Shining Stars January 1, 2017
Philippians 2:12-16 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Doing things without murmuring can only happen when you are in love. How the Lord encourages us – “See who you are to Me, see how much I love you”. His desire is toward us..
SOS 7:10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.
Rejoice in His love, let Him have His way in your life. Know what is yours right now in the glory of His grace.
Vs15 shine as lights = bright shining stars in the heavenly host.
Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
1 Corinthians 15:41 . . . one star differeth from another star in glory.
Bright shining as the sun glory one, like Him!
Ephesians 4:13 . . . unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Many types of the perfect man in the O.T., such as David, Jacob, Ruth, and Rahab – most would say no way, but how marvelous the grace of God. How? Because they held forth the word of life.
Vs16 Holding forth = to have and to hold Jesus Christ. These are words between a bride and groom. This is to the ones that didn’t go through life as an empty vessel, but fully purposed, believing in His love. He ascended to the Father and sent the Holy Ghost that you might know all truth. Hear Him. The mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Lord, I am your workmanship. There is a testimony of the stars – they shine now, blameless and harmless. The world doesn’t see them because they are not looking up. The stars’ sight is above, minds captivated on things above. Make it personal, how good the Lord has been to you. Receive mercy, not in guilt but in appreciation and thankfulness. Don’t give up every time failure wants to consume your life. When temptation comes to haunt you, lay a hold of Him to fight. Fight on your knees – go to the scriptures. The follow through – allow Him to change the patterns of my life. The links that lead to my downfall (for example, friends, places we shouldn’t be, relationships that are not all about the Lord). It’s not easy in our flesh, but the mighty grace of God can break these patterns.
Proverbs 4:11-15 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
We do not have time to waste our lives. These things distract us, our fellowship. The more we get entangled, the harder it is to get out, but nothing is hard for God. Go to the altar. Go to the support group of the brethren of like precious faith. They fight and lift up your hands.
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Don’t you want to win Him?! Pray. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Break that pattern. Get on your knees. Lord, increase my faith; give me more boldness. Be a king going forth to battle; valiant in fight. The brilliant stars in the heavenly host magnify Him to the fullest. Receive this glorious gospel. The only thing that shines is the grace of God. Being found in the righteousness of God. Fight the good fight of faith. Be a man of God, not of this world.
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