“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” –Philippians 2:3-4

In a press conference in front of Angel Stadium a couple days ago, Billy Eppler (Angel’s General Manager) spoke about Mike Trout, and his importance, and the role he will play in helping the team win a World Series. He says that Mike Trout not only wants to be successful, but also significant. He then went on to point out the difference in saying that success was accomplishing something, but significance is when you help others accomplish something and make those around you better.

If we’re talking about MVP’s, Jesus obviously dominates the conversation. Jesus was successful in His accomplishments as He fulfilled the purpose for which His Father had sent Him. His ultimate accomplishment was on the cross of Calvary where He took upon himself the punishment for our sins, His resurrection, and overcoming death that we would have eternal life through Him. But what Jesus did before His sacrifice and continues to do, was and is so significant. He helps others to become better by healing the hurting, loving the lost, and saving the sinners.

This world seeks success and will take significance as a byproduct. However, Christ desires that we, in all humility and lowliness, are significant in looking out for the needs and interests of others. And in so doing, the success and accomplishment of the Gospel of Love will truly be attained.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” –Colossians 3:17

-Brian Lee

Next time you halfheartedly, or even grudgingly, decide you should probably pray for your list of people, needs, desires or complaints, remember this…

The moment you address your Lord, He immediately turns His focused attention to you. His heart is glad that His precious child wants to spend time with Him. He is excited to hear your heart, your concerns, your fears, your needs, your praises and your love for Him. The eternal, all-powerful Creator of all that exists chooses, even delights, to hear from you.

As He leans in toward you, in loving excitement and expectancy, will He be blessed or disappointed? Will He have to compete for your attention and your focus? Will He hear memorized, thoughtless, superficial mutterings when He hopes to hear your true heart’s concerns? Does He hear the deep love, praise and surrender He longs to hear? Does He ache to share unsearchable treasures, priceless gifts, and a fruitful life with you? Look directly into the loving, longing eyes of your Savior. Fall on your knees in surrender and adoration. Don’t miss the appointment for deep communion with your Lord and King. He wants to be with you, to hold you up, to embolden you and to love you every step of the way. He doesn’t want your prayers to start and stop, to be brief occasional periods of time; He wants to be in constant and deep communion with you.

Come to prayer with confidence and expectancy that you will hear from your Creator. He is waiting to hear from you right now. Don’t miss the appointment! How can we pass up a personal conversation with our Creator! Shed the superficial and dive deep into your Savior’s heart. Break through the shallow, one-way conversation and know what is the depth of your Lord’s love for you!

Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Matthew 6:6 – “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Randy McMahon