Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...

"Behold, Let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord... " 2 Samuel 25:41

Oh, to be a servant! It doesn't come natural to serve.... we can all attest to that.  

While reading last night chapter 25 of 2 Samuel, I found the words of Abigail as a response to David's marriage proposal simply thought provoking! 

 Let thine handmaid be a servant... to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 

How many times have I struggled to be a servant... and yet Abigail's response made me think how much deeper it entails to be a servant.

What does it mean to display a spirit of servanthood? The character of a servant  in the eyes of Abigail wasn't merely just serving her master (David)... it meant to also serve and wash the feet of the other servants. She didn't take on the entitlement of being David's wife and using it for her own glory. Rather, she sought to give herself sacrificially for the well-being of her family. That was the truest form of humility. 

Before honor is humility...

"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,

 and 

before honour is humility." 

Proverbs 18:12

How often we desire honor... and yet we are not willing to be humble. We are not willing to serve others. We are not willing to wash each other's feet. 

It defies all human comprehension when we look upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Because the Lord Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant. 

Not I, But Christ 

Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,

Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;

Not I, but Christ in every look and action,

Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.

 

Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,

  Oh, to be lost in Thee,

Oh, that it may be no more I,

    But Christ that lives in me.

Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,

Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;

Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,

Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.

Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,

Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;

Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,

Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.

Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,

Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;

Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,

Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.

Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,

Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;

Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,

Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)

Holy Father, Thank you for offering up the Lord Jesus to be the sacrifice for our redemption. We are grateful for the beautiful example the Lord Jesus displayed in taking upon Himself the form of a servant and washing our feet. Help us to walk in His ways and clothe ourselves with humility as we seek to wash each other's feet.

May you be lifted up today to see the need that is around you and be used as a servant for the glory of God.

~Ellie

For in HIM we LIVE, and MOVE, and have our being...

" Serving the LORD with all humility of mind..." Acts 20:19

These past few days I have been meditating on the need for us to draw near to God. I have been so overwhelmed with the life of Paul while reading the book of Acts. 

We know how apostle Paul was brought to light... in a most direct intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in no way that Saul (apostle Paul) was ever seeking to know the Lord Jesus... 

...why, Saul did all he could to persecute the believers and cause much turmoil. (Acts 8:3). 

And so I stand amazed at God's perfect plan to bring a sinner from darkness into light. 

As He worked with Saul, so He works with us.

This morning, while continuing my reading through the book of Acts, I was extremely blessed with a few verses.... verses that show apostle Paul's total devotion to His Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

His devotion was ever so strong... even when he knew he would have to suffer many things for the name of Jesus Christ... 

... and oh, what devotion and love for His Lord!

" And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit 

unto Jerusalem,

 not knowing the things that shall befall me there." 

Acts 20:22

"Except that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, 

saying that bonds and afflictions await me." 

Acts 22:23

I am overwhelmed at Paul's total denying of self.  

His total devotion in serving His Master is written  in the following verse: 

" But none of these things move me, 

neither count I my life dear unto myself, 

so that I might finish my course with joy, 

and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, 

to testify the gospel of the grace of God."  

Acts: 20:24

I thank the Lord for the reminder this morning, that  just as He worked with apostle Paul... He works with me. Oh, that I would live for the praise of His glory...

So thankful to the Lord that I was found of Him.

I SOUGHT THE LORD

Author: Anonymous

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew

He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.

It was not I that found, O Savior true;

No, I was found of thee.

 Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;

I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea.

'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,

As thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole

Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!

For thou wert long beforehand with my soul;

Always Thou lovedst me. 

Father, Thank you for bringing light in a world of darkness through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for making it possible that we might live through Him. 

May you purpose in your heart to live a life fully devoted to the One who redeemed us by His precious blood...

~Ellie

It is enough for the DISCIPLE that he be as his MASTER...

" But when He saw the multitude, HE was moved with COMPASSION on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Matthew 9:36

While reading through the book of Matthew, I was especially touched to read again of the Lord's care and compassion on the multitude of people He touched. 

" He was moved with compassion on them..."

But what struck me most, is that while the Lord healed the people, cast out demons, forgave sins and taught and preached the gospel of the kingdom...

