Press On: From Prison with Joy series - Christian Lindbeck (Phil. 2:5-11)

Hard times comin',
push back risin',
hurricane whistlin' -
stand strong, my child.


Prison walls may be rough,
cleanliness a forgotten dream,
but these bars
can't keep joy out,
can't keep joy out!



Whatever's comin',
whatever's here,
be worthy of Him, my child.

He let it all go:
all riches and fame,
all security and comfort,
even His very life,
even His very life,
to gain us back
as His own.

So let it go,
yes, let it go,
there's nothin' you
can give or do
to earn His love.

I had it all,
all the world could give,
but I let it go,
I let it go for joy!
Christ suffered for us,
I suffer for you,
for joy, oh yes, for joy!

 Hard times comin',
push back risin',
hurricane whistlin' -
stand strong, my child.

It's worth it all
to let it go
and let joy in,
just let it in.

Open your hands,
fingers spread wide,
and let the world fall through,
let privilege, power and need
fall through,
let go your right to anger
and unbridled greed,
let fall your ego,
hates and fears,
let go your future,
release the gears;
let yourself tumble through
as you grasp hold of
and hang onto
Him who'll see you through
no matter what,
no matter what!

Hard times comin',
push back risin',
hurricane whistlin' -
stand strong, my child.


Don't look behind,
press on!
Don't believe the lies,
press on, children,
press on.

For All of Us: From Prison with Joy series - Tim Knipp (Phil. 2:5-11; Gen. 3:1-3)

Crafty whispers
nudge doubt
to center stage.
Sin catapults 
like a wily court jester
into the spotlight,
somersaulting
in dizzying circles.
Like gods,
we were formed
as self-portraits
in flesh,
but we reached too high
incurring the fatal flaw -
a defacing tattoo.
Our inheritance,
a world out of kilter.

The very Son -
a natural God -
did not reach
for high status
but assumed the flaw,
had it imprinted on His flesh
where it festered
and smoldered
until He was tossed
on Death's pyre...
for us.
For all of us.

Creator God,
dressed in man-skin,
wooed us;
risked the ravages
of sin;
stripped off royal robes
and knelt in the muck
and filth
we wallow in.

He kneels there now,
body bruised,
welts rising and oozing
on His back,
bloody holes encircling
His forehead - 
a scarlet crown.
Look in His eyes
as He smiles up, 
hopefully,
awaiting your response.

God is Like Jesus - Tim Knipp - From Prison with Joy Philipians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another,

have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the very nature of 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 the 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.

Laying Aside Crowns; From Prison with Joy - Christian Lindbeck (Phil. 2:1-4)

 

Strength plus competition
equals triumph (we hope) -
the winning is all
and losing,
nothing.
Or so American 
culture believes,
loving champions
above all else.

Paul's biceps bulged
with Roman citizenry,
correct family lineage,
and zealousness for the Law -
yet this champion status
was set aside,
considered nothing
beside the treasure
of Christ's acquaintance.

Christ - the Lord
of the Universe -
champion of champions,
was Paul's example;
stooping down
among the detritus
of human existence,
shedding his regal rights,
turning earthly values
on end:
     meekness becomes strength,
     joy comes with suffering,
     loss is gain. 

Paul says,
if you appreciate
God's family
to which you now belong;
if you truly care
selflessly for one another;
then fill me with joy
by thinking as one
in this area:
that we are united
soul-to-soul;
that underneath
skin and bone,
our blood pulses
as on;
that God's purpose
may lead us.

Throw out 
shallow pride.
Elevate others
above yourself,
and love,
love,
love one another.

Try this formula:
humility plus love
equals joy,
and see if it is not
infinitely more
fulfilling
than personal strength (power)
applied for personal gain (power)
and worldly success (power).

You will bring
Shalom 
to a world writhing
in the grip
of cynicism
and one-up-man-ship,
fear
and degradation.

Will we choose
the dead-end road
of personal interest
or follow Christ's
example,
empowered by the 
Spirit,
and with true humility,
lay aside
our crowns?