Philippians 2:12-13

New American Standard Version

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Pastor’s Paraphrase

          Understanding these glorious truths about our Lord, be sure to continue to obey the teachings that I have given you just as you have been doing. Live obediently whether I am with you or separated from you.  Because your commitment is not to me but to our Lord, let your passion for obeying the Master be even greater when I am not with you. Continue to allow the natural progression of obedience and spiritual growth that began with your salvation to continue to evidence itself in your lives.

           As you continue on your spiritual journeys, may each step be taken with a deep sense of reverence and great caution.  Never forget that what has happened in your life and what you are becoming has nothing to do with your own worthiness or accomplishments. It has everything to do with God working within you to bring to completion all of His purposes for your life.

 “How does this help me become more like Him?”

          Our family pet is named Harley.  He is a fifteen year old Welsh Corgi.  For the most part, Harley is a wonderful dog.  He is incredibly gentle and patient with all of our precious but sometimes rambunctious grandchildren.  He has a sweet disposition and the family all loves him.  But Harley has a disobedient streak.  One thing that Harley knows that he is not allowed to do is to get up on the furniture in our home.  We just don’t allow him up on the couches, chairs, beds, and etc. of our home.  However, when we are not looking, he will sometimes find a soft spot on a couch or chair and launch his squatty little body up on it.  In our old house, I would often walk into the den and my recliner would be rocking back and forth because Harley had been up in it until he heard me coming and then ran for his life!

          I can’t be everywhere at all times to keep an eye on Harley or anyone else for that matter.  But there is no place that we can go that God is not there.  There is never a step that we take, a word that we say, or even a thought that we have that our God is not fully aware of before it even happens.  The old song says, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”

          He is not watching us to catch us and punish us.  He is watching us to care for us and guide us.  Though you may sometimes feel alone – maybe even today – you are not!  He is with you.  He is both watching you and watching over you.  His presence is on your life.  Live in the awareness of His presence, His care, His mercy, and His grace upon you today.  Wherever your life takes you today, He is already there!

“How should I pray for Him to change my life?”

Thank the Lord for His presence in your life.  Praise Him that He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Pray that His presence with you today will keep you from sin and lead you to opportunities to make Him known to others.

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