Do Everything Without Grumbling

 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”  — Philippians 2:14

God's Word tells us that we live in a warped and crooked world.

And we are part of a warped generation of people.

Even so, He calls us to a higher standard.

To do everything without grumbling.

So we can become blameless and pure.

Avoiding arguments.

Living for Jesus, our Savior.

Filled With the Fruit of Righteousness

So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. — Phlippians 1:10-11 

In Paul's letter, he encourages the people in Philippi to be filled with the fruit that comes from Jesus.

The fruit of righteousness through Christ.

So God will be given all the praise and glory.

Not to lift up Paul or me, but to glorify God.

So all my actions will be an offering of praise to Him.

A life dedicated to God's glory.

This Is My Prayer

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. — Philippians 1:9-10

Paul wants his friends in Philippi to grow in love.

So their love may spread and deepen.

That's our prayer for today, too.

That we will grow in knowledge and depth of insight.

And that we can discern what's best.

So we can be pure and blameless.

Ready for the day of Christ's coming.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” — Philippians 2:14

It's not easy to do everything without grumbling or arguing.

I like a good grumble now and then.

But the other day I heard a research study about complaining.

The results of the study showed that complaining to coworkers made you feel good initially, but later resulted in more frustration and anger long after the complaining session.

However, when the listening person presented a high-level point of view or helped the complainer see the bigger picture, they were happier about their situation over the long term.

And they then had the skills to empathize but also help others see the bigger picture.

And this resulted in happier and more productive employees who go along better with their supervisors.

My Prayer That Your Love May Abound

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, — Philippians 1:9-10

My prayer is that your love may grow and abound.

This was one of the beaches we hiked to at Dana Point.

For the first few hours we saw nobody else on the beach.

It was beautiful and relaxing.

We thanked God for a beautiful day,

And that afternoon we went back to our hotel to swim in the pool.

The pool was also very empty.

May God Strengthen Our Hearts

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. — I Thessalonians 3:13

May God strengthen my heart.

Helping me to read His Word and pray.

Helping me to become blameless and holy.

More like Him each day.

So that when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones,

I may enter the presence of God the Father.

Strengthen Your Hearts

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. — 1 Thessalonians

Happy Halloween!

Have a safe weekend.

May God strengthen your heart and mine.

So we will be blameless and holy in God's sight.

God our Father, who cares for us.

We look for Jesus to come, our Lord and Savior.

May Your Love Abound

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. — Philippians 1:9-11

I thank God for you, my friends and family, whenever I remember you in my prayers.

And I pray for you, that your love may grow more and more in knowledge and in depth of insight.

I pray that my love will also abound.

That I may be able to discern what is best.

That God will help me to be pure and blameless,

Filled with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, patience, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control

And filled with righteousness.

All of this comes through Jesus Christ.

To the glory and praise of God.

Able to Discern What Is Best

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. — Philippians 1:9-10

Today our plumeria began to bloom.

Now we are planning to get another one from our friend Gary.

He has a green thumb when it comes to growing them.

And we are blessed to have been given ours as a gift for Kirk's retirement.

It's beautiful.

And this is my prayer: that your love may grow more and more, just as these flowers are growing.

That your love and mine may about in knowledge and depth.

So that we can discern what is best in God's eyes.

And so that we can be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Thankful, we have a merciful God, our Father.

 

Chosen

He [God] chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. — Ephesians 1:4

God planned for me before the word was created.

He chose me as one of His children.

I don't worship Him just to be blessed.

I worship Him because of what He has done for me.

Yesterday Abby and I walked around Lake Murray. 

It was hot but beautiful.

The ducks were paddling on the lake and a few people were fishing.

It brought back memories of her birthday party on Lake Murray when she was in elementary school.

God has chosen us to be holy in His sight.

My Prayer

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. — Philippians 1:9-10

I have been surrounded by the love of friends and family.

Their prayers have been my foundation over the past 9 months, grounding me in Christ.

These hydrangeas were a gift from MaryJo for Easter.

Kirk planted them in our flower bed and they are very happy!

Thursday I go in for my I-V Herceptin treatment.

The nurses have been having a hard time finding a vein to use so hopefully they will be successful this week.

Next week I see my chemo doctor again.

I also need to schedule a MUGA heart scan.

I have a network of supportive doctors who check to make sure  I'm doing well.

And my boss at work is willing to accommodate in any way I need.

Monday I took a half day off, just in case I was tired from the radiation.

So far, so good!