“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death –even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8 NIV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” Philippians 4:14-16 NIV
God of the humble,
You taught us how to live through Your Son. Paul tells us if we want to learn about relationships there is no better way than learning from Jesus. How he treated people and how he considered them and how he loved them. He also knew who not to trust. He may have been disappointed by some who would never like him but never sought revenge on the Pharisees. He may have been let down badly but he forgave and trusted his disciples. How we need Your Holy Spirit to help us discern and understand the mind of Your Son and therefore You!
Paul also reminds us to do what Jesus did. To bring everything to You in prayer. Even our enemies (Luke 6:28). It gives You opportunity to give us Your true view on situations. If we make prayer a two way conversation.
And Philippians is also about being generous in relationships. It is a letter thanking them for the prayers for Paul and the actual monetary provision they gave him. They have been like Jesus, generous when they saw a need. What an encouraging letter for us if we too give, where we can, what we can and for Your glory. Philippians 4:19 says God will respond to their generosity because it is not a tithe it was a compassionate response..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 19th January 2025
Little is known about Kate Barclay Wilkinson’s life. (b. England, 1859; d. Kensington, England, 1928) She was a member of the Church of England, involved in a ministry to girls in London and a participant in the Keswick Convention Movement. And knew scripture . . . what beautiful worship and prayer.
May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by His love and pow’r controlling
all I do and say.
May the word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through His pow’r.
May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in everything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.
May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only Him.
Lyrics: Kate Barclay Wilkinson