Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Jesus, Names, Prayer, Scripture

NAME ABOVE ALL

PHILIPPIANS 2:9

For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

Some people think they are something just because of their name. There are a lot of famous people who are known by name worldwide. There’s Gandhi, Hitler, Trump, just to name a few. They are so famous only one name is required. I don’t want to be that famous. It would spoil my trips to Waffle House, lol.

There is one other name, however, that is known worldwide – Jesus. This name transcends cultures, ages and even languages. Paul says it was God who bestowed or gave this name to Him. In Luke 1:31 we read what the angel told Mary, “‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.’”

APPLICATION

Now, Jesus is known by many names – Christ, Lord, Immanuel, Lamb of God, Son of God, Son of Man, The Word, Savior, Redeemer, Light of the world. It doesn’t really matter which name you choose; He will answer to them all. He listens as you call on one of His many names. So, don’t hesitate to call Him by name.

To call someone by name means you know that person and that you have some kind of relationship. When I was working with children, I made it a point to learn the children’s names. I would often get down on my knees when I talked to them to be on their level. I wanted to look them in the eyes when I called their name (which I would try to repeat a few times to get it nailed down). We need to look Jesus squarely in the eyes when we call His name.

There is something intimate about using a person’s name. It’s much better than saying, “Hey, you” or “Hey, bud.” So, today when you pray, use the name above all names – Jesus. Look Him in the eyes (spiritually) and talk to Him. He is always listening, but I believe when we call His name, He turns His head towards us and listens intently. He is our Great Intercessor!

Father, You are so good to us and give us that name on which to call. And I thank You that You know my name intimately.

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Bible, Death, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture

TO THE POINT OF DEATH

PHILIPPIANS 2:8

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.”

Every day, Christians around the world face the danger of death by radicals just for believing in Jesus Christ. Nigeria is ground zero, it seems, for this fierce blood thirsty gang. I have heard that these radicals believe if they can take Nigeria, all of northern Africa will fall to Islam. We should pray daily for saints around the world who are literally fleeing for their lives.

On the other hand, Jesus came with one purpose – to die for us. Today’s verse points that out clearly. Paul writes that Jesus was “obedient to the point of death.” Albert Barnes explains this phrase with an analogy of a soldier. “…the soldier, when he is morally certain that to obey will be followed by death. Thus, many a company or platoon has been ordered into the ‘deadly breach, or directed to storm a redoubt, or to scale a wall, or to face a cannon, when it was morally certain that death would be the consequence. No profounder spirit of obedience can be evinced than this. It should be said, however, that the obedience of the soldier is in many cases scarcely voluntary, since, if he did not obey, death would be the penalty. But, in the case of the Redeemer, it was wholly voluntary. He placed himself in the condition of a servant to do the will of God, and then never shrank from what that condition involved.”

APPLICATION

I know what you’re thinking. Carl, I will never be called on to give my life for Jesus. That just happens somewhere else. Don’t be so certain. What if you faced that decision? What would you do? It is better to be prepared now. I heard a story of a store clerk who was held up at gun point when the thief asked for all the money. The clerk held up his hands and shouted, “Sudden death, Sudden glory!” The thief was so rattled, he ran from the store. Years later, these two met again and the thief had given his life to Christ.

For believers, death is simply a portal to our eternal reward. It is not something to be feared. Now, how you die may be of some concern. For instance, I don’t want to get eaten by a bear, lol. But I am ready. I am at peace with death whenever it comes.

I think Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. “54 But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: ‘DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR VICTORY? WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR STING?’ 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen!

Father, prepare me to face any evil that comes my way by spurning the fear of death.

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Bible, Empty, Humility, Pride, Sacrifice, Scripture, Self-righteousness

EMPTY YOURSELF

PHILIPPIANS 2:7

“but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.”

Emptying ourselves of our pride and arrogance can be a challenge. When you think you are something, you are really nothing. Selfish conceit is just as bad as seeing yourself as unworthy. We are supposed to love ourselves, just not enough to place ourselves above others. Paul continues his theme of humility and the example of Christ in today’s verse.

The Greek word used by Paul here which is translated “emptied” is kenoo which “primarily means ‘to empty’ or ‘to make void.’ In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to describe the act of making something of no effect or rendering it powerless. It can also imply the act of divesting oneself of status or privilege.” (Strong’s Lexicon) Christ divested Himself of His status and privilege to serve mankind.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you this – what do you need to empty yourself of? Hmmm? Nothing? Come on! Really? We all have things of which we need to empty ourselves. Kenoo is one of those Greek words ending in -oo which means the emphasis is not on the action of the verb but rather the result of the action of the verb. The result of Christ’s emptying Himself was to die for our sins. Wow!

