“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem others better that himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
Philippians 2:3-4
Lord you know my heart it rests in the palms of your hand, you know and understand it better than I. Selfishness is the common thread that has weaved its way in and out of my life. Living in sin, deliberate disobedience, living in idolatry for myself, what a fool I've been, “How I've hated instruction, and my heart despised correction!” (Prov 5:12) Yet You, O God of all mercy, You call me back to Your paths. You laid down the foundations of my paths, and by Your understanding You created them, and by Your wisdom and grace You led me to them and guide me through them. It is You who called me out of death, it is You who draws me unto salvation. I have no thing to boast of in myself, the only thing I have done is submit to You, but even submission is from You, Giver of all good things. For even faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23) and all fruits come from You the True Vine (John 15:5). I have sinned against You my King, in living in all forms of selfishness and have not worked to bring glory to Your name. Teach me and continue to guide me down Your paths that in following You I may present myself “a living sacrifice, holy, (and) acceptable to You” (Rom 12:1).
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life...”
Philippians 2:14-16a
Philippians 2:14-16a
Why does one complain who has a relationship with You my Lord? The answer is simple, I have not yet put completely to death the desires of my flesh, but all who are in You will do so as your word describes (Gal 5:24). I complain because I forget what an amazing wealth of goodness there is in You. You who give me joy in knowing my salvation is secure and my sins are forgiven. You who gives me peace that transcends all understanding and penetrates my heart in my darkest moments. It is through Your mercies we are not consumed, because Your compassion's fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamen 3:22;23) But when my eyes are fixed on the problem and not on You sovereign Lord, that is when I fail to see Your faithfulness and Your hand in all this life. Open my infected eyes to Your good works, let me be not blind to Your blessings in my life, open them that they may see the greatness of Your love towards me, that I may praise You all the days of my life. Amen
