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
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.
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. — 2 Corinthians 7:1
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| Salamanca, Spain |
God has said,
"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
Since God has made these promises to us, we should follow and obey Him.
And purify ourselves from everything that contaminates our body.
And also purify ourselves from anything that might contaminate our spirit.
Perfecting holiness out of our love for God.
Letting Him work in us to make us holy out of reverence for God.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. — Matthew 7:12
It's often easier to think of myself first.
And when I do, I forgot to think about those around me.
But God commands me to be thoughtful about my actions.
To treat people as I'd like to be treated.
And to obey His law and His prophets.
Even when it may not be convenient.
And especially when it's not easy.
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
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.
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| La Jolla Shores Beach |
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. — 2 Peter 1:3
Last night we had about a dozen kids dressed up and excited to trick or treat.
Friday we had our office party and my team dressed up as 50s.
We won the group costume contest.
God. has given us everything we need for a godly life.
Help me to shine your glory and goodness throughout the week.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet. — Psalm 8:6
For everything God created is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. — 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Tonight at about 5:00 p.m. the weather dropped to about 50 degrees.
Abby and I met for a swim.
It started raining on our way home.
Then it stopped for awhile.
About 8:30 it actually started hailing!
Our front courtyard was covered in white.
Hopefully our plants will survive.
Everything God created is good.
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. — Psalm 139:23 (The Message)
Today I went for a 2.5 mile walk with friends around our neighborhood.
When I got home I did 30 minutes of yoga on YouTube.
Then Abby and I went for a 45 minute swim at the local YMCA.
Later, I had some middle and high school girls over for crafts and Bible study.
We sit outside with masks and socially distance.
As we were putting away the chairs afterward, we saw a bunny up on the steps near our bank.
They love to come out at dusk.
Search me, O God.
Get a clear picture of what I'm about.
Then guide me on the road to eternal life.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. — Philippians 3:20-21
And we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will transform our lowly bodies.
When we die and come alive again, our bodies will be like His glorious body.
We rejoice in all that Jesus did for us in dying on the cross and coming alive again.
We give him all the glory and honor and praise.
I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. — Philippians 3:8
It surpasses everything.
Paul wrote that he had lost all things for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
Everything else pales in comparison.
My goal is to gain Christ.
