1.     Human nature is often selfish. I am so unlike Jesus, who gave up His place in Heaven to make an opportunity for me to one day join Him there. Part of being Christ-like is a core humility. Where do you struggle being humble? Where are you tempted to push others aside on your way to the front?   2.     Another characteristic of Christ is that His humility cost Him greatly. He “emptied Himself...  Read More

2 Timothy 1:6-10 (HCSB)6 Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. Not Ashamed of the Gospel 8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of Go...  Read More

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (HCSB)Spiritual Wisdom 6 However, we do speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, for if they had known it, they would not have cruc...  Read More

Romans 12:1-2 (HCSB)A Living Sacrifice Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.Kati Andrews How are we to be transformed ...  Read More

Philippians 4:8 (HCSB)8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.Kati Andrews When I read this verse, two colloquialisms came to mind: “Evil in, evil out”; and “You are what you eat.” I’ve also heard that it takes 21 day...  Read More

Philippians 2:5-8 (HCSB)Christ’s Humility and Exaltation5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming o...  Read More

A Portrait of HumilityChrist set the example for us - live in humility, put others first, and be obedient.Study the Word: Key Truth: Believers think and act humbly, following the supreme example of Jesus (Philippians 2:1-11). Though Jesus is worthy of all praise and glory and honor, He came in humility as a servant and sacrificially gave His life for others. He is our example of selfless living.Ke...  Read More

1.  Our thoughts have a great impact on our actions. Paul says our thoughts influence our love, spirit, and understood purpose (Phil. 2:2). Ultimately, they affect how we treat others. Where is an area your thoughts are negatively influencing your actions?  2.  It is difficult to control our thoughts, but they have an outward impact on how we treat others. We all have difficult relationships. What...  Read More

2 Corinthians 3:1-6 (HCSB)Living Letters 3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone. 3 It is clear that you are Christ’s letter, produced by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God —not on stone tablets but on tab...  Read More

Matthew 20:20-28 (HCSB)Suffering and Service20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached Him with her sons. She knelt down to ask Him for something. 21 “What do you want?” He asked her. “Promise,” she said to Him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink ...  Read More

Philippians 2:19-30 (HCSB)Timothy and Epaphroditus19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I also may be encouraged when I hear news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21 all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel min...  Read More

Philippians 2:12-18 (HCSB)Lights in the World 12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless ...  Read More