Posts Tagged ‘ Carry your cross ’
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13, ESV
God works in us, most effectively and clearly when we find our identity first and foremost in Christ. If our identity is found in anything else, we go astray to be an example of His wrath, but as one who belongs to Christ, He does amazing things that bless others as examples of His love and grace.
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
If we find our identity in anything other than God, we live in rebellion to Him, idolizing ourselves or whatever we base our identity on.
When we are sealed in the Holy Spirit, our identity is found in Christ, and our lives should revolve around Him.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16, ESV
Our God came to us to share His love, grace, and Presence with us, making it possible by sacrificing Himself in our place for our sin and rebellion.
May we follow Christ in sacrificially doing good for others, bringing them into knowledge and deeper relationship with Him.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3, ESV
The God of the universe and our Creator who deserves all worship took on human flesh to die the death we deserve for the evil we have committed.
May we be willing to demean and suffer for the sake of others as our Lord did, leading others to find Him.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4, ESV
We want comfort and ease, but do we want these things more than we want God?
May we seek to please God above our own comfort and needs, for we know He will take care of us.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38, ESV
The Father sent the Son to save us, they send the Spirit to empower us, and they send us out to lead others to glorify God.
May we pray we are effective workers who make more workers for Christ.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13, ESV
God is free to do whatever He will, yet He chose to become one of us to save us with His love and grace.
We are set free from sin in Christ, so let us follow our Lord to choose to help others.
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8, ESV
The answer to the hatred, hubris, and hedonism of the world is to be like Christ: deny ourselves for the sake of others that they may come to know the lover of our souls, Christ.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8, ESV
Christ laid down His life for love and forgiveness, and God calls us to the same love for others.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV
As messed up as our world is, we are called by the God who loves us to love with patience, kindness, and humility Christ showed us.
a simple man of God 