehemiah knew he could trust his brother because Hanani, as Nehemiah put it, “… feared God more than most men do.” And I’ve learned over years of personal growth and ministerial experience, that one can really only trust the integrity of another who has a deep and abiding relationship with Christ; and that is generally measured the spiritual fruit in his life (see Galatians 5: 22, 23) and the discipline and depth of that believer’s daily devotional life.
So, I repeat the question put forth by Dr. Smith for our personal examination, another of those LOOK IN THE MIRROR questions. He writes, ”Am I a person of such integrity that God Himself could fee comfortable putting me in charge of some special task, however lowly?”
So, let’s look in the mirror of truth and answer that one!
My Prayer for Today: Lord, as Your child, You know I love You and fear You; … so, dear Lord, ... choose me! Send me! I want to serve You in any way YOU desire. Amen
My Journal for Today: So, I’m reading on in Nehemiah, and in Chapter 6, we read that the walls for the city had been miraculously rebuilt in just 52 days, a remarkable feat; but then again, those of us who know and believe in God Almighty know that nothing is impossible when God has called one to a task. As my mentor used to tell me, “God’s calling will always come with His enablement.”
But what now for Nehemiah, this great leader who’d been called by God to lead a contingency of God’s people back to Jerusalem to rebuild those walls. Well, now that the walls are rebuilt, Nehemiah, being the leader he is, realizes that there is need for organization of the people and to promote resettlement of God’s great city, … the City of David. And so, he feels a second calling on his life … to utilize his obvious spiritual gifts of leadership and administration. Now the task is to get the right people into the city from those who had been living outside the walls and to establish organization and re-establishment of the Jewish traditions of the priesthood and let God’s order prevail again in the Temple city.
So, one of his first orders was to appoint his brother, Hanani, along with one other Jewish leader, Hananiah, as chief of the gatekeepers, which would have been like appointing his brother as the co-sheriff of Jerusalem, a very critical position. But why his brother? Doesn’t this smack of nepotism; and maybe it would, if we didn’t have Nehemiah’s own explanation for the appointment? But it would not be terribly surprising for anyone who knew Nehemiah to realize that he would elevate his brother, Hanani, to a position of leadership, because it had been Hanani who had brought the news of the walls needing repair back to Susa when Nehemiah was the cup-bearer for Artaxerxes (see Neh. 1: 2).
But beyond this emotional and familial connection, Nehemiah, in today’s highlight text tells all that he chose his brother to fill this critical position because of the spiritual integrity of Hanani. And a man in Nehemiah’s position, as Governor of God’s Holy City, being able to trust the integrity of any of the city leaders would have been one of the main criteria for Nehemiah selecting that man into leadership.
And surely we recognize, as did Nehemiah, that he could only trust men in leadership who feared and revered God. And Nehemiah had not only seen how his brother Hanani had traveled all the way from Jerusalem to Susa to bring the news of the broken walls to Nehemiah; but he surely had seen his brother in action while the walls were being rebuilt (though we don’t know all these details). Nehemiah had seen Hanani’s reverence for God in action; and now he needed a man to be an overseer of security for the city; and his brother was an obvious choice.
As Dr. Smith puts it this morning in his devotional, ”One’s lack of integrity begins with one’s lack of a relationship with God. Lying only happens because of what is underlying.” And the opposite is true, of course. One’s veracity and strong moral character are measured by the depth of relationship one has with God Almighty. And Nehemiah knew he could trust his brother because Hanani, as Nehemiah put it, “… feared God more than most men do.” And I’ve learned over years of personal growth and ministerial experience, that one can really only trust the integrity of another who has a deep and abiding relationship with Christ; and that is generally measured the spiritual fruit in his life (see Galatians 5: 22, 23) and the discipline and depth of that believer’s daily devotional life.
So, I repeat the question put forth by Dr. Smith for our personal examination, another of those LOOK IN THE MIRROR questions. He writes, ”Am I a person of such integrity that God Himself could fee comfortable putting me in charge of some special task, however lowly?”
So, let’s look in the mirror of truth and answer that one!
