October 25

Philippians 2

We are exhorted to be like Christ, who practiced only selflessness.

INSIGHT

Selfishness is the source of most interpersonal conflict. Someone is taking something from us (materially, emotionally, socially, etc.) that we don’t want to give, and we fight to keep or gain our desires. Unselfishness is the source of most interpersonal harmony. Think about the people you really like – even famous people you don’t know personally. Usually the reason you like them is because they are gracious and kind, and give of themselves. If you want to be a harmonious, likable person, you must be unselfish.

PRAYER

Thank the Lord that we see God in Christ, and praise Him for the privilege of knowing Him:
Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him”. (Daniel 2:20-22)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight –
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge
(Psalm 51:4)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
(Colossians 1:13-14)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater personal discipline
• Persecuted Christians
• Your activities for the day

Close this time of worship with the following prayer:
May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)