Shine Your Light

Arise, shine, for your light has come,and the glory of the Lord Rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.Nations will come to your light,and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:1-3

Have you ever thought about that maybe just maybe you don't need to be so concerned about all the mess happening in America right now? Seriously. You do need to be praying but not be worrying and building survival shelters. 

Do you believe and trust that God has a plan and His plan often does not include what you as a mere human may think. He uses people too, that you may least suspect to accomplish His purposes. 

What is your job you might ask? It is to shine in the midst of a chaotic world. Each and every day get up and go out with joy and confidence knowing with God things will be okay. 

PRAYER: Each and every day I need you Lord. I need your word to help recharge that spiritual light inside of me. Use me today as I go about doing my daily duties. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Be His Light

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15

When I was a child I loved to sing the song "This Little Light of Mine" and I still think it is a neat song I never outgrow. It paints such a  vivid word picture of what we as a believer are to do. Let your light shine and do not hide it and do not let Satan blow it out. 

Ask yourself if you are being a light for Jesus where you go each day. The workplace, your home, running errands, in school.  We are to be able to attest to the love of Jesus to anyone who may ask. 

Today Lord I want others to see you through me. Help me show love to those around me no matter how difficult it may be.

PRAYER: I am your sunbeam and your little light Lord. I want your light to shine bright through me so I can proclaim your love to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

STORM CLOUDS DON'T STOP US!

As I sit on my back porch writing, ominous looking black storm clouds are forming overhead. There is the sound of distant rumbling indicating an approaching storm. My area is all too familiar with threatening storms.

Looking at the dark clouds up in the sky reminds me of the darkness that can overshadow a life when people stray from God's path. It does not mean that we can not return again to the light of Jesus. Darkness can consume a person. The way to get rid of darkness is to flip on a light switch, light a candle or open the shades. Darkness has to leave when floods of light come in.

1 John 1:5-7(NIV) says 'This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness,we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.'

Often times a person can be dabbling in the "darkness" being deceived by Satan, the father of lies. It is necessary to pray that the truth and light come into your life or the life of the loved one you may be praying for. Light and darkness can not co-exist.

The late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.' Guess where love originates? With God of course!

There is good and there is evil in the world around us. We are in a battle for our very souls. Satan is on one side deceiving, tricking, lying, corrupting, stealing, and suffocating people and God is there with the truth, mercy, forgiveness,and love waiting with open arms for people to run back to Him and out of the darkness. Spiritual warfare is what it is called.

To fight the battle you have to be armed and ready. You can not just dabble for one hour each Sunday and not take this seriously. This requires "arming" yourself and getting serious about the truth. Satan loves it when people are just "dabblers" or "Sunday Christians" then he can do his best to keep you in spiritual darkness. You have no power because you are not serious enough to know the word of God.

Today is the day to get serious about loving God and winning the war of good versus evil we are in. Shine the light to get rid of the darkness.

PRAYER: Today Lord I will not allow the darkness and storms of this life to consume me. I refuse to allow Satan to gain a foothold in my life. I choose today to pray not only for myself but for others close to me who may be caught up in dark storm clouds and have lost their way. Bring them back to the light of Jesus! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Assignment: Read Ephesians 6:10-20 about spiritual warfare.

GODLY ENCOUNTERS

 A good prayer to pray for yourself before you head out the door each day would be "Lord use me in someones life today to make a difference." I have to admit my intentions are good but sometimes I forget to pray that. When you do pray this be prepared for whatever encounter you may have. I have had some memorable ones throughout the years.

Last Friday as I wrote in a local coffee shop, a man came in who seemed to be slightly mentally challenged. He struck up a conversation with me and I thought he was saying "I am having an Alabama omelet" when in fact he said "who are you for,.Alabama or Auburn?" Ha ha. Get the hearing aids out Becky. Anyway it was only a brief encounter but I was nice and smiled. You never know how your kindness will affect someone.

There have been times when I felt disturbed by distractions or interruptions when I was trying to get my writing done and then realized "hey Becky you represent Jesus and represent Him to the world around you so be careful and do not repel people."

There may be all sorts of people who need a touch of Jesus' love out there in a gesture as simple as a smile. We all can smile I assume. When you go about your day be open to opportunities to shine Jesus' light out in to the "dark" world around you.

Keep alert throughout your day for how you are a witness for Jesus. If you have a Christian sticker on your car better not be speeding. Perhaps you wear a huge cross around your neck. Then make sure you represent Christ well.

