Stick out!

Tuesday, February 15, 2000

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 2:15, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Philippians+2:15>

THOUGHT:
   Have you ever been around someone who only complains?  What about someone who complains and moans and groans more than laughs?  Not a whole lot of reason to seek them out huh?  The folks we do seek out tend to make us feel good about ourselves.  They share a message of good news, of peace, of joy.  Paul is writing and maintains the best way to be a witness to your faith is to be able to be seen in your surroundings.  He wants us to shine like the stars in the universe.  When people see the peace that God brings to you, they too will seek you out.  When they see that you are at peace with yourself and others they will be more inclined to get close to you.  Laughter, oh, that too is an ice pick for the toughest ice berg.

    The Good News, is such good news.  Christ brings hope to our life.  Christ's presence brings to us a peace that transcends anything else you might be able to experience on your own.  Christ in us, helps us to have a vision that sees through the fog in our life and reveals the wonders of God's creation.  Christ in our life transforms our life and enables us to do just as Paul calls us, "do everything . . .[in such a way that you might] shine like the stars in the heavens!

PRAYER:
   Come Holy Spirit Come, refresh me so I might see all You have put before me.  Create in me a heart and passion for Love.  Help me to be a witness to those I encounter and help me to encounter more each day.  Thank You for the way You have changed my life.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.