There are just some passages in the Bible where you find yourself picking up your pen or highlighter and never being able to put it down. This is certainly one of them, no?
Read the passage as a whole several times, just to get a big picture. Now, pray and ask the Holy Spirit what he has for you in these words today. Is it encouragement? Conviction? Understanding? Hope?
And now, most importantly, after studying this passage, how will you react? Once your Bible is closed, how will you take what you have learned and put it into action as a “light in the world” of your community?
{ 80 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m also a teacher- high school English – and boy, does that complaining thing get old fast! I really strive daily to not complain or grumble, and to always smile, since I know how it makes me feel when my students complain or other teachers grumble:). I find this passage super encouraging, though, because, to me, it is saying that, like a star, I am visible, sparkling, a bright spot, shining, set apart, and noticed! Sometimes I feel like I don’t matter in the big scheme of things, and this passage reminds me that I belong to God, and that He has seen fit to let me shine!
Ladies, we do complain a lot. I know I do and most times it’s inwardly. My family often doesn’t hear me complaining because I’m screaming things in my head but they do see my actions as a result and are thrown off by them. God hears me and I can just imaggine his disapproval. I desire to do everything without grumbling or complaining, knowing that Jesus has by back for all injustice and will address things in his way and his time. This is a huge lesson of trust and patients that I must accept and learn.
This gives me Hope! More often than not I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and feel the need to control things. These verses are just a constant reminder that I need to remember that He works thing out for His good, not mine. I am a an instrument in the redeemer a hands and I need to act as such: obedient, caring, slow to speak, slow to be angry, etc. When things start getting out of line in my life I feel like I’m losing control and try to take all that control over again. God is always up to something, and He knows better!! I need to trust that and be obedient to Him so others can see I am different. It’s ok I don’t have it all together. It’s ok my life might be crumbling before me, my constant is My God! Great devotion today- thanks! :)
I have several of these verses highlighted already, so wanted today to read them as ‘fresh truth’, and God was faithful to show me. Several things jumped out as a kind of ‘plan’ for how to continue in my current struggle. I live with some pretty severe chronic pain, and God has been teaching me to endure with the intention of offering this WILLING suffering to Him, as my act of service to Him, with thankfulness that this is a gift I can always offer. Then I found out yesterday that a rather large mole I had removed from my back is a Malignant Melanoma. It has occured to me that He has been training me in order to endure more – and with the joy of offering that service to Him. In the passage today, I found that He is GIVING me the power and desire to do this. He showed me that HOW I will accomplish this is by holding fast to the Word of Life. So, with Paul, I CAN render my service with joy, as His power flows through me, enabling me -by holding on to His Word- to desire to continue to walk this path He has placed me on, while continually offering my suffering back to Him as my ‘spiritual act of worship’. I also wanted to let you all know how powerfully your words have affected me; I am so very thankful for all of your comments that highlight new perspective on a familiar passage of scripture. God Bless you all!
Wow…I find so much encouragement from the thoughts you ladies post….as well as the honesty with which you express your struggles. I feel like you all put words to the thoughts inside my head – thank you! And such a relevant, necessary, NOW word for me/us ;)
Rozi
Have any of you felt like your light is growing dim?? Well this is my season. I am down but not out. I have become so desensitized at the world around me that I find myself allowing things that I wouldn’t have before. The Lord asks us not just to shine but shine brightly. Above and beyond this crooked and perverse world. Why am I so scared to stand out and be different? Am I becoming a wall and not a tool for Gods work. Stop trying to be relevant. “Because we mean so well people can’t see the difference. And it’s the difference that sets the world free. ” one of my favorite casting crowns lines.
Today I chose to shine brightly.
I have read the word for today Phillipians 2:12-28 I have focused my attention on making sure my Christian walk is not in vain I want my speech, walk, my words as well as my prayers to all be acceptable in GOD's sight!!!!!!
As I was reading the verses in Phil, my youngest child did something (got in trouble) in the other room and I had to get up from my BIBLE STUDY and go deal with it. As I walked toward the commotion, I thought of the verses. Did I want to go in there and lose my temper? Scream and yell and threaten, in front of all my kids? Or did I want to be in control of my emotions? Be effective and in line with the Word of God?