... the people sought to have no part of Him... and wanted Him to depart from them. (Matt. 8:34). 

... they accused Him of blasphemy. (Matt. 9:3)

... they laughed Him to scorn. (Matt. 9:24)

... they accused Him of casting out demons through the prince of the devils. (Matt. 9:34)

The God of heaven encountered all of this and more. Yes, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. 

Have you ever felt mistreated? Have you ever felt the need to retaliate? Have you ever felt pain through hurtful words?  Have you ever been cast out?

And yet looking at our Lord... who had the power to retaliate or revile... displayed His love and had compassion on them!

I often look at myself... and find myself lacking to be like my MASTER. 

" It is enough that he be as his MASTER, 

and the servant as his LORD..." 

Matthew 10:25

How often I lack compassion... and rather judge.

How often I lack discernment... and speak foolishly.

How often I show contempt... and am fool of pride.

How often I see no need to go the extra mile... but rather "give up".

Oh, that Christ would fully control my every action and thought! That I would learn of Him. 

" Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 

Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

But made Himself of no reputation,

 and took upon Him the form of a SERVANT..." 

Philippians 2:5,6,7

If we call ourselves disciples of the Lord... 

...then we ought to walk in Him, 

...be rooted and built in Him,

...be established in the faith,

...and abound with thanksgiving. (Col 2:6.7.8)

Yes, through Him we can do all things....for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 

Father, How thankful I am for the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to do Thy will and had compassion on us. Thank you for your mercy and grace shown  to us through His life, death and resurrection. How thankful I am for the example we have in the Lord Jesus as our Master. May we follow in His steps and bring glory unto your Holy name.

May you be encouraged and strengthened to have compassion on those around you, that Christ would be magnified in your life today.

Ellie

Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear...

" Wherefore gird up the loins OF YOUR MIND, be sober, and HOPE TO THE END for the GRACE that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13

How often I forget the reason for my existence and the purpose for my life on this earth. More often than not, I tend to lose sight of God's reason for placing me on this earth. It's not that I'm not aware of His purpose in my life, but I find my mind  preoccupied too much with the "cares of the world" ... and too little glorifying God. Way too little...

How thankful I am for God's Word that brings me back to the light. Reading through 1 Peter, I was once again encouraged to fix my eyes on the things above.

I am reminded that,

... my existence isn't to fulfill my own pleasures.

... my existence isn't that I run around seeking to fulfill "my life's ambitions".

... my existence isn't for worldly gain.

... my existence isn't that I "be the best that I can be" in the eyes of the world. 

No, my existence is purely to GLORIFY GOD and give HIM PRAISE in all that I do. 

I am to remember that HE brought salvation to my soul and turned me from the pit of darkness to His glorious light.

" But you are a CHOSEN people, a ROYAL priesthood, and HOLY nation, 

His OWN SPECIAL people; 

that ye should shew forth the praises of Him 

who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

1 Peter 2:9

And so I was thankful this morning for the reminder to:

1) Gird up the loins of my mind,

     ... and be prepared for action. 

                 ( 1 Pet.1:13)

2) Pass the time of my sojourning here on earth... in fear,

    ... laying aside all forms of malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speakings. 

                         (1 Pet.1:17/ 2 Pet.2:1)

3) Believe in God.

     ... that my HOPE and FAITH might be in God. 

                        (1 Pet.1:21)

The Word of God says it best in Ecclesiastes,

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; 

Fear God, and keep His commandments, 

for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgement, 

with every secret thing, 

whether, it be good, or whether it be evil. " 

Ecclesiastes 12:13,14

Lord how we need you! Remind us of your purpose for our lives... and remove from us any selfish ambitions that lead to death. Help us to walk by your Spirit... in the light of your Word. 

May you be encouraged today to "desire the sincere(pure) milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."... honoring and glorifying God.

~Ellie

And be found in HIM , NOT having mine own Righteousness...

" That I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS sufferings, being made conformable unto HIS death." Phillipians 3:10

You know, sometimes it's not the easiest to apply the WORD in our lives. Phillipians 3:10 is a perfect example of a verse that requires us to be conformed to the LORD's death. Have you ever thought about it... to be conformed to HIS DEATH? 

