ESTEEM OTHERS
Suggested Reading: Philippians 2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Looking over the ruins of ancient Philippi. They comprise roughly one square kilometre.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Philippians 2:1a, 3
THEREFORE…Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
The word, “Therefore” appears six times in this reading. It could be written, “Because of the preceding statement, we do as follows:” (1) We do as verse three tells us because we “believe in Him” (Jesus), and because “we suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
(2) “Therefore” (verse 9), because of Christ’s humility in voluntarily restricting the use of His attributes as “God-with-us,” living as a human being, we humble ourselves and in “lowliness of mind,” we “esteem others better than ourselves.”
(3) “Therefore,” because God has exalted Jesus and “given Him a Name which is above every other Name,” we seek to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Him, so that we “may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” (verse 15).
Paul states his case around that word, “Therefore.” We may want to read the second chapter again, checking out the statements before and after that key word, “Therefore.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You are God, therefore I pray that I will be granted the grace to live in humility and in unity with fellow believers. Grant that I may shine as a light in the world, “Holding fast the word of life.” In Your strong Name I ask these mercies, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As I’ve read and reread Philippians 2, I can’t help but think of those I know and hold in high esteem (verse 29). I sat at the back of the service last Sunday evening at a camp meeting just outside of Paris, Ontario. The preacher was Van Johnson, grandson of Leah, that special person in my life I mentioned yesterday. Van’s Dad, Leah’s son Bob, was sitting at the front, and while I did not get the chance to speak with either of these brothers, my memories of Bob were powerful. His picture was in the hall of my high school and listed below his name were the honours he had received. Bob could have entered any university of his choice and had great worldly success, but he chose to study for the Christian ministry. By the summer of 1952, Bob had graduated from his theological studies and was establishing a new congregation. His brother, Wallace, my classmate, and I traveled on weekends to help Bob, singing and playing our trumpets on the street corner in preparation for Bob to preach. He was still single then and did not have money to buy a bed. We slept on the floor. It was on one of those weekends that I began to pray, “Lord Jesus, would You do me the honour of calling me into the full-time Christian ministry?” I’m sure it was because of the sacrifice I saw in Bob’s life. I hold Bob and many others in high esteem. Thank you, Bob, for being like these men in our reading. I sincerely want to be such a man also.
Yours, in Christ’s love and service,
David
Philippi...the remains of an ancient Greek temple are in the foreground with the ruins of an early church in the distance.
The remnants of an ancient home or market in Philippi.
Isn’t it amazing how people come into your life, sometimes at just the right time, to encourage, teach and sometimes to console. I’ve been fortunate to have several of these special souls come into my life to be a strong influence and to reflect “the way”. It’s by no means random, I believe God places particular people along one’s path in life for this very purpose. Give thanks to God for these brothers and sisters in the Lord who have the gift of inspiring (to breathe life into) others to become all they can be, in service to God’s Kingdom.
Amen, Scott!
A double Amen Scott!!!
How about a triple AMEN!!!! I too have had the privilege of having special people come into my life at just the right time.
Therefore, there is so much power in this reading and example set and lived by Paul, God’s servant, in fellowship with Christ. Humility and God’s will are shouting to be heard and realized. Let us humble ourselves for when we do, greater things emerge about character and commitment to Christ. Layers of our outer existence that are prideful and need be removed, are softened by God’s will that works through us. It is remarkable when this truth of scripture is at work in our lives and we are witness to it, unfolding like a butterfly that blossoms with new wings. It is not about the car we drive, toys we have, or place we live. When we define ourselves by those things we are nothing more than the shallow image that we wear. It is about the love of Christ within us and how we share that love with one another.
God bless you and your family, David Mainse. May your day be filled with love peace and joy! God’s blessings to fellow saints, in the Lord, on this hot summer day!
P.S. I especially love the photos, today.
This was a special reading today and like Scott, I am reminded of all the special mentors and people God has placed in my life and take time to pray for them.
I pray today that I will shine for Jesus and others will see.
Thank you Reynold for the great pictures each day, making each reading more alive.
Thank you Pastor David for your continued faithfulness in getting our blog out. Praying for you and our fellow saints, especially those ailing.
Keep hydrated on these muggy hot days! Love because of Jesus.