I am so in love with the way our Father teaches us. I acted as "The Light", and was patient and calm, direct and effective but I maintained empathy. I was the example of dealing with stress in a healthy way because thats what I want to teach them. The Word is Living!Praise Him :)
I really need to remember that it is God who is at work in me. not my circumstances, not my boss, not my husband, kids, or housework… It’s God! And why is He working in me? For His good pleasure. That should be enough to urge me to be a shining light in my world!
After reading through the passage several times the thing that jumped out to me the most was the admonition about grumbling & complaining. Why? Because I've already done that & my day's just barely started! Then I check in here & find the majority of responses mentioned those same things! It reminds me that"there is no temptation facing you that is not common to man." How thankful I am for God's grace & mercy. I am challenged to lay out my weakness before Him that I might walk in His strength & gain the victory.
I am encouraged by Paul's admonish to keep working at what you are doing. Faithfulness in doing what God has for us to do is sometimes minimized. We can feel like what we do isn't as important as being a missionary in the field or preaching. God calls us to be faithful in everyday ordinary things. Being cheerful and having a good attitude as we do them speaks volumes to those around us.
Amazing passage today. While salvation is free, I find it interesting that Paul encourages us to “work” it. Basically it encourages me to be ever mindful of it. Keep my relationship with Jesus as my main focus. Just as I have to “work” at my relationship with my husband in order to keep my good marriage, I need to do the same with my salvation.
While God freely gives, I have to do my part and receive it. I am also encouraged by the verses about not grumbling….that went straight to my heart. I asked God to help me recognize small daily blessings and express gratitude for them.
This was and awesome passage to read today. I feel so encouraged to live for GOd in all that I do, I know I am human and I make mistakes but God is amazing and so loving. I have been feeling so discouraged lately and haven’t felt Iike I was were I needed to be, but I know now that by drawing nearer to God when I feel that way is best bc I know He will meet me everytime!!
What a convicting passage. I joined this study several days ago. It has been helpful for me to focus on smaller parts of a passage at a time. I am by nature a perfectionist… Thus i can be very hard on myself. However, when I am focusing on improving one thing per day it is not as overwhelming. While this passage is convicting it is also encouraging. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. What an encouragement. We will never reached the mark, praise God for how Holy and perfect He alone is!
To be light in a dark world, an example, blameless…. doing it without compliant or arguing among each other… that if I pour out my life it wont be in vein…..
These are the things I heard as I read this scripture. How often am i a bit envies of others lives in Christ or how much do I complain to fiends and colleges when I should rejoices with them and set the example for them. I need to start living in a way that if I lose my life, if I pour out my life blood on God's alter of faith, it wont be in vein but that you all will share in my joy.
I had never thought of my grumbling and complaining as being against God, but it really is, because He is the one who controls everything. I need to remember that He wants to use each situation whether good or bad (in my opinion) for His glory and to bring others to Him.
It never ceases to amaze me at how God speaks to us today. I am so grateful for this community of woment and His word.
Bless each of you with a wonderful day full of encouragement and peace.
Hi everyone. I have a prayer request. I've been single for 3 months now, and throughout this new season God has been so gracious to me! I can already see the blessings and fruit coming from it. Still, it's a struggle at times, and Philippians 2:12-14 really hit home. It's hard to look past my feelings in the moment—it's hard to FEEL like "[Working] hard to show the results of your salvation (v.12) and [doing] everything without complaining and arguing" (v.14). Please pray that I surrender to and refocus on God, and the fact that He is the one who is working in me. He's the reason I can have joy in any situation. And also for healing, for both me and my ex. And for my ex's relationship with God to be strengthened during this time. Thanks everyone! It's much appreciated. :)
Liz, im going through a heartbreak too and its a vicious cycle I keep allowing to take over my life. I know the unbearable pain you speak of. The Lord love His daughters and is the reason im able to forgive myself for failing Him and also why I know what I really deserve.
when you feel small…walk tall, with Jesus (and I always like to add some great heels on bad days)
My love and prayer of blessings on all of Gods beautiful daughters.
I’ve been in an extreme tough situation recently – a heartbreak that has torn me in two but I have been challenged that when you don’t know what to do, pick one thing that you DO know and keep on doing it. For me, that’s been two things, my time with God and physical exercise.
