Grow Children into Maturity II

Christ’s Mind of Obedient Submission

Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Obedient Submission Read: Philippians 2:8, Matthew 26:36-46 In many African cultures, kneeling before elders is a sign of respect; a virtue we should not lose. I did it myself until Senior 6, when my parents said I was grown and should stop. But outward kneeling can be misleading. I’ve heard people say, ‘I am kneeling, but inside I am standing.’ That is compliance, not sacrifice. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8 NIV Now, Sacrificial obedience goes deeper. It’s when your heart, your will, and your comfort are laid down before God and others; the kind that costs you, the kind that bends your will, not just your body.” In Gethsemane we see the heart of Christ most clearly. The task grew heavy, the cup looked bitter, and quitting would have been easier. Yet He chose submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”That is the mind of obedient submission. Ponder: What area of my life am I saying, “My will” instead of “Yours, Lord”? How can I practice daily surrender even in small things? Please remember: You don’t have to understand everything to obey. Obedience flows from trusting the Father completely and yielding to where He leads. Prayer: Father, I surrender my plans to Yours. Give me grace to obey when it’s hard, when it’s unclear, and when it costs me everything. Strengthen my trust in You, and keep my heart submitted. In Christ’s Name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

Christ’s Mind of Sacrificial Love – Others First

Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Sacrificial Love – Others First Read Philippians 2:4; and Romans 15:1-3 Growing up, we loved playing football. Whenever there was a foul in the penalty box, we would count five strides to take the penalty. But honestly, we would always take six. We would start with ”Kimu Kya ggoolo” - one for the goalkeeper, then count, “One, to five.” Do you see how that attitude follows us into life? It’s natural to put ourselves first. When we are in pain or under pressure, we think, “Me, myself,” before we think about anyone else. God is challenging us, today, to think differently. “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3 NIV In a culture that says, “Put yourself first,” Christ reminds us of a different way. The mind of Christ is not self-centered, but other-centered. He stepped out of comfort, into sacrifice, because He cared more about our need than His own want. If we are truly His followers, that is the standard we are called to keep today. Ponder 1. Whose burden am I ignoring because it’s inconvenient for me? 2. What is one practical way I can put someone else’s need ahead of mine today? It may feel difficult, but our challenge is to take on Christ’s mind, a sacrificial love that considers others before ourselves. Prayer: Jesus, thank You for not pleasing Yourself, but for giving Yourself for me. Make my heart open toward the needs of those around me. Give me eyes to see and hands to help. Amen. Happy New Month - and Happy New Rotary Year By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

Christ’s Mind of Humility

Daily Devotional Christ’s Mind of Humility Read Philippians 2:3-4, 6-7; John 13:4-5 Have you ever met someone who leads with their title? “I’m speaking to you as your boss. I’m your father. Don’t you know I’m the one in charge? Listen, because I’m your leader.” You know the tone. It’s intimidating. Often, leading with authority like that isn’t strength. Sometimes it’s a cover-up — for insecurity, weakness, or fear. It’s what happens when someone starts with their position instead of their character. But there’s a better way. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage;” Philippians 2:6 NIV Jesus had every right to be served, because of who He was but He chose to serve. C.S. Lewis put it right; _“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”_ You will hear modifications today of ‘Humility isn’t self-degradation.’ You lose nothing by being humble. I have watched leaders serve with such humility that if you didn’t know better, you’d think they were the underdogs. Servant leadership pulls us toward the lowly, carries the weak, and humbles the “know-it-all.” The mind of Christ isn’t looking for the highest seat. It’s looking for the towel. Ponder Where in my life am I craving recognition instead of offering help? Who around me needs my hand this week? Prayer: Lord Jesus, break my pride and teach me to count others more significant than myself. Help me choose humility today, even when no one is watching, in your name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

The Mind of Christ

Daily Devotional The Mind of Christ Read Philippians 2:1-11 Who / what inspires the decisions / choices you make every day? Is it your circumstances? The environment you’re in? Your education? Or maybe it’s frustration - and let’s be honest, that one shows up more often than we would like to admit. The truth is: the mind you carry determines the choices you make. Whether those choices are great or damaging, it all starts in the mind. “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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:” Philippians 2:2-5 NIV When Paul writes to the Philippians in chapter 2, he is laser-focused on this very thing. He urges them to guard their thinking. To set their minds in one direction; that is, away from self but toward the bigger picture. “Not looking to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil 2:3 Let’s be honest - that’s not easy. It goes against our natural instincts. But this week, I invite you to walk with me on a journey called: “The Mind of Christ.” Our main passage will be Philippians 2 - which I invite you to read every day - with cross-references from other scriptures, so we can deliberately align our thinking with that of Christ. So come with me this week. Let’s explore what it means to have the mind of Christ — and how it changes the way we serve, the way we live, and the way we show up in the world, one day at a time. Let’s pray Lord, our decisions affect others. As we start this journey, challenge how we think and teach us Your way in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo

When Words Fail, Presence Speaks

Daily Devotional When Words Fail, Presence Speaks Read Romans 12: Do you have those friends around you - the chatterboxes? They talk frantically, relentlessly, powerfully, sometimes annoyingly, even destructively. You know the kind. They are the last people you would want to see when you are in trouble or going through a hard time. The moment you’re craving quiet and calm is exactly when they show up and raise the dust. But here is the truth: just having them around, noise and all, is encouraging. Yes, it’s noise. Sometimes unnecessary noise. Yet they are present. And presence is a ministry of its own. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 NIV When Paul writes to us, he says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.” That’s a call to pay attention to people’s situations. So when we enter any situation, we must match it. If it’s a moment of joy, we come with joy, energy, and celebration. But if it’s a time of mourning, we don’t come in loud. We come with a heart that matches the moment — calm, gentle, present. As Paul emphasized, you don’t need perfect words. All you need is a present heart that matches their season, their situation, their environment. That means we must read every situation. We must understand it, so we can measure our approach - our words, our tone, our actions, our intervention. That is what brings healing. That is what brings restoration. And sometimes, when words fail, presence speaks louder. Not every moment calls for speech. Sometimes you just need to stand by, offer a shoulder, lend an ear, and simply be there. Your presence will speak far louder than your words ever could. Prayer Father, teach us the wisdom of Your Word. Give us hearts that can rejoice without envy and mourn without running away. Help us to read the room the way Jesus did - to know when to speak, when to be silent, and when to simply stay. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. By Rev Joshua Ssali Ssalongo