“I am in the midst of you as he that serveth.” Luke 22: 27
Happy Friday! One way we can all spread the love every Friday, and be humble is to serve others! So ask yourself what can I do to serve others. Often it is the little things in life that make the biggest difference. Take a look around. Provide a kind word to someone who is going through a difficult time. Maybe call a friend you haven’t spoken to lately. Help someone who is overloaded at work. Help a sick neighbor with their lawn work. There is always something we can do.
This Friday humble yourself before God by serving others. God bless you.
I’m truly honored to have been nominated by Joe of Lighthouse Devotionsand T. R. Noble of Inside Cup for the Light of the World Award. I strive everyday to let God’s light shine through me and find this Award to be a blessing to my ministry. Thank you Joe and T. R. Noble. Take a few minutes to enjoy both blogs. You will walk away feeling blessed.
Light of the World Award
The Apostle Paul said, “Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due”. Romans 13:7
“I believe that true believers and followers of Jesus Christ are actually like lighthouses for God. For this reason and because Jesus Himself said that we are the ‘light of the world,’ I decided to create The Light of the World Award to honor authors (bloggers) whose presence on the web serves as a shining light for Christ and His Gospel of salvation.” Joe Rodriguez, Award Creator (Lighthouse Devotions)
My Answers to Joe’s Questions
What three words would you use to describe your blog? Inspirational, Healing, Blessings
In what way(s) can a Christian shine for Christ? We all have God given gifts. Each person’s gifts are different. When Christians use their gifts and strive to live like Christ, we shine for Christ. No one is perfect, but people are always watching. It’s important that we make good decisions and have good attitudes, especially when we are having a bad day. As we walk with Christ, others will be drawn to us and we can share our beliefs. Never let an opportunity pass. It may be the only chance you have to shine in that person’s life for Christ.
What bible verse (quote it) talks about being a light in a dark and lost world? For once you were darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]
EPHESIANS 5:8 AMP
What Christian song do you know that has the word “light” in it? Provide a link if available. I have a couple of favorites. First So Will I (100 Million X) by Hillsong UNITED. The lyrics begin “God of creation there at the start before the beginning of time with no point of reference you you spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light . . .”
—I also enjoy listening to the upbeat song called Start a Fire by Unspoken.
Lyrics
This world can be cold and bitter
Feels like we’re in the dead of winter
Waiting on something better
But am I really gonna hide forever?
Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
Let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see
Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So there’s no doubt or denying
Let it burn so brightly
That everyone around can see
That it’s You, that it’s You that we need
Start a fire in me
You only need a spark to start a whole blaze
It only takes a little faith
Let it start right here in this city
So these old walls will never be the same
Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
They need to know
I need to go
Spirit won’t You fall on my heart now
Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So…
My Nominations
Faith Love Soul. Yamina strives to help people to live their personal best life. Her tips are great and will uplift you along the way.
New Creation Ministries . There are many ways to shine your light, and Ellie is does it with nutrition. I’m so thankful for posts that are helpful in living a healthy life.
GodInspiredArt&Quotes. Tammy shines God’s light through her bubbly personality. I always enjoy chatting with her. Her blog features God inspired art.
Dr. Charles Earl Harrel What a blessing it has been to get to know Dr. Charles Earl Harrel, minister and author. If you haven’t already picked up his book The Greatest Moment, do so right away and visit his blog. God’s light shines through his work.
Taking Up My Cross this young writer inspires me with his knowledge. He uses every day situations to teach God’s word.
I’ve recently discovered Walking In God’s promises. The author uses delightful life stories to share how God is at work in our lives daily.
Tonya Batterson LaLonde touches my heart with her encouraging posts. Visit her blog and see how God’s light is shining through her
The Rules
Save and add the award image (pictured above) on your blog.
Create a page/post to mention the award nomination and thank the person/blog that nominated you. Make sure you provide a link to their site.
Give credit to the creator of the award (Lighthouse Devotions) and provide a link to the site as well. (http://www.Lighthousedevotions.blog)
List the rules.
Answer the next four questions on the same post:
What three words would you use to describe your blog?
