Philippians 2:1-11 – “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” NASB

In a world filled with discouraging and depressing things, there is a ray of sunlight peeking through the clouds of darkness that shrouds this world.  There is an old saying, “Sometimes you can be too near the forest to see the trees.”  Sometimes, we get too near the problems of this world to see the solution, the hope, and the promise that our LORD provides through His Spirit, Word, and Love.

Paul’s encouragement and challenge to the Philippian church and all of us all centuries later pulls back the veil and shows us a powerful truth that we must cling to and hope in.  He encourages and challenges us to “have the mind of Christ.”  He inspires us to lay aside all “self-centered” aspirations and goals and “focus” on the Kingdom of God and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, JESUS CHRIST! 

Paul challenges us to empty ourselves of self and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the Spirit of Christ.  He also reminds us that no matter how many false religions spring up, and false Messiahs arise there will come a day when EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW before the throne of Heaven and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!  The Bible makes it clear that there are not many roads to heaven, nor many doors to God.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6., He is the Door that leads to salvation. (John 10:9).

As I look at the strife and unrest in this present world and the direction that it appears to be heading at breakneck speed, I could become so alarmed that I looked for a place to hide.  However, I face each day with renewed confidence having read the last chapter of the book, and know that “in the end, we win!” 

I am not talking about political elections, or political parties, I am talking about the Kingdom of God!  So, as you face each day, face it with a boldness and confidence that cries out to the darkness, “Be gone, I am a child of the King!”

May God be with you as you go through this day, this week, this month, and this year and lead you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake and provide all your needs according to His riches in glory!  May you walk in the peace, power, and presence of the LORD!  

Blessings be upon you!