4th. September. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Philippians 2:14-16
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 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 16 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 labour in vain.
Those of us in the church have all had negative experiences with people who claim to be Christians but don’t act like it. Some of us have been those people, at points in our lives. As negatively as we can be judged for our failures, we are all aware how difficult it is to live consistently for Christ. It is easy to get drawn into behaviours and attitudes which are not what Jesus is all about. When we do, we run the risk of discrediting the faith we hold to.
Paul tells the Philippians to do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that they might become “blameless and innocent”. Our attitude is part of the process of following Christ and becoming more like him. Being holy and above blame is our goal. Not only for this day, but for that coming day. We are not only here to attract people to Christ; we are here to become like him. It was the goal of Paul’s labour among them, that they would hold firmly to the word of life. The beginning point for that journey is to approach circumstances and the people God puts in our lives with patience and love.
Lord, help me to manage frustrating situations and people in a way which reflects your presence in my life. Let me life be a light in the darkness. Continue to mould me and transform me each day, as I draw near to you and submit to the work of your Holy Spirit in my life. Amen.
Ancient Prayer – For Support of the Holy Spirit
O Educator, be gracious to thy children, O Educator, Father, Guide of Israel, Son and Father, both one, Lord. Give to us, who follow thy command, to fulfil the likeness of thy image, and to see, according to our strength, the God who is both a good God and a Judge who is not harsh.
Do thou thyself bestow all things on us who dwell in thy peace, who have been placed in thy city, who sail the sea of sin unruffled, that we may be made tranquil and supported by the Holy Spirit, the unutterable Wisdom, by night and day, unto the perfect day, to sing eternal thanksgiving to the one only Father and Son, Son and Father, Educator and Teacher with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
~by Clement of Alexandria (150–215 A.D.)
Prayer for Those Who Have Turned Away
Grant, O Lord Christ, peace, love and speedy reconciliation to your people whom You have redeemed with your precious blood. Make your presence become known to those who have turned away from You and do not seek You, so that none of them may be lost, but all may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. May all the earth praise your holy Name, living in the true love and harmony you purchased for us by your suffering. Amen.
Compassionate God Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the God of compassion. As crowds gathered around you, they begged you to let the sick just touch the edge of your cloak. You did not turn them away but looked on them with compassion and healed them. I bring the needs of other people before you now and ask you to look with compassion and heal once again. You have the power to turn any situation around. I cry out to you with the faith that knows that you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
