Daily Bread

1. For it is God who works in you (12-13)

God works in and through us to accomplish his own good purpose--to mold us into the image of Christ, and through us to bring the gospel of Jesus to the world. We must cooperate with him. We do this when we have an awesome respect for God, and humbly obey his word. This is what it means to 'continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.'

2. Shine like stars (14-18)

We live in a crooked and depraved generation, but this is not an excuse to be crooked and depraved. Rather, we must be blameless and pure children of God who shine like stars in the dark night. How can we do this? First, we must cooperate with God who is working in us, by doing everything without complaining or arguing. Second, we must hold out the word of life to all those around us. Paul rejoiced in the face of martyrdom because his sheep shone like stars. God would win the victory through them.


Prayer: Lord, continue to work in me until I can shine like a star.

One Word: Shine like stars