My Thoughts On Philippians Chapter 2

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I'm joining up with MOMS TOOLBOX for a Four Week Study of Philippians.  Today, I am sharing my thoughts for Week 2 - Chapter 2.  For more on the study of Philippians and to read other thoughts, check out MOMS TOOLBOX.

My thoughts from Chapter 1 can be found HERE.

Again, another 30 verses that are so full of lessons.  There were several I could have focused on, but again, from a parenting perspective, the following are the verses that stood out to me.  This time I chose to use version from The Message Bible.

S-Scripture
Philippians 2:14-16 The Message
Do everything readily and cheerfully - no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

O-Observation
Daily we are met with societal pressures that lead us away from our faith and our values.  TV Shows, commercials, friends, family, etc can all encourage us to turn away from God.  We need to stand out from all of that and be leaders. 

A-Application
These verses remind me to stand my ground, especially with our children.  They don't always like that they are different.  Their other friends may not have "rules" or "expectations" but we do and we expect them to lead by example and stand tall, readily and cheerfully.  We expect them to be bold and stand up for "the right thing" when necessary.  And, as teenagers, that can be a tough choice.  By modeling this behavior myself and encouraging, praising, and teaching our children to be the light in this polluted society, there will be praise and living proof that it was all worth it!  What a day that will be!

P-Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for our children who continue to believe in your Word and know that everything you say is TRUE.  We know there will be temptations ahead for all of us, but reminding us through your Word that we can face them and transform ourselves into a witness of your love is such a powerful thing, Lord.  Thank you for your unconditional love and grace and may the lessons I learned today stay with me in times of trial and temptation.
Amen.