08.07.2025
Christ-like in Your Thinking
Let the Mind of Jesus Transform Your Thoughts

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Bible Text

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 2:5

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Introduction

What if today you saw everything through Jesus’ eyes? What if you viewed the people around you with His heart, His mercy, and His humility?

In Philippians 2:5, Paul challenges us to think like Jesus—not just to believe like Him, not only to act like Him, but to think like Him. That changes everything—from your decisions to how you relate to friends, foes, and yourself.

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Devotional : What Does It Mean to Think Like Christ?

Jesus’ mindset was marked by:

• Humility: Though He was God, He humbled Himself and became human. (Phil. 2:6–7)

• Service: He did not come to be served, but to serve. (Mark 10:45)

• Obedience: He obeyed the Father’s will even to the point of death on a cross. (Phil. 2:8)

“Jesus did not flaunt His divine nature, but lived among people as one of them. He showed that true greatness is found in service.” – Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 645

This way of thinking often runs counter to the world’s values: power equals strength, popularity equals significance, achievement equals success. Jesus showed that true greatness lies in love, devotion, and sacrifice.

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Story – “The Empty Seat”

Jonas was sixteen—athletic, creative, a team player—and very concerned with what others thought of him. At his school, being “cool” meant wearing the right brands, using sarcastic humor, and never showing weakness.

Recently, a new student named Sami had joined their class. Quiet, reserved, speaking with an accent. Many whispered, “He’s just a refugee—he won’t understand anyway.” No one spoke to him. In group work, he was always overlooked. Jonas—though he considered himself a “nice Christian”—ignored him too.

One day in religion class, the teacher read Philippians 2:5:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

Then she asked,
“What do you think—how would Jesus act in your class? Who would sit beside the quiet student? Whom would He invite in?”

Her question hit Jonas like a lightning bolt. Later, alone on the bus, he thought: Jesus—the King of the universe—had humbled Himself, become human, sat with outcasts, the sick, the foreign, the weak. And he, Jonas, who wanted to be “good,” didn’t even have the courage to smile at someone like Sami?

The next day, it was time for group work again. The seat next to Sami was, as always, empty. Jonas felt an inner resistance. What would the others think? What if it was embarrassing?

But then he remembered his teacher’s words: “What would Jesus do?”

He walked over to Sami, sat down beside him, and said,
“Hey, want to work together? I’m Jonas.”

Sami looked up—first surprised, then shyly smiling. “Sure.”

In the days that followed, a genuine friendship grew. Jonas learned that Sami had lost his home in the war as a child. He had seen things no one should ever see—but he had never lost hope.

Over time, other classmates began to show interest in Sami too. Jonas’s small step—a simple empty seat filled—became the beginning of change, not only in Sami but in the whole class.

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What Does This Story Teach Us?

To think like Christ means not just having nice thoughts. It means:

• Being humble where others are proud.

• Reaching out to those who are forgotten.

• Daring to make a difference—even if it costs you something.

“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

“The life of Christ was marked by unobtrusive kindness. His attention was on the overlooked, His love on the outcasts.” – Ellen G. White

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Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?

• Don’t think of yourself first—ask, How can I help someone today?

• Don’t judge by appearances—see with Jesus’ eyes.

• Don’t follow the crowd blindly—follow the Spirit of Christ.

• Ask yourself: Would Jesus be proud of my words, thoughts, and actions?

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Reflections for Today

• Reflection: Are your thoughts today self-centered or Christ-centered?

• Challenge: Do one thing today you might normally avoid—out of love, humility, or compassion.

• Prayer: Ask God to transform your heart and mind so you become more like Jesus.

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Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank You for the example of Your Son. Help me to shape my thoughts, desires, and perspective on others as Jesus has shown us.

I ask You: Give me courage to be kind, even when it’s hard. Give me love for those who are different. Teach me not to place myself above others.

Today, I want to see with Your eyes, feel with Your heart, and act with Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/08-07-25-christ-like-in-your-thinking-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/

Lesson 2: The Burning Bush
2.2 The Angel of the Lord
The Angel of the Lord – Jesus as the Divine Messenger of Deliverance

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Introduction

Moses, once a prince of Egypt, has lived as a simple shepherd in exile for 40 years. His dreams have faded, his influence is gone. But it is here, in the wilderness—in loneliness and obscurity—that God meets him. Not spectacularly in a palace, but in a burning bush that is not consumed.

This chapter marks a turning point—not only in Moses’ life, but in the history of salvation.

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Bible Study: Exodus 3:2–12 – The Call from the Burning Bush

1. The Angel of the Lord Appears (Verses 2–4)

“The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.” (v. 2)

– The Angel of the Lord here is a visible revelation of God, showing Himself to Moses in a tangible way.
– God speaks “from the bush” (v. 4), making it clear this angel is divine.
– The burning bush is a powerful symbol: it burns but is not consumed—just like Israel in Egypt suffers but is not destroyed.

2. God’s Holiness and Nearness (Verses 5–6)

– God calls Moses by name—twice. This shows deep intimacy and calling (see Abraham, Samuel).
– Moses is told to take off his shoes: God’s presence makes the place holy.
– Though God draws near, He remains holy—reverence and humility are necessary.

3. God’s Compassion and Plan (Verses 7–9)

“I have surely seen the affliction of My people… I have heard their cry… I know their sufferings.” (v. 7)

– God is not only holy, but also compassionate.
– His actions are based on His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 6, 15).
– God plans to deliver Israel—not out of duty, but out of love and faithfulness.

