A Desire for Power

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3)
We live in a world of power-hungry people. They will go to any lengths and expense to control people, situations, and their own egos.  Sometimes we can be the same.  Paul tells us about seeking a different kind of power - the power of the resurrected Christ. We are to want it so bad we are willing to submit and to suffer to receive it. It seems like a strange path to take, but indeed it is the right path. It is the way to true power - not to wield over others, but one whereby we are controlled by the power of God to do what is best for us, for others, and for His will.  It is indeed the most awesome power we will find. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxH8Q8ue65o

He Reigns

8 God reigns over the nations;
    God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble
    as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings of the earth belong to God;
    he is greatly exalted.
(Psalm 47)
Often in the struggles of daily life, we forget the above truths: God is Holy and He reigns. May that truth work its way into our thoughts and hearts today to make a difference in how we see life and respond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abMnEOthEeo

Devotion

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4)
The first description of the first believers in Acts is that "they devoted themselves..." They fully committed to a handful of activities and relationships that drew them closer to God through Christ.  Paul touches on them all in his letters, but the one who chooses here, and maybe most, is prayer. Prayer is the deepest sign of devotion to this relationship - spending time talking with God, surrendering ourselves to His will, seeking His guidance, sending up our prayers of thanksgiving and our pleas for mercy, forgiveness and grace. What does Devotion look like to you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiR03lz0h7U

Not a Nobody

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (I Peter 2)
Who am I? What am I doing? Does it really matter? Do I really matter? Those are questions most of us deal with - some on a daily basis, or more often.  As God's people, we already have the answers. We just tend to forget. We need to have a proper perspective. Then we can go on and be, and do, who and what God intends us to.  Remember who you are...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8

Getting it into our heads...

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4)
Paul has just given one of the most quoted promises in scripture, about changing the way we think by dwelling on the character and blessings of God: his joy and peace. Paul learned joy and contentment in the struggles and trials of life, and wants us to know the same.  I guess God wants me to know it too, because this song, our song of Community this month, keeps ringing in my head this morning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbmOKFkPPn8

Full Surrender

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3)
There she goes again... the preacher's wife preaching to the preacher.  My wife played this song yesterday for offertory, then gave a testimony about it at our church picnic.  It presses the question Paul infers from the passage above. Have I surrendered all?  Is everything else garbage in comparision to Christ? Does He have first place? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WZbHo7UVcw

Basking in the Light

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (I Peter 2)
Light is a key theme in the Christian life. Jesus talked about Him being the Light of the World, then in the next breath us being the light of the world. He puts the light into us. (Matthew 6) Paul talks about us no longer being in darkness, but being "children of light." (I Thessalonians 5) When we receive Christ, there is a light that removes fear, helps us see the right path, and gives us a calming assurance that all is well and will be well.  May He light up our day and our lives so we may light the way for others around us. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWeb79W8EqQ