Let’s consider Philippians 2:15b-16 “…You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.” That is Paul talking to the Philippians in a letter he wrote from prison.
The older I get, the more personally I take every Holy Word of the Bible. When I am weak, He has promised to be strong. (II Corinthians 12:8-10, ESV) Holy Spirit, strengthen me as I work toward my New Year’s resolution to do everything without complaining or arguing so I can become God’s perfect child. In this world of corrupt and sinful people, I have seen so much corruption, sexual perversion, money laundering, lying and self-indulgence. All of my complaining, gossiping, or arguing will not change one thing. Instead, I’m asking the Holy Spirit to help continue perfecting me, so that I can “shine among them…” as the scripture said above.
Do you want to ask the Holy Spirit to complete this part of your becoming perfect? Are we in this journey together? If so, let me remind you of Joshua 1:9 (KJV), “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
The world is like a jungle, today. We have a choice: ignore obedience to Father God and Christ, shun the Holy Spirit’s comfort, help and guidance, or take a stand on the Word of God.
The Word never goes out void but will accomplish that which God sent it forth to do! (Isaiah 55:11, KJV) Stop trying and crying and do His Word! Instead of complaining or arguing politics, and other things we don’t control, can we side with truth and justice – and encourage one another in this fight of faith? Holy Spirit, help us to become better warriors in the Christian army and stand with our focus on Christ. Help us renew our minds and practice our individual measure of faith and gifts of reconciliation. Strengthen us to go forth in confidence – “For lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 38:20, KJV)
Michael Hicks, a young minister, just mailed me a copy of the third book in his trilogy, Kingdom of Light III. It is a guide for Spiritual Warfare in the last days. Michael is my spiritual son. We’ve worked together over 20 years. We encourage one another in our journey of life long perfection. John 16:33 KJV comes to mind. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Father God desires that none should perish. As Romans 8:28 declares, God will use both good and bad in our lives for His purpose. So – strengthen us, Holy Spirit, to share the good news of His purpose for each of us.