CONFORM (def): be similar in form or type.

synonym: abide by, obey, observe, follow, keep to, stick to, adhere to, uphold, heed, accept,..

To be conformed to His death... would require that we be like the Lord Jesus, and follow in His steps.

I don't know about you... but I often fail to be conformed to His death or to know the fellowship of His sufferings.

• I fail to be a servant... and find myself desiring to place my needs above others. 
• I fail to be made of no reputation... and care too much of what man thinks of me.
• I fail to be humble... and find myself proud, even in the smallest of things. 
• I fail to suffer loss... and  find myself trying to keep worthless things as gain.
• I fail to revile not when reviled against... and can find myself holding a record of wrong, even in silence.

No... to be conformed, ..." unto HIS death." means to die to self... that Christ may live in my stead!

For sure we can never be conformed to Christ's image on our own. I am to have NO confidence in my OWN FLESH, but rather I'm to, 

"....be found in Him, 

not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, 

BUT that which is through the faith of Christ, 

the righteousness which is of God by faith."

Phillipians 3:9

The Righteousness ... which is of God... alone works in us... a walk that is worthy of HIS HOLY NAME.

What blessed thought... to be cleansed from all our unrighteousness and be clothed in HIS righteousness.

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; 

that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 

1 Corinthians 5:21

Indeed we can have VICTORY over our own flesh, our own desires, our own self-workings... because Christ is RISEN...  the power of His resurrection has brought us justification.

"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. "

Romans 4:25

And while I may fail from time to time, I am encouraged that HIS strength is made PERFECT in my weakness.... 

...reminding me that it is best to be occupied in,

 " .... forgetting those things which are behind, 

and reaching forth 

unto those things which are BEFORE, 

I press toward the mark 

for the prize 

of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD 

in 

Christ Jesus."

Phillipians 3: 13,14

How wonderful to know that in the Lord Jesus Christ we have complete victory!

" But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

1 Corinthians 15:57

*

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: 

and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 

1 John 5:4

Oh, that I would be occupied with knowing more and more of my Saviour... that I would be able to count all things as loss... that I may indeed be conformed unto His death.

Holy Father, help me to walk worthy of your calling... and do nothing through strife or vainglory.

May you be encouraged today to KNOW the Lord Jesus... and " press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD  in Christ Jesus."

~Ellie  

And the servant of the Lord must not strive...

"... let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. " 2 Timothy 2:19

These past few days I've been thinking about my need to follow unto righteousness.... by putting aside iniquity and striving to be a vessel of honor unto the LORD. 

Iniquity comes in all forms... discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lying, evil thoughts, judging, etc.

A vessel of honor. Meet for the Master's use. Prepared for every good work.

 My thoughts have been much on a recent verse I read in Matthew, where it says,

" And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." 

Matthew 24:12

Why do we even allow iniquity to dwell in our hearts? Why do we even strive? Why do we want to be the greatest? And why do we not grow in love, rather than wax cold?

Is it because we do not purge away the "leaven" or evil from our lives... and depart not from that which is iniquity in God's eyes? 

Being a servant of the Lord requires that we flee from all that is unrighteousness... and pursue or follow after godliness. 

This of course means that we keep our peace even when we are being reviled. It's not easy... to not lash out when a comment is made against us. Our nature is such... that we want to defend ourselves. Yet we have the Lord Jesus Christ as a perfect example,

" For even hereunto were ye called: 

because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, 

that we should follow in His steps:... 

Who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered He threatened not; 

but committed Himself to Him that judgesth righteously." 

1 Peter 2:21,23

How important it is for me to not render evil for evil, but rather bless... in humbleness. Being humble is probably the hardest thing to implement. And yet, if I am a child of God, I am called to be gentle unto all men... and in  meekness correct or instruct those that oppose.

 How often I find  myself correcting with an ungentle spirit. Or uttering that unkind word when hurt...

Only when I purge away the fleshly desires will I ever be a vessel of honor... meet for the Master's use... prepared for every good work.

