Today's Verse: Philippians 2:5, 7-8

Thursday, December 6, 2001

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who... 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!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Christianity is not for wimps or the faint-hearted. Our example is described by words like: "made himself nothing... taking the very nature of a servant... humbled himself... and became obedient to death - even on a cross!" That's tough stuff. What's more, he is our example of how to live and sacrifice for others. The story of Jesus may begin with a sweet child, a tender virgin girl, and a loving, strong man who protected her. But it also starts with his crib being the trough where animals ate their food while an evil king plotted to murder him. While it may be powerful and precious, it is not saccharine and fake sentiment. It is about the price paid to redeem and the people who are different because they know their Redeemer.

My Prayer...

Almighty God, loving Father, thank you for placing the Gospel story in the real world where I live. Jesus, thank you for being a Savior who has come into my world and faced its toughest edges and worst ugliness. Help me as I learn to be sacrificial, obedient, and humble so that I can be used to help others find your grace and follow your example with me. In your mighty name, O Lord, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Philippians 2:5, 7-8 — Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who... 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!

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.