4. The Call of Moses (Verses 10–12)

“Come, I will send you to Pharaoh…” (v. 10)

– God’s plan involves a human servant—Moses.
– But Moses feels overwhelmed and gives his first of many excuses: “Who am I?”
– God’s answer isn’t “You are able” but “I will be with you.” The calling is based not on Moses’ abilities but on God’s presence.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: Read Exodus 3:7–12. How did God explain to Moses why He wanted to intervene on behalf of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt?

Answer:
God responds to the groaning and cries of His oppressed people. He describes their suffering in vivid terms: He has seen, heard, and known their pain. He calls them “My people”—a sign of covenant loyalty, even before the giving of the law at Sinai. His motivation is compassion, not just justice. God shows that He deeply identifies with the pain of His children—His intervention flows from a heart full of mercy.

Question 2: Why are humility and a sense of unworthiness so important for anyone who wants to follow the Lord and serve Him?

Answer:
Moses asks, “Who am I?”—not out of false humility, but genuine self-doubt. This attitude is essential for spiritual leadership:

– Humility protects from pride.
– It makes space for God’s power to work.
– It keeps us from trying to control or manipulate God.

Those who know their own weakness can fully rely on God’s strength. Moses becomes a model for every servant who lives in obedience, not confidence in self.

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Spiritual Principles

– God’s presence may come unexpectedly and quietly—but it changes everything.
– True service begins with a call—and often with fear.
– God’s calling is based not on our qualifications, but on His purpose.
– God sees, hears, and feels—He is not a distant observer.
– Humility is not weakness—it’s the key to divine authority.

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Application for Daily Life

– Do you hear God’s voice in everyday life? Maybe He’s not calling from a bush, but through people, circumstances, or thoughts.
– Are you willing, like Moses, to lay down your insecurities—so He can walk with you?
– Where are people crying out today—and how might God want to send you to bring hope?

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Conclusion

Exodus 3 is not just the story of a call, but the beginning of God’s deliverance plan. Moses learns that his story is not over—it’s just beginning. And we learn: When God calls, we don’t answer with “I can’t,” but with “Here I am—send me.”

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Thought of the Day

“God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.”
What is burning in your life today—not to destroy you, but to call you?

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Illustration – “The Call at the Edge of the City”

The sun beat down over the rooftops of Frankfurt as Jonas took the escalator to the subway like every morning. Coffee cup in hand, eyes tiredly fixed on his phone, he was like everyone else: busy, distracted, caught in the rhythm of city life.

He was 42, divorced, no kids, working as a project manager in a building security firm. His life was functional, successful—yet empty. He had once served God, as a young man in a Christian youth group. He had even considered studying theology. But that was long ago. Now his faith was a quiet memory, buried somewhere between childhood sermons and a lingering hope that maybe there was still something more.

The Bush at the Subway Stop

That day, due to a signal failure, Jonas exited the train one stop early. Slightly annoyed, he walked the rest of the way.

As he passed under an old underpass, he saw something odd: A trash can was on fire. No smoke, no burning smell—just fire, calm and clear. And its contents were not being consumed.

“Great,” he muttered. But as he drew closer, he heard something. Not a voice in the air, but deep within. Not a thought—but a call. “Jonas.” He stopped. That wasn’t imagination. It echoed inside him like a voice straight to his soul.

“Take off your shoes—you are standing on holy ground.”

He laughed nervously, looked around. No one there. He stepped closer—and suddenly felt cold. Not from fear—but from an overwhelming presence. Something greater was there. Something that saw him. Knew him.

The Mission

“I have heard the cry of My people. I have seen their suffering. And I am sending you.”

The voice wasn’t loud—but unmistakable. In Jonas’s mind, images flashed:

– Refugees in camps, children in broken families, the overwhelmed, the lost, the broken.
– The addicts he passed every day near the station.
– The young woman in the grocery store who cried quietly yesterday.

“Why me?” Jonas whispered.

“Because you saw. And because you didn’t turn away.”

He felt his knees buckle. “I’m not worthy… I’m not even a real Christian anymore. I’m tired, afraid… I’m nobody.”

“I will be with you.”

The Struggle

The next few days felt like an inner earthquake. Jonas tried to ignore the moment—but couldn’t. Everything that had once seemed important—presentations, KPIs, deadlines—now felt ridiculous.

He spoke with an old friend, a pastor. The man listened quietly, then said:
“Maybe God is calling you not because you’re strong—but because you’ve become soft.”

The Decision

Two months later, Jonas quit his job. Not to become a monk, but to serve. He joined a social outreach project. At first, doing simple tasks—distributing food, listening. Then, helping refugees at government offices, translating forms.

Strangely, he met people with the same questions he once had. God gave him words—not grand sermons, but quiet sentences that opened hearts.

He became a man of prayer. Not a theologian, not a preacher—but a true intercessor. When he prayed, he often wept—not from weakness, but from compassion. And people noticed.

The Burning Everyday Life

The bush in the underpass was gone. The trash can had long been replaced. But the fire remained—inside him.

He lived simply. No fame, no applause. But in quiet moments, he felt God was with him. That His presence made even the dust of daily life holy.

Conclusion

God still calls today. Not in temples, not in palaces—but often at the edges. Among those who don’t see themselves as worthy. But that’s where true calling begins.

A burning bush in the city. A voice in the noise. And a person who responds.
Not with confidence—but with willingness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-the-burning-bush-2-2-the-angel-of-the-lord-exodus-living-faith/