“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
Category Archives: Scripture Posts
He is Risen!
1Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
-Matthew 28:1-7 ESV
Serving Others
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:3-11 ESV
(italics added)
I read this passage yesterday, and was struck with the thought of how often I don’t consider others more significant above myself. I look to my own interests instead of others. I spend time doing what I want to do instead of seeking the good of my family and friends. Who is my example of servant-hood? Jesus Christ, being the God-man, made Himself nothing and took the form of a servant. He humbled Himself even to death on a cross! I asked myself, “how I am seeking to become a servant to others, putting them above myself?”. This is an area I need the Lord’s help in, as I strive to become more like Christ, who was the servant to all mankind.
I also was reminded of a conversation my mom had with us children the other day about how all men one day will have to bend their knee to God. It doesn’t matter if they have never bent their knee here on earth to Him; before the judgement seat of Christ, they will bend their knee and confess that He is LORD! Mom reminded us that it would be far better to have bent the knee to Christ here on earth, than to kneel before Christ on the judgement day and then be thrown into the lake of fire-hell, having rejected Christ on earth. All men will be held accountable for how they live their lives. May the Lord find me faithful to share of His boundless love and great salvation with the lost around me.
Thanksgiving Psalm
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings our heavenly Father disposes on His people and all mankind. This morning I looked up several passages in the Bible that had thanksgiving in them. I was the most struck by the following verses from Psalm 118.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”… You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!’ Psalm 118: 1-4; 28-29
Even though there have been times in my life when I don’t understand why the circumstances in my life are the way they are, the Lord has been there. He is good all the time– whether I understand His ways or not. HIS steadfast love endures forever! And so I give thanks to my God who has saved me and continues to show His steadfast love to me, a sinner saved by grace.
