Week of May 14 - May 19

Sunday
growing deeply
MONDAY: Philippians 2:1-4 Relationships
We encounter many types of relationships in our life-time: family, friends, business, “Providential Relationships”- May 13
work-related, social. Each relationship brings something unique into our lives. Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT)
REFLECTION: Think of the types of relationships you have experienced in your life
and reflect on the various ways your life was impacted by them. Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from
his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and
TUESDAY: Philippians 2:1-4 Multi-directional Love compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with
The relationship we have with God can be likened to the standing beam of the each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and
cross. Love flows from God to us and back to God. The relationship between human purpose.
beings can be likened to the cross beam. As we experience God’s love we send it
outward to others and receive it as well. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as
REFLECTION: Reflect on the picture of the cross as a love flow between us and God better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an
up and down and a reflective love flow outward to all of creation. interest in others, too.
WEDNESDAY: Philippians 2:1-4 Positives New Living Translation (NLT)
This passage speaks of the attitude of Christ in positive terms: encouragement, Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion. If we are to take on the spirit of
Christ, we, too must find ways to emulate the attitude of Christ.
CONSIDER: Consider someone whom you feel exemplifies the attitude of Christ then MY NOTES:
reflect on the positive behaviors and attitudes you see exhibited in that person.
THURSDAY: Philippians 2:1-4 Negatives
This passage ends with warnings against negative attitudes: selfishness, arrogance,
self-importance, and judgement.
QUESTIONS: What positive and negative attitudes do you recognize in yourself?
What needs to change for you to emulate the attitude of Christ?
FRIDAY: Philippians 2:1-4 Meaningful Encounters
God sent Christ to be our savior indeed, but Christ is also a guide and friend.
God also sends people into our lives to be examples, guides, friends, and positive
influences.
REFLECTION: Think back on your life. Have you had the experience of someone
coming into your life for whatever brief a time who had a meaningful and positive
influence on you?
SATURDAY: Philippians 2:1-4 Awareness
Having the positivity of Christ does not only apply to behaviors. We must walk
positively through life with the assurance that God guides our paths in the things
we do and in the people we meet.
PRAYER: God of relationships, help us to not only adopt an attitude of positive
behavior as exemplified in Christ, but also an attitude of trust as we welcome
those into our lives who can nurture that positivity. Read or subscribe to the weekly guide at moumc.org/grow
Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.