Christ Like Living

Thursday devotionals are from Becoming A Vessel God Can use; author and teacher Donna Partow.

LISTEN TO TODAY’S READING

5 INGREDIENTS TO BEING CHRIST LIKE

From the same Scriptures as last week, Philippians 2:3-15, we also learn there are 5 key ingredients for the life that is truly Christ like – a life that is “emptied of self”

1.   Stay focused on God and his agenda: not on ourselves and our convenience. If Jesus wasn’t focused on God’s agenda he would have never gone to the cross. The consequence, we would NOT have the privilege that we have now for a relationship with God. Don’t be like the disciples who fell asleep at the most crucial time that Jesus needed them; they were focused on their own comfort and convenience.

2.   Cultivate and attitude of thankfulness: this is the secret to doing everything without grumbling or complaining. Rather than demanding from God more, recognize what has already been given to us.

3.   Treat other people as better and more important than you: we do not know the full story of our own life yet have the ability to know the full story of other people’s lives. Therefore, we have no grounds or right to judge others. We should learn to love and serve people right where they are…

4.   Live your life in an attitude of prayer: I just love this, constantly praying is a good way to go!!! The ONLY way to discern God’s will in our lives is to be in prayer; just as Jesus did…

5.   Earnestly desire to be used by God, rather than to use God: God is not a drive through window, a butler, or our servant. We do not have the right to make demands and expect God to perform miracles out of messes that we make; without it being a two way relationship.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER AND PRAY ON
AND TO DO’S

1.   Make a list of ALL the things that you are thankful for
2.   In what ways are you focused on YOU rather than God?
3.   Who are you living for? God or yourself? What would life look like IF you chose to live for God?
4.   Do you actively cultivate an attitude of thankfulness? Or are you discontent? What actions can you take today to make changes?
5.   Do you maintain a positive attitude towards others? Do you recognize that ONLY GOD has the ability and the right to judge?
6.   What have you been demanding of God? Will you resolve to let it go?
7.   Do you live a life in an attitude of prayer? If not, what changes can you make today?
8.   Is it your hearts desire to be used by God or do you try to use God to further your agenda?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES

Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 26:53-54 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

Philippians 2:3-15 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

• Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
• And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
• Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
• Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
• Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

DAILY DEVOTIONALS are biblical based mini studies to encourage you, help you grow on your journey, and to inspire you to share with others!

• Sunday: Video teachings with a variety of teachers, bishops, and pastors.
• Monday: Hearing from God Each Morning (365 Daily Devotional) Joyce Meyer
• Tuesday: Study of a book in the bible along with scripture readings (II Corinthians)
• Wednesday: Jesus Calling; Enjoying Peace in His Presence (365 Daily Devotional) Sarah Young
• Thursday: Becoming A Vessel God Can use; Donna Partow
• Friday: Devotions From the Mountains; Lisa Ham
• Saturday: Created For Excellence; 12 Keys to Godly Success, Kevin Baerg