The Flog – The Fabry Log

Thanks for going on this journey together. It’s a real treat to have you joining in prayer and studying the Bible. I hope this part of your day is something you look forward to.

I was preparing to interview Ravi Zacharias—he’s on in the second hour of Chris Fabry Live today (Thursday). If your station doesn’t take both hours, you can download the podcast or listen to the stream. At one point Ravi quotes the song made famous by George Beverly Shea, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” The poem was written by Mrs. Rhea Miller. You know the thoughts and the melody. Now here’s the question the poem raises: Would you really rather have Jesus than riches? What about worldwide fame? Anything the world could give you, would you really rather have Jesus?

If you’ve ever lost anything dear to you, you know that Jesus makes the difference. When you lose everything and he’s all you have, you know how much you really have in Him. Don’t settle for anything less than Him today. Not counterfeits or things that will give you temporary happiness. Choose Jesus every day.

Now, let’s fix our eyes on Him. Read Philippians 2:1-11 once again.

Verse 4 talks about how we should live in a unified manner with each other in the body of Christ. Each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.

How did Jesus do that in his earthly ministry? How did he pattern this lifestyle for his disciples?

Has anyone ever acted this way for you? A family member? A friend?
Think back over the past day. Was there an instance when you neglected to think of someone else’s interests and only concentrated on your own? Ask God to help you recognize that next time and change.

Spend a few minutes in meditation about this verse and pray for the people who come to your mind. This is one way you can look not just to your own interests but also to the interests of others.

Now a hard question. What person in your life is it most difficult to love right now? If that is a man and he likes football, ask him if he thinks the Saints or the Vikings are going to win tonight. But seriously, there’s probably someone you love who has wildly different interests—both interest in little things as well as life situations that may be hard for you to identify with. Can you enter into that other person’s world today in some way and show love by taking an interest in their life? Ask God to give you patience, creativity, and an open heart.

Father, my life is cluttered with interests in my own things. My mind is cluttered with my interests. You came to free me from selfish ambition. You came to free me from my sin. From myself. Help me not to be so consumed with all of MY STUFF that I can't get outside of that and listen, really listen to those around me. I open my heart to your leading and ask you to cultivate in me an interest in others. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus and the pattern he gave us with his selfless life.
In His name I pray. Amen.