BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage…” Philippians 2:6 NIV

Paul is admonishing followers of Christ about their attitudes and conduct, especially toward each other. He calls them to an “others-centered” life. That is opposite of the self-centered existence that is natural for all of us. He puts forth the example of Christ.

He begins by Christ’s status. He in His very nature is God. It is difficult to be much higher than that. We see scripture declares Christ as creator and the eternal “Son of God.”

Paul points to Christ’s attitude. Some translations say Christ, “did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped.” The verse above says, “…something to be used to his own advantage.” Again, that is opposite human nature. The status we have or attain, we cling to and we often use it to our own advantage.

Then we see Christ’s actions. “…he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7 NIV) Jesus was totally submitted to the will and nature of God the Father. God’s love compelled Him to “send” – Christ’s love compelled him to “go.” He humbled himself. That again is a very unnatural human action. Peter and James both wrote the command, “humble yourself……” (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10)

Christ humbled Himself under to God’s plan to become a man and as a man He humbled Himself yet again, “…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8 NIV) Humbling yourself under God’s hand is wisdom, humbling yourself below your fellow man is a struggle.

Finally we see Christ’s reward. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11 NIV)

Christ’s willingness, obedience and sacrifice resulted in resurrection and exaltation. In letting go, He didn’t lose. In surrendering and through humility, He triumphed and was given “the” name which down to our day creates a reaction, because it calls for all to acknowledge who He is and “bend the knee.”

That’s what happened to Christ Jesus. What about us? We are have the assurance that when we yield our lives to Christ and follow His example of humility and service, that we are not forgotten by God. Human attainment comes from “looking out for ourselves.” It comes from using “our” influence to gain, to move ahead, to find status. That which comes from God is more satisfying and the reward is greater.

That is why Paul’s admonition is, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3,4 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your example. Give us the strength and the faith to just do what you have commanded, especially when it goes so much against our human nature. Let’s us live by Your Spirit and not our own desires.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” Philippians 1:12,13 NIV

Paul wrote to the Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) So it is interesting that as he sits in a Roman prison that he is able to say, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel…” 

Paul was one to encourage others with words that he himself found true in his life. You put the great apostle in prison to silence his voice and find out that the gospel that you are trying to silence is actually being advanced. One of those ways was those in the Emperor’s palace were becoming aware of the fact Paul was in prison for his belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

I’m sure that presented some interesting conversations. Prisoners together exchanging the charges against them and why they are in chains. One confesses to murder, another insurrection, another admits to his stealing. They look at Paul and ask why he is there? He says, because I preached that Jesus who was crucified is raised from the dead! The response would be either laughter or wonderment or both. “Tell us about this Jesus.” That kind of inquiry apparently even intrigued the palace guards.

Two things to remember. One is that if Paul can discover the good in the midst of prison and all that he endured for the cause of Christ, so can we. Then we need to remember the spread of the gospel is not a privilege of those who live in a “free” nation; it is the duty of those who follow Christ and declare the “good news” whether it is accepted or rejected; whether it is supported or fought against.

Paul writes to the Philippians and says, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Why does he say that? Because he had and was experiencing it in his life. In the midst of obstacles, suspicions, conflicts from the Jews and division among believers, Paul was committed to “pressing on toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

We can have confidence in the admonitions and encouragement of scripture, because as Paul wrote his encouragement came from his own experience.

Prayer for today… Lord help us to look at scripture not as pious theory, but that which truly applies to our lives.  Behind the admonitions and encouragement we find men and women who knew the reality of which they spoke.

This morning we watched a Mason and Carter play basketball. Their team is coached by their father and they won, with Mason scoring half of the team’s points. We then enjoyed connecting with our friends Billy and Carol Roberts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV

When Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he penned several of his apostolic letters. One of those was the letter to the believers at Ephesus. At the end of the letter we find an admonition to the church and his prayer request from the church.

Being in prison would shape Paul’s perspective as he writes to those whom he has great affection and concern. We see that coming across in his final words. He know what has happened to him is not unique and being in prison for the sake of the gospel will not end with him.

So, he admonishes believers to stand firm, be strong and be prepared. He wants them to know that even in a hostile political and religious environment that there is more than just human activity. “…or our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

Spiritual battles are won with spiritual armor. So Paul writes about the virtues and commitments that provide the believer the protection and weapons that are needed in the present battles.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith…Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV)

He then urges Holy Spirit guided and empowered prayer. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…. always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

As Paul asks for prayer for himself, it serves as a request and a charge to God’s people. Paul asks for prayer to fearlessly declare the gospel. He doesn’t ask for grace from government. He doesn’t ask for a miracle release from even “house arrest.” He asks that for whatever freedom he has and whatever opportunity arises, that he would be bold and courageous in declaring the truth of God’s Word.