This morning was really hard for me. I have to go into a situation I do not want to face, the pain feels almost unbearable and yet reading this, this morning reminded me that I just need to keep doing what I’ve been doing, keep cheerful, keep focused on Jesus and in time, His plan for me will unfold. What more can we do.
When you don’t know what to do, just keep on going.
Lord bless all these beautiful women, today.
As I journey along this Christian pathway, one thing I often ask The Lord to do is help me to see me as others see me, and help me to be a God pleaser not man pleaser. So often we do things to please others around us in so doing we miss the point of what the Lord wants us to do. Paul encourages the churches throughout the NT and here he encourages us no matter what we are going through in life let the light of Christ radiate over our lives he was in a difficult situation isolated and shackled yet in spite of his own situation he was able to lift the spirit of others not focusing in his own downfall he allowed the spirit of The Lord to use him. What a great example to believers everywhere of he we are to live worthy of the vocation of which we are called God bless xXx
The thing that spoke to me was the last part of verse 12. As I left home 1 month ago and try to start a new living in another country, I am far away from my friends' and family's eyes, seeing my best friend only once a week. And reading verse 12 made me think that even if my time being under my mentor's eyes is over, that doesn't mean that I am allowed to stop doing the things how I used to do them back home but I should apply everything that I've learned and continue the good fight. I don't know how to express it, but I know that being without my friends around shouldn't affect my life with God and my behavior.
I am really thankful for finding this community! :-)
I really feel the love of god more n more. Its hard to explain but i definitely feel my purpose in life. I also believe there are numorus christans that are unhappy! That’s y its important to forgive those who hurt us. Also some christians are confused in need to just trust in god in be faithful through the mist of times.AMEN.
Oh Oh Oh. Wow these few verse s are packed with encouragement to do the work of the Lord for the Lord . And work out our salvation with fear and trembling .. Paul is a great example of doing the work of the Lord when it wasn’t convient.
God is really convicting me about grumbling and complaining. It is so easy to slip into the trap at work of gossiping instead of being thankful that I have a job. I work in health care and just got my license to be a nurse. I want to use this blessing that God has given me to be a light in the darkness. To be a witness of what only God’s love and peace can give you. We live in a world of always trying to accomplish something else instead of being content right where He has us. Thank you, Jesus!
v 13 is what really stands out to me in this passage. I particularly like it in the NLT…"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." I want everything that I do to please Him…this verse encourages me and keeps me motivated that is an attainable goal when I have God working in me on my heart to give the me power and desire to be able to please Him.
I sat there thinking if I was in that Church reading that letter from Paul I would be bawling. "Even if I am poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering to your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." Do I have that same type of attitude when I face my daily little persecutions? I need to go forward without grumbling and complaining. And pray what I do makes a difference.
Years after I first read this I am still moved by verse 13 (particuarly in the NLT) 'For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him'. I love that He works to make me want to do what pleases Him and then enables me to do it.
Good morning ladies,
I enjoyed reading your posts.
Verses 14-15 struck a chord with me this morning. It is sometimes easy to get caught up
complaining, arguing, or grumbling about something. I have asked God to help me with this I want my light to shine. I want God to be proud of me. I want Him to smile when He looks at me.
Make it a God day.
Oh ladies, your comments so speak to me and I am so blessed this morning by your authenticity! As women it is so easy to fall into the pattern of complaining, of criticizing, of not being gratefull for the many gifts that God gives us daily. I am continually reminded to find the good in every situation. To be thankful and give Him the praise no matter what is going on in my life. And once again today’s devotional is convicting me and God is gently reminding me yet again to have a spirit of gratitude and encouragement towards others. So thankful for this!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this community of women trying to be obedient to Christ and God’s word. I loved reading these comments. I’m a day late or so in this reading, being a new mom has proved it’s challenges to be in the word daily, but praise God for this bible study! I work four days a week and my inlaws watch my baby during the week. I have such a bad attitude towards them and I get so jealous that they get to be with and I can’t. I find faults in them daily. i find faults in people all around me. Bottom line, I need Jesus to change me. I need to not grumble when my inlaws tell me they had such a wonderful day with my son and all the cute things he did that day. I need to find my joy in Christ and not wishing I didn’t have to work. Beyond thankful for Gods word tonight and SheReadsTruth!
Hey ladies. I’m new to the community and I’m hurriedly trying to catch up.