Like Scott my life was touched by so many Christians along the way, and no doubt their lives were touched by others as well. We are all part of ripples God created when He sent His only Son to be one of us and part of us. Let us remember that Christian unity doesn’t mean Christian conformity — we don’t all have to be alike or worship in the same ways- as long as we have unity in purpose and love for one another.
Reminding saints in Ontario to check on elderly neighbours or friends during this heat wave- and if you are a senior please- ask for help running errands etc– do not let pride endanger your life. Praying God will send cooling breezes on all of us. Take care everyone.
I have been away for a few days of refreshing at a Bible Camp but I was able to keep up with the readings.
Today’s teaching really touched me because as a 13 year old girl, at just the right time, God gave me a family who would love and care for me and adopt me. I had suffered much abuse in my childhood in foster care, needless to say, I did not know the meaning of love. God had special plans for me and He gave me a beautiful Christian “mom and dad” who loved me and took me to church and I soon realized that I needed a Saviour and I accepted the Lord and I have never turned back (lots of mistakes along the way though). My first pastor (Jim MacKnight) holds a special spot in my heart. Mom and dad have both gone home to be with the Lord and I do miss them. God’s timing is perfect!!!! If it wasn’t for the Lord and His leading to find the perfect family for me, I would not be where I am today. God has blessed me so much with a wonderful husband, children and grandchildren. Thank You Jesus!!!!
Beautiful Ruby….I feel our bloggers are our family too.
Good morning everyone:
Thank you David for sharing your thoughts and your experiences around this beautiful passage of Scripture. It’s one of my favourites! As I was reading through it again this morning, the phrase ‘no reputation’ stuck with me. I remember hearing a song about that many years ago, and so I searched it out for all of you to enjoy today. It’s by Rick Elias, a member of Rich Mullins’ Band, back in 1997. This is (I think) the first recording ever made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRspIyKhniw
Hi Joyce thank you for the link!!!!
Dear David, What an encouragement your blog is, actually it’s your book “This far by faith” that encouraged me and it’s been one week that I have been reading it and also reading the previous messages. The pictures bring memories of The Holy Land that my mother of 86 and I visited with you and Norma Jean in 2011. I thank God for you and may He bless, protect and heal you and also Norma Jean and all of your wonderful family.This is my first time to read the comments and it is truly a joy to share with other bloggers God’s love. Praise the Lord for His precious word .
As a 20 yr old, married with 2 children (one new born), we bought our first home. Our nextdoor neighbours prayed for a family that they could help to move in next door. That was “us”! Two months later I overdosed and was hospitalized for 3 months. Doctors said I was fragile and would need intervention. I have never been in hospital since and Jesus delivered me. I was greatly influenced by Pearl and her family. I consider her to be my second mother. Pearl needs prayer now. She is a blind widow in a nursing home (Christian home). She always loved to read. I believe she has memorized much scripture.
God bless you Doreen, I have been there as our son almost died last October, but God reached down and saved him and he is walking closer to The Lord than ever, because he was covered in prayer, and its amazing to watch how God is leading him and how he is depending on HIM who died for us. I will be glad to add Pearl to my prayer list. Bless your day.
I to agree with everyone above I have not been typing much because of the heat
I am doing my best . Heat is just one of my triggers for seizures mom & dad bought
an air conditoner years ago which helps some . Please keep me in prayer this summer that I won’t have many seizures. Thank you
Lianne Hogg
I will pray for you Lianne as you rest in HIS arms. Bless your day.
Hi Lianne,
I will keep you in my prayers. I suffer from Gram-mal seizures heat affects me. I haven’t a seizure in 7 yrs with much prayer and the right medication combination.
When I reflect on all those that the Lord has placed in my life and does to this day I am so grateful and overwhelmed by His kindness for me and wish with all my heart and all my soul to be whatever he desires of me till his return .
Thank you Rev. David Mainse for your lifetime ministry that is bringing so many souls to Christ.
Have a blessed day everyone.
xxxx Carole.
I’m praying for all those who are suffering from heat exhaustion may the Lord keep you safe and cool bless you all….R…
The blog is a great encouragement to keep on “keeping on” for the glory of God, so thank you.
Wether it is meeting the right people or having the right resources , or a combonation of the two ….. Gods timing is always on time!!! I shake my head ….. some times it is just on time. No more no less. Gods timing is perfect timing.
🙂