“How to get started reading the Bible”—we’ve all googled it before. No matter how far you’ve come on your faith journey, reading the Bible can be hard! We’re right there with you. We see these Scripture meditations as a way to read Scripture in a digestible way. Let’s start together, one verse at a time!  

How to Get Ahead

Feeling pressure to get ahead? Maybe you’re not where you thought you’d be in life. Maybe you’re pushing as hard as you can to earn your place. Maybe you’re fighting to keep your image up, to promote your reputation. In a culture that says you HAVE to advocate for yourself, you must make your voice heard, you were born to stand out, to do whatever it takes to get to the top… it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and tired. Like you 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 don’t measure up.

The gospel shifts our focus. Jesus sets an example that takes the attention off of “me,” and puts our gaze on those around us. In Christianity, we’re called to look for ways to help each other. In Philippians, Paul calls the church to look out for the interests of their church community. 

What would it look like to think about yourself a little less today, and to find someone in your circle who needs help or encouragement?

Philippians 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Observations from the Text

• We’re called to lay down our desire to put ourselves first (v. 3)
• We’re called to lay down our pride (v. 3-4)
• We’re all called to put others before ourselves (v. 4)

Prayers of Response

Humble Savior, thank you for the example you set of laying down your life for others.

Jesus, I praise you for the community of  _________, where I can not only ask for help, but follow in your footsteps by being there for others.

Prayer Requests

Counselor, help me to lay down the pressure I put on myself to _________ and to rest in the support of the community you’ve gifted me with.

King of Kings, my pride about  _________ gets in the way of seeing my community. Instruct me in humility and charity.

Prayers of Readiness

Redeemer, give me eyes to see the needs around me today as I  _________.

I like to control  _________, but this week I’ll practice asking for help from the community you’ve placed me in.

Reading the Bible through Scripture meditations can be an easy way of connecting with God each day. For more Scripture meditations, visit this page!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™