Building Your Army, Go With The Flow
Wherefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing to 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 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.
Philippians 2:9-16 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.2.9-16.NIV
I’ve learned that Ego blocks God’s blessings flowing from a thankful heart and mouth. Thankfulness and trust prime the pump-producing living water, flushing out all the stagnant, yukky, stinky swamp things such as complaining and grumbling; no one will drink these waters, thus causing people to flee from Jesus because of us. Or be drawn to Him for a drink of God’s loving kindnesses He pours to us and through us. Paul says, “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. So you, too, should be glad and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2: 17-18. However, most of the time, Ego wants to sit on the throne; she is also an enemy; she can camouflage herself as Pride or Protector because of childhood trauma/s. The Ego thinks it is god, and this is where the battle within is hard. Paul says, “Work-Out your salvation, and the only way to work out it is with a thankful heart; for God works in you to fulfill His Good Purpose. I kindly thank my protector for her Service and assure her that God is in control. She can rest in His loving care.
Ask A Soldier
When I was a kid, my cousin, who served in Vietnam, brought some Rations home. I asked him what these were for. He told me they had this while on the Battlefield; he said they were grateful and enjoyed every bite; this is what it means to eat and drink to the glory of God. Inflation has been problematic these past couple of years, and we are all affected by it. We don’t have to look far to find a Soldier; they are everywhere. Some are in homeless shelters, street corners, and camps, and please don’t forget to thank them for their Service. I’ve had to ration my food, and I am genuinely thankful to God when I sit and give thanks for everything with reverence to our Father in Heaven. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of the dangling carrot. I’ve missed the Lord’s many blessings in my day’s journey.
Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of all things in heaven, on earth, and everything in them. Thank You, Lord, for opening our eyes to see Your Goodness and Grace with us! As I learn to prime the pump with thankfulness, nothing can block my blessings from You and those You place on my path to be a blessing to them; Your Living Water pours out to all those we pass in Jesus’ Name; amen, amen.
