Consent Needed

Consent Needed

“Let your attitude to life be that of Jesus Christ himself. For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his privileges as God’s equal, but stripped himself of every advantage by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born a man. And, plainly seen as a human being, he humbled himself by living a life of utter obedience, to the point of death, and the death he died was the death of a common criminal.” Philippians 2:5-9 (J.B.Phillips)

A little review about Philippi. It was a prosperous, large city, heavily inhabited by retirees from the Roman army. They were enjoying the perks of the good life (think Palm Springs), including the services of their slaves. Possibly one person in every five was owned by someone else, an accepted practice in ancient times.

In Philippians 1:1 Paul introduced himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. In the Greek manuscript that word is doulos. one who is devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests. As described in the Old Testament,

“But, suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and he has done well with you. In that case, take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be your servant for life.”
Deuteronomy 15:16-17

This is the picture of a bondservant. He or she willingly takes the lower position to serve another for the rest of their life. They then receive a mark—perhaps an earring—that identifies them as belonging to the master. Wherever they go—whatever they do—they represent the interests of their master.

Jesus gives us the ultimate example. The one who stripped himself of his glory, and willingly put on the limitations of man. And he did it for Joy, the joy of paying our sin debt, the joy of presenting you and me without flaw to God the Father.

Paul exhorts, “Let this mind be in you” (KJV). Consent is needed. We don’t get the mind of Christ unless we are willing to receive it. In Jon Courson’s commentary on Philippians he writes

“One of the most important components in understanding joyful, successful Christianity is this: You cannot change your heart—but you can change your mind. Conversely, God can change your heart, but he won’t change your mind. Therefore, if I choose to change the way I think about a given situation, God will change my heart to follow suit. But if I do not choose to change my thoughts, God will not change my heart.”

Let this mind be in me…have the same attitude that Christ had. My choice. It’s the attitude with which I need to live. It’s how I need to view my purpose for taking up space on planet earth.

Jesus came as a man for one purpose: to provide salvation from sin. Every moment leading to Calvary was in service toward that end. He revealed the truth of God in what he said and did. He came as a servant. He considered others as worth the cost of self.

It’s human nature to please ourselves. That’s why we’re so vulnerable to Satan’s game plan—testing us in the big three: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life. The battle is in our thoughts. They determine our choices.

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

Let this mind be in you… It takes our consent for God to change us. Will we submit…obey this direction? Will we live out our relationships and responsibilities by thinking of the needs of others first—without thinking
what’s in it for me?
when is it my turn?
What about my needs?

God has told us he has purpose and it’s way better than we think (Isaiah 55:9). The apostles James and Peter both exhorted believers to exercise humility—to willingly take a lower status.

“Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up in honor.”
James 4:10
”So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”
1 Peter 5:6

There is a “down” and there is an “up.” We take the lower position to serve and God lifts us up to a place of honor. That’s what’s in it for us. That’s when it’s our turn. That’s the promise that our needs will be met. There is joy in serving a purpose, in agreeing to the destiny God has for us. It takes our consent.

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2: 9-11

by Marilyn Allison



Lost But Found

Lost But Found

"Indeed, the Son of Man has come to seek and to save people who are lost.”
Luke 19:10 (God’s Word translation)

This is my testimony and the reason I Know the beautiful promises of God are true, life changing, and everlasting.

I am guilty of having a shameful, and sinful past.

In my younger years I made the selfish, and terrible, decision to leave my husband for another man.

The consequences of my sin caused unmentionable pain to myself, my family, and others. The “honeymoon phase” of my new marriage was extremely short lived. Our relationship turned into turmoil within weeks of saying “I Do” at the justice of the peace. Almost immediately, “the thrill” was gone, and my new marriage turned into a living nightmare. Guilt, self-loathing, and regret drove me into a hopeless pit of mental and spiritual despair. When I finally reached rock bottom, and my life had become completely unmanageable, Jesus came to my rescue and saved me…and my marriage.

During this time, a pastor had put a hand-written invitation on my door to attend service at a local church. Before I knew it, I found myself walking into that small church—all alone—not knowing what to expect. I was instantly overcome by the beautiful worship, sung heartily by the congregation. The obvious joy in their voices was a clear indication of their love for the Lord. I was captivated.

The topic of the sermon escapes me, but—thirty years later—I still remember the lovely feeling of peace. Even in my sinful state, it was clear to me that God meant for me to be at that church, at that time, and for that service.