My Prayer for Today: Lord, as Your child, You know I love You and fear You; … so, dear Lord, ... choose me! Send me! I want to serve You in any way YOU desire. Amen
Saturday, November 28, 2009
2009 – Day 331.Nov 28 – Servant First
Passage for Study: Acts 17: 1 - 9 … Acts 17 linked for study …
2nd Passage for Study: 1st Thes. 2: 1 - 12 … 1st Thes. 2 linked for study …
My Journal for Today: Today’s devotional from Pastor Chuck Swindoll was just for me; ... well, maybe you too. He points to an attitude which leaders in ministry must develop. However, it’s another of the Christlike attitudes modeled by the Apostle Paul, which all of us simply must learn and live if we’re going to grow in Christllikeness. And that attitude was probably best modeled by Christ when He washed the feet of the Disciples (read it in John 13: 1-17, [linked here for your study].)
The attitude and message for ministry in God’s Kingdom was, of course, choosing to be a servant first. In John 12: 26 Jesus had commanded, ”Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” And shortly thereafter, in the upper room, He illustrated this for His inner twelve by washing their feet.
If we’re going to be great for the Lord, we must learn to be a servant first. That was modeled by Christ and then exemplified in our passages, which are repeated again today, illustrating the Apostle Paul’s desire to be a follower and a servant first in his ministry/missionary calling.
To bring this point home in his devotional for this date, Swindoll quotes a young Senior at Dallas Theological Seminary, when Swindoll heard the young man preach a sermon. The student was giving a sermon on the foot-washing text from John 13; and as this young preacher candidate ended his sermon, he asked a very pointed question, which applies to us all. He asked, ”Do you want to have a great ministry; ... or do you want to be great.”
And I can’t speak for you, but that question, FOR ME, hits at my heart. All too often I find myself trying to please others or to be seen as great IN THEIR EYES rather than simply, and humbly, serving them as Jesus would. I’m too often vying to be first in the eyes of those whom I serve rather than just serving for the sake of my Lord. I want them to see ME FIRST rather than to see The Lord in my service. Sure, I’ll wash your feet; but am I doing it simply to honor my Lord, or am I doing it so that you’ll see me as your foot washer?
Ugh! If homebase is simple servanthood, I’m afraid I’m striking out all too often rather than hitting a homerun for Christ by simple and humble service in His Name. But thankfully, God gives me a chance to step to the plate today and hit one out of the park as I serve others in His Name.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me see the need for a servant; and then give me the opportunity to serve in Your Name. Amen
2nd Passage for Study: 1st Thes. 2: 1 - 12 … 1st Thes. 2 linked for study …
My Journal for Today: Today’s devotional from Pastor Chuck Swindoll was just for me; ... well, maybe you too. He points to an attitude which leaders in ministry must develop. However, it’s another of the Christlike attitudes modeled by the Apostle Paul, which all of us simply must learn and live if we’re going to grow in Christllikeness. And that attitude was probably best modeled by Christ when He washed the feet of the Disciples (read it in John 13: 1-17, [linked here for your study].)
The attitude and message for ministry in God’s Kingdom was, of course, choosing to be a servant first. In John 12: 26 Jesus had commanded, ”Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” And shortly thereafter, in the upper room, He illustrated this for His inner twelve by washing their feet.
If we’re going to be great for the Lord, we must learn to be a servant first. That was modeled by Christ and then exemplified in our passages, which are repeated again today, illustrating the Apostle Paul’s desire to be a follower and a servant first in his ministry/missionary calling.
To bring this point home in his devotional for this date, Swindoll quotes a young Senior at Dallas Theological Seminary, when Swindoll heard the young man preach a sermon. The student was giving a sermon on the foot-washing text from John 13; and as this young preacher candidate ended his sermon, he asked a very pointed question, which applies to us all. He asked, ”Do you want to have a great ministry; ... or do you want to be great.”
And I can’t speak for you, but that question, FOR ME, hits at my heart. All too often I find myself trying to please others or to be seen as great IN THEIR EYES rather than simply, and humbly, serving them as Jesus would. I’m too often vying to be first in the eyes of those whom I serve rather than just serving for the sake of my Lord. I want them to see ME FIRST rather than to see The Lord in my service. Sure, I’ll wash your feet; but am I doing it simply to honor my Lord, or am I doing it so that you’ll see me as your foot washer?