I was really convicted by these verses. I work as an admin ass/librarian/sped ea at a charter school. Most days it’s easy to get caught up in complaining, gossip, or just all out stubbornness. But what does this accomplish? Nothing. Is my light shining? Am I making god famous, or myself famous? I’m listening to “Be Somebody” by Thousand Foot Krutch and this song is convicting me as I read through Philippians.
Yep. Conviction here too.
I complain. Alllll the time. All day long. It’s probably my biggest downfall, at least in my day to day life. I know this in the back of my head. But until today, when this passage was heavy on my heart and mind and I made a conscious effort NOT to complain, I hadn’t really realized how much I do it. I want to shine. Being the best example I could be from the get-go would have been great, but people actually noticing a change in me is the next best thing (my husband actually mentioned the difference in my attitude) especially when I can tell them it’s because of Jesus.
Just discovered #shereadstruth while searching bible plans on my Youversion app. I read both the NIV and the Message versions of this scripture. The message I've received is to actively show my obedience of God's word. Being more "Christ-like" in daily action. The Lord shines through me and to radiate God's love to others. To work without complaint, to speak no ills over people even if they get on your very last nerve. This obedience will make me (us) stand out above the rest.
Bianca-
Welcome! Glad you're here!
Thank you for sharing and encouraging!
The comment about our motivation really hit me. this is something I have been so dealing with lately! thing is, doesn't matter how often I look at my motivations, they never seem right. I am praying to god to change them for me, but it's so hard to change those motivations. they just never seem to be totally pure no matter what, and it makes me feel very condemned and guilty about that.
Nicki those feelings are not the Holy Spirit those thought are from Satan! He loves to make us feel awful about ourselves! When we do we are immobilized–doing nothing! When I feel that way I go right to God or dive into the Word! God has made it really clear we are forgiven and don't need to feel awful–but the great liar loves us to feel that way!
I used this one until it was dog-eared..love it! http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Devotional-Bible-Mar…
Thank you!
Does anyone have recommendations for a bible for a woman in her mid-twenties? I am looking to purchase a new one and would love some input. The smartphone version isn't quite cutting it! Thanks!
I found one called "Voices of Faith". It says "Women of the Bible Speak to Christian Women of Today". At first I thought it would be a little Women's Rights but it is very interesting and gives side information about issues for women today. It was put out in 1998 by World Publishing, I found it at the Goodwill. I don't know what version it is but follows pretty close the NIV.
I have the True Identity Bible for Women and I love it…very applicable to me, in my mid-twenties. Starting a career, thinking of marriage and future children, etc.
I love these Phillipians passages. I also love to read the way God is leading everyone through His Word. After dealing with a tangible ‘heaviness’ yesterday, and last evening; and asking for clarity from the Lord in that, He spoke to me this passage in vs 17-18 where Paul tells us, ‘But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering… I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you should be glad and rejoice with me too.’ .. and I remember Jesus, ‘..made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant… humbled himself..’
So I press on, forgetting the confusion and heaviness I felt, take my eyes off of me; and remember His Joy is my Strength! In my weakness He is strong :)
Welp! Conviction felt here, too. I couldn't help but think over and over about Paul's situation while writing to the Philippians…dude, Paul is in a tiny, disgusting JAIL CELL and he is so uncontrollably filled with joy and peace. I think about all the things I have, yet still find time to complain and bicker about, on a somewhat daily basis. The notes in my life application study bible for this passage read, "Don't let dissensions snuff out your life. Shine for God. Your role is to SHINE until Jesus returns and bathes the world in his radiant joy".
I mean, if Paul can be this joyous in his cold prison cell, we certainly can try to be more joyful washing dishes in our nice, warm homes, right?
I never comment here but Philippians is one of those books that kicks me in the shin every single time & I wanted to share what stuck out to me today. This time around & in this particular passage, verse 16 was a lightbulb. “Holding fast to the word of life…” So many days I might read the word but am I “holding fast” to it? This is something I will definitely be pondering all day. Holding fast…what does that mean or even look like? Is it truly the word of LIFE in my day-to-day?
Kim-
So glad that you did share. I posted earlier on Munchtalk's comment about how "familiar" this passage of scripture has become…how a lot of them have become…and how much I HATE that. Because it should be LIFE. Not just words. And, after thinking about it, I realize that simply reading the words, not allowing them to breathe LIFE info my day to day, results in my not "holding fast" in any way, shape, or form. It's just me going through the motions and being "good" on my own strength. Basically fooling myself.
