Have the Same Mindset as Christ

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! — Philippians 3:5-8 

Jesus Christ, being in the very nature God.

Even so, He did not consider equality with God something to use to His own advantage.

Instead, He made himself nothing.

He took o the very nature of a servant.

Christ was made in human likeness.

He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death.

Even death on a cross.

Taking on the ultimate sacrifice for me personally.

Praise Be to the Lord

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), — Luke 1:67-68 

God has come to us as a baby.

Praise be to our Lord!

He has redeemed us with the blood of His Son, Jesus.

He had opened the door of salvation to us.

Just as He promised through His prophets long ago.

At that time, people were skeptical, just as they are today.

But God always keeps His promises, and He fulfilled this one in His only Son.

All Scripture is God-Breathed

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

God's Word is useful for teaching me how to live.

And for rebuking me when I stumble and fall.

And for correcting me when I start to wander away from God.

When I read it thoughtfully, it trains me in righteousness.

Not just certain verses, but all Scripture is useful.

Helping to equip me for every good work.

And doing so thoroughly and in truth.

Have the Same Mind as Christ

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. – Philippians 2:5-7 

Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.

Even though He was God.

Instead, He took on the role of a servant.

He became man and died for my sins.

When we think of His sacrifice, we are humble

No Servant Is Greater Than His Master

Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  — John 13:16-17 

Today we celebrated Lent with 17 other congregations at our church.

It was a wonderful service of praise and worship.

And ended with contemplation and darkness.

We left in silence, reading Scriptures written below artwork depicting the stations of the cross.

Very moving and humbling.

King of the Nations

They held harps given them by God and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations." — Revelation 15:3

The angels held harps and sang.

They sang the song of Moses and of the Lamb Jesus.

They praised God and worshiped Him.

Great and marvelous are His deeds, the Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are your ways.

God is King of the nations.

God Has Redeemed His People

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), — Luke 1:68-70

Praise be to the Lord!

He has come to us in the form of His Son, Jesus.

Redeeming us through the blood of Christ's sacrifice.

God has raised up a horn of salvation for us.

He promised this long ago through the prophets.

Out of the house of David, Jesus has come. Our Messiah!

We sing His praises.

Simeon Sees the Messiah

When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation. — Luke 2:27-30a

Simeon praised God when he saw the baby Jesus in the temple.

He had been waiting for this day.

And He knew that this was no ordinary baby, but the Son of God.

Simeon recognized that Jesus was the Messiah as he took him in his arms.

And that God had sent Him to earth just as he had promised long ago.

Simeon was now ready to be with God in death.

He had now seen God's salvation and was thankful.

He was now at peace.

Those of us who k now Jesus are also at peace, no matter what comes our way.

Anyone Who Wants to Be First Must Best the Servant of All

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” — Mark 9:35

Jesus tells us that whoever wants to be first must be last.

The person who wants to be first must be the servant of all.

Jesus gives us the example of serving others.

He was a servant leader.

After calling the twelve disciples, He gave them instructions about how to live.

We can read those instructions in the Bible.

The Holy Spirit works to convict us when we go astray.

Jesus, Our Savior

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago). — Luke 1:69-70

God has raised up a horn of salvation.

Jesus was born to save us from sin.

He is our Lord,

Just as God promised through His holy prophets long ago.

Christ. is born.

And we rejoice.

God Remembers to Be Merciful

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. — Luke 1:54-55 

God is merciful.

He promised our ancestors that He would remember to show us mercy.

And He does.

He sent His Son Jesus to redeem us from our sin.

On this Christmas Eve, we thank Him for remembering us, even when we forget Him.

Last week I visited my physical therapist so she could check for lymphedema and suggest massage techniques and self-care.

She gave me some additional tips, but said everything looks great.

Just a small pitting by my elbow which should go away when I get my new compression sleeve.

Praise God for His mercy and grace!

