Shine Like Stars: Philippians 2:14-15

14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so 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

Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)

Our goal is to live without arguing and grumbling, no bickering, and become Children of God, blameless and pure. Being blameless requires diligent effort in a crooked, polluted, and warped world. To live in this way shows we are Christians, ready to carry God’s light-giving Word into the world. Then when we go forth enlightened, we will shine like stars in the sky.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.

Philippians 2:14-16 (MSG)

A diligent effort is required to live without arguing and squabbling. How are you doing at being blameless; do you shine like stars in the sky?

Prayer; Lord help us to be kinder, and gentler; to let go of arguing and complaining. Teach us go forward, blameless and pure in this sinful world. Let us shine in Your light, with love, and share your light-giving message. As the phlox bloom shine in the sun and brighten spring, let us shine in Your light and spread Your brightness to the world. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen


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Walk In Love: Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

When we walk in love, or as some versions state, walk continually in love, we show we are followers of Christ. How do we walk in love? When we value others and treat all with respect and compassion. It is a Christ-like unconditional, unselfish, forgiving love; exemplified in our actions. To walk in love describes our actions, when we act like Jesus; we walk in love.

Our compassionate acts and loving deeds to others are considered a fragrant, sweet-smelling offering, to God our Father.

Wake Up from Your Sleep
5 1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (MSG)

Do you walk in love showing love and compassion to others in your actions and deeds?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, teach us to walk in love. May our actions be Christ-like and our lives characterized by love, compassion, and forgiveness. Let others see that we are Christians by our love. Like the bright yellow open coreopsis flower glows in the sun, let us shine brightly with your love and glow with compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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His Strength: 1 Chronicles 16:11

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT)

This verse in 1 Chronicles is also in Psalm 105:4, David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving. He wrote this verse to celebrate the return of the Ark of the Covenant. To remind everyone of the importance of seeking the Lord and having a relationship with Him. We need to search for Him and listen to His way, not seeking our path but following His path for us. Our strength is found in the Lord; He is our hope, grace, and salvation. When our world is complicated and confusing, we can find strength like David did through our relationship with our Lord. Always search for the Lord and seek His strength. ⁘

When you are overwhelmed and confused, is your first response to seek the Lord’s strength?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we come to you in praise and thanksgiving. Teach us to follow Your ways and seek You. Lord, when we are overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do, let us ask for Your guidance. Like the zinnia blossoms, seek the sun; Lord, let us seek You and Your strength. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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Just and Good: Psalm 33:5

4For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. 5He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.

Psalm 33:4-5 (NLT)

Psalm 33 starts with;

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones; praise from the upright is beautiful.

Psalm 33:1 (CEB)

The following verses give reasons to praise the Lord. We can trust in Him, for the Word of the Lord is true; we can believe the truth of His Word (verse 4). We can rejoice because God loves righteousness and justice. He is good and wants us to be like him, moral and good. We should rejoice and praise the Lord for His goodness and unfailing love for us (verse 5). As His love fills the earth, let us rejoice and show love to all. ⁂

Our Lord is good, just, true, and righteous. He forgives our sins and loves us. Have you taken time to praise, rejoice and worship Him today?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we rejoice in Your goodness, truth, and justice. We praise You for Your patience and forgiveness of us. We thank You for Your grace, mercy, and your unfailing love for us. Like the sunflowers grow and glow in the sunshine, let us grow in faith and glow with Your Son’s light. Amen

I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you; message me on the contact page.🌺

Living as Children of Light: Ephesians 4:20-24

Radiate the Lord’s Light

Sunflower

20But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:20-24 (NLT)

Renew

Clematis bud