[Faith-talk] Fwd: Morning Thoughts for Monday, May 9, 2011

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: May 9, 2011 6:45:40 AM CDT
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Monday, May 9, 2011
> 
> For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
> (Philippians 2:13, NIV)
> 
> - From Bible Promises for iPhone
> http://biblepromises.reigndesign.com/
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> Philippians 2:1-13 (NASB)
> Be Like Christ
> [2:1] Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, [2] make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. [3] Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; [4] do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. [5] Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but *emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. [8] Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
> [12]  So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; [13] for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
> 
> Good morning my beloved family!!  As we honored our mothers or the memories of them yesterday, let today be the first day of the rest of our lives to demonstrate that honor by living lives that glorify Christ.  And for those of you who cannot share in those memories because of whatever reason, now is the day to begin or continue building your life in Christ, that our children will recognize in us, mother and father, the very character of Jesus Christ in everything we do.  Now is the time to take seriously, the fact that we are a day more mature than we were yesterday.  Today we should be taking off the clothes of childhood and putting on the garments of a life that walks closer with God today than it did yesterday.  
> 
> Let this week be a week of dedication to the promise of a life lived to please God.  Father, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, cause our relationship with Jesus Christ to grow stronger in faithfulness, truth and wisdom.  Help us to live lives of obedience and truth, forsaking our own lusts and pride, for the honor of serving others and becoming soldiers in Your Army of Love.
> 
> With great love and hope,
> 
> <3Steve:-))