Ugh! If homebase is simple servanthood, I’m afraid I’m striking out all too often rather than hitting a homerun for Christ by simple and humble service in His Name. But thankfully, God gives me a chance to step to the plate today and hit one out of the park as I serve others in His Name.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me see the need for a servant; and then give me the opportunity to serve in Your Name. Amen
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
2009 – Day 187.July 7 – Servant-Hearted Leaders
2009 – Day 187.July 7 – Servant-Hearted Leaders
Passage of the Day: Esther 2: 10 – 20 … Linked for study …
My Journal for Today: Swindoll points out what a model of quiet, strong femininity our biblical heroine, Esther, is for women who claim The Lord as Savior. Here she found great favor to the Eunuchs who were in charge of overseeing her development in the court of the King; and when she came before the King in her time, Esther found great favor with him. And yet, as Swindoll points out, she never lost her teachable spirit as well as her loyalty to her uncle, Mordecai [see verses 10, 20 in Esther 2].
And what does one usually find when someone with great physical prowess or beauty is singled out? Perhaps you are beautifully endowed or very intelligent or extremely talented and you’ve always been highlighted for your giftedness or external qualities. Maybe you won beauty titles; or you were the valedictorian of your class; or you became a star in the school plays; or you were able to court favor in politics. If any of these were the case, what do we usually see happen to such people?
Well, I think we all know the answer to that. Generally, when people are lauded for their external beauty or talent or prowess in some field of endeavor, that one takes on the “American Idol” syndrome, … letting pride consume the character of the favored one. But that was not Esther. No, our heroine beauty remained the humble servant girl with leadership and strength shining through her every choice and action. Our covert Jewish beauty remained true to Mordecai and true to her humble, teachable character no matter how many accolades came her way.
Esther learned from her uncle. She learned from the Eunuchs. And she apparently learned from the other women in the court. And above all, she learned from her God. So, when it came to her being thrust into the limelight of success, she was one who wanted to learn even more and not to think she had all the answers. >>> I hope we can all learn from this teachable spirit; and we need to internalize the lessons which Esther seemed to have as part of her character; >>> and that is the lesson of Prov. 3: 34, which is repeated in James 4: 6 or 1st Peter 5: 6 … that God can only pour His grace into the humble and not into the proud. That was Esther through and through.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be humble like Esther. Amen
Passage of the Day: Esther 2: 10 – 20 … Linked for study …
My Journal for Today: Swindoll points out what a model of quiet, strong femininity our biblical heroine, Esther, is for women who claim The Lord as Savior. Here she found great favor to the Eunuchs who were in charge of overseeing her development in the court of the King; and when she came before the King in her time, Esther found great favor with him. And yet, as Swindoll points out, she never lost her teachable spirit as well as her loyalty to her uncle, Mordecai [see verses 10, 20 in Esther 2].
And what does one usually find when someone with great physical prowess or beauty is singled out? Perhaps you are beautifully endowed or very intelligent or extremely talented and you’ve always been highlighted for your giftedness or external qualities. Maybe you won beauty titles; or you were the valedictorian of your class; or you became a star in the school plays; or you were able to court favor in politics. If any of these were the case, what do we usually see happen to such people?
Well, I think we all know the answer to that. Generally, when people are lauded for their external beauty or talent or prowess in some field of endeavor, that one takes on the “American Idol” syndrome, … letting pride consume the character of the favored one. But that was not Esther. No, our heroine beauty remained the humble servant girl with leadership and strength shining through her every choice and action. Our covert Jewish beauty remained true to Mordecai and true to her humble, teachable character no matter how many accolades came her way.
Esther learned from her uncle. She learned from the Eunuchs. And she apparently learned from the other women in the court. And above all, she learned from her God. So, when it came to her being thrust into the limelight of success, she was one who wanted to learn even more and not to think she had all the answers. >>> I hope we can all learn from this teachable spirit; and we need to internalize the lessons which Esther seemed to have as part of her character; >>> and that is the lesson of Prov. 3: 34, which is repeated in James 4: 6 or 1st Peter 5: 6 … that God can only pour His grace into the humble and not into the proud. That was Esther through and through.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be humble like Esther. Amen
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
2009 – Day 124.May 05 – Critical Decisions
2009 – Day 124.May 05 – Critical Decisions
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 20 – 28 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
My Journal for Today: This gal, Abigail, was quite a lady. Here she was with a scoundrel for a hubby; and she’s confronted with a king-to-be who’s hot with anger; and what does she do? Well, creatively she convinces David that he would do his image and reputation ill if he acted on that anger by killing Abigail’s husband, who was aptly named Nabal, which, according to my Bible dictionary, meant “the fool.” And so, confronted by this Godly woman who is creatively confronting him with God’s wisdom, David realizes that it would be an ill-begotten decision to kill this fool.
