Journey to the Cross 
Pause
Walking with God every day is the pathway to blessing.
Listen
Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:
Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Think
Have you heard it said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” I heard this repeatedly in church, especially during the offering time. As I got older, I began to understand that this admonishment was not simply about giving money, but about serving those in need. Acts of service bring about the blessings of joy and happiness. In some ways, serving can be a healer for the soul.
The people of the early church were learning how to be the church in the world as they waited for Jesus’ return. They learned that they must care for one another, especially for the weak. In our reading today, Paul reminds us that even though Jesus was the very nature of God, he did not take advantage of his position but humbled himself. Jesus’ humility showed all the way to the cross as he gave his life for us. We are not called to be martyrs for the faith, but we are called to have the mind of Christ that propels us to serve in our everyday lives. What joy!
Valerie Carter
Question to Ponder:
Jesus was equal with God yet did not use his position to hurt others. How can people with position and power be a blessing to those among them who are not as fortunate?
Pray
Lord, for all your many blessings, I thank you. Thank you for food, clothing, and shelter. Thank you for family, friends, and neighbors. Thank you for the sacrifice made for me on the cross at Calvary. May I have your mind, the mind of Christ, to humbly serve. May I not rob the blessings of others as they humbly serve me too. Amen.
Go
As you go, remember that whether you are on top of the world or in a low place, continue to walk with God. Step by step your path will be clear. So go in peace, knowing that whatever you face, God is with you!
