Remain Faithful and Obedient

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. (Hebrews 5:8-9) 
 
It’s hard to see any benefit to suffering. 
 
Jesus suffered while he was on earth and He didn’t even have sin. 

“The crush” of earth life brought him into great love…how did He do it?
 
He remained faithful and obedient to God.
 
If suffering is met with conscious spiritual resilience there is always growth that releases holiness.
 
May all that I experience in this life lead to a deeper construction of my spiritual self. 
 
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) 
 
Today’s devotion blessed me. I pray we all have a deeper desire to follow the example Christ left for us in His word. Remain faithful and obedient to God. When I read this devotion I was reminded of this quote, Looking back I am filled with gratitude. Looking forward I am filled with vision. Looking upward I am filled with strength. When Christ is truly the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!


Fame and Humility

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8)

Many of us are obsessed with fame—either with being famous ourselves or with following every detail of famous people’s lives. International book or film tours. Late-night show appearances. Millions of followers on Twitter.

In a recent study in the US, researchers ranked the names of famous individuals using a specially developed algorithm that scoured the Internet. Jesus topped the list as the most famous person in history.

Yet Jesus was never concerned about obtaining celebrity status. When He was here on earth, He never sought fame (Matt. 9:30; John 6:15)—although fame found Him all the same as news about Him quickly traveled throughout the region of Galilee (Mark 1:28; Luke 4:37).

Wherever Jesus went, crowds soon gathered. The miracles He performed drew people to Him. But when they tried to make Him a king by force, He slipped away by Himself (John 6:15). United in purpose with His Father, He repeatedly deferred to the Father’s will and timing (4:34; 8:29; 12:23). “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8).

Fame was never Jesus’s goal. His purpose was simple. As the Son of God, He humbly, obediently, and voluntarily offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. 

You are to be celebrated, Lord, above all others. You have been highly exalted and given a name that is above every name. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that You are Lord. Amen.
 
When I read this I found it intriguing. Jesus never sought fame but because of His love and obedience to The Father crowds gathered and miracles happened and He was always looking to God The Father for guidance and direction, He was never seeking His own will but His Father’s will for His life, humbled and obedient unto death. How many of us can say that about ourselves. I pray my life reflects The Fathers, not fame and fortune but humility and obedience. May we live each day celebrating The Lord above all others. No fame or celebrity status is going to get us into heaven and one day we will bow our knee and confess with our mouth that He is Lord, I want to start now, today. I look forward to the day I stand before Him and hear Him say enter in thou good and faithful servant enter into the joy of The Lord, I do not want to hear depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you. No one, no celebrity, no fame will get you into heaven, it’s your choice where you spend eternity. Where will you choose? Let’s spend more time in The Word, in prayer and in fasting. 
 
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Philippians 2:1-11