The Sacramental Life – Day 331 – Philippians 2:14-18 – Hold Out The Word Of Life – Growing As Disciples
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:14-18 (NIV)
Shine Like A Star In The Universe
Could that be true of me? Is that even possible? Could what be true of you? Could what be possible? Could I shine like a star in the universe? Now, before you answer me, I want to make a few things clear. I’m listening. I do not want to be a star in the universe for my own glory. This is not some prideful desire on my part. I have no desire to gain the applause of the world or to stand out and be noticed by others. I understand what you are saying. It is good that you are aware of the prideful possibilities that could accompany this desire in you. But do not miss the key points. What are the key points? I want you to shine like a star in the universe for me. I am asking you to shine like a star in the universe for me. I want you to stand out and be noticed. I want people to wonder why you are so different. I want people to be drawn to you. I want people to ask questions about you. I want people to clearly see that my life is being lived out in and through you. I want to use your life so that others can be drawn to me. I want to use your life so that others will come to know and love and follow and serve me. I want to use your life to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Is this all clear to you? Do you understand everything that I am saying to you? Yes, I do. That is very good.
But there are other key points to go over. You have my full attention. When I ask something of you, will I not also make it possible for you to accomplish what I have asked of you? How so? If I say, “I want you to shine like a star in the universe”, will I not help you to shine like a star in the universe for me? If I say, I don’t want you to be tarnished by arguing or complaining or any other darkness that is in the world, will I not help you to live a pure and blameless life?” Yes, you will make me able to do whatever you ask of me. That is correct. You got that right. Never have any doubt, I will always make you to do whatever I ask of you.
There is one more final key point I want to make with you now. I’m still listening. When I ask you to do something for me, will I not also fan the flame of desire in you, to do what I ask of you? Yes, you will. You have something you want to say. I have noticed that you fanned the flame of godly desires in me. That does not mean I will not have to overcome fleshly, sinful, or worldly desires that wage war against me. That is true. In those battles, draw near to me. I will strengthen you. I will fan the flame of godly desires in you. I will make you able to accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans. I will make you able to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. You will shine like a star in the universe for me. Thank you, Lord
Lord, I will not be an arguer or complainer. I will not allow myself to be tarnished by the world’s darkness. Help me to shine like a star in the universe for your glory. Help me to be a bold, bright and powerful witness for you. Use me to bear fruit for your kingdom. Amen
Key Question… Why will those who helped you to come to know Christ be able to boast about your witness for Him?
Living It Out… Allow the Lord to make you shine like a star in the universe as you hold Him out to others.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to shine like a star in the universe as you hold Him out to others.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what prayers you are now regularly praying to the Lord.
Prayer To Bless Others… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to shine as you hold Him out to others.
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