Moments With God

Philippians 2:1-8

Humility and thinking of others before oneself are rare commodities in today's world. Most of the world's philosophy and life style is geared toward self-fulfillment and self-advancement. The Lord, however, asks us to live lives of humility, love, and selflessness. Philippians 2:1-4 says, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." The Lord has showered us, His children, with His spiritual blessings. The Lord gave us His salvation from sin's power and penalty through His precious blood on the cross. He also daily gives us His encouragement, comfort, love, and fellowship. The Lord daily lavishes on us His compassion and tenderness. In light of God's blessings to us we need to show that same love to others. We need to especially show that same love to our fellow believers.

We must show Christ-like love to others. We must seek to be united and "one in spirit and purpose" with our fellow believers in Christ. (Philippians 2:2b) This does not mean that we will have perfect uniformity of thought at all times, but there should be a common working together among believers for the glory of God. There should also be a loving and humble servant attitude towards fellow Christians. We must not act out of selfish motives or to stroke our own egos, but with a humble spirit we must consider other's needs and feelings before ourselves. This does not mean that everyone else is superior to us or more gifted than us. It simply means that we must follow Christ's example and give others preferential treatment. It means that we consider other's needs equally to our own needs. Romans 12:15-16a says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another." We need to experience joy and not jealousy in our fellow believer's accomplishments, honors received, and joyful experiences. We also need to mourn and sympathize with those who are going through difficult times.

We must show the same Christ-like love to others that Christ showed to us. Philippians 2:5 tells us, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." We are to demonstrate Christ's attitude of self-sacrificing love and humility in our lives. Christ Jesus, who is God Himself, left His place of glory with God, the Father, in heaven. He came to this world of sin and took "the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7b) What is even more amazing is that "He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8b) Jesus left the glories of heaven and came to this earth to live the perfect life for us that we could not live. Jesus then suffered the horrors of hell itself on the cross for us. What love! What humility! What sacrifice! Should we not show that same humility, selfless love, and servant attitude to others?

Philippians 1

Our Lord loves us and places great value on our lives. He loved us enough to give His very life as a sacrifice to pay for our sins. The Lord does not want to just stop there, however. The Lord wants to perfect us, so we can better live holy lives for Him. The Lord wants to perfect us, so we can better reflect the Lord's character in our lives. Philippians 1:6 tells us that we can be confident "that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God's work in His children's lives can not be stopped. The Lord will continue to work in our lives to make us into increasingly more beautiful reflections of His beauty and grace. The Lord does this through His Holy Word and through the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Lord also does this through the events that He allows in our lives. Especially in difficult times we often lean more heavily on the Lord. Consequently, we grow in our love relationship with the Lord and in our ability to better reflect Jesus in our lives. The Lord Jesus will continue that work of perfecting us in our lives throughout our entire lives or until the day when Jesus returns to this earth.

While we live our lives on earth our constant prayer for ourselves and for our fellow believers must be that our "love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." (Philippians 1:9b) Real love for God and others requires growth and maturity. It requires a growing knowledge of and insight into God's Word. This knowledge and insight must not just be a possession of facts, however, but must be diligently applied to our lives in godly living. This growing knowledge and insight into God's Holy Word must result in a growth in our love for God and for others. It must also result in our lives becoming more holy before our Lord. Our prayer for ourselves and others must be that we will grow in the Lord's knowledge and insight, so that we "may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:10-11) May it be our constant prayer that we and our fellow believers will become more and more like Jesus in our character, thoughts, and actions. May we be growing in holiness our entire lives or until Jesus returns some day. May our consuming and growing passion be that God's name will be glorified in everything we do and think. In this way, God's will for our lives will truly be perfected in us by His Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ and living for His glory must be our consuming passion. We must grow in our passion and desire to reflect the Lord Jesus in our lives. Running after the things of this world such as money and pleasure is a mere "chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:4b) The Lord must come first in our lives. He must be more important to us than even our careers and families. If we do not place the Lord first in our lives and make Him the reason for our lives, we miss the whole purpose for living. Paul said in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Living for the Lord and for His glory is the only true purpose for living. Paul was in prison for his faith when he wrote the book of Philippians. Paul’s current circumstances did not matter to Paul, however. All that mattered to Paul was that he was living for the Lord and for His glory. Paul knew that living for the Lord was the secret to joy even in difficult times in his life. This is because Paul found his meaning and purpose for living in the Lord. May it also be our consuming passion to grow in our love and service for the Lord. May it be our consuming passion to grow in our desire to bring glory to the Lord and better reflect Jesus in our lives!

