E-votional - Shine Like A Star
November 5, 2002
Verse:

"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...”

Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)

Thought:

    We must live in a different time, do you think?  Oh for those long lost days of our past, when everything was so simple.  I guess it's only natural to think that the problems of our own time in history are due to the pervasive depravity of our own time. Thankfully the Bible repeatedly reminds us that God's people have always had to swim upstream against culture.

Hear the Good News, as children of God, we are to be bright stars in the dark night sky of our secular culture.  Rather than constantly complaining about our worldly culture or our time in history, let's light the way for others to see another way to live.  Take a risk and be a part of the change that can and will take place.  You do make a difference, even as those who have crossed my path, regardless of whether or not the experience was good or bad, have made a difference in who I am, you too have this opportunity.  Stick out, and shine.  Make THE difference in someone else's life.

Prayer: 

   Gracious Father, thank you for calling me to such a high and holy task.  I want to shine like a star against the darkness of the culture around me.  Please help me as I seek to live a holy life that has a redemptive influence on those around me who do not know Jesus.  Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.