Heavy on my heart this morning is the thought of Jesus coming back and some people not being ready. Not that I am perfect and ready, but definitely working out my salvation each day “with fear and trembling.” I like this phrase that Paul used when talking to the Philippians, because too often it seems like we think of God as our buddy and friend who smiles down on us and just wants us to be happy and do well in life. He is our friend and He wants us to be happy but…He is way more and He expects more.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
Paul says to WORK OUT our salvation. I do not remember any verse in the Bible saying to sit out our salvation. For many years, that’s what I did. I sat in church, soaked up inspiration for the coming week, read my Bible because I was supposed to and I was nice to everyone. I loved Jesus because He saved me. But, as a teen, I can honestly say I did not work on my salvation very well when it came to getting rid of worldly values.
I was a bit selfish and self-righteous. I was one of those “good girls” and was proud of it. Am I being TOO honest here? I have since learned that following rules is good but God expects more of me, of us. He wants to use us, instead of us just using Him. He even sent His Holy Spirit to help us work out our salvation and to help us work for Him. That still amazes me, because I cannot understand why He would trust us with His holiness in a carnal world. But He does:)
We never have to go it alone! We just have to be willing to work hard and to obey Him when He urges us in a certain direction. That pull or urge to go His direction reminds me of the pull of an orbit. It humbles me to see it like this…if we are the center of our own world, we expect God to revolve around us, to move according to our pull. But…God is the center and we(tiny, tiny little people) revolve around Him, to His pull, His will and His ways. That’s how He meant it to be.
Dear Lord, Thank You for all You do for us and have already done for us. Your blessings are appreciated. Each day is appreciated. We want to work out our salvation as Paul said and we want to make that a normal sort of orbit for us, with You being the center of our lives. we know we cannot do this work alone and we are so glad we do not have to! Thank You for trusting us with Your Holy Spirit in us to work with us, and on us. You thought of everything! We love You! Amen
Love and prayers to all. Have a great Monday:)
Just me. Just His.
Tina
Glory in the Morning 