And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight, so that you may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent [identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences], and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin]; filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God [so that His glory may be both revealed and recognized]. Philippians 1:9-11 AMP
REFLECTION
I’ve endured truly terrible consequences due to my selfish choices (which serve as a warning to others), but when I deeply repented (ie: turned away from wilful sin and turned to truly follow Christ), God – in His mercy – gave me grace to better deal with realities in faith. And as I sought to know and love God, I found that while the process wasn’t (isn’t) always easy, it was (and is) rich with priceless pearls of insight that I got (get) to keep and share, irrespective of the outcome.
As we move forward prayerfully and carefully in faith – prioritising spiritual intimacy with our loving Lord Jesus Christ – let’s embrace the process and keep in mind that “the things that are seen are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) The beautiful work that the Holy Spirit is doing in and through us, in the process, has eternal value. Nothing is wasted in God’s hands.
PRAYER POEM: Your Ways
Loving Lord, direct my gaze and on my heart etch Your ways.
Help me to abide in You and speak truth in love ~ gently, like a dove.
May Your songs of deliverance be heard as I prayerfully ponder Your living and active Word.