... growing in love.

May you be encouraged live as a servant of the LORD... 

~Ellie

... ye are not your own. For you are bought with a price....

"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him" Deuteronomy 13:4.

This morning as I was walking,  I happened to hear a song... a song I 'd never heard before. The song brought to remembrance a verse that I don't often dwell on... as I ought. 

Oh, that I would be reminded of it every day! 

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, which are God's." 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

How often I go through the day... forgetting that a price was paid for my redemption. A price no one could pay that could satisfy our Father in heaven. Only ONE could pay that price ... the Lord Jesus Christ. Blood had to be shed SO that I could partake of the divine nature and be called a child of God. 

And not just a child of God... but an HEIR of God... JOINT HEIR with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8).

That I would walk after the Lord, my GOD...

That I would fear Him...

That I would keep His commandments...

That I would obey His voice...

That I should serve Him....

... and cleave unto Him.

O, Lord help me to live my life... led by your Holy Spirit... and remind me that I am not my own. That you have paid a most precious price... 

... giving me all that I have and am!

May praise be continually on my lips...

Lord, I must be yours alone.

Teach me I am not my own.

Crush and mold this heart of stone.

In your image make it.

Willful, stubborn, Lord, it's true-

I do what I want to do.

Let me learn to follow you.

Take my will and break it

From my self I would be free.

Take all my identity,

Fill with your humility.

Seize my pride and shake it.

When a helpless wreck I am,

Take me and rebuild the sham

To be like the Living Lamb,

My life, on Him I stake it.

Written by: Abigail Miller

May you be led by the Spirit as you seek to honor Him in your life today.
~Ellie

Create in me a clean heart, O God ....

"... God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Matthew 22:32

Lately I've been contemplating what it means to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. What it means to be humble. What it means to be clean on the inside. What it means to have mercy and faith. And above all, what it means to have Christ as your master...

" For one is your master, even Christ." 

Matthew 23:8

Maybe all this stemmed from a recent visit to a group of people that take pride in their "cleanliness"... and having "orderliness" as a top priority. Lots of rules and regulations. I suppose there's really nothing wrong in being clean, it's a wonderful trait to have. But as I visited these people I was burdened. Can outwardly cleanliness count for anything in God's kingdom? Does it count for eternity? 

How are we, as followers of Christ, able to shine clean in a world of "filth"? Filth being sin, and all things unclean.   Well, I needed to go to the WORD... to find God's answers.

The gospel of Matthew relates Jesus' condemnation of those being clean on the outside and failing to apply cleanliness on the inside. 

" Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, 

But within they are full of extortion and excess. " 

Matthew 23:25

The Lord sure is direct! How often we make ourselves look good so that others may see our "righteousness".   

We can easily "pay" the tithe... whatever it may be that requires us to "look good". But we forget what counts most in God's eyes... judgement, mercy and faith.

"  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, 

But within ye are full of hypocrisy, and iniquity." 

Matthew 23:28

So as I was reading through the chapter in Matthew, I stopped a bit to evaluate my own life. How do I live for Christ? Do I worry about man's view of me? Or do I care about being clean before God?

If Christ is alive in me, then I too shall live... no longer for myself, or the world around me... but for the ONE who died for me. And if Christ be my master, the greatest amongst us(also a servant), then I too am called to follow in His steps.... to walk humbly, to show mercy, to be guided by Him in all things. No boasting in my own abilities...

What assurance to know that His blood has cleansed me from the filth and dross of sin. Great is God's power to cleanse! 

His cleansing, not my own... 

And so I delight in the wonderful work of God on my behalf... the joy of being clean within, by the power of His blood.

" Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: 

Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." 

Psalm 51:7

May you know the real meaning of being clean... and shine for HIM.  

  

~Ellie

Come Ye, and let us walk in the LIGHT of the LORD...

" Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; 

Cease to do evil; Learn to do well..." Isaiah 1: 16-17

These past few days I've been meditating on a few verses in the book of Isaiah. Having just started reading through the first chapter, I found God's holiness and just character displayed in such powerful words. And it made me think...