So, what would be the result of us emptying ourselves? Better relationships? Better marriages? Better workplaces? The list could go on and on. Maybe your relationship kryptonite (for all you Superman fans out there) is pride or selfishness. Maybe it’s vanity or greed. Ask yourself if there is anything about you that is raised above Christ. Then die to it.

Paul says Christ emptied Himself and became a bondservant. That is a willing servant, someone who attaches themselves to a master knowingly. Christ served mankind willingly by making the ultimate sacrifice. How about you?

Lord, help me identify and stomp out anything in me that I have put in a position above You.

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Authority, Bible, Equality, Robbery, Scripture

DON’T JUST GRAB STUFF

PHILIPPIANS 2:6

“who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,”

In the Massai culture, if something is lying around not being used, they are free to pick it up and use it. A friend of mine served in Southern Kenya among the Massai and experienced this firsthand. He had laid his jacket on a chair outside his house while he was working only to discover it missing later. A few days later he saw his jacket on one of his Massai friends. He asked him about it and was told that since he wasn’t using it, he felt he could just pick it up and wear it. After all, he needed a jacket. Lol

This verse today contains a word that you normally would not associate with Jesus. “Something to be grasped” is translated in some versions as “robbery.” The Greek word in the noun form only occurs here. The verb form is used elsewhere. But here, this word really points to the thing being robbed, not the act of robbery. Let’s look at what Jesus did.

APPLICATION

Paul is continuing the thought of Christ’s humble attitude to which we should aspire. Christ was God. There is no question about that. He knew that and could have at any time exercised His authority. He chose to give up that while in this human form, but it was still His. He repeatedly told His disciples that He and the Father were one, did He not?

Okay, okay! We are not God. That’s a fact. However, we can choose to not grab or seize things out of respect for others and to show our own humility. Paul has been telling the Philippians to consider others before themselves, right? Jesus is our example for that. What do you need to lay down today out of respect for someone? Are you trying to seize power or authority that you could have at the expense of others?

Humility is hard. You’ve heard the song that says, “O Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” A lot of us live that way. We equate humility with weakness which it is not. Humility takes a lot more strength than bullying. Don’t believe me? Give it a try and let me know how easy it was. But Jesus tells us to do this very thing. Stop grabbing and start releasing.

Thank You, Lord, for the power You give me through humility.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture

THE MIND OF CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 2:5

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

We learn a lot by watching others, don’t we? We have all seen the little boys or girls following their dads around with their little toy lawnmowers as he mows the lawn. They are modeling his behavior. Wouldn’t it be great if we could model the right attitude for our children or grandchildren? If we want to raise godly children, we must live godly. We must model the behaviors and attitudes we want them to live by.

In Philippians 2:5-8, we have a passage which many people have memorized and tried to live by. Ellicott calls this “The Voluntary Humiliation of the Lord.” MacLaren titles it “The Descent of the Word.” Over the next few days, we will dissect this passage and see what the Lord has to say about us having His mind as we live out our lives following Him.

APPLICATION

Sounds simple, huh? “Have this attitude”! But then Paul says, “which was also in Christ Jesus.” Come on Paul! Who can do that? We aren’t Jesus. We can’t think like Him. We can’t be as humble as He was. Yet, I am reminded of John 14:12 which says, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.”

What?! Greater things than Him?! That’s what He said, and if He said it, I believe it. That means that I can have the same attitude He had. What was His attitude? Meekness, humility, service, obedience… Shall I go on? To be like Jesus is to think like Jesus. The popular bracelet from years past – WWJD – would be a great reminder for us. Before we do anything, think like Jesus and then do what He would do.

Are you prepared to do that? Are you willing to exchange your way of thinking for Jesus’ way? It’s possible through the transformation of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Are you willing? Will you let go of your past concepts of how to live and allow Jesus to transform your mind into His mind? Oh, how wonderful that would be for us all.

Lord, give me the mind of Christ in all things.