My Soul Glorifies the Lord

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." — Luke 1:46-48

This afternoon we held our middle school girls Bible study Christmas party.

We did a gift exchange, made Christmas cards and spiced cider mix, roasted s'mores, lit the advent wreath, and sang Christmas carols.

I made these Santa cookies.

Usually I would make them and have the girls decorate cookies.

This year because of covid, we didn't frost cookies or carol through the neighborhood.

But we still had a fun time worshipping God together.

Magnifying His name with our songs and prayers.

God Has Raised up a Horn of Salvation for Us

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago). — Luke 1:69-70

Today we plan to visit the Hotel Del Coronado to see their Christmas tree.

They also have an ice skating rink where we can watch the skaters on the beach.

Our friends Charlie and Jan had an open house at their home last weekend.

Years ago, they renewed their vows at the Hotel Del.

We were blessed to be able to attend both events.

Here we are at the Hotel Del 3 years ago.

Just a few months later, I would have no hair as I went through chemo.

But it's now back in full!

God has raised up a horn of salvation for us.

 I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. — Isaiah 41:9b

God has chosen me.

He has called me by name.

I am His, and He has not rejected me, in spite of my sin.

I keep missing the mark, but He keeps hanging on to me, correcting me, and bringing me back to His side.

Here is the view from our room in Palm Desert.

This is the golf course where Kirk golfed during our stay.

Even at 6:00 a.m., it was already 90º outside.

As one of our friends mentioned, this beautiful scenery reminds us of God's presence.

It is comforting to know that He is with us wherever we go.

He has chosen us!

You Are My Servant

 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant.’ — Isaiah 41:9

God called me from the ends of the earth.

He took me from the farthest corners of the world.

He sought me out and calls me His child.

While we were in Palm Desert, Kirk got water behind his ears.

He couldn't hear a thing, poor guy.

Today he went to the nurses' clinic and now  he can hear again, good as new!

God washes us good as new in the blood of Jesus.

His great mercy washes over me.

I am blessed to be called His servant.

Servant of All

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” — Mark 9:35

Jesus tells us that whoever would be first among us must be the servant of everyone.

It is hard to be a servant in today's world.

But I appreciate those around me who are.

Today I got my second shingles shot.

My arm is sore.

Tomorrow I'll find out if I have any side effects.

Last time (after the first shot) it was a fever.

Many of my older friends have gotten their covid vaccines.

When they lower the age a bit, Kirk and I will be able to get one, too.

Praise God for all of the healthcare workers who make these vaccines possible for us.

The Horn of Salvation

 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David — Luke 1:69

God has raised up His son Jesus for us.

He is our salvation.

From the house of David.

Merry Christmas

and happy Winter Solstice.

Our Savior is born!

His Humble Servant

 He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  — Luke 1:48

God was aware of the humble state of Mary.

He was aware of my humble state, too.

Even so, He sent Jesus to born of Mary.

And to live and die for me.

This Amaryllis is a reminder of the new life Jesus give us.

Just as the bulb is buried in the soil but bursts with new life each year.

We are blessed.

Wrestling in Prayer

A servant of Christ Jesus sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. — Colossians 4:12

What a picture that image paints:

Someone wrestling in prayer for us.

What a comfort and source of strength to know that someone is praying for me to stand firm.

And not only praying, but wrestling with that prayer.

To help me stay in the will of God.

To help me become mature and complete in the Lord.

I would like to be a prayer warrior like this, too.

To help someone else stand firm in the will of God through my prayers for them.

Relationships With One Another

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. — Philippians 1:5-7

Relationships can be tricky.

We are not always the best communicators — myself included.

It takes hard work, forgiveness, and understanding to nurture relationships.

God gives us instructions for relationships in His Word. 

And He asks us to practice the fruit of the Spirit.

Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, self-control, faithfulness, and gentleness.

Jesus is our example, taking the nature of a servant instead of lording it over us.

A tough example to follow.

But thankfully, God and the Holy Spirit help guide us.