Psalm 57

"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me." Psalm 57:2

In Psalm 57 David is crying out to God for help. David is being pursued by King Saul and his army of three thousand men. Saul knows God has chosen David to be the future king of Israel, and he hates David enough to want to kill him. David cries out to God, "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me." (Psalm 57:1-2) David has confidence that God will hear his prayer. David also knows that even his many enemies cannot thwart God's divine purpose for his life. That divine purpose for David's life is that he will be king of Israel some day in God's perfect timing.

When we face challenges and deep trials in our lives, do we run to God for help as David did? Do we rest in the Lord and find refuge and security in the shadow of His wings? Do we believe that no one or no circumstance can thwart God's divine purposes for our lives? Do we believe that God has a perfect plan for our lives? May we say with David, "I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me." (Psalm 57:2) May we with David believe that God will send His help from heaven in His great love and faithfulness. (Psalm 57:3)

David understands that the danger to his life is very real. He says, "I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts-men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords." (Psalm 57:4) This expression of David is a metaphor for the life threatening situation he is facing with King Saul and his men. Sometimes we too can feel overwhelmed by the "lions" and "ravenous beasts" of life's circumstances. In the deep trials of life it is easy to lose hope. David's heart remains secure and steadfast, however. He knows that the God he trusts is faithful and righteous. Hence, David can not only peacefully trust God; but he can also praise God in the midst of his difficult circumstances. Can we also trust God and even praise God when life's circumstances get very difficult? In such times of trial may we say with David, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:7-11)

In spite of the difficulties that may be occurring in our lives may we "awaken the dawn" of each new day with joy. May we greet each new day with joy because of God's never ending and constant faithfulness and love to us! May we greet each new day with joy, because we anticipate the day when all tears and pain and sorrow will be gone! (Revelation 21:4)

Psalm 55

There is perhaps no greater emotional pain than the rejection of someone who at one time was a good friend. David was going through exactly such a turmoil in his life. David was being threatened by a powerful conspiracy against himself. This conspiracy against David was being led by a former friend. David said in Psalm 55:12-14, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God."

David was deeply troubled in his spirit that his former friend would seek to hurt him. David said to God in prayer, "My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught." (Psalm 55:2b) David went on to say in Psalm 55:4a, "My heart is in anguish within me." David was so overcome with grief at this situation in his life that he longed to escape the situation in any way possible. David said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest-I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm." (Psalm 55:6-8)

You or I may have experienced similar feelings at some point in our lives. When we are in the midst of a relational hurt or some other trial in our lives we may also wish that we could possess wings like a dove. We may wish that we could "fly away and be at rest." Rest and peace of heart can only be found in the Lord, however. Rest and peace can not be found by running away from our bad situations. We might be able to leave some situations, but we can not get away from ourselves and our troubled thoughts and emotions. That kind of peace is found only in the Lord. Instead of seeking to "fly away" from our circumstances we need to fly to the Lord for his protection, peace, and rest. We need to rest our problems in the Lord's hands, and then we can soar in the current of His perfect will.

This kind of peace can only be found through prayer and dependence on the Lord. David said in Psalm 55:16-17, "But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice." David had made prayer a regular part of his life. David did not just wait until a crisis arose in his life to pray. Hence, David knew the strength and peace that instant access to God's holy presence could provide.

We too can experience this kind of peace in times of trial. We may be suffering from a painful relationship like David was experiencing. We also may be struggling with another kind of trial in our life. No matter what the crisis or trial in our lives God's Word says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm55:22) God does not promise to necessarily eliminate all of life's burdens, emotional and relational hurts, or problems; but He will go through those problems with us. We need to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. We must trust that the Lord is in control of all life's situations. If we leave our burdens with the Lord, He will strengthen us and sustain us in the midst of the difficult situations in our life. He will be our comfort and our peace. All the experiences in our lives, even the difficult experiences, can be used by the Lord to draw us closer to Him. This can only happen, however, if we are resting and trusting in Him; and if we are submissive to His will for our lives.

Luke 24:13-35

Christ is risen! Our Savior has won over death, sin, and the devil! Praise His name! What a blessing it is that He has chosen to reveal that awesome truth to us in His Holy Word!