I hadn't really thought of it that way. So again, thanks for sharing!
This verse kind of covered how we should live in our day to day>>>we need to rejoice with others and be there for them. But most importantly we need to work out our own salvation…this of cause involves spending time with God and his word, even when we not at church. I pray that God helps me to be a light everywhwere I go>>>also I have an 8months old son and for the last month I have been reading him his baby bible…and he enjoys it>>bring your child up in the word of God from young>>>
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Wow what a statement for me. As a mother I always want to work on my children's salvation, ummmmm. These scriptures reassure me that it is not my job to save anyone, just to plant seeds. I do that by knowing the character of Christ as my Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings, and as the only judge. Live my life according to how He wants me to. Without complaining and disputing, again as a mother I always think my way is the correct wsy, but as my oldest son (22) reminded me this week, he is an adult and makes his own choices. I must look for the good in every choice he makes instead of going to what I think will happen. To trust in the Lord 100% that his will be done to finish the work he has started in me, blows my mind.
conviction! ouch!!!
no complaining, no grumbling…
i think i do not realize how much i DO complain, although usually internally. i might not be speaking the complaning but still thinking it!!
this is a challenge for me and today is a fresh start…because
This morning the "do everything without grumbling or complaining" really struck me. I decided to take on my personal challenge today of being conscious of if I am grumbling and complaining and to stop! My guess is that I do it everyday without even realizing it so I'm keeping an eye on me.
After I had read and decided this I went on Facebook and the first 3 status updates I read were all complaining or grumbling about different situations and circumstances and I found it really discouraging to read. I don't think of myself as a whiner but I desire to be "blameless and innocent, a child of God without blemish in a crooked and twisted generation." That's my prayer today, that we would all be conscious of our words and attitudes so we can shine as lights to a world that so desperately needs hope!
Just found this blog, and glad I did. Thanks for the nudge!
Lizzie-
So glad you found the blog-welcome!
Can't wait to hear what the Lord is doing in your life as you share!
Today I found this passage convicting. Especially verse 14 "Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you…" This is an area where I sometimes have difficulty. My daughter has been in the hospital 17 days (hopefully going home today, Praise God!!). The other day, while her respiratory treatments were going on, the therapist stepped out of the room. Instead of observing my daughter, she spent the next 20-25 minutes in the hall at her mobile cart on the computer….on facebook…with her back to my child! I was inwardly furious and could list a million reasons why this was so horrible. Instead of asking her or anyone else why she wasn't providing proper care for my child, I did the next best thing. I posted a statement of disbelief…on facebook. (Sigh.) I had a picture and everything. Yes, this situation was horribly inappropriate and unprofessional. If something happened to my child, it would not look favorably on the RT. That said, I was convicted on this. The person who mentioned this to me did so out of love and suggested that as a table leader in our women's ministry, it might not be appropriate for me to be posting that. I took no offense…she was right. I was convicted, humbled, and I removed the posts. I didn't think at the time that it was anything other than stating a fact. But I shouldn't have done that. I could have handled it with out doing that. It certainly wasn't an example of me "being a light". And this passage this morning convicted me again. I needed that. And I sincerely apologize for not handling that situation in a way that honored God. Thankful that He is a loving and merciful God!
Thanks for posting your comments and letting us in your daily lives. It does something to hear that I’m not the only one struggling with this….. in my work place complaining is like a polluted cloud that’s makes its attempt to hover over me everyday and I imagine my self jumping over walls and running trying to avoid it until ……one day it’s over me and pouring down on me …..but pray for me this is a roller coaster for me and I’m afraid of heights :-)
Your comments and insight ate so convicting too ladies! Love love love how The Lord is using you all to peel back how he wants me to apply his word. I am so convicted when he tells us to be a light that our lives new to look different than those around us. Ill find myself in conversation with a non believer and wonder if she hears the message of Christ in me. In how I’m living, in the words I use, in the way I talk about other people. Am I falling into easy gossip and cheap talk or am I steering it in a different direction- away from pettiness towards truth, love, to what is wholesome and uplifting, towards Christ?
I found such joy in the verses "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ."
