Philippians 2: 14-16

"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."

Further instructions from Paul on how to live each day. I just love Philippians- it's soaked with commands of how to live a Christ-centered life and "work out your salvation". What I love about this chapter is that Paul talks about humility in the previous verses and then uses Christ as the pinnacle example of humility. He then writes of the glory of Christ and that we are to confess that Jesus is Lord and bow before him. Then Paul says "Therefore". Because of what Christ has done in humility and because of the glory of who He is, "continue to work out your salvation!" I love it- choice of words and everything. Salvation IS a one-time deal but it needs to be continually worked out in response to the gospel! What a seemingly paradoxical conclusion- but it's how we are to live!

So then, further instruction on how to work out salvation. Being joyful always! Do NOTHING while complaining. We're working for God- how could we grumble or bicker?! When you complain, people notice. It's not an amiable or attractive quality to have. We're called to shine like STARS in this universe. That's bright. We're not flashlights or fireflies that shine pretty bright but turn off after a little bit. We're STARS that never are to burn out or turn off. And the Holy Spirit sustains that light as we "hold out the word of life".

[Tangent] The Bible is the word of life- it's not a book about how you can be a better person; it's not a self-help book. It's a book about GOD, the story of redemption, bringing all the glory to Him. So we must read the Bible to know more of who God is and not go into it thinking, "Oh, David and Goliath- that's a story about how I can defeat things in my life." NO- that's a story that points to Christ because Christ is the greater David that defeated sin! (these are concepts I've taken from sermons of Matt Chandler and John Piper)

But the point is, we must CLING to the 'word of life' and be willing to SUFFER for it as Paul did. No one can separate us from the love of God. So, with that hope and security, we can have confidence in suffering to illuminate the gospel and glorify God.

my goal for october

I've set a new goal for my life: journal every day during my devo's. What I do is I read a chapter, pick out a verse that sticks out to me, and write that verse in my journal. Then I just reflect on the verse and make observations. Next I find practical, specific ways of applying it to my life. Finally I write out a prayer. Since I've been doing that for the past four days I feel it's really given me a better knowledge of my purpose each day. Today, for example, I found myself quoting my "verse for the day" and it really did make today that much better. So this was my journal entry this morning:
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Monday, October 4th, 2010
Phil. 2: 3-4
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Observations:
This world is all about pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps and getting stuff done on your own- being an ambitious person. But Christians are called not to selfish ambition or vain conceit, but to put others first. What if my life reflected these verses? What kind of impact would that have? How would it affect my relationships?
If I looked to the interests of others, I would ask them how their day went and ACTUALLY listen when they answer back. I would bake cookies for my housemates just out of the blue. I would call up old friends just to see how they're doing. I would pay for the person's coffee behind me at the Dunkin Donuts drive-through. I would help an old lady put her groceries in her car. I would REALLY look different and I would shine the light of Christ in the community around me.

Application:
-make an effort to listen when I ask a question
-bake cookies for my housemates
-call up some old friends
-be aware of the needs around me
-next time at DD's, pay for coffee behind me

Prayer:
Lord, may my words and actions reflect your gospel. May I truly consider others greater than myself. May I love others as you have loved them. Thank you for the cross Lord. It's only by your grace that I am Your child and I want to look to the interests of others as a response to Your love. Overwhelm me with Your love. Continue Your sanctifying work in my life. Make me more like Jesus every day.
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So that's all it takes- half hour at least any time in the day. It's my challenge for the month of October and already I've seen incredible growth in my walk. I challenge anyone reading this to try it out. If you're not satisfied with your walk with the Lord, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Dig into His Word. And don't expect radical transformations overnight. It takes time. But some day you'll get to a point where you can look back and smile because of the grace of God and how he has been working in your life. He wants to show you more of who He is. And if you're not in His Word you have a SIGNIFICANTLY less chance of hearing from Him. As a good friend always said to me..."I'll get off my soapbox now."