"while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ," Titus 2:13

Waiting is not passive. Waiting is not a disappointment nor an indication of failure. The promise is clear. Jesus, the most worthy of our waiting is returning. In the waiting, rest assured for this hope.

Waiting is a season to courageously live in faith for the blessings to come. 

"it teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness, and worldly passions, to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:12

We wake up tired and have no energy and desire to do what is right. So it is easy to live in the flow of the day and our feelings.  But remember God's salvation calls us differently.

Say no to the ways of the world and yes to the ways of God. 

"For the grace of God that brings us salvation has appeared to all men." Titus 2:11

In the midst of it, there appears to be no end to indulging in sinful habits and addictions. No end to the cycle of satisfying our own desires and then regretting it immediately. The grace of God has already come to set us free from this.

We have no other words than to say to our gracious God,
"I'm sorry and thank you."

"and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive." Titus 2:10

People see the work we do and how we do it. They then form opinions about your character and the type of employee you are. Trust can be easily lost but hard to be regained.

Let our lives preach what we believe and who we belong to - our Saviour God.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing" Philippians 2:14

I find myself most prone to complaining and arguing when I'm tired or frustrated a situation hasn't gone my way. Or even when I don't immediately react this way, I find myself later complaining to those around me. I'm learning to share and surrender these moments to God, knowing that he sees it all and will bring justice.

Even in my weakest moments,
God calls me to be careful and holy with my speech and demeanor.

"for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13

There are things that I want to do. And there are things that God wants to do in me. Do these two marry together? Remember his purposes are good, they are good for us.

Surrender myself to God
so I am not blindly doing things of my own accord.

"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," Philippians 2:12

It is a blessing to have leaders and mentors walking with us. However, they cannot attain salvation for us, nor can we diligently follow Christ when they are around. After all, it is our individual journey with God that counts.

In reverence, keep fighting to live in accordance with what salvation brings.

"and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:11

What is the first word or phrase that rolls off your tongue? Is it gossip, complaints, or words of encouragement? We are called to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. So make it known verbally to those around you that he is your Saviour.

Let this generation declare Jesus in this world,
praising and confessing that he is our Lord Jesus Christ!

"that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth," Philippians 2:10

What is my first response when I see, hear, or think about the name of Jesus? Bowing indicates respect, it acknowledges someone is greater than yourself. A sign of worship of which Jesus is certainly worthy and deserving. 

How often do I bow at the name of Jesus?
Or have I ever?

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name," Philippians 2:9

We focus on the immediate implications. Jesus is no longer with us in person, our long-awaited king is no more. There is hope in suffering. God exalted Jesus to his rightful place: undefeated, eternal King!

See beyond the present and see the hope through God's eyes.
Praise him for his faithfulness.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

If I'm told to do something that I don't agree with, I wouldn't do it. But if I'm forced to, I wouldn't do so willingly nor happily. Jesus didn't want to. He asked if God the Father would take this cup from him.

Humble myself and obediently follow God's will 
even if it's not what I want.

"but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." Philippians 2:7

We don't like to make ourselves nothing. We feel insecure because we have nothing to hold onto. But Jesus as God did exactly that. He let go of everything - his kingship, his possessions, and his honour. He did all that for us.

What if being human in itself is being nothing? 
I am nothing without God.    

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped," Philippians 2:6

Jesus is God. Yet he did not hold tightly onto this status or title. He knew his identity and lived accordingly to accomplish God's plans and purposes. Jesus did not misuse what he was given.

Following Jesus as our role model,
know our identity in God to undividedly further his kingdom.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:5

Whatever Jesus' thoughts, perspectives, and feelings are, so should mine be. Don't let others or things get in the way of this. When we have the same attitude as Jesus, our lifestyle will be the same too.

Start by having the same attitude as Jesus,
everything else will follow.

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" Philippians 2:4

This verse doesn't tell us to exclusively look to others' interests and always seeking their interests first. This is not permission to neglect ourselves and self-sabotage. There is a balance between looking after ourselves and others.

Learn to care inwardly and outwardly.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Living for God means not putting our own intentions and desires first. There are other people to consider. See the strengths in others, without putting myself down. A gesture not from a place of pride or achievements.

Living humbly is making a stand for the gospel.

"then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" Philippians 2:2

It is challenging to be a team with others. Everyone is so different with their own perspectives and upbringing. But in God there is a way to be united yet remain individually unique. Because of him, there is a greater purpose than ourselves.

God's heart is for oneness.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion." Philippians 2:1

God offers so much to us. Each of the trinity has a different role in our life. So when I consider what I find in God, are they the things Paul has listed? Is my understanding of God's gifts in-line with God's intention?

Experience all of what God offers the way he designed it to be.

"since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." Philippians 1:30

We see and hear of struggles other people go through. We foolishly think that it won't happen to us. I'll pray for you to endure these hardships and come out stronger in faith. But not me.

Don't think your road will be any different, 
you will not be excused from life's struggles.

"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him" Philippians 1:29

We often consider only the good things that God will give to us - his grace, love, freedom and so on. Our decision-making is skewed on the benefits we will reap. Yet it is clear in this verse that we will suffer for him too. This is a part of following Jesus.

Sincerely receive the whole package from God.