Shining Like Stars

Subbing on Fridays seems to be a theme for me lately and that’s what I’m doing today. I like to be able to write and publish blog posts on Fridays too though, so in keeping up with that idea I’ve got a quick one to share!

My Bible reading plan has me in the book of Philippians right now and there are some verses in chapter 2 that have grabbed hold of my heart.

Philippians 2:14-16a—

‘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.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.’

I’m not gonna spend tons of time breaking down these verses because I feel like they’re already as plain and simple as can be, which makes it easier to understand Paul’s point—it doesn’t necessarily make it easier to achieve but it’s definitely a good basis for positive instruction.

(You Version app pic)

I’ll be the first to admit I sometimes grumble and argue in the minor and major of life and I know I’m not alone in this…those (above) verses though pull us to veer away from that path and the result is that we “become” blameless and pure.

That word (become) reminds me that this is an ongoing process, we may not get it right every time but by “becoming” blameless and pure we’re headed in the right direction.

We don’t have to grab a magnifying glass to see that we live in a world that is exceptionally warped and crooked. Our obedience to God’s word can make such a difference; the verses I’ve noted go on to say that when we choose to abide, not grumbling or arguing, then we shine among unbelievers like stars in the sky!! And don’t we know that the light we shine is fully capable of pointing those who are without hope towards Him!!

Such a beautiful image!!

Have a blessed weekend—and be encouraged to follow those words from Philippians chapter 2 so that we may illuminate His amazing light for His purpose!!

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

24 thoughts on “Shining Like Stars”

  1. I would be a grumbling Israelite no doubt about it because I am a grumbling follower of King Jesus far more than I care or want to admit! Love your picture! So glad that we sanctification is a process and that when confess our sin God forgives us (1 John 1:9) and leads us along the path of blamelessness and righteousness. May your smile shine a light for Jesus today!

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  3. I fear I grumble more than I like. And then I am grieved by my actions. I feel like Paul when he talks about doing what he doesn’t want to do. But as you pointed out: “Our obedience to God’s word can make such a difference.” So true and so simple. Thank you for this encouraging post. I pray we can “shine among them like stars.” Have a great weekend! God bless!

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    1. Ya I can definitely relate…I’ve thought about how it’s such a blessing to realize we’re messing up even if it’s not immediately…it shows that we care what the Holy Spirit is showing us as the better way…to go without ever noticing or not ever caring would be questionable of our faith.

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  4. I too sometimes grumble, and I am somewhat impatient. Though I have learned patience because the Spirit convicts me of my stupidity. LOL
    God Bless.

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  7. Back in the day, when directing angry crowd scenes on stage, I had every other actor actually saying the words, “Murmur, murmur, murmur!” Others had other words like, “Yeah!” “That’s right!”
    & “Get out!” Sometimes my complaints probably sound like, “Murmur, murmur, murmur!” in God’s ears. Here’s bro s heart of peace. God’s grip – Alan

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    1. Oh man I love that story from your directing experience..I am right there with you with the murmuring..I’m thankful the Holy Spirit makes me aware of this fault so I’m getting quicker at correcting it!!
      Take care Alan!

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  8. I know that my light for Christ dims greatly when I grumble and complain. What you wrote is so encouraging to me in this day and age. Our lights as believers sure can shine brighter and brighter in this darker and darker world if we follow guidelines such as what you have shared. Thank you, Alicia!

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    1. Thank you!! It’s so good to focus on these things especially with the way our world is going (it’s easy to find something to grumble or complain about) but if we can remain true to God’s direction then the light we shine may be just the right thing to keep the next person from grumbling and complaining.

      Thanks for reading Patty!!😉

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  9. Wonderful post Ali. Very inspiring. I love that you mentioned it’s an on going process. It’s so easy to get stuck on beating ourselves up when we fail. But your end point about shining like stars helps to encourage the believer to keep moving forward and the reward of doing so. We may not reach perfection here on earth, but we can pursue godliness, shine and point others to Jesus. Thanks for sharing. ❤❤❤❤

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