Such a wonderful message. I hope that god will instill a bit of this in me.
Oof. Convicting.
I've been struggling this week with having a positive attitude towards some of my colleagues and it has been such a struggle to prevent bitterness and resentment from creeping in to my heart and mind. I've been trying to love on these people and act in a positive way towards them, and this passage hit me right between the eyes. Today I'm being forced to consider why I want to NOT complain or argue, why I want to do the "right thing," why I want to "be nice," or act in a way that is good. Is it truly for God's glory and to make him look magificent, or is to glorify myself…so that I can pat myself on the back and say "Well, at least you're not like so and so."
Paul doesn't encourage us to not complain or argue or to have a good attitude in order to make ourselves look good, but so that we may be proven blameless as we hold out the word of LIFE to others. In order to not taint the claim of living for Christ and for his glory.
Chewing on these thoughts today. Thanks to you all for your insight.
This *is* one of those passages where you want to highlight everything. My problem is that it all seems to familiar. I've heard it 'too many' times. I don't want to look at God's word like that. I want to approach it with reverence, and desire to understand more about the Lord himself. So, oddly, this was a tough passage to see conviction in, which in turn is quite obvious what I'm struggling with: pride.
But something I really do want to work on is my purity. Yea, I can seem like this super pure person on the outside, but some of the thoughts that flit through my head from time to time are hideous! I have no idea where they come from, but if the world saw them, they'd be unfazed. Not what I want. I want to be pure and holy inside and out! And that can only happen by becoming closer with the Lord and dwelling on Him and his word constantly. I'm so thankful that I serve a God who is full of forgiveness!
Munchtalk-
You're preaching to the choir on the "familiarity" part. I've known the Lord since I was five years old. That is 22 years of running into the passage E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E
I hate that any part of the Word has become simply words to me. Just something to read. Not process. Because I already "know" all about it.
Funny how pride creates a callous of sorts. Won't let those words in. Won't let the truth in. And even worse, often times it doesn't even register that something is "off."
Ugh. Makes me feel gross to realize how comfortable I am with my pride. So much so that I've convinced myself it isn't even there. But the evidence contradicts that every day.
Thank you for being honest and sharing that bit. It actually gave me a lot to think about that I otherwise would have missed out on today.
Thanks Jesyka! I totally agree…I read others' comments here and get convicted all the time by things I didn't see. I love being part of this community so we can grow!
I also love how encouraging everyone was. At first, I was nervous that the whole commenting thing would be a bit messy, but so far, everyone has been really positive and has come together to encourage one another. :)
I agree! I haven't seen any hate posts, and the majority of people really love this setup. It helps me keep a regularly scheduled bible time!
It's kind of funny that I saw it differently. Because I read this passage in NLT, it really didn't seem familiar. Not until I read it in NKJ did I recognize this familiar passage, remembering with fondness for the reassurance and warnings it gave me. And I've been studying the Bible since at least 1980! Ha That's the neatest thing about Gods Word, it's always fresh & new & relevant to my life today!
Oh! those thoughts you are talking about!!! I have them, also! Vile! and I know where they come from! Someone told me Satan cannot read our thoughts like God can so when they come I say out loud, "Satan get behind me! " Then I start to sing in my head (or out loud if I am alone) any Christian song that comes to mind! sometimes I have to sing it over and over but soon he leaves! I am so glad I have a defense against that liar!
That's so true…I think a lot of times too I have unconfessed (and unrealized) sin in my life, and that's where those thoughts come from. When I get to the root of why those are happening…well there's sin usually. :'P Surprise! But a lot of times I just banish the thoughts and don't try to figure out why..A lot of it for me has come down to a desire for attention (even though I'm a quiet person) and a lack of such love shown as a child. Regardless of how I grew up, I still have a responsibility to turn from that sin. I love the singing Christian songs too! I really love the ones that are scripture put to song…such truth!
“… work out your own salvation …”
This jumped out at me, and I think what it means for me is that I’ve got to make God’s word, God’s promises real and active in my own life instead of trying to live through/out the experiences of others. I need to make my faith my own!
I'm so thankful today to be reminded that "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure"… I'm asking the Lord to remind me today that only He can bear good fruit in my life, and that in doing so it would be for His good pleasure. Oftentimes I find myself in the middle, knowing that He's changed me so that my will is more inclined toward obeying and glorifying Him while my flesh stops and refuses to do the "work" in difficult moments when selfishness or "convenience" reigns. I want to marry to the two, my will and work in order to glorify Him as a mom and wife today.
