Daily Reading 1-24-17
Philippians 2:12-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
Constant complaining seems to be a way of life for many people these days. Every time I turn on the news someone is complaining about something or someone. It is sad because according to Scripture it is choosing to live with a dark attitude rather than a Light spirit. Why are we expecting that other people must please us?
A sign of our salvation is desiring to please and trust God to bring things about for our good. Maybe we need to grow in the understanding that to actually trust God means we accept this natural world is not always going to give us what we want; so God will find a way to get a better blessing to us. Life is not always fair, but God is Good! Can you be joyful and peaceful even when things are not going the way you want them to go? The Father loves us; we are his children who are to shine in the darkness.
Philippians 2:12-18 Shine Brightly for Christ
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,[a] 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.
Prayer: Father, please help me to watch my attitude and avoid a complaining spirit, today. Help me to trust you with gratitude. This world may disappoint me, but you never will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.