Matthew 5:16(NASB) says 'Let your light shine before men in such a way, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Are you prepared for your Godly encounter?

PRAYER: Lord each day I know there are opportunities to shine your light and express love to those who I come into contact with. I am in a mission field wherever it is you have placed me. There is no need to travel to Africa as hurting needy people are right on my doorstep so to speak. Open my eyes to ways I can shine your light in the world I am in. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHANGE YOUR WORLD

Look around you. Are you happy with the way things are going in our world? Do you realize you can complain about things or you can be instrumental in trying to change things?

 First of all pray and ask God what He would have you do to impact your world in a positive way. For instance, if things are happening in our government that are against the word of God, and there are many, then take a stand for what is true and right or suffer the consequences. One example is the marriage battle raging now. Marriage is between one man and one woman.  God designed men and women to help each other and also reproduce to keep life going. No way can two men produce a baby. Satan has deceived many into believing the world's lies but it is crystal clear in the Bible what marriage is. Many Christians have bought into this lie and there are some caught in the trap of same sex attraction. When we disagree we are told we "hate them". That is pretty strong language for simply following the word of God. No one hates anyone.

There are many other examples of how you can positively change your world. Do not always wait for someone else to do something. Pray and get going. Above all, do things in the spirit of love and be kind and compassionate in whatever you do. Be Christlike in other words.Colossians 3:17(NIV) says '

Wherever we go try to be at peace. Praise  God regardless of what is happening. Keep praying and never give up as it says in Luke 18:1.
 Romans 12:12(NIV) says 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.' Often times the road is long and time consuming trying to bring about changes. Think of the battle to end abortion which has been going on for 40 years.  Don't give up. Keep running your race to win. 

 You indeed can have a positive impact on your world. Never think you do not matter. Above all show kindness, trust not fear, keep running and looking ahead. Always remember what it says in Romans 8:31(NIV) and that is 'what shall we say in response to these things? If God is for me who can be against me.'

PRAYER:Lord I want to impact my world for Christ. Whether it is on the mission field in a far off land or the mission field in my own back yard. Convict my heart of how I can serve you and make a change in my world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LIGHT STOPS DARKNESS

 It is a pretty commonly understood fact that when you enter a dark
room and flip on the light switch, instantly the room becomes
illuminated with light. If you are camping in the woods and at

nightfall as the sun sets you build a campfire, you once again are in

the light. When your electricity goes out in a storm you either get a
flashlight or light a candle. Once again you get the same result and
that is the room becomes lit up and you no longer have a chance of
stumbling in the darkness.

In God's word, the Bible, Satan is referred to in terms of darkness
and Jesus as being the light. Light always wins over darkness. You can
not keep darkness around with the presence of light.

Are you being a light for Jesus in the world you are in each day?
Does your presence light up a room or make no difference at all? We

all who claim to know and follow him should be lights for Him. I
remember a child hood song called A Sunbeam. It went something like
this, "A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam a
sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for Him". Can you and will you make an
effort to me that "Sunbeam for Jesus" wherever you go during your day?
You are in the grocery so smile at people. Be kind to others by
opening a door or two. At work be responsible and polite and do not

enter into work place gossip.I am sure you can think of other

examples.

The light of the world is Jesus but darkness does not like the light.
Satan does not like Jesus or any of those of us who are His followers.
You can expect evil things and dark things when you refer to the
enemy. John 3:19 says 'This is the verdict. Light has come into the
world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were
evil.' Good equals Jesus and light and evil and Satan represents darkness.

 

 Let me leave you with a couple verses the first being also from the
book of John chapter one verse 5 and it says 'the light shines in the
darkness but the darkness understood it not.' Those who do not have
the light of Jesus in their hearts perhaps can not understand the
things of God. Finally 1 Corinthians 1:18(NIV) says it plainly when it
says 'The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.'
Never stop shining the light of Jesus into the darkness of this world.

PRAYER: Lord I want to light up the world around me with your love.
Help me expose the deeds of darkness around mead protect me Lord as
the enemy does not like us to talk about Jesus and salvation. Help me
to show love and shine your light even on those who shun me. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

Click on link below and worship the Lord with a powerful song.
http://youtu.be/CVqR6kTu8lE

GOLD IS GOOD

The word "gold" is passed around lots these days. Gold has a meaning
that refers to money or something special. Take for instance the Ft
Knox Gold Vault in Kentucky where gold bullion is stored. Gold coins
are touted as a good investment. There is a "gold" card member in
Starbucks sort of signifying you are a special frequent customer.
"Gold" status can be gained on your credit card too allowing you many
perks or as a frequent flyer. A band of "gold" often symbolizes the
marriage of man and wife. So a "gold thing" apparently seems to be a
"good thing".

