Holy Week '24 . . . be used gladly!

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. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.(Philippians 2:14-17)

We think of being used as a bad thing in today's world . . . but not in CHRISTian circles! You see, we all . . . me included . . . grumble and argue about things way too much! We act just like everyone else rather than standing out like shining stars in the night. As Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:5, we live in a "warped and crooked generation"!  So as children of God, why act like them?

Let's allow ourselves to be used gladly by God . . . "poured out like a drink offering" until we are empty . . . every day! These last few days of Holy Week '24 I am going to attempt to grumble and complain less and seek to be used gladly by God more and more. 

What about you?

Strength in weaknesses

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

We have heard these verses before I am sure. Paul struggled with his health but also from persecution . . . maybe because of the persecution! Yet he cherished the fact that when he was at his weakest, that was when God showed up the strongest! 

I read this morning that it is ok to be human! It is through times that we are struggling with health, anxieties, relationships, or just everyday life, that God shows up and others can see Him as well! When others witness our dependence upon God, this is when He is visible more than ever.

We need to stop trying to be God and allow ourselves to be human. Our weaknesses will reveal His strength to the world.