The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “GOD’S PROMPTING” for Monday, 15 August 2016 with Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “GOD’S PROMPTING” for Monday, 15 August 2016 with Scripture: Philippians 2:1 Therefore, if you have any encouragement for me from your being in union with the Messiah, any comfort flowing from love, any fellowship with me in the Spirit, or any compassion and sympathy, 2 then complete my joy by having a common purpose and a common love, by being one in heart and mind. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or vanity; but, in humility, regard each other as better than yourselves — 4 look out for each other’s interests and not just for your own.
5 Let your attitude toward one another be governed by your being in union with the Messiah Yeshua:
6 Though he was in the form of God,
he did not regard equality with God
something to be possessed by force.
7 On the contrary, he emptied himself,
in that he took the form of a slave
by becoming like human beings are.
And when he appeared as a human being,
8 he humbled himself still more
by becoming obedient even to death —
death on a stake as a criminal!
9 Therefore God raised him to the highest place
and gave him the name above every name;
10 that in honor of the name given Yeshua,
every knee will bow —
in heaven, on earth and under the earth —
11 and every tongue will acknowledge[Philippians 2:11 Isaiah 45:23]
that Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai —
to the glory of God the Father.
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Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me. Wherever I am, there my servant will also be. My Father will honor whoever serves me.”[John 12:26 (CEB)]
Recently, during a meeting of our prayer group, our pastor asked us to share our experience of accepting Christ as Savior. Many in the group talked about dramatic experiences in their personal journeys: tears, laughter, strong renewal of faith, hope for the future, and above all an immediate transformation in their lives. Many also spoke of hearing God’s voice.
I can honestly say that my experience was not as vivid or dramatic. In fact, I feel that God has never spoken to me directly. However, I do know that God’s prompting led me in a new direction when I felt a strong desire to serve people in need. Ever since, my focus has been on the elderly members of my congregation who no longer are able to prepare their own meals. I prepare meals for them several times a week. I find great satisfaction in this ministry and feel blessed to obey Christ’s call to help my neighbors.
The Author: Ivette Rivera (Puerto Rico)
Thought for the Day: I serve God when I serve my neighbor.
Prayer: Loving God, we are grateful for the prompting of the Holy Spirit to help those in need. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.
Prayer focus: FOOD BANKS
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