It’s uncanny lately how often either our Sunday School lesson or the verses from Ladies’ Bible Study match the weekly sermon. We’re between pastors at the moment, so different people are filling the pulpit and apparently God is slipping them notes on our scripture.
One of the things “they” teach you in Bible study is that when something is repeated, it’s important. Hmmm. Makes me think this stuff must be important.
So yesterday morning, it was Philippians 2:6-11 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
So let me summarize that for you: Act like Jesus by making yourself nothing, serving others, humbling yourself and being obedient. Even if it costs your life.
And the result? Exaltation.
Of course, the rest of the day unfolded with opportunity after opportunity to serve, be humble, and obey. Nothing life threatening, mind you, but sometimes humbling myself can feel like a sort of death. And at the end of the day I’d have to give myself . . . a C+. I didn’t fail, but let’s just say my attitude wasn’t always Christ-like. I did serve. I did act humble (sometimes), but the grumble was in my heart.
Guess God knew I needed that message. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if it popped up again . . . and again . . . and again . . .
Q4U – So how about you–what message has God repeated for your benefit lately?
Oh, yes. We have been having some tough times lately – to the point where I felt more like God’s red-headed stepchild rather than His honored son – but He doesn let us know that He hasn’t stepped away.
Awhile ago I devised a little test for Him. If everything’s going to be OK – show me something red (seeing something red, where we live, isn’t common).
And He’s played along. Red ribbons, or pieces of paper caught in a bush. A red laundry basket, blown in on the wind.
And once a piece of paper I picked up – a label from a water bottle.
Bottled by a company called “Red Rock”.
Red-heads are truly awesome people, just sayin’.
LOVE how you’re on the lookout for God whispers in your life.
I encountered the same kind of dance with God when I asked for a confirmation , delivered in something purple. And BAM, there was a purple clover, in a time of year where clover should not be blooming. And then it was purple everything, left, right and centre.
The message I’m getting lately is “trust Me, I will make a way” and I have to say, He has made several things abundantly clear to me. And I love those moments when the bells ring only for my ears, then I look up and say “Thank you, Abba.”
Amen~
The message I’m getting isn’t color-coded. Didn’t think to ask! But I’ve been hearing this: He is amazingly powerful, and He is loving to those who look to Him. Could be contradictory, but it isn’t.
That you’re listening is the main thing!
Color-coding is kind of fun!