A Christ-like Mindset…

Read:

Philippians 2:3-11 (NIV): “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to:

Allow God’s grace and the promise of abundant life in and through Him to transform us into a new kind of person with a Christ-like mindset and a heart devoted to selfless service. May we remember the 4-Ps that create in us a Christ-like mindset and guide us in the right direction: Prayer, Perseverance, Praise and Patience. May we ask our Lord to give us the strength to pray earnestly, the endurance to persevere during difficult times, a heart filled with praise not only for what He has done for us but for who He is, and the patience to trust in His plans, knowing they are for our good and His glory!

Continually remember that in order for us to cultivate a Christ-like mindset, we need to stay connected to Jesus. This means abiding and remaining in Him, as He is our Vine and the source of Truth. If we want to produce ‘Kingdom Fruit’ and thrive spiritually, we need to receive daily nourishment from Jesus. This involves being entrenched in His presence, reading His holy Word, and being part of a community of believers. God’s grace allows us to experience His presence, love others unselfishly, find joy and inner peace, practise patience, be kind and good to those around us, and be trustworthy, gentle and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23). As followers of Christ, may we not only bear Spiritual fruit but be a beacon of hope, shining God’s light into the darkness of this world. May we embrace God’s perfect peace by focusing our minds on Him (Isaiah 26:3). A Christ-like mindset also gives us Godly wisdom and discernment to recognise what is right and honourable in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. Let us always cling to the Truth, our minds being set on Jesus – for He is the Truth, the Life and the Way to the Father’s heart.

As we begin our time of prayer today… May we imprint on the tablets of our hearts that as we receive Jesus and abide in Him, He graciously renews our minds and transforms us into His likeness. Together with St. Patrick from Ireland, let us pray: God, Your strength and Word direct us, Your wisdom instructs us. Your hand protects us. May we remember this day, that it is Christ with me, before me, behind me, in me, beneath me, and above me. Christ on my right, on my left, when I lie down, when I sit down, and when I arise. It is Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, in every eye that sees me, and in every ear that hears me. Jesus Christ, it is all about You – there is truly no one but You!

Pray:

Dear Lord, in moments of waiting, teach us patience so that we may trust Your timing, knowing that all things work together for good. In times of trial, instil in us the power of prayer, a channel through which we find solace, guidance, and strength. In the face of adversity, foster within us unwavering perseverance, knowing that with You, all things are possible. And in moments of joy and triumph, let our hearts overflow with praise, acknowledging that every blessing is a gift from Your gracious hand.

Lord Jesus, help us be all You have called us to be. Forgive us for the times we have fallen short and offended You. Jesus, we want to do right by You. We want to be obedient to all Your laws, precepts and commands. Help us to grow in faith, hope and righteousness, taking time to love life. Teach us to turn away from evil and to do good. We love You and want to accomplish all You have desired for us. Thank You for watching over us and listening to our prayers.

Father, we thank You for John 15 that we can’t do anything without You. Father, we thank You that we are saved by grace and live by grace. Forgive us when we try to do it all ourselves. Oh Lord, help us to long for the grace that we find in Your Word, the grace that we find in friendships and talking about Jesus with one another, the grace that we find as we’re still in this very busy world and spend time with You. Father, I pray for everyone on this call, whether they’re in a season of thriving or surviving, or maybe they’ve simply come to abide in the vine recently, they’ve come to faith. Oh Father, I pray You bless them. I pray You show them fruit. I pray You give them strength for when You prune them. Lord, help us always to remember Your goodness, that You’re the good, good Gardener. You are the vine and we are the branches. Lord, we want to praise You and glorify You today.

Jesus, thank You that You are the Way and the Truth and the Life. Thank You that You are the living Word of God, and You gave us Your Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us in Truth. We pray Lord, that we will be bold messengers of Truth in a dark world despite the cost. Thank You that we can stand on a firm foundation of Truth. We pray this in Jesus’ name.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi)

(This WRAP is with great appreciation towards Bernice, Carli, Philomena, Ingrid and Marisa)

Subscribe to our Podcast Channel