To keep in mind

After Philippians 2:5-11 

More than a thought,

passing, more than an idea,

considered. Instead,

a guiding principle always

to keep in mind, in heart,

in soul, among yourselves:

the person, through God,

emptied himself to serve;

the person, through God,

obeyed to death on the cross;

the person, no longer man,

was exalted and glorified.

At his name, we bow.

At his name, we confess

who he is, who we are,

what he has done.

 

Photograph by Rohan Makhecha via Unsplash. Used with permission.

On the Long Station: 50 Holy Wells, #50 – Paul Kingsnorth at The Abbey of Misrule.

 

A While List of Reasons to Consider Marrying Young – Tim Challies.

 

After the Murder – poem by Luke Harvey at Kingdom Poets (D.A. Martin). 

 

Harry T Harmer, Artist – Spitalfields Life.

Life in three steps

After Philippians 2:5-11

What is this life

what is the definition that

cuts away the fluff and

the adverbial adjectives,

that brings the truth

forward into the light? It

begins with equality – 

the idea that equality is

not to be grasped, not

to be sought. That’s step 

one. Step two: empty self 

of self, allow it to drain 

away, self replaced by 

servanthood, service, 

serving others, with serve

being the opposite of self.

Step three: humility, not

without a point or purpose,

but to be obedient, sitting

in the lifelong classroom

called obedience. Like

the author of good news,

we give up the right

to be right.

Photograph by Jake Hills via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Down to dirt

After Philippians 2:5-11

He descended to dirt,

earth that smelled of rot

and green and life and

death, downward he came,

calloused hands and

dirty nails, hands

of a servant,

working first with words,

working with minds,

working with hearts.

Carpenter and cross:

his life bracketed by wood,

he became a king.

Photograph by Radu Pasca via Public Domain Pictures. Used with permission.