Right away I underlined the second part of vs 12 and 13 " … put into action God's saving work in your lives… God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him." (NLT) I think we often go through life as a bare minimum Christian, getting by for our own accord. But are we putting into action God's saving work? Are we acting like Christ and helping the widows, orphans and poor? I know I could be doing so much more to do work that pleases God. I know I could be obeying Him more and embracing the power that He has given us to do His mighty works.
Thank you!
In my Bible (Ryrie Study Bible) this section is titled, "The Exercise Of humility" and because I am actively working at losing weight this year, this section is full of work out terms! We are to work out our salvation, we are to will and to act according, to hold out the words of life, Paul did not run for nothing. All of this says to me that living this Christian life should be something I work at everyday just the way I actively work on losing weight. It is a choice I make to be aware every minute of what I am doing and do it with purpose. There is a crooked and depraved world out there looking at me and trying to figure out why I do what I do and I want them to see the results of my exercises!
StephanieR-
That is a really great anology! Thanks for sharing!
Convicted!!! Paul's very FIRST piece of advice to us on how to be set apart is to not grumble and complain!! Crazy…so often I (we??) worry about everything external (which of course is very important) but we forget to check our hearts. Sure my lost coworkers know I am a Christian, go to church and bible study, don't do rosary certain things…but do they see me complain and grumble and question?!?! Ugh…yes they do.
Thankful for new mercies and committed to choosing joy that I might be "set apart from a crooked and twisted generation"
I think you and I are on the same page. There has been so many times that I reflect on past conversations with non Christian friends & family and I know I have let an opportunity go to "shine". I too am forever thankful for God's gentle reminder through his Word to keep correcting my ways to reflect His love in my interactions, especially for those that NEED to see & hear it through subtle but purposeful words & actions.
Right now, I feel as if The Lord is asking me to rise above. Being a teacher, I work with a staff that is 98% WOMEN. Not to stereotype, but it is easy for us to all get together and COMPLAIN!!! The Lord is placing it on my heart to rise above- to shine like the stars and not partake in the gab-fests that often go on. Life is too short and all the complaining robs me of the joy that IS my job and the work I've been blessed with. If Paul can do it from PRISON, then surely I can do it while opening chocolate milks bright and EARLY everyday!
Holly!!! I teach Kindergarten and wow was I convicted of the same things!!!! A bunch of ladies, a thousand kids, and lots of deadlines makes for a giant complain fest!!! I really need to learn to just walk away or even better add an encouraging word to a discouraging conversation…it's just so easy to fall in to!! I'll be praying for you sweet sister! Ive got your name written on my wrist so I'll remember through my day to continually pray joy for you!!
I am also a teacher and the Lord has convicted me to turn from the complaining .
With Christ all Things are possible!
What I find encouraging in these verses is that God wants to work in us and has chosen us to shine like stars, even though He knows our characters and knows how we fail, He wants to work in us and will not give up on us. That motivates me not to give up on myself and keep asking for forgiveness and keep asking for help because God is at work in me and is making me shine a little bit more each day.
You said "give up" and that really struck me. I give up on myself when I'm not perfect. I beat myself up spiritually and beg for forgiveness. I really feel that I'm holding myself back because I'm not perfect. You have shown me something to pray about. Thanks, I needed that.
Love that comment! Praise His name for not giving up on us in spite of what He knows!
God is telling me that I need to be more obedient. So many times I feel him pull at my heart to do something but turn the other way because it may not be convenient for me or something. I must learn to obey & listen to the things he asks me to do. "Do everything without finding fault or arguing." Has my name all over it! I am a rebellious spirit never doing what I am told to do. Stick it to the man sort of thing. That is not very Godly of me. I pray that Jesus will help me to be more obedient!
Samantha-
This is a hard one for me too! I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Period.
I've found that when the Lord is prompting me to do something, if I am completely honest with Him and say something like, "I REALLY don't want to do that. Like, at all. BUT I will do it. But only because I love you and you're the one asking," it helps me to gain perspective like no other and also helps me to be aware of the positioning of my heart.
And He is SO gracious! Every.Single.Time.
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