If I were in prison and suffering for my faith, I can think of a host of things to pray for, and the fearless proclamation of the gospel, would not have been at the top of my list. But it was for Paul and he wanted it to be the practice of God’s people as they faced their spiritual enemy with the full complement of armor that is needed for success in the fight.

I believe as we view this passage about the “armor of God” we need to remember some of the final and all important commands. Prayer and fearless proclamation of the gospel need to be viewed as what we do when fully equipped. Otherwise we are just tin soldiers, who look like soldiers but don’t engage in the battle.

Prayer for today… Lord enable us to be fully equipped and prepared to do Your work. As we are, compel us forward in the task before us of “fearless” proclamation of Your gospel.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 NIV

In his letter to the Ephesians Paul compares life in Christ as the difference between darkness and light, death and life.

He wrote earlier, “…you were dead in your transgressions and sins…But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:1,4-5 NIV) Now he says those in Christ have moved from darkness, to light. The simple, yet high calling, is to “live as children of the light.”

In the following verses, he says living as the “children of the light” is reflected in our character:

“…for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,righteousness and truth…” (Ephesians 5:9 NIV) Our character is to reflect the life of Christ within us.

Living as “children of the light” is reflected in our lifestyle:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11 NIV) The deeds and choices that were “natural” in the darkness, now are viewed for what they are, “fruitless” and void of any value. Paul’s focus in Ephesians is on the newness of life in Christ and its impact on our lifestyle. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…” (Ephesians 4:23 NIV)

Living as “children of the light” is reflected in our priorities:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV) Our orientation in life changes. We “redeem the time.” In other words, our focus, our priority is to replace a fruitless, foolish life style that speaks of the darkness, with the intentional and purposeful living of those in the light.

Living as “children of the light” is reflected in source of strength and enjoyment: 

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18 NIV) Drunkenness and the deeds of darkness drags an individual and others down. The life of the Spirit elevates and enhances our life and the life of others and exalts the Lord.

“…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ (Ephesians 5:19,20 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for bringing us from death to life and from darkness to light. Transform our focus and purpose in a way that reflects the One who has given His all for us so we can live a new life a “Children of the Light.”

This morning Debbie and I traveled to Cleveland, TN the home of Lee University. It was or first visit to the city since our children graduated from there a little over 10 years ago. It was good to hear about the local economy and to see the development of the University campus. The campus includes the “Helen DeVoss Education Building.” Helen is the mother-in-law to Trump’s pick for the Education Department, Betsy DeVoss.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

As Paul writes to the believers at Ephesus, he addresses the importance of their conduct towards each other. He admonishes them about the importance of their words. He tells them to “put away lying”,  to speak the truth in love and “don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of you mouths” among other actions and attitudes.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body….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…” (Ephesians 4:25,29 NIV)

Paul addresses issues of anger and other issues that impact solid and mutually beneficial relationships. “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry...Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:26-27,31 NIV)

As he comes to the end the final verse of this chapter is one that summarizes the conduct that is pleasing to Christ and “covers a multitude of sins.” Just as the “golden rule” tells us we are to “treat others was we would want to be treat” Paul’s summary is in a similar spirit.

He says that our relationships are to be guided by, kindness, compassion and forgiveness. These virtues challenge us in our general demeanor and how we view the difficulties of others and how we respond when we are wronged. It is as he is saying, “be kind and compassionate and when someone is not that way toward you forgive them.”

So we don’t treat others as they “deserve” or based on how they treat us, but we go the “extra mile.” We become extenders of grace. What is our motivation? Because that is how Christ has treated us.

We could summarize “Paul’s golden rule” as “treat others the way Christ has treated you.” That goes a step beyond looking at ourselves and what we would desire to looking to Christ and how we have already been treated by Him.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for your love, compassion, kindness and grace that we have richly received, even though undeserving. Enable us to reflect those same qualities in our relationships with others, especially those in the “family of God.”

We were up and early this morning for our trip to Atlanta. We arrived about 11:30 a.m. EST. We picked up a car and met Stephanie and Nathan and kids at the Lenox Mall. They have the infamous “flying Pink Pig” that is an annual and historic Christmas attraction. After lunch and before pictures with Santa and the flying pig, we experienced a severe weather warning. So we dutifully obeyed instructions to go to the basement of the mall. By the time we got there the threat of a tornado was over.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20,21 NIV

It is always nice when we are commended for going above and beyond expectations. It is nice to be the recipient of someone who interfaces with us going above and beyond expectations. When we look at Paul words we see….