In that small church I learned the truth about the love of Jesus. He came to earth—not to shame, or condemn—but to forgive and to save. He loved me just as I was. Because of his grace and mercy, his blood—shed on the cross at Calvary—washed clean my sinful soul.

Sadly, I had to learn the hard way that Jesus wants only what is best for me—his laws are for my own good and protection. I learned there is no better feeling than knowing I am loved by my creator.  That having a personal relationship with Jesus, surpasses any other relationship on this earth. I have discovered that reading and studying the Bible is life changing—exciting—and that there is nothing more fulfilling in life than serving the Lord.

The more I strive to please and obey Jesus, the more aware I become of my sinful nature. I know that I will always struggle to live a life that glorifies the Lord, and that I continue to fail him repeatedly. However, I will never again believe the enemy’s lies that I am unworthy to seek— and accept—forgiveness from my heavenly father. I never want to slip back into the empty, meaningless life I once led, and pray that I will never take for granted the cost of my salvation.

I recently heard a pastor say that God can use even our greatest sin to bring about good if we are willing to share our experience to help others. My prayer is that somehow, my past can spare someone else the misery I suffered and inflicted. May it offer encouragement to trust that God will forgive any sin from a soul who earnestly seeks forgiveness, and repents. 

I feel incredibly blessed that the Lord has given me a new heart, a Christ centered life, a loving marriage, amazing church, and a pastor who loves the Lord, and humbly teaches God’s truth with passion, and integrity.

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (GW)

by Julie Hill

Therefore

Therefore

There’s a phrase in Philippians 2:12 that stops me everytime. The verse starts out like this:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but how much more in my absence,”

Therefore. Let’s stop for a moment. This word “therefore” (Greek: hostein) is really important. In context, Paul uses it to direct us back to the imperative—which is most often a firm command of vital importance. In a sense, Paul is taking a yellow highlighter, underlining, emboldening, and maybe even drawing arrows to connect the previous verses in chapter two to what he writes next in verse 12. And this is where I halt.

“. . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling;” (v.12b)

Work out (I love working out). . . your salvation (Thank you, Jesus!). . . with fear and trembling. Stop!

When I think of working out, I automatically think of my physical body. To stay healthy I believe it’s important to exercise. Working out strengthens our muscles, heart, and mind.

I understand there are those who don’t enjoy working out. Exercise takes time, effort (lots of effort) and commitment for it to be beneficial. Putting in time and effort won’t be enjoyable to someone who’s never experienced the benefits of a committed exercise routine.

Then there are people who just don’t have time to go to the gym. Long workdays and family take priority—good, healthy habits easily slide into empty intentions. Soon, traction is lost and focus grows fuzzy as to what is beneficial for us to be on our game (I.e.: physically, mentally and emotionally).

Those jeans don’t fit quite as well…clarity of mind grows dim…and the ugly things we tell ourselves about how lazy, fat, or weak we’ve become…are just a few negative results of neglecting our bodies.

Through this example I see great insight into Paul’s intention for believers to “work out your salvation…” He is exhorting us to exercise our salvation. As if to say, Put lots of your time into knowing what your salvation is about. Oh, and lots of effort. And be committed. Until the end. Paul is a prime coach.

Just like God formed us in our mother’s womb and gave us earthly bodies to live in, our bodies require us to participate in its health.

As an adult, it’s my responsibility to feed myself or I starve. It is my obligation to get enough rest or I crash. It’s my duty to learn and understand what’s good for my mind and avoid that which is not. And it is my privilege to engage in relationships that build me up, challenge me to grow, and comfort me. With a lack of food, sleep, focus and friendships, it’s impossible to thrive. And, if what I habitually take in through my mouth, mind, or heart is unhealthy and damaging, the consequences are a gradual rotting away.

Do you see the connection?

Working out my salvation—though initiated by God through the perfect, sinless life, death and resurrection of his Son—requires my participation. Always.

If I neglect what God requires of me how will I have the confidence to know God’s gift of grace is for me? How will I have courage to stand firm?

Without confidence we are resistant to stand.

The word for "work out" is katergazomai. It comes from the same word used for the phrase “having done” in Ephesians 6:13:

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm"

I like what the early English minister, Joseph Benson, wrote about “having done everything”:

“Having exerted yourselves to the utmost, and used the grace conferred upon (granted to) you, and the means and advantages vouchsafed (permitted) you, according to the will of God, which indeed it will be absolutely necessary for you to do; or having gone through all your conflicts, and accomplished your warfare” (emphasis added).

