Philippines

I am doing a Bible study on Philippines, the book of Joy! Verse 2:1-11 really struck me today. First, I want to say that I use the NIVr (reader's version). Actually, it is a children's Bible. Reading has never been my strong point and I like things to be as simple as possible. I do read the verses is other versions as comparison but like to stick to the NIVr. I wanted to write this out to help me process the study today.

Philippines 2:1-5

"Are you cheerful because you belong to Christ?
Does his love comfort you?
Is the Holy Spirit your companion?
Has Christ been gentle and loving toward you?

Then make my (Paul) joy complete by agreeing with each other.
Have the same love.
Be one in spirit and purpose.

Don't do anything only to get ahead.
Don't do it because you are proud.
Instead, be free of pride.
Think of others as better than yourselves.

None of you should look out just for your own good.
You should also look out for the good of others.
You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does."

Wow! How simple is that message? I haven't read Philippines in a long time and needed the reminder to be thinking like Jesus.
Here is how He thinks:

Philippines 2:6-11

"In His very nature He was GOD.
But he did not think that being equal with God was something He should hold on to.
Instead, He made Himself nothing.
He took on the very nature of a servant.
He was made in human form.

He appeared as a man.
He came down to the lowest level.
He obeyed God completely, even though it led to His death.
In fact, He died on a cross.

So God lifted Him up to the highest place.
He gave Him the name that is above every name.

When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship Him.
Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship Him.
Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And God the Father will receive the glory."

Am I being a servant? Am I completely putting others before myself? I must admit that it is a struggle but it is my heart's desire. Jesus, help me to be like You. Help me to submit myself to Your will and obey Your commands.

Check out this Philippines study and other Bible studies at the link below:


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Mondays are for LOVE!

I am striving each Monday to write something special about my husband. I LOVE how he supports me and my passions. He let me travel all the way to Ethiopia in January and was VERY supportive of my trip. Thank you Danny!

Mondays are for LOVE!

I am trying to start my week out by saying something that I love about my husband. I LOVE that he is such a great bargain hunter. He recently found a great deal on a vaccuum cleaner. He is good at finding deals on almost anything! I love that about him!

Video about adoption and Ethiopia

Dave and Lory are a couple from CO who led the recent trip I took to Ethiopia. They just made a video about their adoption story and how God is working in their lives. Please take a look! I love these people, their story and how God is using them. Check it out here!

Lunch

For several years we have been bringing kids to church. It really has become their church. I love how our congregation has embraced these kids and loved on them. So neat to see! An older couple, named Ralph and Mary, host a "young adults" lunch one Sunday a month. However, anyone is welcome. During announcements this morning my precious 13 year old neighbor turned to me and asked if I would take her to Ralph and Mary's house today for lunch. So after church Dan took the boys home and I was able to take her and her friend (who she has been bringing to church on her own!!) to the lunch. Mary was thrilled and I was thankful to see such a diverse group of people love on this precious young lady and her friend. I love my church!

Updates

Last fall I blogged about my dear neighbors Jon and Aimee. They are such a blessing. Since September they have opened their home weekly to several neighbors and Aimee has been sharing all about Jesus. The neighbor, who inspired me to think about doing an evangelistic Bible study, has been coming faithfully and asking great questions. I wrote last spring about how she had asked me if she needed to go to church. She still isn't attending church but is gathering weekly with believers, being prayed over and hearing TRUTH! Please continue to pray with that she would come to a full understanding and acceptance of her Savior.

Another neighbor and her daughter came to an Alpha course with me in May-June 2009. The mom had some church background during her childhood but nothing as an adult. Her daughter was pretty much an atheist. She was seeking the BIG answers in life and came with lots of questions. After Alpha good conversations continued between them and my neighbor Aimee. Aimee actually lives right next door to them. I am about 5 houses away. When Aimee and I planned this Bible study last these neighbors were SO excited. I am happy to update you that they both have accepted Jesus! Aimee is working outside of the Bible study to disciple them. They are looking for a home church. Please continue to pray for them and Aimee as she teaches and leads these women.

Ethiopia and my neighborhood

I returned a few weeks ago from Ethiopia. The trip was AMAZING! I have been blogging about it here. While in Ethiopia I began to pray about how I could combined helping Ethiopia and ministering to my neighborhood kids. Sunday, Jan. 24th I had all my neighbor kids over after church. We had a nice lunch and I showed them all of my pictures and videos. It was fun to show them Ethiopia and challenge them to think outside of themselves. Here in America they are considered poor and at-risk youth. But they have SO much more than the kids in Ethiopia, more material things and more opportunities for education and jobs. It is hard to reconcile in my mind that they are considered poor when they live better than 80%+ of the world. Our standards in America are SO high! I challenged them to think about what God wants from us. How he wants us to help those in need. I am praying about and starting to plan some fundraisers for the spring and summer. I hope to put the neighbor kids to work to help me raise money for Ethiopia. They were excited about a chance to help. I want to keep that excitement alive.