Shine Your Light!

Today, more than most days during the year, I am reminded that I am serving the LIGHT of the world. While everyone else is celebrating darkness, fear, horror, and gore in the name of a good time, I realize how much work needs to be done for the Kingdom of God.

Jesus told us that we are God's light. We can't hide our lights under bushels. We have to place them on a pedestal so everyone can see the great luminance of of our God. Everyone should see God's light shining from us every day at all times.

Too often, we do hide our lights under bushels. Many times we hide our lights in order to blend in with the world we are supposed to be leading to the light. We quench our own fires in order to be found more acceptable by people who are lost in darkness. We would rather not 'bother' or 'annoy' someone who is on their way to an eternal life of misery than show them the answer we have found.

We have the light! We know the way for those in darkness to see! We have the answers to their questions. We know the way they can find peace.

We cannot afford to hide our light. We cannot afford to hold back the message of Jesus Christ. The world is crying out for answers but can't find their way because there is so much darkness surrounding them.

Don't let your light be hidden. Don't hold back the gift of eternal life from those who so desperately need it. Choose to place your light on a pedestal. Choose to open your mouth and share your testimony. Choose to offer Christ's love to someone in need.

Let your light shine, so others can find their way to salvation.

Verse of the Day: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Prayer For Today

This morning, America is waking up and checking on the damage that Hurricane Sandy left on the East Coast. We already know that lives have been lost, homes and businesses destroyed, and landmarks demolished. People are still without power, some are stranded in their homes, and waters are still pooling in the streets and buildings of numerous cities.

Today, I wanted to pray for those affected by this storm.

Father, please be with those who were impacted by this hurricane. Thank You for keeping millions through the night and not allowing the damage to be as enormous as some were predicting. Strengthen those who feel weak, send your healing power to those who were injured. Comfort those who are hurting, and send help to those in need.

Lord, give wisdom to all who now have to figure out how to navigate a way back through the mess that was created. Bless all the leaders, officials, directors, and managers who are making decisions on today. Give knowledge and understanding to the business owners, heads of households, and others in authority as they decide what to do and when.

God, only You can help us to go about each day. Only You can guide our footsteps with surety that will not fail. Only You can show us the pathways when we see nothing. Only You know exactly how to help us face what we have never seen.

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your comfort. Thank You for Your peace.

Amen.

Verse of the Day: But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. Isaiah 25:4

Seeing God in Everything

Some of the greatest and most poignant passages of scripture were written in fields as a man was tending sheep. While watching after his flock, David penned psalms of praise to the Lord. Looking after his lambs, David found ways that his relationship with his herd mirrored his relationship with the Lord. In the midst of his regular routine, David was able to find God.

Today, I want to encourage you to find God in your regular routine. Think about your activities and how they mirror your Christian walk. As you take care of different tasks throughout the day, find moments to lift up praise and worship to your heavenly Father. As you interact with others, choose to remember the love of Christ and allow that to influence your behavior.

Maybe you'd like to go a step further. Take a short break and pen a poem or paragraph to the Lord. Express to Him what's on your heart. Pour out to Him whatever you are feeling. What I love about David was that nothing was off limits. He was totally transparent before God. Whether he was afraid, angry, restless, joyful, or somber, David expressed it to God and was able to still honor the Lord in the midst of any situation. You, too, can do the same.

Let today be a day of wonder, reflection, and praise to the Lord. Honor the Lord in your work, study, play, and fellowship. Recognize God in the world around you. Spend time worshipping Him in all that you do.

Verse of the Day:  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3

Thanksgiving Friday!

Hello Everyone! Sorry I missed out on posting this morning. Still - today is a day of thanksgiving!

This week I'm thankful for the Lord's joy. In spite of so many different issues, circumstances, and things that I had to work through, I remained full of joy. God has kept a song in my heart and a smile on my face. The joy of the Lord really is strength. Thank You, Lord for Your joy.

I'm also grateful for my purpose in God. I've spent some time in prayer, and God has reminded me of his promises for my life. I am so humbled and amazed by what God has chosen for me to fulfill while I'm here. My present and future are bright, and I'm flying like an eagle! I thank God for granting me favor. Thank You, Jesus!

