FFC Blog

Philippians 2:5-11
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became 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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

WOW!
Equality is not something to be grasped..... this causes my heart to sink as I think of all the people in the planet grasping at any or everything to get ahead, even in it's smallest measure. What we do for promotion, and recognition would bring us shame in God's eyes. Truly, from His word, we are to humble ourselves. What does that look like?

In the scripture I find 2 amazing words that are hard to live out.
1. Servant (v7) ...taking on the very nature of a servant. Doing WHATEVER God has for you to do. This could be many different tasks, thoughts, words, actions, etc... Becoming a servant can bring you some of the most daunting tasks, like learning to love the unlovely, or being silent, maybe even doing for people who do not even acknowledge you're even there, much less appreciate your hard work and efforts.

How do you take on the very nature of a servant without getting hurt? (the million$ question)
This seems to be the theme of many servant-hearted people. So many people can become a servant, but then they take on the pain of people personally. This will cause us to get our eyes off of Jesus and on ourselves, then no longer are we humble. Which brings us to the 2nd amazing word of this passage....

2. Obedient (v8)...When Jesus was obedient to the Father it did bring him physical pain, he even died, but all the while through-out the crucifixion process Jesus separated their actions toward Him from his personal feelings. He even said, "forgive them for they know not what they do." This is true obedience, to be always thinking on the Lord, and not on ourselves. When we allow God to be in total control of all facets of our life, He will protect us from the heinous of crimes against us.

All in all we are to be humble servants living in obedience to the Father always bringing honor and glory to His Son Jesus.

so when you feel your attitude overtaking your heart, think on this ..... Philippians 2:5-11

Love ya
Amy

1 Corinthains 3:9b-10
" No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him-
These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

As we continue to study the Holy Spirit we find that He is a great many things to us and for us. Today's Scripture unwraps for us the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals to us the deep things of God. Just knowing that the Lord has prepared, for those who love Him, unseen, un-heard-of and unimaginable things of a deep nature of God that shows His unconditional love for you is an overwhelming thought. He is prepared for all that will come. He breathed it into existence and spoke form to it.

Take heart today, that He has prepared for you unfathomable provisions, thoughts, spiritual truths, peace, love , joy, hope and so much more. You are His heartbeat.

Love ya
Amy

This seems like a very popular question today. With all the recent happenings in the world. "When, Lord, will it all happen?"
Our minds seem to be pre-occupied with "last-days" events and thoughts. Much like the disciples in the book of Acts.

Acts 1:6... " So when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'.

All this took place after his resurrection and various teachings before his ascension. Their minds were fixed on the end result and how it would happen. Doesn't that remind of our thoughts today? We see so many scriptures coming to life right before our eyes. Fear can even creep in and reek havoc in our thoughts.

However, Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, spoke directly to their hearts and said,
"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority."(Acts 1:7)
basically saying, I've got this under-control, do not worry or try to figure it all out. After that He gave them the KEY to peace.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."(Acts 1:8a)

Giving them the "power" from the divine Holy Spirit is what will keep them satisfied and energized for whatever will come their way. No matter what the world looks like, the Holy Spirit will see you through. Keep your eyes on HIM not your circumstance.

Praise Him that He is your source and He provided the Holy Spirit to be your guide, comforter, peace, protection and the list could go on and on.

Put your hope and trust in HIM.

Love ya
Amy

Proverbs 31:10-31 is the Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character.
In this passage of the Word, Solomon and some of his writers tell of the characteristics that are in a noble woman. As you are reading through this, if you are anything like me, your thoughts are something like.. " This woman is Amazing, she must have super-powers to accomplish all that she does..", and she does. For this Mother's day weekend I want us all to focus on one thought found in Verse 30.

" Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Her Super-power is her respect and reverence for the Lord God Almighty. Her fear for the Lord is her power to be all the woman God created her to be.

This Mother's day let's invest not in material gain for our special mom's, but rather her Spiritual heart and passions. Mother's are truly a gift from the Lord and the love for their children is a gift unto the Lord.

Col. 3:23
" Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord, not unto men."

Have a great Mother's Day weekend

Love ya
Amy

Psalm 23 (NLT)
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

As you start this week, rest in the Peace that HE gives, know that he is leading you in all that you do. Even when the circumstances surrounding you are grave and dark, HE IS THERE!
He is all you need and more, When you are in His rest Goodness and mercy will follow you, as you live in His presence forever.

Know the Voice of the Shepherd as He leads you through life.

Love ya!
Amy