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2 P&P Weekly Blog for week of 28 December 2024 - 3 January 2025
We’ve had this tapestry for many years, but for some reason, I’ve never taken the time to insert the lights into the design that came with it. This year, as you can see (by scrolling the images), I did. Both Doug and I felt it was worth the time and effort required to bring it to life, and we are enjoying this weaving that’s displayed near the entry of our home.
By now, you know that I have a spiritual analogy; of course I do!
Let’s look at Philippians 2:12-13: “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 (NIV).”
Notice the wording “work out your salvation” in this translation? Now, you may be thinking … but Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:9 clearly teaches us that God’s grace is a gift and it is not based on our works. So, does it appear that Philippians 2:12 is a contradiction? No! Why? I really like how the NLT explains this verse. Let’s read it together.
“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (NLT).”
If we are working to show the results of our Salvation, we must be drawing upon the “power source”—God Himself. We must plug in—to His Word, talk to Him through prayer, and learn to know His character and attributes if we are to become a light, shining forth His truth and love to those around us!
Our tapestry did not magically “light up” by itself. It required a one-time act of meticulously weaving the light strand in and through the treads where the holes indicated. The plug had to be inserted into the socket to project the lights through the artistically woven design.
Again, spiritually speaking, God does the one-time act/work of Salvation through His Spirit. He speaks into our hearts—convicting us of our sins and showing us our need for a Savior. And then, He indwells our hearts by coming to reside within us—to teach us how to live for Him as we walk with Him day by day. As we read His Word and develop our relationship with our Lord—we learn to rely upon Him for our every need, for strength, and we give Him the glory for any and all “output” or fruit that He produces through us.
From God’s Heart:
My Child, I created you much like this tapestry; I made you perfectly, yet with a space for Me to dwell. I wish to be the Light that fills you, the One to Whom you come for strength, joy, peace, and hope. As you surrender—your life, hurts, decisions, plans, and will—to Me—I’ll transform you. Obey My voice. Fear Me—give Me the honor and reverence that I am due. Bow before Me with praise and gratitude, and I will teach you how to be pleasing in My sight. I love you as you are—but come and “plug in” daily—so that My love can shine forth from you! Come daily to meet with Me and watch how I, as the Light of the World, use your life to be a beacon to those around you.
What might the Lord want you to “plug in” right now? Greater dedication to meeting with Him? Getting involved in a Life Group? Volunteering? Helping out with kids and shaping the next generation? To simply have a greater awareness of the Lord’s Spirit to be His light in your job, neighbor, and with friends and family?
2 Pause and Praise Creations ©
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