God’s will is that we exert ourselves in taking hold of his grace and every advantage he’s given us to work out our salvation, and remain fit to stand firm.

As we read God’s Word, the advantages are more than plenty. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3) But we must take hold of everything.

Do we take advantage of all things God has graciously bestowed upon us . . . or just some?

Which one(s) do we typically tend to avoid? How many have we not yet even realized?

I pray with all my heart that today will be the day we commit to exercising our freedom and privilege in Christ by learning to apply all he’s granted to us.

We can confidently trust and thank God we aren’t required to do this in our own strength. To be honest, we can’t. But by the power of his Spirit, God is working in us who believe, and giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

May we commit to working out our salvation with profound reverence (that’s fear) and a wakeful conscience (that’s trembling) because the day is coming when every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, and of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).

And that’s what “therefore” is there for.

Therefore, my beloved . . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling . . . to fulfill his good purpose.”

by Dana Lange

Purchased For Eternity

Purchased For Eternity

"You were bought with a price, do not become slaves to men (the world)."
1 Corinthians 7:23

Don’t believe the lies that try to enslave you into thinking you're inadequate. Social media makes it look like everyone has a fantastic life. Magazine ads give an unrealistic view of what we should look like. There is a cream to take away the lines on your face or a new procedure to take away baldness. These things make us doubt our worth. And once you buy into it, you’re trapped into thinking you can’t go without checking Facebook or Twitter—spending money on things you can’t afford.

But God...

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God." Hebrews 12:2

Chains broken, strongholds torn down and captivity’s doors ripped apart. The veil to God’s presence was torn from top to bottom, giving access where there was none before. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price to free us. He did it knowingly, willingly and—hear this my friends—with great joy!

AND he did it for us!!

Joy? In us? Father God saw us at our worst and said “she is valuable...he is worth everything to me”. The unexplainable, indescribable love of God set you free!

"He did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things." Romans 8:32

You are loved beyond measure. You can’t lose God's gift, because it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

One thing we need to remember about the love of God--it is not based on feelings. Our feelings are based on human emotion, on external circumstances. God’s love for us is Fact. It doesn’t matter how things are going, whether you feel happy or any other emotion.

God’s love just Is.

"Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 136:26

by Eve Montano

What Price is Friendship?

What Price is Friendship?

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Philippians 1:21

A writer friend of mine recently published a book that basically helps one deal with toxic friendships.* The identity of these friendships is based on the seven sins God hates.

“There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” Proverbs 6:16-18

This subject sparked some lively conversations last weekend. Toxic friendships are those which threaten to use, control, diminish, and/or defeat us in some way. (Reminds me of the ‘thief’ who doesn’t come for the good of the sheep, but comes to steal, kill and destroy—John 10:10.)

As I thought about my own history of having—and being—friends, the Lord kept bringing Philippians 1:21 to mind. Living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

Paul wrote that, so I look to him as my example (knowing that he followed Christ). To be sure, he wasn’t referring to friendships when God dictated that thought to him. He was talking about having expended his life for Christ and his readiness to die and be with him. But he knew it was better for him to stay alive and encourage the believers in a very dark time.

At this point Paul had been a follower of Christ for almost thirty years. He was an old man. He’d followed Christ to “the wilderness school of discipleship.” The following years he’d ministered with Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Priscilla and Aquila, among so many unnamed others. He’d been beaten and imprisoned—and there was more of the same to come.

How did he model relationships? He prayed and interceded for them (Philippians 1:4), encouraged them (verse 6), loved on them (verse 8), and admonished them in the way of right living (verse 10-11). He praised God for using his circumstances—good or bad—to further the gospel.

He knew he followed a path that risked death, yet he was confident by living for Christ he would not be ashamed of the gospel. His aim, whether he lived or died, was to bring honor to Jesus Christ.

I, too, seek to be a follower of Jesus and bring him honor. What does this mean for me?

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Turn from my selfish ways…give up trying to control relationships and circumstances in favor of bringing honor to Jesus. I need Jesus to be my intimate friend. When he is enough for me, when he meets my need for close friendship, then I can be the kind of friend Paul was—an encourager.

In a later chapter Paul admonishes the believers to humble themselves and think of others as better than themselves. He’s not advocating being a doormat. Our example is Jesus, who humbled himself by going to the cross. He wasn’t mankind’s doormat. He did it for a purpose—the joy of offering salvation to you and me.

God has a purpose he yearns to fulfill in each of us. It takes dying to self and living for Jesus.

by Marilyn Allison

*The Seven Deadly Friendships”
by Mary DeMuth