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shine bright for God


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, 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.

Powerful passage written by Paul to the church he founded at the city of Philippi.  Paul was passionate about life and about God.  He was changed in so many ways, and the grace of God is demonstrated in and through His life.

One of my prayers is that people will see the grace of God demonstrated in and through me.  How about you?

What we follow well demonstrates what we are made of.  A disciple is to be the same when he is with his teacher and when the teacher is away.  In fact I believe that being transparent, being the same when we are with people or when we alone, is a very big deal. 

Paul said:

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

Jesus said:

Matthew 4:19  NASB
And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Sounds like the student learned from the teacher, and things turned and the student became the teacher.  We too are to shine bright so others will see and meet God.  Living honest and above reproach is something we have to do if we really want to make a difference. 

Matthew 5:16  NASB
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

God is in the process of changing our desires which gives us new power helping us to pleasing Him.  Yet the best way to make a difference is to change your perspective on life making sure you stay positive.  Make sure there is no complaining --- that comes from inside of me.  Make sure there is no arguing --- that is what we do with others.  Stay positive, and let people see what you are really made of!

Matthew 5:14  NASB
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

Shine bright like a diamond … the popular song says.  God says shine bright with greatness so others see God through you!

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