Check out all the previous Ripple Effect readings here.
Ripple Effect Reading | Week 1 | Day 5
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank Jesus that he came to save you!
Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Read these verses three times slowly.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
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 man,
he humbled himself
by becoming 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 acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Reflection & Questions
Yesterday, we saw how in these verses Paul expresses the great lengths that Jesus went to rescue us. Now, today, we’re going to reflect on the first half of these verses where Paul writes that we’re to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” That’s an incredible mindset to challenge us to take on, but that’s just what Paul is saying. We’re to humble ourselves like our Lord and Savior He tells his readers “in humility value others above yourselves.”
What is the source of that humility and service? Our connection to Christ and what He has done for us. As Paul writes, ”if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…” then serve others. In other words, Jesus is not only our example in serving others, He is the very source of our serving of others. His service to us enables us to serve others. His encouragement, His comfort, His tenderness, His compassion. These are all ways He serves us. This gives us what we need to do the same for others.
- Do you have the same mindset as Jesus? What’s an area you need to grow in when it comes to serving others?
- How are you connecting with Jesus? How has He encouraged and comforted you? Who do you know who needs that encouragement and comfort today? How could you provide it?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to the reading today.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
