It's In Other Words Tuesday and Miriam of Miriam Pauline's Monologue is our host. This week she has chosen the following quote for us to write about:
Such a timely quote after celebrating Christmas; the birth of our Savior. It continues to amaze me that Jesus (who is fully Divine) emptied Himself of His position and came to earth ...to be born as a human.
And what did He do?
Philippians 2:6-8 in Today's New International Version says:
"Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - death on a cross."
Jesus humbled Himself, taking on human nature and was born into a specific time and place; Bethlehem. He lived a perfect life of trust and obedience to God the Father. He demonstrated such amazing love that resulted in death on a cross. And that was for me ...and for you.
When I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior, I acknowledged that He paid the price for my sins on the cross and I received His free gift of salvation. It happened at a specific time and place when I trusted Him ...and I was born again.
Although I have not lived a perfect life since that time, my desire is to grow to become more like Jesus' example. And He has not left me alone. The Holy Spirit resides within me; to teach me, to guide me and to convict me.
When I deal with challenges in life such as:
- An uncertain future
- Unsaved loved ones
- Heavy burdens
I follow Jesus' example.
I trust and obey.
I believe His promises. He will never leave me nor forsake me. I read His Word and apply it. I spend time praying, telling Him what's on my heart. The more time I spend with Him, the more I find Him trustworthy.
I am learning to rest in Him. I find that nothing is too difficult for my God. And I'm learning to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. I don't do this perfectly but I'm growing.
I've learned that to be a Bethlehem, I must trust and obey.
As I allow Jesus to be in control of my life, there's less of Debbie ... and more of Him.
I like the idea that the specific place where I accepted Christ as my Savior is my "Bethlehem." More of Him and less of me...that is my prayer too. That passage in Philippians is a favorite of mine. Such powerful words. Thanks for your encouraging words today.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Debbie. I too have not lived a perfect live as Christian, but I trust that I am made perfect through Him.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed today and always...
Amen Debbie! You are a wonderful student of Christ!
ReplyDeleteI love you!
Jill
To be Bethlehem we must trust and obey. Amen and Amen! Bless you for sharing this week!
ReplyDeleteDeb, Your beautiful inside & out! This was a fantastic post. I really can relate to this part at the moment:
ReplyDeleteI am learning to rest in Him. AMEN!
I find that nothing is too difficult for my God. DOUBLE AMEN!
And I'm learning to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. ABBA FATHER!
I don't do this perfectly but I'm growing.ABBA FATHER!
I'm really on a venture with the Lord into a state of rest. The more I rely on His words the more His rest seems to increase in all areas. I rely on Him more to deal with all my issues popping up daily rather than running off in the flesh to take care of business. Never before have I known a love like His or rest like His either. He is more beautiful each time I fall deeper into His arms.
Loved the whole post! Very great!
To be a Bethlehem I must trust and obey. Good words and reminder, friend.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about this before...about being Bethlehem, you said it so well and I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Debbie. I love your creative way of sharing our personal "Bethlehem". The place and time of our personal new birth.
ReplyDeleteI have not blog visited in a while and so enjoyed visiting again,
Blessings,
Pat
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote. Lately God and I have been working on the "humbling" part. It has been challenging to me, but His love is sustaining me through it.
Thanks for sharing such a great post.
Blessings,
Tammy
Oh, I love the idea of being a Bethlehem by trusting and obeying Him. Well written, thank you for sharing your heart.
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