Finally, I'm thankful for the amazing weather Chicago has been experiencing. It's been a breath of fresh air to have these warmer temps. I know winter's frost is coming, but I have enjoyed the sunny skies and balmy weather. Thank You, Lord!

What are you thankful for this week? How has the Lord blessed you? Be sure to stop and give God praise!

Verse of the Day: O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Psalm 105:1

Keep Growing!

God is helping me. He is strengthening my mind and heart. He is causing me to understand what it means to lean not to my own understanding. Where I would usually spazz out or get upset or be frustrated, I find myself encouraging myself, taking moments to pray and calm down, and choosing to walk in love.

So glad I'm growing.

Today, I want to encourage you to keep pressing toward the mark of the prize of your high calling in Jesus Christ. Don't get weary in well doing. Don't get complacent in your journey with the Lord. Trust that the Lord is leading you to great things. Embrace moments where you can experience God's supernatural power and strength.

Don't let circumstances, feelings and emotions, and old memories block you from moving forward in God. Take charge of your actions and choose to remain on the Lord's side.

And keep growing in the Lord.

Choose to be blessed today. Choose to be like Christ.

Verse of the Day: Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit... Jeremiah 12:2a

Listening to the Lord

Today is a day of prayer for me. I am purposing in my heart to offer up continual prayer throughout the day. I am especially opening up my ears to hear what God has to say to me instead of just listing out my items.

Prayer is vital to our lives as believers. Communication with our Father keeps us in tune with what He is doing and gives us guidance as we go through life.

Jesus led a life of prayer. He was always consulting the Father, always listening to hear from the Lord. Those times of prayer let Jesus know when to be baptized, when to go into the wilderness, when to begin His ministry, and which cities He was to visit. Every move Jesus made and word He spoke was initiated by God's Word.

Are you living a life that is led by the Lord? Are you allowing the Lord to guide your footsteps, words, and decisions?

Prayer is not just a time for us to bring petitions before God. It's not supposed to be just a session where we list out all our wants, needs, and desires.

Prayer is a time for us to get in to God's presence and listen to what He has to say! Prayer is our special opportunity to hear God's strategies for what He wants to do with our lives.

Today, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer as well. Turn of the iTunes, tv, and internet. Hang up the phone. Get still and listen for God's voice. Really listen to what He has to say to you today. You may be surprised by what treasures He has to share with you.

Verse of the Day: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

Is Your Light Shining In Darkness, Or Just Brightening Up An Already Lit Room?

In my last class, I came across something interesting in my reading concerning evangelism. Most people get saved because of a friend or family member who leads them to Christ. The majority of people don't get saved in a church setting.

On top of that, most of the active evangelists are new Christians. Most Christians who have been saved for some years don't evangelize. We are too busy socializing with our saved friends, attending our Christian events, dealing with our Christian issues... The lost doesn't come up that much. Sure, we talk about saving souls and winning the world for Christ. Yet, when it comes down to it, we are usually preaching to the choir.

Now, as I was reading I was struck. That is me plain and simple. I have to go back to my college days to identify any friends I have that do not know the Lord. Right now, my contact list is full of saints. I'm missing it somewhere. I need to broaden my circle.

Jesus did leave us a great example. When He came to earth, He didn't hang with the rabbis, the leaders of the church, or the priest. Jesus kicked it with the tax collectors, the publicans, and those that were despised by the society of His day.

Why?

Because they were the ones who needed His light. They were the ones who needed to have the Kingdom revealed to them. They were the ones who were lost. And Jesus came right in and showed them the way to right standing with God.

So, for all of us (I am definitely included), how many people in darkness are benefiting from our light? How many friends do we have that don't know the Lord? When is the last time that we were able to share our testimony with one of our friends or loved ones? How often do we get to model Christ to someone who truly does not know Him?

We were all told to go into the world and preach the gospel. Too many of us are staying comfortable in our self-made bubbles and not venturing into the world.

Today, ask the Lord to show you someone who needs your Christian friendship. Ask God to send someone who is truly lost across your path. Open up your mouth and share your testimony with that loved one that you know needs Jesus. Take some time and show concern about someone's eternal well-being today.

Every day is an opportunity for us to be like Christ. We have the benefits of salvation and freedom from sin. There is a whole world out there that is dying to get what we have.

Verse of the Day: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15