And again, I say that Abigail teaches us another lesson about life. Yesterday, Swindoll’s devotional helped me to recognize what a blessing it is to have a wife who is a Godly woman. And no one should have recognized that more easily than I, because I am a “Nabal” who was blessed by God to have an “Abigail” wife. And I can recognize much of my own dear wife, Elly, in Abigail, a woman who would stand up for her husband and do all she could/can to shield her family from the forces of the world; and this would be true in spite of a husband who can be, and often is, one fool-hardy dude.
But beyond that amazing quality in Abby, this dear woman showed that in a crisis, anyone who is surrendered to God can do amazing things for the Lord. Never underestimate what you can do for God, Who sees much more in you that you might see in yourself. And right now I’m thinking of many great figures of the faith, people who rose well above their own self image to do great things for God. They are people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther, and today’s highlighted servant, Abigail. All of these Old Testament characters doubted themselves or their position for God; but when it came right down to it, God used them for His glory.
I’m now reflecting back about 25 years in my life, … just after surrendering my life to Christ and thinking that I had so little to offer God and His kingdom, having squandered much of my life as a scoundrel, a con-man, and a fool. But bragging only on God’s transforming grace, I may still be a fool for Christ at times; but somehow God has reshaped this meager soul into a Church Elder, Ministry Director, and Ordained Minister. And it was my dear wife, … my “Abigail,” in the person of Elly Berry, who was used by God to protect our family, forgive me, encourage me, and stick with me until God could do His thing in my heart.
Now, I hope and pray this day that we can see that God can use any of us as an Abigail for His glory. But we must be ready; and when the opportunity to act presents itself, we have to be willing to jump into the fray and be used of/for God.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, may we all become ready to be used for Your glory. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 25: 20 – 28 … Link to 1st Sam. 25 for study …
My Journal for Today: This gal, Abigail, was quite a lady. Here she was with a scoundrel for a hubby; and she’s confronted with a king-to-be who’s hot with anger; and what does she do? Well, creatively she convinces David that he would do his image and reputation ill if he acted on that anger by killing Abigail’s husband, who was aptly named Nabal, which, according to my Bible dictionary, meant “the fool.” And so, confronted by this Godly woman who is creatively confronting him with God’s wisdom, David realizes that it would be an ill-begotten decision to kill this fool.
And again, I say that Abigail teaches us another lesson about life. Yesterday, Swindoll’s devotional helped me to recognize what a blessing it is to have a wife who is a Godly woman. And no one should have recognized that more easily than I, because I am a “Nabal” who was blessed by God to have an “Abigail” wife. And I can recognize much of my own dear wife, Elly, in Abigail, a woman who would stand up for her husband and do all she could/can to shield her family from the forces of the world; and this would be true in spite of a husband who can be, and often is, one fool-hardy dude.
But beyond that amazing quality in Abby, this dear woman showed that in a crisis, anyone who is surrendered to God can do amazing things for the Lord. Never underestimate what you can do for God, Who sees much more in you that you might see in yourself. And right now I’m thinking of many great figures of the faith, people who rose well above their own self image to do great things for God. They are people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther, and today’s highlighted servant, Abigail. All of these Old Testament characters doubted themselves or their position for God; but when it came right down to it, God used them for His glory.
I’m now reflecting back about 25 years in my life, … just after surrendering my life to Christ and thinking that I had so little to offer God and His kingdom, having squandered much of my life as a scoundrel, a con-man, and a fool. But bragging only on God’s transforming grace, I may still be a fool for Christ at times; but somehow God has reshaped this meager soul into a Church Elder, Ministry Director, and Ordained Minister. And it was my dear wife, … my “Abigail,” in the person of Elly Berry, who was used by God to protect our family, forgive me, encourage me, and stick with me until God could do His thing in my heart.
Now, I hope and pray this day that we can see that God can use any of us as an Abigail for His glory. But we must be ready; and when the opportunity to act presents itself, we have to be willing to jump into the fray and be used of/for God.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, may we all become ready to be used for Your glory. Amen
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2009 – Day 117.Apr. 28 – Declaration of Dependence
2009 – Day 117.Apr. 28 – Declaration of Dependence
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22 … Passage linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 57: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study ...
My Journal for Today: Okay, if you’re following along with me, this morning Swindoll really gets us into God’s word concerning David’s dilemma and his declaration of dependence. And he points out that the three Psalms which he’s asked us to read which were likely written chronologically in reverse order, … Psalm 142 first and Psalm 34 last. And Swindoll argues this because there just seems to be a sequence of humility which presents in this way: >>> In Psalm 142, Swindoll points out that David was totally down and out – on his face before God. In Psalm 57, he’s on his knees, begging for deliverance; and in Psalm 34, David is back on his feet and completely grateful for deliverance.
