Philippians 2:12-22

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

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 labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Prayer 

Father God, don't let me slip into negative attitudes, grumbling complaints or worthless arguments with others. Instead help me to shine on Your behalf and provide ample opportunity for You to move in my life according to Your good purposes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Yes, it is God who works in you. And, yes, there is work for you to do. Yes, the Spirit empowers you to do the work. And, yes, you do the work.
~ Francis Chan

Micro-Group (MG) Moment

Considering the role of carving out time
to connect with God and others

Sharing the Wealth, Chapter 24:
What is our role in discipling others? Discipling is the process of allowing God to
use us to be a part of helping another disciple to grow. A sign of our maturity is the desire to pass on the "wealth" to the next generation.
p. 214 of Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden.

Money, Chapter 25: What attitude and practice should disciples have regarding money? Disciples live with a healthy fear of the money god (mammon), knowing that it has the power to command devotion. A way to put limits on our greed and to laugh in the face of mammon is to begin our practice of giving with a minimum of a tithe of our resources to the Lord's work. p. 221 of Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden.

LOVING GOD (with heart, soul, mind, and strength) through time commitment: If you have not carved out time for God specifically in the past, here is a suggestion: Find small chunks of time for God, even just 5-10 minutes at various times throughout your day – and a few longer slots of 30-60 minutes at least one or two times per week. Use your smart phone alarms to remind you. Build in reminders to participate in Hope’s IMMERSION devotions daily. Remember – they are intentionally short. It is a good way to include time for God’s Word in your daily life.

LOVING OTHERS (as yourself) through time commitment: If you have not carved out time to connect with others through micro-group relationships and small group life, sit down with your weekly schedule and consider when you could insert this valuable component into your life. Consider centering your weekly Micro-group time around a discussion of Hope’s IMMERSION devotions – OR – do those devotions together. Learn more about micro-groups and small group life from Hope’s ABCs of discipleship booklet.

You may have to rearrange or even eliminate other aspects of your schedule to adjust for such spiritual opportunities to grow yourself and others. Ask God to help you live under the Holy Spirit’s guidance to use your time in godly ways.