The halfbaked Bard

Phil:2:6-11 Christ was exalted when He humbled. He humbled Himself In obedience even until death Therefore the Father exalted Him And His name above all else. He made Himself nothing. Therefore the Father exalted Him. That at the name of Jesus Every knee should bow In heaven, in earth and under the earth And every tongue confess That Jesus Christ is Lord To the glory of God the Father. In true humility, there would be exaltation God would cause it, because He resists the proud. But if you dream to be exalted, while you humble, Then that is not the true humility intended. That is only a shortcut you desire, to exaltation. In true humility, there is servanthood. There is selflessness. There is only absolute giving Not what would I gain. When Jesus humbled Himself . He was only mindful of me. He was only thinking of me. He was only thinking of redeeming me. Back to His bosom. The lost me. He was only willing. To be separated from the Father Out of His love for me. He was only...

Phil:2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Man's innate nature is self centredness. To project oneself. To do things to gratify his own nature. To highlight himself. To focus the limelight on self. Whatever good deeds or sinful act you do, it focuses on your own self. But Paul admonishes to do nothing out of selfish ambition. Infact he encourages to do things considering others better than yourself. Like Jesus. Paul sites the example of our Saviour - to have the attitude of Christ, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. He considered us more important than His privileges and positions. He considered to share His position with us. While we were still His enemies. Jonathan loved David as himself. Despite knowing the truth that David is going to take the throne that was supposedly his. To serve; to help; to do things for my own brother even if I have...

Phil:1:27 Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Live a life that is worthy of the precious gospel you have received. Live your life with love, with peace, with joy, with kindness, with humility - as you have received a treasure. Reflecting the One who called you. Why are you downcast O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God For I will yet praise Him My Saviour and my God. Ps:42:11 Worrying and fretting is not living a life worthy of the gospel. Where is the smile? Where is the excitement that you are expected to have because of the gospel.  He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil:1:6. He has got it in control. He has got the whole world in His hands. So when disturbing thoughts come (for they will come for sure), I will focus on His beautiful face, my Saviour who loved me and think of the ways He had led me this far. How from the fiery hell He has save...

Now as always. Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death. Phil:1:20 As long as Christ lives in me; as long as I proclaim to be a child of God - it is Christ who will be exalted in me. Do not try to claim the praises to yourself. Weak as I am, I am able to do the things that I do through Christ who strengthens me. Secondly through my life, do I exalt Christ or do I defame Him? With selfish ambitions, through marred motives. This is a privilege as well as a warning. A responsibility as well as an admonition. An honour as well as a caution. It is a prayer as well. Because of the reality that I can do nothing out of my own but only through Christ who lives in me. And I would reflect Christ alone. I am unable to do with right motives and this helpless realisation would bring me to repentance humbling myself. That I will be equipped to give Him the glory. Why do I seek glory when I deserved nothing? When I did absolutely nothing? Image credit: https://eubieblog....

Phil:1:18 Yes and I will continue to rejoice Paul is writing this letter, while he is in chains. He is sure of his deliverance. Even if he is not, whether by life or death, he says, let Christ be exalted in him. Joy has become a subjective feeling based on circumcision. If everything is well, I will rejoice. In the middle of crisis, I pray Lord, to give me your joy. Whether I will overcome or not I will rejoice. That through it all Christ will be exalted. The truth is Christ will enable to overcome, for He is good. He is with me in this. As I go through it, I pray Lord that the tangible presence of my Lord I would surely feel. Rejoice for He is nigh. Rejoice in the middle of trouble, for He is with you. Continue to rejoice, no matter how big the problem you are going through is. Let your joy reflect the One who is in you. Image credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/happy-children-running-joyful-summer-sunlight-playful-kids-painting-bright-colors-outdoor-scene-art-cheerful-run-...

Paul prays for the Philippians - that your love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight. Phil:1:9 That love may increase - love to the Lord. Based on your knowledge and insight which will become deeper as you spend time with Him. It's a cycle. Love Him more to know Him more. Know Him more to love Him more. The key is realising the depth of His love and loving Him and therefore spending more time with Him and thereby loving Him. But not by your effort or interest or discipline. Paul prays that this would happen to the Philippians. The element of divine grace. Lord have mercy on me and open my eyes and enable me to see you as you would want me to see you. As you desire to reveal yourself to me. Help me to understand the depth of your love that my love will only abound by the increasing knowledge of you. Image credit: https://billmuehlenberg.com/2024/12/14/paul-and-prayer/?amp=1