BUT, look at all three of these Psalms in the context of 1st Samuel 22, which is the historical context for the writing of these songs. David is totally dependent upon God in all of these passages, humbled by his circumstances, and vulnerable to bring his need to God, recognizing that God is his only answer, … his only way out. At no time in this sequence, in these songs of dependence, did David show one inkling of independence and pride. There is not one bit of evidence of anger or bitterness to God, … only total dependence and humble submission to his Lord.
That, my dear disciple of Christ, it is David’s heart which was the heart God recognized as a heart after God. It is a heart of dependence, … a heart of humility; and as Swindoll points out, it is a heart which is sadly missing in most Christians today. He points out three things which David had which we, as Christians, should seek after.
First, David hurt enough to admit his need. How many of us, when we’re hurting react by blaming God and even turning away from Him in bitterness, expressing our anger by acting out sinfully in some way?
Secondly, David was vulnerable enough to ask for help. How many of us, when we’re in a bad place, react by going into Lone Ranger mode, wanting to solve the problem alone rather than admitting we need help?
And finally, David was humble enough to learn from God. How many of us, when we’ve been hurt, dig in and let pride take control, not being willing to learn from our defeats? What is it they say these days about the definition of “insanity” as trying to do things the same way over and over and expecting different results?
But independence, pride, and stubborn insanity was NOT the pattern of David’s heart. No, we read in today’s passages a type of Christ, Whom we know from Phil. 2: 5 – 11 [linked] was humble to the point of emptying Himself of His glory, becoming a man, and even dying on a cross to take on the burden of our sin. And that was the picture of David’s heart as well. May it become, as commanded in Phil. 2: 5, our attitude as well.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be vulnerable like David. Help me to be humble like You. Amen
Passage of the Day: 1st Samuel 22 … Passage linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 142: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 57: … Linked for study …
Added Passage: Psalm 34: … Linked for study ...
My Journal for Today: Okay, if you’re following along with me, this morning Swindoll really gets us into God’s word concerning David’s dilemma and his declaration of dependence. And he points out that the three Psalms which he’s asked us to read which were likely written chronologically in reverse order, … Psalm 142 first and Psalm 34 last. And Swindoll argues this because there just seems to be a sequence of humility which presents in this way: >>> In Psalm 142, Swindoll points out that David was totally down and out – on his face before God. In Psalm 57, he’s on his knees, begging for deliverance; and in Psalm 34, David is back on his feet and completely grateful for deliverance.
BUT, look at all three of these Psalms in the context of 1st Samuel 22, which is the historical context for the writing of these songs. David is totally dependent upon God in all of these passages, humbled by his circumstances, and vulnerable to bring his need to God, recognizing that God is his only answer, … his only way out. At no time in this sequence, in these songs of dependence, did David show one inkling of independence and pride. There is not one bit of evidence of anger or bitterness to God, … only total dependence and humble submission to his Lord.
That, my dear disciple of Christ, it is David’s heart which was the heart God recognized as a heart after God. It is a heart of dependence, … a heart of humility; and as Swindoll points out, it is a heart which is sadly missing in most Christians today. He points out three things which David had which we, as Christians, should seek after.
First, David hurt enough to admit his need. How many of us, when we’re hurting react by blaming God and even turning away from Him in bitterness, expressing our anger by acting out sinfully in some way?
Secondly, David was vulnerable enough to ask for help. How many of us, when we’re in a bad place, react by going into Lone Ranger mode, wanting to solve the problem alone rather than admitting we need help?
And finally, David was humble enough to learn from God. How many of us, when we’ve been hurt, dig in and let pride take control, not being willing to learn from our defeats? What is it they say these days about the definition of “insanity” as trying to do things the same way over and over and expecting different results?
But independence, pride, and stubborn insanity was NOT the pattern of David’s heart. No, we read in today’s passages a type of Christ, Whom we know from Phil. 2: 5 – 11 [linked] was humble to the point of emptying Himself of His glory, becoming a man, and even dying on a cross to take on the burden of our sin. And that was the picture of David’s heart as well. May it become, as commanded in Phil. 2: 5, our attitude as well.
My Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be vulnerable like David. Help me to be humble like You. Amen
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