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Bible, Interests, Ministry, Needs, Others, Prayer, Scripture

THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

PHILIPPIANS 2:4

“do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

As I am writing this devotion this morning, my across the street neighbor is having some type of medical emergency. I have only talked to him a few times as he just moved in a while ago. However, I know he is a believer. We have talked about that. So, as I watch the EMTs go into his house, I am lifting a prayer for him. Today’s verse really hit home this morning.

Paul continues his thought from the previous few verses in today’s verse. He is saying that it is not just about us. We need to keep the needs of others before our own. I read this description of this thought. “To ‘look upon’ here is something more than ‘to seek.’ It expresses that insight into the thoughts, hopes, aspirations of others, which only a self-forgetting love can give, as well as the care to consider their welfare and happiness.” (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers) Do you have that “self-forgetting” love for others?

APPLICATION

This interest in others does not give us license to interfere. Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 warn us about that. “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” See also 1 Timothy 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:15. Hmmm, I’ve known a few of those, haven’t you? Don’t be like that.

Instead of meddling in other people’s affairs, show genuine concern and love for them. How is that done? First of all, pray for others. Ask them how you can pray for them and then do it. Pray right there for them. Nothing softens the heart like prayer. And if that prayer needs some “feet” to it, do what you can to meet that need.

Back to my neighbor – the ambulance just drove off. I did not run over while the EMTs were there as that would have been meddling. I will go over later today and find out how I can pray. Perhaps I can go to the hospital and check on him. Putting feet to prayers is a good thing. Whatever you do, be genuine. Show Christ’s love to others in the same way He would have.

Lord, give me Your compassion and love for others and show me how to meet their needs if appropriate.

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Bible, Humility, Jesus, Joy, Ministry, Scripture

J-0-Y (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third)

PHILIPPIANS 2:3

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves;”

Putting others before yourself is not a normal behavior for most people. The world tells us to “get all we can, can all we get, sit on the can and poison the rest.” Right? We are told to put yourself first, to watch out for numero uno. Many times, those who climb the ladder of success do it on the backs of others. How can we do as Paul instructs us today and “consider one another as more important” than ourselves?

The key to putting others first is found in the word “humility.” Without that, it is impossible to put others before us. Without humility, we see the world as ours for the taking, no matter who we hurt. Today’s verse is one of those “but” statements. Paul says don’t be selfish or conceited, BUT with humility. You can’t be selfish or conceited and be humble at the same time. It’s just not possible. So, Paul tells us to make a choice. It’s one way or the other. Which will you choose?

APPLICATION

“Humility” is the Greek word tapeinophrosune. It “refers to a mindset characterized by humility and modesty. It is the quality of having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one’s moral littleness, and a modest view of one’s importance.” (Strong’s Lexicon). This was counterculture back in the Greco Roman world, just as it is today. We see this word used in 1 Peter 5:5. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Paul tells us to “consider…more important.” The Greek word for “consider” is the same word used in James 1:2 when James says, “Consider it all joy…” It can have the definition of “lead the way.” Paul wants us to lead the way in putting others before us.

Finally, let me point out that he says, “more important.” The same Greek word is used by Paul later in Philippians when he says in 4:7 that the peace of God, “which surpasses all understanding.” What we think of others and how we treat others should surpass what we think of ourselves. That’s hard to do. No, it’s impossible to do without humility. Dwell on that today.

Father God, let me see others as You see them, then I will have no problem putting them before me.

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Bible, Joy, Love, Purpose, Scripture, Unity

HOW TO MAKE COMPLETE JOY

PHILIPPIANS 2:2

“make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

I really like making people feel full of joy. That might be done by surprising them with a gift or a special treat. It might be done by saying the right thing at the right time. It might be done by just showing up unexpectedly. However it is done, the expression on their face also gives me joy. You see, I receive joy by giving joy.

Paul is asking the Philippians to make him full of joy by doing some things to and for each other. Their efforts weren’t directed at him, per say, but he received joy in hearing of their treatment towards each other. Isn’t that what a mentor wants? He or she wants to see them live out what they have been taught. Let’s look at what Paul was asking.

APPLICATION

First of all, he says he wants them to be “of the same mind.” The Greek word here can actually mean to care for or to seek. Paul was asking them to truly think about each other and what was best for each other. It was a heart thing, not just a mind thing.

Then Paul asks them to maintain the same love. The original language literally says “having the same love.” What did that mean? Well, the key is the word “love.” It is the agape love which we know is God’s benevolent love. That love is always looking out for what is best for the other person. It’s a giving love, a sacrificial love.