God’s love is beyond our expectations. In Ephesians, it seems Paul is constantly praying and pointing out a God is above and beyond our expectations. He prays for “eyes to be enlightened” with supernatural understanding of what God has done for us in Christ. He tells the Ephesians about God’s love that is higher, that is wider, that is deeper, that is longer that we can grasp. While we can’t fully comprehend God’s love, we can experience this great love of God.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV)

God’s power is beyond our expectations. In this grand benediction above, Paul says that God is able to do more than all we ask or imagine. This above and beyond expectation power and working, is experienced in our lives by the power of God’s Spirit, who is at work in us who believe. This reality should challenge our faith and call us to greater fervency in our prayers and expectations of God’s desire and willingness.

God’s Church is to function beyond expectations. Paul says of this “beyond-expectations-God” “…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” God’s people united together has been and always will be the agents of manifesting His power and glory.

It is all too rare when God’s people reflect this “beyond-expectation” reality. I think of Paul’s words to the Corinthians about the Macedonian Church:  “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2  Corinthians 8:3-5 NIV)

I recall a church pastored by a friend of mine was involved in  a capital campaign to raise money for a new building. He told me they presented a goal and a “miracle goal” if people really committed themselves. When the effort was complete the people gave one million dollars over the “miracle goal” that had been set. They certainly went far beyond expectations!

That same can be reflected in God’s people not just giving but, serving, in their unity, in their spiritual commitment and passion for the things of God.

I am thankful that we can experience a God who is a “beyond-expectation” God. And when our hearts are full of this kind of God, we become “beyond-expectation” people.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the ways you surpass our understanding and expectations. May we never limit You or view no bar too high for You to conquer. May the dedication and faith in our lives, reflect the work of this “beyond-expectation” God as we serve Your purposes in our world.

Today was a nonstop type of day. We are preparing for trip to Atlanta to visit Stephan and Nathan and the grandchildren. We are to board our shuttle at 2:30 a.m.!! I believe that means bedtime tonight is 7:00 p.m.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

The mystery of the gospel that had been hidden for generations, was that God would reconcile sinful humanity to Himself through Christ. As Paul writes to Titus,“he [Christ] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:5 NIV)

Paul to the Ephesians simply declares, “by grace you have been saved, through faith…”  Paul lays the background for this declaration by pointing out “…you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:1-2 NIV)

The first “resurrection” of sorts is when an individual moves from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ. “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4,5 NIV)

With hundreds of years of the Jewish law. With hundreds of years of idol worship and attempts to be “good enough” to win the favor of a deity, and even down to our day, when so many believe that heaven is “earned” – no wonder it is a shock and major adjustment for the gospel message to say, “it is not about you and what you have done or can do. It is all what Christ has done.”

But there is a “work” for those who place their faith in Christ to do. We are called to believe. To have faith. “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'” (John 6:29 NIV)

Then we are to do “good works.” We do good works not to earn salvation, but to demonstrate a changed life and to do God’s work in the world. Doing “God’s work” demonstrates our love for Him and our obedience to His call. Paul says, “we are God’s handiwork.” The greatest satisfaction in life is not believing salvation is from ourselves, but in understanding that we are God’s handiwork, to do His work. That is the proper response to God’s grace.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You work on us and in us in order that we may be those who do Your work in the world and reflect Your glory for all to see.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV

There is a saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” In other words, some insight comes with a willingness to learn and an openness to understand. As Paul writes to the Ephesians he gives thanks to God for them and then offers a prayer that they would have “supernatural revelation” of what Christ has done for them and their position in Christ.

The question I have is, “Do we fully understand the magnitude of what God has done for us through Christ and what that means for our life?” Paul says, we need to “know him better.” He goes on an give some specifics. His prayer is for “enlightened eyes” to know…

“…The hope to which he has called you…

….the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

….and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18,19 NIV)

It seems many can be even cavalier about heaven and their eternal destiny. Many take the prospects of an eternity in God’s presence as the “default” for people regardless of their faith or spiritual commitment. Then there are those that possess what I call an “eternal insecurity.” They are so uncertain about their eternal destiny that don’t live with the confidence, assurance and hope that Christ has called us to.

Peter picks up this theme when he writes, “he [Christ] has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 ESV)

Paul goes on and says we need “enlightened eyes” to understand the “riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” An inheritance is received upon the death of the benefactor. Through Christ’s death on the cross, we already possess an “inheritance” from the riches of God’s grace.

Then Paul talks about Christ’s “incomparably great power for us who believe.” This is explained as “resurrection power.” “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Ephesians 1:19,20 NIV)

With that kind of power working for us and through us, we can observe that we more often than not live below the provisions of what the Lord has made available to us.

These verses a words that are easy to read but difficult to grasp. I am challenged by Paul’s prayer for “enlightened eyes.” May we continue to seek for greater revelation and insight, awe and wonder in what God has done for us through Christ.

Prayer for today… Lord, allow our eyes to be enlightened and help our minds and hearts to grasp the wonders of Your grace and power that has brought us spiritual life and hope. May we not take for granted or oversimplify all that You have done and what we have in You.