Good morning! Whether it’s lights from a fireworks show, stadium lighting or Christmas lights our eyes are drawn to them. We can look with wonder and most times see things better when we see those lights. Think about the sky, now think about it with bright fireworks… Think about a street filled with houses, now imagine at night as you drive down the street and there is only one house with Christmas lights…it looks different, it stands out from the others. Today we will continue our reading in Philippians chapter two (2). Join me today. Have a wonderful weekend.

Bible Verse – Philippians 2:12-18 NLT

“12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.”

Some Key Points from our reading:

1. What God is doing:

• God is working in you.

• God is giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

2. Actions for us:

• Do everything without complaining and arguing.

• Live clean, innocent lives as children of God.

• Shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 

• Hold firmly to the word of life.

Reflection

Apostle Paul was so gracious for the church at Philippi. He was grateful for all the work they’ve done in the ministry and their care toward him while he was in prison. Even in his gratitude, he encouraged them in their faith to keep pursuing the things of God, to continue to press forward in ministry, but what stands out are the reasons.

Apostle Paul’s instructions had valid reasons such as:

• So that no one can criticize you

• because the world is full of crooked and perverse people

Sisters and brothers, this week we have been discussing character and the attitude of Christ. We’ve also been pondering over questions on our own relationship with Christ. As I am still learning and growing in faith, knowledge and understanding, I know the Lord is also with you and transforming you daily. Just as the bright lights in a stadium field illuminates the sky so that we can see better, allow the light of Christ that is within you to illuminate wherever you go so others can see Christ better. Just as the fireworks draw attention in the darkness because of their unique beauty of doing exactly what is was designed to do, in this dark world let the beauty of Christ that is within you (uniquely designed by God) draw people’s attention and point them to Christ. Finally, you may be the only person in your neighborhood, on your street, on your job, in your house, or in your family who serves God – let your light shine anyway. The beauty will be seen by others even if no one around you is a Christian.

God is ready to work in your lives. Keep shining your light so others can see Christ at work within you. Hold firmly to the word of God.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for today! Thank you for your love and desire to be in a relationship with us. Lord, sometimes we feel unworthy to receive so much love and forgiveness, but you keep on loving us – unconditionally. You keep working in and through us at times when we are at our highest and certainly when we are at our lowest. Lord, you are so good to us. Lord, continue the work you began in us. We are ready, willing and have surrendered hearts to serve you. Lord, begin the pruning and sifting process so that everything that does not bring about your glory and goodness is removed from within us. Keep us Lord. Change us Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

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