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Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Dear friend, I trust this finds you well and enjoying the blessings of spending time with Jesus during our Lenten Journey. The days are drawing to a close of this Lenten Season and soon we will be remembering some powerful moments in the life of Our Lord Jesus. Today's lesson calls us to have the same mind or attitude of Christ as we walk alongside Him. The key words to me are faithfulness and obedience. To Jesus, faithfulness meant identifying completely with the mission field in which He found Himself. He heard the cries, He knew the aches and pains causing them, and He cared enough to identify with all who were hurting and lost. He also knew that obedience was that which was calling Him towards the cross. That He would be the sacrificial lamb of the Lord, and while a hard thing even for Jesus, sacrifice is required many times for those who would follow Jesus.
Jesus' obedience and faithful life led Him to have the name above all names; and at the hearing of that name, we should bend our knees in prayer and worship and the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord, bringing honor and glory to God the Father. Never did he seek, as The Message version of this passage says, "special privileges" for Himself, and neither should we.
Many have sacrificed something during this season. Many have taken up disciplines that are not normally a part of your life; these will be blessings to you soon if they haven't yet been. Onward and upward we march in faithful obedience to Christ Jesus, seeking to be the blessing that may change someone else's life forever.
PRAYER: Loving Father, pour out your blessings on this dear reader, and those around them who matter. Bless us to be a blessing and help us to bring light and love to those in darkness and isolation. Make Yourself real in us so that many will come to know You soon. This we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Count it a special privilege to sacrifice yourself for the good of Christ.
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUEST: Nellie and I were able to attend the interment of Mrs. Melba Lewis yesterday, but that only served to make us a bit weaker and sicker. We have been on bed rest since then. Please pray for our healing. Please pray for the family of William J. "Billy" Leo as his funeral is today. Remember to pray for one another, and lift each other up in prayer.
