NCarolinian

Philippians 2:6-8 "Christ Jesus:   Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but 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!" Today I received a fresh new appreciation for the phrase "made himself nothing" .  The Holy Spirit was administering His understanding to me through this verse and it was powerful, awesome, and important.  So, I thought I would share and I hope we are the better for it. When I read the word "nothing" and processed it within the context, the Holy Spirit went to work on my heart, mind, and spirit.  I saw the human race as "nothing".  Disobedience, rebellion, or Sin has reduced humanity to "nothing".  This state of existence we are born into is a eternally damned future before Christ comes into ...

In this reading and understanding try your best to temper your knowledge of the Scriptures and try to "walk a mile in the shoes" of the Disciples.  Attempt to see through their eyes and/or get into their mindset. Isaiah 53:2 says about Jesus, "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."   Yet, there was something about Him that drew the Disciples like a moth to a flame.  Observe - " Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,  and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." (Matthew 4:22)   Maybe it was His eyes.  We might have Hollywood to thank for that (a nod to The Passion of The Christ).  Maybe it was His voice.  He was, after all, the Word of God - in flesh!  There had to be some kind of pull because the tw...

I find that when I receive an encouraging word from someone, that word is like a cool, refreshing bucket of water that gets my entire soul wet and tickles me with joy all over.  Really!  Inside of me, it makes me feel alive and worth something.  For those who know me best, I think I do a pretty good job, with the help of the Holy Spirit, of not getting an inflated ego when I receive praise or an encouraging word.  "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Romans 12:3)   However, I think that it is this very fear that keeps many from giving praise or encouragement to others.  Allow me to elaborate, the fear I speak of is the fear of speaking into someone's life about their skill or talent only to see that person blow your encouragement way out of proportion.  This seems to b...

"The devil will always be around to tell you that you're not good enough, not worthy enough, not faithful enough to deserve anything from God.  But who said you have to deserve anything God gives you?  Because Jesus did for you and washed you with His blood, you are a candidate for everything that God possesses! So, quit beating yourself over the head, telling yourself how bad you are and how terribly you've failed ." ( Rick Renner, p.154, Sparkling Gems From the Greek ) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) It Is NOT About You!  As you can tell from Mr. Renner's comments on how the enemy approaches, the adversary always tries to place the blame, focus, spotlight on you or us.  I reiterate, it is not about you!  It, life is about the one who supplied it to you - God the Father and His One...

Of all people in Scripture to study about a prayer life, I thought I would examine my Savior - Jesus.  I read each Gospel and tried to come away with - When, Where, and What Jesus Prayed . First up to "the plate" is Matthew's contribution.  The first time prayer is mentioned or associated with Jesus is when He teaches on the subject, sitting on a mountainside, by giving a pattern (commonly referred to as The Lord's Prayer) which to follow and supplying instructions to keep prayer sacred ( Matthew 8:5-13 ). The next time prayer is brought up is when Jesus actually prays.  Jesus' first direct prayer to Father God is a prayer that could entitle Father God - "Revealer".  This prayer was prayed at a time when people were not repenting in the cities where He performed His miracles ( 11:20 ).  He was in the towns of Galilee when He prayed this prayer. You have heard of "Saying Grace", as in saying a prayer or blessing over the food before you eat...