In our Scripture passage two disciples were walking on the road to the village of Emmaus. Even though Jesus had said He would rise again from the grave, these two men were sadly discussing Jesus Christ's recent crucifixion on the cross. Perhaps they had even left Jerusalem in a futile attempt to escape the sad memories of the past few days. The Gospel of Luke tells us, "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him." (Luke 24:15-16) We are often like these two disciples on the road to Emmaus. We so often try to cope with our trials, heartaches, and sorrows on our own; or perhaps we try to run away from our problems. The truth is that the Savior is walking right along beside us even when we do not recognize this fact. Sometimes in our deepest trials we may be tempted to think that the Lord has abandoned us, but in actuality these are the times when the Lord is walking the closest beside us and even sometimes carrying us in His arms. Instead of having downcast faces and spirits like the disciples in this Bible passage, (Luke 24:17b) we can experience the joy and comfort of the Lord's presence and help.

These disciples on the road to Emmaus did not at first recognize Jesus. They thought He was just a stranger that happened to come along on the same road that they were traveling. They began to tell Him about all the events of the previous days. They told Him how Jesus had been crucified, and they told Him about the disappointment and sorrow this had caused them. They even told Him about the woman's report of seeing angels at the tomb telling them that Jesus was alive. Apparently they had not believed the report of the woman, or they would not have been so sad. Jesus then said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?" (Luke 24:25-26) Is not these words of the Savior so applicable to us also? How often we languish in needless sadness and worry when facing life's difficulties. Instead we can cast our concerns on the Lord, and we can rest in His precious promises in His Holy Word.

As they neared the village of Emmaus the disciples asked Jesus to stay with them for it was late in the day. That night when they were at the table Jesus "took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight." (Luke 24:30-31) Just like the disciples of old we need to have our eyes opened to the fact that the Lord Jesus loved us enough to suffer the punishment for our sins on the cross. Our spiritual eyes also must be opened to the fact that He has risen from the grave and has claimed victory for us over sin, Satan, and death. Finally our spiritual eyes must be opened to the fact that the Lord Jesus always walks with us as our daily source of strength.

After Jesus disappeared from their sight, the disciples said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32) Do our hearts also burn with love for our Lord? Do we desire a closer relationship with Him? Do we have a burning desire to hear and read His Holy Word? Even though it was evening and perhaps dark these two disciples got up immediately and returned to Jerusalem. They could not wait to tell the other disciples of their encounter with Jesus. An encounter with Jesus brings true spiritual understanding and true commitment. May it be our passion also to grow in our understanding and commitment to our Lord!

"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46b and Mark 15:34b)

"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings." (Philippians 3:10a)

"Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shoudst die for me?" These words are the wonderful lyrics from a hymn penned by Charles Wesley many years ago. How often do we stop to think about God's amazing love for us? Jesus Christ, God Himself, loved us enough to leave His perfect place in heaven with God, the Father, to come to this world of sin and trouble for us. He then lived a perfect life for us that we could not live, and He died to pay the awful punishment for our sins!

Jesus Christ suffered the humiliation of being tortuously scourged, spit upon, and mocked. Jesus Christ suffered through the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and the desertion of His other disciples. Jesus Christ suffered through the sham trials of the religious leaders, King Herod, and Pilate. Finally, Jesus Christ suffered a horrid crucifixion on the cross. Crucifixion on a cross was an extremely painful and inhumane way to die. What was the most horrific part of this experience for Jesus, however, was the fact that all of God's anger and punishment for our sins was placed on our Savior that day. Jesus cried out that day, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46b and Mark 15:34b) When Jesus cried out these words to God, the Father, that day; He felt totally abandoned by God. He felt none of the comfort and love of God's presence but only God's wrath against sin. Jesus suffered hell itself for us on the cross that day. God is a just God, and He can not let sin go unpunished. We deserve to be punished for our sins in hell for all of eternity, but Jesus Christ took that punishment for us, His children! That is amazing love beyond comprehension!

Our response to such love can only be a life of gratitude, service, and love. Jesus Christ not only forgives our sins, but He must be the One who gives our lives purpose and meaning. It must become the consuming passion of our lives to live for Him. Paul said in Philippians 3:8-9a, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him." Absolutely nothing in our lives should be more important to us than our relationship with our Lord and Savior. He alone must be our ultimate joy and confidence in this life and for eternity. Paul goes on to say in Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." In light of our Savior's amazing love and sacrifice for us how can we not respond to such love as Paul did? May it be our passion to know Christ more and more intimately. May we face the sufferings and trials of this life with the joy and assurance of knowing that these experiences will draw us closer to our Lord and help us to be filled with His resurrection power to better live for Him. In light of God's amazing love let us not be lukewarm in our love for Him as the church in Laodicea was in Revelation 3:16. Let us instead be passionate about our love and obedience to our faithful and loving Savior!