Shining as Lights:

 When you feel discouraged or like you’re not enough, hold onto this truth. Whisper it to yourself as a reminder that you’re a masterpiece in the making. Trust God to do His work in your life and remember that growth takes time. Patience, dear friend—God’s got you!

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Oh, sweet friends, Paul’s prayer here is something we can adopt as our own. He prays for love to overflow, but not just any love—a love that is wise, discerning, and sincere. What a powerful prayer for our lives! We are called to love others, not just in word but in action, and to do so wisely, with the discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit.

 Let’s pray that our love grows daily. When we interact with our family, friends, or even strangers, let’s be intentional about loving in a way that reflects Jesus. Ask the Lord to help you discern what’s truly excellent, so your actions glorify Him and bear the fruit of righteousness. Make it your mission to live sincerely and without offense, holding nothing back in your pursuit of Christ.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Oh, the humility of Jesus! Our Savior, who had every right to stay in heaven, chose to come down and live as one of us. He didn’t demand recognition, but instead, He became a servant—obedient even to death on the cross. What an example of ultimate humility and love.

Let’s follow Jesus’ example of humility today. Is there something you can lay down for the sake of someone else? Maybe it’s a preference, a right, or an agenda. Sometimes, loving others like Jesus means sacrificing our own desires. Let’s be willing to serve and obey, just as He did.

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Oh, this is a tough one! Paul is calling us to live without grumbling or complaining. (And trust me, I know it’s hard sometimes!) But when we live joyfully and peacefully, even when life is difficult, we stand out. We shine like stars in a world that desperately needs to see the light of Jesus. ((AMEN!))

So Today, let’s challenge ourselves to go without complaining. Instead of grumbling, let’s choose gratitude. When something frustrating happens, take a deep breath and thank God for His grace. Let’s be the light that shines bright, showing others that with Jesus, there’s always hope and joy—even in the hard stuff.

As we reflect on these chapters in Philippians, let’s remember that we are called to live out the love, humility, and joy of Christ. We are works in progress, but the good news is that Jesus is faithful to complete the work He began in us. 

Let’s live today with hearts overflowing with love and grace, seeking to shine brightly for His glory.

Remember, you are loved beyond measure, and the joy of the Lord is your strength! So go out there, shine His light, and keep spreading that love and joy wherever you go.

You’ve got this, because God’s got you!

In His Love, 

Stephanie Smith