Let it Shine!

Continuing with Philippians….

Philippians 2:14-16a

“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...”

I need this reminder all the time.  And, I think I am getting “it”. When I complain it gives way to the spiral of the flesh. Complaining causes discontent, worry, and sometimes fear. When I complain, it is like fretting out loud. Scripture tells me that, ” fretting only leads to evil.”

Psalm 37:7-8

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evil.”

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was filled with a re-check with the Dr. that ended up 3 hours later! Not gonna bore you with my health records, but let’s just say, I could have fretted, complained and gotten ridiculous yesterday. I realized, finally realized, the choice factor.

And, by the grace of God I chose, not to fret, not to let it take me over the top, but to continue on with the next thing in front of me.  In my case, that next thing was getting ready for a live t.v. show, something I have never done, have no experience in, and did not even really know how to prepare for.

But, last night as I sat with amazing Cornerstone women, listening to them on air tell their stories, and as I kept seeing cue cards to add more minutes…and then I would have to tag on to their stories, impromptu….I felt this scripture come to life. We were there, holding out the word of life, shining like stars…not T.V. stars, but shining like lights, candles, in this dark world.

Every story offered hope an held it proudly out to the television viewers. Every woman had said “Yes” I will go, at the last minute. Within a week we had prayer team, stories and were all headed out, unprepared, but willing to shine for Jesus.

So today, as I continue walking through Philippians, I would like to tie together the past verses…in context of what I personally am experiencing this morning in the Word:

Phil 1:12, ” Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Phil 1:19 “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage. Phil 1:29 ” For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him. Phil 2:13 “For God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Phil 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.”

The plan unfolds as I put these verses in context for personal application.

• Things happen to us
• God uses those things
• He is advanced through us as we hold out hope to others

• When things happen, fight the urge to complain
• When things happen, fight the habit of being defensive or argumentative
• When things happen, look up
• Shine as the star that Jesus has made you, filled with Him and His light
• The darkness needs light.
• The darkness doesn’t need us, but desperately needs Jesus in us.
• Let your story speak hope

Thank you to the women who went with me to KTLN last night. You speak volumes to me in your obedience, your trust in Him, and the way you shine Jesus.

Have a wonderful Tuesday Looking Up friends!

cut and paste the link, to listen to “Let it Shine” by Jaymes Reunion. God’s light shining on YOU!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyB2u_ASixM

Debbie