Day 64: Absence

(These next few posts are retro-dated. I didn't have access to the internet over the weekend, but I still wrote! Kind of funny that this first one was about "absence." Hehehe.)

I love inspiration. It’s wonderful how something quite simple can spark an idea. That happened to me today. I have this little application that pops up on my computer that shows posts from one of my favorite musicians. Usually he just posts silly little puns or random comments (always clean, which is why I love it!), but today, the first post that popped up when the application started was “Phil 2:15.” Knowing that he’s a devout Christian, I immediately knew that it was a Bible verse. I looked it up and thought that it was a superb verse, as were the surrounding ones. So here they are!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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 which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
~Philippians 2:12-18 (KJV)

You shouldn’t just be godly when God is here in the flesh—He can see you whether he’s “here” or not. It’s like a teenager being allowed to stay home alone for the first time, or to go out driving for the first time. If the teen goofs off, the parents are going to find out. On the other hand, if the teen is responsible and obeys his/her parents in their absence (for fear of being grounded for life), it will show, and the teen will earn more respect from his/her parents and be rewarded for good behavior. Just as children recall and act upon what their parents taught them, we should automatically do what God has taught us without complaint. Yes, I know it’s difficult not to complain, especially when we have to do something we don’t want to, but to quote a well-known song, “Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.” And the current state the world makes it even more difficult to follow God, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible… you just need to work at it. But doesn’t every good, long-lasting relationship require a little effort? And we have Jesus to help us out! Any godly act done in the name of Jesus Christ will not be done in vain. Follow God and you will be able to rejoice with Him in heaven for all eternity.

Lord, thank You for this day. It was wonderful! I ask that You please watch over my family, friends, and pets; please bless them and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please watch over those who defend Your name and this country, for it is the men and women of the armed services who give us reason to celebrate this weekend. Please watch over them, give them courage and strength, and bring them home safe. Please also watch over their families and friends, and may they be blessed with courage and serenity in times of separation and/or loss. Please watch over those who are unable to defend themselves, and may they be blessed with family and/or friends whom You can work through to help better their lives. I pray that I can do something to help those in need. Whatever You have planned for me, Lord, I will gratefully do! Lord, please cleanse me of my sins, and continue to guide me down Your path so that I may become a better person. Thank You SOOOOOOO much for the countless blessings You have given to me. I will follow You forever, Lord, and You will always be #1 in my life! I love You with all of my heart and soul and I ALWAYS will! In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.