God tells us how tired He is of our vain oblations(or offerings). He's tired of our ritual sacrifices that have no meaning to Him. He's tired of our prayers before Him... our "sacrifices" are iniquity before Him.

" Bring no more vain oblations... the new moons and sabbaths... it is iniquity. Appointed feasts my soul hateth, they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. When you make many prayers I will not hear them. Your hands are full of blood." 

Isaiah 1:13-15

The words sound harsh. God doesn't want to hear us. He doesn't want our sacrifices.

When reading through the chapter, I thought how easily we can go over these words. It doesn't pertain to us. It's the Lord's judgement on Judah.  

But no. It pertains to us as well. To me.

How many times we fall in the trap of doing things... for traditions sake, to appease our conscience, or because certain things are required of us. And our heart is not in it. We go to church, because we "have to". We read our bibles because we "need to".  We offer our services because it is "required" of us.

But God  knows our hearts. 

Do we truly honor God with our sacrifices... or are they merely a cover-up.

And then I read further. God doesn't require too much of us. He just wants us to cease from doing evil.... and learn to do well.

Learn to do well. 

How do we learn? I immediately thought of the verse in Matthew:

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart... "

Matthew 11:29

What a beautiful example to follow. The Lord Jesus Christ. Humble. Lowly. Meek.

Interestingly God doesn't require pompous sacrifices. He desires that we be humble before Him. That we put away evil. 

"... but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my WORD." Isaiah 66:2

Oh, Lord make us humble. Help us to walk in the light of your WORD.

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." 

Isaiah 1:19 

May you be encouraged to learn of Him... to walk in obedience to His word.

  

~ Ellie

He maketh the STORM a CALM, so that THE WAVES therof are STILL....

" They reel to and fro... and are at their wit's end. " Psalm 107:27

I've been trying to memorize my verses in 1 Corinthians 13. The chapter that is so well known. But it's hard. Awfully hard.

LOVE. What is love?

Lord, do you mean I am nothing... if I have not love? It's hard to be nobody in the eyes of men. To seek not mine own. That's hard.

All the knowledge, all the understanding, all the work I do... is it for nought... if I have not love?

How can I be happy for someone else who gets to have everything so easily... they've been blessed far more than I have. They are talented, wealthy, ... and their life seems so in order.

How can I just look past someone's hurtful remark and not withdraw. Don't they know how I feel? Don't they see how hard I  try.

I've run to and fro... and sometimes was at my wit's end... trying to show love and kindness and been bruised instead. All for man's approval.... but where were YOU in all my running?

" For do I now persuade men, or GOD? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."

Galatians 1:10

It's not easy to love. It's not easy to forgive, It's not easy to think no evil. If only I can be STILL... and allow the LORD to calm the waves in my heart.

I know God has a work to complete in me. My desire is to live the LOVE chapter... not to simply memorize it. It may take me some time, but I know my faithful LORD will perfect that which concerns me today. HE will try me. HE will bring about trials that will test me.... but HE will also help me to know HIS word and lead me by the hand... so that one day I may know in full, Him who loved me as HIS own.

The LORD was so gracious to send a song to me this morning as I was listening to the radio and preparing breakfast... I stopped and listened. It became my prayer.

Make me an instrument LORD... for your kingdom . Make me to love, as you love.... for you are LOVE.

Take Me, Lord

Take me, Lord, use me now.
Draw me close, O Lord.
Give me godly understanding of your Holy Word.
Let me live so close to you
Others, too, may see
Jesus’ love and great compassion
Shining forth in me.

Chorus
Use me, Lord Jesus,
Now for your glory.
May all I say and do
Glorify your name.

*

When my heart suffers pain,
Jesus lingers near.
He will give me peace within
And whisper, “I am here.”
When I falter on my way,
He will take my hand.
Then, so gently He forgives me.
He will understand.

*

Take my life day by day
Yielded Lord to you.
Take my hands to labor gently
Bringing others, too.
Take my lips to sing Your praise
Worship only You.
Showing love to those
Who need the love of Jesus, too.

By Roma J. Schankweiler

 

May God's perfect LOVE dwell richly in your heart today... and may you please God above all else.

~Ellie