Read Philippians 2:1-11
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (v. 7).
Dr. J. F. Cowan told the story of a small religious college that was experiencing financial difficulties. On one occasion a wealthy businessman visited the campus and found a white-haired man in work clothes painting a wall. He asked where and when he might see the school's president. The caretaker pointed to a white house nearby, saying that he could find the president there at noon.
Promptly at noon the visitor knocked on the cottage door and was admitted by the painter he had seen earlier, now dressed quite differently. After a cordial visit and inquiries about the school's needs, the businessman departed with a statement that he would be in touch. A few days later the school received a letter with a $50,000 check. The president's humility had touched the man's heart.
Christ made Himself of no reputation, and became one of us, yet never lowered Himself to our level. He knew the work and language of the farmer and seed sower, the scribes, lawyers, and Pharisees, the fisherman, the mother and her children. He could relate to the beggars, cripples, lepers, prostitutes, and the thief, robber, Samaritan, Greek, or Israelite. (RLC)
Jesus accepted anyone who came to Him, but sent them away new men and women.
This devotional was originally published in the September, October, November 2013 edition of Opening the Word. Order your copy today!

Read 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
"Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy" (v. 9).
It happened during the offertory. Many years ago during a revival meeting, as the offering was being received, suddenly a man started shouting and even ran the aisle! It was, of course, completely unexpected and rather startling. Afterwards, he testified that the Lord had prompted him to put twenty dollars into the offering. It was all that he had, and, for a few moments, he struggled with this. Then he resolved to obey the divine directive. As the offering plate was passed, he put the twenty dollars in, and God immediately poured out a joyous blessing on this obedient brother.
Obviously, not everyone who gives to God always receives such an instantaneous blessing, but what a reminder that God desires those who give anything to Him to do so gladly, not grudgingly. God is always concerned not just with what we do but also with why we do what we do. The spirit in which it is done, whether it be worshipping, witnessing, or stewardship is important. We have the stark contrast presented in the New Testament between those who made a spectacle of their sizable contributions and the widow who quietly gave all that she had. The first principle of stewardship is simply that it all belongs to God and, inasmuch as He pours out blessings upon us, we give not as drudgery but as a delight. (MRW)
Do you give with a scowl or with a smile?

This devotional was taken from Monday, September 30, 2013, of the Opening the Word, September, October, November 2013. Order your copy!

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Read Deuteronomy 11:22-28

"A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day" (v. 27).

Some children think the only reason to behave well for the teacher is that there might be some candy to be had at the end of the day. This can make it easier for the teacher to keep them in line. "Now remember, you must sit quietly during the lesson or you cannot have any candy when it is time to go home." The candy seems to be either a blessing or a curse depending entirely on the actions and attitudes of the children.
The promise of blessings and curses that come through our obedience or defiance is more than just a bribe to get us to behave as God would have us to behave. God has ordered this world. Just as rebelling against the laws of physics brings harm from a crash, defying God's commands will cause pain. God knows how He designed this world to work, and even though the sin of mankind has altered life from its perfect way, there is still room for happiness and contentment in our world. The only way to find these joys is by following God's commands. (Michelle D Avery)

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay.
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross
But is blest if we trust and obey
- John H Sammis

Victory is only available God's way.

This devotional was taken from Monday, September 9, 2013, of the Opening the Word, September, October, November 2013. Order your copy!