Next, Paul asks them to be “united in spirit.” The Greek word here is sumpsuchos which is only used right here. Stong’s Lexicon says this, “Sumpsuchos is used to describe a unity of spirit or being of one mind. It conveys the idea of being in full accord or having a shared purpose and mindset. In the New Testament, it is often used to encourage believers to maintain unity and harmony within the body of Christ, reflecting a collective commitment to the teachings and mission of Jesus.”

Finally, Paul says for the Philippians to be “intent on one purpose.” What you don’t see in the English is Paul uses the exact same word he used earlier when he said to have the same mind. He must have really wanted to stress this point. Be like-minded. Agree on a purpose. Work together.

When we do these things we bring joy to our mentors, but we also bring joy to the Lord. Can you spread joy today? Do these things and you too will be full of joy.

Father, help me today to spread the joy of Jesus in the way I treat others.

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Affection, Bible, Encouragement, Godliness, Scripture

THEREFORE…

PHILIPPIANS 2:1

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,”

I’ve said it and you have heard it said, “Whenever you see a “therefore” look to see what it is there for.” Paul begins chapter two (there were really no chapters in his original letter) by connecting it back to chapter one. He had been instructing the Philippians on how to live in difficult situations (conflicts, suffering, etc.) and now he totally turns the subject to godly living, even in the midst of the hard times.

Look what Paul lists in this first verse – encouragement, love, fellowship, affection and compassion. We could spend the next week on these words, but I will encourage you to do your own deep dive into them. I will look at a couple of them today to spur your interest. Okay? Let’s go!

APPLICATION

First, let’s look at the word “encouragement.” This is the Greek word paraklésis, which is “a calling to one’s aid, i.e. encouragement, comfort.” (NAS Exhaustive Concordance). In 2 Corinthians 7:4, we see Paul use this word to describe how he felt “comfort” towards these believers. “My confidence in you is great; my boasting in your behalf is great. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” It’s the idea of coming up beside someone, putting your arm around them and just encouraging them.

Secondly, let’s see the word “affection.” This word in the Greek is splagchnon, which comes from “the Greek root splagchna, which refers to the inward parts or entrails.” (Strong’s Lexicon). It was used to describe someone’s deep emotions, especially compassion and affection. It’s that deep gut feeling you have for others. I love my family that way. You probably do also. Paul says these Philippians he is writing to should have this kind of affection towards each other in Christ.

Encouragement and affection – two things we all need more of in the church today. Amen? May we all strive to encourage someone today. Tell someone they are loved today. Just go out and make someone’s day. I promise if you show these two things, they and you will be blessed.

Lord, give me the encouragement and affection of Christ to share with others today.

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Bible, Conflict, Fighting, Scripture, Testimony

CONFLICTS

PHILIPPIANS 1:30

“experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

Raise your hand if you like conflict. That’s what I thought. No one chooses to have conflicts in their lives. If we had our druthers, we would rather live in peace and quiet. Am I right? The older I get the less I like conflicts. My memory verse this week fits this well. Proverbs 19:11 says, “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Sounds easy, huh? Not really.

Paul didn’t have to go far to find conflict or opposition. Remember, right after he got saved and started preaching, he had to escape in a basket over the wall of Damascus from those who sought to kill him. So, when Paul talks about conflicts, we need to sit up and listen. He knew what he was talking about. The word he uses here for “conflict” is agon from which we get the word “agony.”

APPLICATION

Agon is only used five other times in the New Testament (Colossians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7 and Hebrews 12:1). Let’s look at a couple of those. Paul uses agon in Colossians 2:1 this way. “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have in your behalf…” Here, he calls it a struggle. Aren’t all conflicts a struggle – a struggle not to say the wrong thing, a struggle to not lash out in defense? 

In 1 Timothy 6:12 and 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul uses agon to describe the good fight of faith. In 1 Timothy he is telling Timothy to fight the good fight. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul is saying he has fought the good fight of faith. A good fight? Sounds kind of strange, doesn’t it? Paul is telling us that there are some fights that are worth it. Our fight against the forces of evil for the kingdom of God is worth it.

As you face conflicts (and you will), remember the words from Proverbs. Your discretion will make you slow to anger. And it is to your benefit to overlook or forgive transgressions against you. It is not easy, but it is worth it. Let God use these conflicts to shape and mold you more like Christ.

Father, I am not able in my own flesh to face conflicts with a godly attitude. I need You to fill me and teach me.

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