Gold is imperishable. It is sought after by many. Back in the early
history of the American West many went to California seeking their
fortune in mining gold. There is a show on Discovery Channel about
gold in Alaska called "Gold Rush". It is still highly valued and
sought after by man.

In the Bible gold is referred to many times. In Proverbs 25:11(NIV) it
says 'a word aptly spoken is like gold in settings of silver.' In
Psalm 19:9-10(NIV) gold is used to describe the laws of God. It says
'The fear of the Lord is pure enduring forever. The ordinances of the
Lord are sure and righteous altogether.They are more precious than
gold, than much pure gold, they are sweeter than honey, than honey
from the comb.' Now that is quite a word picture.

The word gold is often used in the context of a good thing when a
person gets a "golden opportunity". Gold never seems to imply anything
bad. The Bible tells us that heaven streets are paved with gold. (See
Revelation chapter 21). It is mentioned in 1 Peter 3:3(NIV) that
ladies adorning should not be only wearing gold jewelry, so even in
this verse it draws attention to gold being something that gets
noticed. It definitely is special to God.

What are you doing in your life to be 'golden' for the Lord? Basically
are you a vessel He can be proud of and one that could be compared to
a gold treasure? Just something to think about in 2013.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus your word to me is more precious than gold. I want
to hide it in my heart. If there was a tornado I would want to grab
the Bible to have with me in my storm shelter. I desire to sparkle
like gold for you Jesus wherever I go. In Jesus name. Amen.
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IMPACT YOUR WORLD

Recently I was watching a Christian film on TV with sort of the same type spin as the classic film "It's A Wonderful Life" where the main character was tempted to not want to follow Christ anymore since it was not "cool" or fun, or so he thought. He made the comment to God in prayer, 'I wish I were not a Christian' or something to that effect and an "angel" allowed him to have his wish. Similar to Jimmy Stewarts character, George Bailey, in the classic Christmas film, this young man got to see what it would be like if he had not been working for the Lord with his daily witness for Him. He found out how many lives had been impacted and even people whose lives had been saved.

You may not feel like you make much a difference in the world thinking you are no "Billy Graham" but each person does impact others lives. We each are a witness for Christ in our own circle of friends, our family, and wherever life takes us. Not everyone has to be on TV to make a difference. You are used by the Lord just where you are. So I guess the question to ask yourself is how are you doing and by this I mean do you end up doing things to gain your friends approval even though you know you are wrong or do you stand strong and "light" the world for Jesus?

The Bible says in Mark 8:38(NIV) 'If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation then the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father's glory with His holy angels.' Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right in this sinful world. Be strong and keep at it. Keep praying. God has "got your back" so to speak.

Let me end with Colossians 3:17(NIV) which says 'And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.'

PRAYER:Lord help me as each day I seek to light up the world around me for your kingdom. Give me boldness,strength, and courage for the task at hand. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a powerful song of praise.

http://youtu.be/yiSix6Stilo

MISSIONARY TO AMERICA

When you think of missionaries what comes to mind? Africa perhaps or Honduras or India? Have you ever considered that where you live is a mission field?  We are all called to share Jesus love with those around us. You do not need to spend thousands of dollars and go to Africa although that is a worthy cause and helps to fulfill the Great commission and is a good heart changer I hear. You may be reading this not from America but from perhaps Europe or Asia somewhere then where you live and work  is your mission field if you are a believer.

Where are you right now?  A doctor waiting room perhaps?At home? Maybe the service waiting area of your local car dealer waiting for oil change or waiting for a child to get finished with lessons at some sort waiting area with other moms.  Maybe you are at work. Perhaps you are getting ready to go out with friends. The point is wherever you are or wherever you go as a follower of Christ we are to be his witnesses or 'missionaries' to a hurting world around us. Smile at people. You rarely see many people smiling so that alone is a good witness. Be courteous and kind to others. Help with a need if you are able to. Get beyond yourself and make an impact in someone else's life. Do not walk around angry and revengeful but walk in peace and love.


Matthew 5:13-16 says “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Now go out in Jesus love and be a light in your world!

PRAYER: Father thank you for equipping me to go out and share your love with others through my words and actions. Help me recognize opportunities to share your love with those you put in my path daily. In Jesus name. Amen.