Scripture
Colossians 3:17, 23, 24b
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men.
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Observation
No matter what we say to others, or the good things we might do for people, be sure to do it as a representative of Jesus Christ and for His glory. Say 'thank You' to God our Father, through the One who alone made it possible for us to have relationship with Him. Live your life with all your heart and soul to please God rather than people. Always remember, it's the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving, whether it's good or bad, through trials and suffering, loss or gain, it's all for Him - it's all about Him.
Application (from today's Life Journal readings) 1 Kings 20:43, 21:4-5 & 2 Chronicles 17:6, 9
I need to watch my attitude and responses to things that irritate me. How am I responding to the Lord? Am I 'sullen and vexed' like King Ahab because things aren't going my way? Am I shut up in my room sulking and despondent, laying on my bed, face turned away, and not even going to eat because of the way I feel? Or am I joyfully full of thanks and praise to the Lord like King Jehoshaphat? Am I taking pride in the ways of the Lord and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ?
Hmmm, I have to say I see myself in both these people of the Old Testament. I have to remember, that I am the Lord's - and it is the Lord I am serving - I am His representative! A Christ follower!
Prayer
Father, thank You for times of lovingly correcting me when I need it, and please don't let me become a 'moody moose;' smiling one minute and crying the next. (Sweet Pickles books).
May I serve You with joy and thankfulness, ready to do Your will for Your pleasure. Whatever the circumstances of life and death, may my life reflect Jesus Christ living in and through me.
In His Glorious Name, I pray. A-men.
Scripture
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but for the interests of others.
Observation
We need to be humble, loving, kind, unselfish, self-sacrificing, with a servant attitude, considering others above ourselves, having the mind of Christ.
Application
Easier said than done. But it needs to be said so we can have some sort of measurement as to how we should be. Is it attainable? Only with the working of God in my heart and the power of the Holy Spirit can I ever hope to be all God wants me to be.
After reading 1 Kings 12 and then Philippians 2 in my reading today, I can really see a contrast in the way King Rehoboam decided to treat people and the way King Jesus wants us to behave towards people. After being counseled by Jeroboam, and seeking advice not only from his elders, but also from his not so wise peers - Rehoboam decided to take the foolish counsel of his peers. Jeroboam and the elders advised, 'treat the people kindly, serve them, speak good words to them and you will win their hearts! They will serve you forever!' But instead Rehoboam took the counsel of his friends - to be 'harsh, mean, and threatening, worse than his father ever was - discipline with scorpions!' The result was a kingdom divided.
I need to have the attitude and mind of Christ Jesus. To love God and love people. I know God is working in me to will and work for His good pleasure. I feel it when I am abrasive or grumbling and argumentative, and I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit showing me how like Rehoboam I still am. My heart's cry is 'Oh, to be like Jesus! Help me Lord, I am so wretched sometimes and I can't even stand myself.'
Prayer
O God, You are my God, teach me, correct me, adjust these attitudes that creep in and surface. Forgive me I pray. I want to be like Jesus and only You can complete in me what You have started. I'm in for the long haul Lord. Whatever it takes - change me. Thank You Lord.
