Beautiful Word: Your Daily Devotion

Daily Scriptural Insights, Curated by the Editors of CT | [View online] [ChristianityToday.org] [Donate] [Beautiful Word Newsletter] Tuesday, December 27, 2016 Bright Stars [Joni Eareckson Tada] [Joni Eareckson Tada] | [Writer][Bio] [@JoniandFriends][@JoniandFriends] [Facebook][Facebook] Today's Verse Powered by the [New Living Translation] “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philippians 2:14-15 [View in context] In today’s Scripture, Paul commands believers to “do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Seriously, Paul? Everything? Paul was writing to group of believers who were facing enormous hardships—and the temptation to murmur must have been great. But writing from jail himself, he wanted them to catch a bigger picture. He wanted the Christ followers to showcase the power of God to those lost in darkness. Nothing makes a scornful, cynical world sit up and take notice of God more than when it observes believers actually rejoicing in their hardships, without a hint of complaint. When we behave in this way, we shine like stars in the sky. Think of how complaints or grumbling may have diminished your witness to those around you. You will shine like a star in a dark world today as you put behind you any murmurings, disparaging comments, or negative communication. Reflect: Read Philippians 2:14–15. Who have you known in your life whose speech and treatment of others shines brightly, pointing to Christ? What do you most want to emulate about his or her example? Pray: Think about ways recently complained or argued; confess those behaviors to God and ask him to help you change your behavior. Joni Eareckson Tada is a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and the founder and CEO of [Joni and Friends International Disability Center]. Taken from [A Spectacle of Glory] by Joni Eareckson Tada. Copyright © 2016 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com. All rights reserved. [Read devotions online] | [Share with a friend] More for Women [10 Books You Should Read to Your Kids This Christmas] [10 Books You Should Read to Your Kids This Christmas] I celebrate the season by reading stories to my kids. Here are our favorites. Corrie Cutrer [Why Millions Watched this Church Christmas Video] [Why Millions Watched this Church Christmas Video] The underage narrators get the story right. Almost. Kate Shellnutt Follow Us [Facebook] [Twitter] [RSS] [Subscribe to this newsletter] In the Current Issue [December] [Is Addiction a Disease? Yes, and Much More] [Subscriber access only] [The Most Uncomfortable Christmas Verse] [Subscriber access only] [Crossing the Wasteland of Faith] [Subscriber access only] [View Full Issue] [Subscribe Now] Christian Bible Studies [A Life of Giving Thanks] [Catch a glimpse of a life permeated by a grateful heart that overflows toward others.] [4 Session Bible Study] [Beautiful Word] Delivered via email to subscribers daily. [Subscribe] | [Email Preferences] | [Unsubscribe] | [Privacy Policy] | [Advertise] | [Subscribe to CT] You are currently subscribed as: {EMAIL} Copyright ©2016 [ChristianityToday.org], Christianity Today, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.