Manna for Your Morning

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! — Psalm 133:1 (NKJV) May there be no division in the body of Christ. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:4-5 NIV).  Let us work together with one mind and purpose, that of advancing the Kingdom of God. Not all of us have the same function but we do have a part to play. If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.  (Philippians 2:1-2 MSG). Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:4 MSG).

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. — Luke 10:30-33 (NKJV) The Samaritan bandaged up this man's wounds, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. In the busyness of our lives, how many people, left half dead on the road of life, do we pass by? May we take our eyes off ourselves long enough to see the wounded people all around us, those who are hanging on by a thread. May our hands reach out to help those in need. Let us bandage up the wounds they have suffered on the battlefield of life and build them up with encouraging wor...

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. — Philippians 2:1-4 (MSG) We need each other. Always be willing to lend a helping hand.

Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead (Luke 10:30 NIV). First a priest and a Levite, a religious man passed by on the same road, and avoided the injured man. Then a Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. — Luke 10:33-35 MSG Does your heart go out to those in need? Many of us, in the busyness of our day, pass by those in need, physically and spiritually, everyday. May we have discernment and let our hearts engage with those in need. If we picture ourselves in the place of the man left half dead on the side of the road, it will be easier to extend a helping hand. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to on...

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. — Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) In the world, people put themselves first and insist on having things their own way. Selfish ambition and vain conceit are often rewarded. However, in the family of God, we are to follow the ways of our heavenly Father. His ways are higher. In God's house, we humble ourselves and value others, just as Jesus sacrificed His life for us. Let us forget ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:4, The Message).

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12 (NLT) Jesus consolidated all the laws into one Golden Rule that is easily understood by all: treat others the way you want to be treated. This is God's way! If you want others to be kind and generous to you, take the initiative and be kind and generous to all. Cheerfully, lend a helping hand to those in need. If you want others to show their appreciation for what you do, show them some appreciation. If you want others to speak well of you, speak positive, praiseworthy words about them. If you want others to show you unconditional love and forgive your mistakes, do likewise. Amen!