In what way(s) can a Christian shine for Christ?
What bible verse (quote it) talks about being a light in a dark and lost world?
What Christian song do you know that has the word “light” in it? Provide a link if available.
Nominate 7 or more people/blogs to receive the award. Briefly explain why you think they should receive it and provide a link to their sites.
Contact them and let them know that you nominated them.
Provide them with a link to the Rules page.
Say a prayer thanking God for His light and ask that He continue to shine it through you and your blog.
Keep shining the light of Christ wherever you go and in whatever you do!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14 (NAS)
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32
Good morning from beautiful New Orleans! It is amazing how fast a few days go by when I’m on vacation. Maybe it’s because I’m super busy or maybe because I’m having a wonderful time. Last night I took a boat tour on the Natchez. No matter how many times my southern accent tries to enunciate this name correctly, I just can’t seem to get it. Lol. Let’s just say, I don’t blend. When I speak, it sounds like I just came off Scarlet O’Hara’s Plantation, Tara.
The Natchez was wonderful. I might have been the only passenger without a family, so I had the opportunity to listen to the jazz music, study my school work, enjoy the view, and eat some of the most delicious food I’ve ever enjoyed. Now, that is something good. The Natchez came back early for a fire works show. As I was wandering to a spot to call my Lift driver, I saw Cafe Beignet. Now, I have been wanting to try beignets since I arrived. I picked up my warm beignets and headed back to my hotel room. The Lift driver asked me “what smells so delicious?” Well, let me just say, Beignets are a treat from heaven. I’ve never experienced anything like them. They were delicious and worth the wait. I may have to do a little extra walking today and every day for the rest of my life.
At the conference yesterday and again today, I am reviewing resumes. This is my second year serving at a national conference in this capacity. I think I may have learned more than the people visiting my table. Yesterday, I spoke with a man about my age looking to change careers, a young man still going to school and thinking about the future, and a doctor who needed to break free from her university job. Helping others is a great way to learn. Plus, I enjoy hearing their stories. I pray that I was able to provide a little guidance.
After lunch I took a tour of the Biomedical District in New Orleans and sat by another planner from Bermuda. He was very interesting and I was able to share my Christian beliefs in casual conversation. I think God allowed me to come here to hear different life stories. I’ve heard many and I’m a better person from the experience.
I have a packed schedule today, so I will close for now. Have a wonderful day and embrace the opportunity to share something good. God bless you.
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Good Morning. It’s Try Something New Tuesday. What will you try today?
I have found that when we try new things, our perspective changes. It can be something as small as sitting somewhere new in church. Many of us are accustomed to sitting in the same place every week. Try a different location. Things will appear different. With my job, I have a different perspective depending on whether I am walking or driving the area. I notice different things.
In this time where everyone wants gender integrated civic clubs and meetings, I’m going to suggest something bold. It’s okay to have meetings where there are only women or only men. I don’t say this because of fear of affairs or rumors of affairs when the two mix, but because sometimes women learn from and enjoy the company of other women. The same holds true for men. Sometimes men learn from other men and enjoy the company of other men.
I’ve been attending a Monday night Women’s Bible Study class for a little over a month. The class is held by a different denomination in a nearby town. When first invited, I must admit I was hesitant. I only knew one lady, and the meeting was twenty miles away after a long day at work. I’m so glad I took her up on the offer. I have gained new perspective on Scriptures and I have made about 20 new friends. We call each other sisters. It’s definitely girl fun time, but not the kind of fun time you see in movies. It’s a time of caring for one another and studying God’s word. I realize to some of you this might sound boring, but I assure you it isn’t boring and at the end of the day, my conscience doesn’t bother me. I didn’t realize I was missing this in my life. Sometimes God answers prayers when we aren’t paying attention. This has been an answered prayer for me.
I encourage you to seek out a Bible Study group in your area. God bless you.
Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull and sluggish in [your spiritual] hearing and disinclined to listen. For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is [doctrinally inexperienced and] unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a spiritual infant. But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil.
HEBREWS 5:11-14 AMP
Happy Tuesday. It’s a great time to try something new!
Have you ever considered how difficult it must have been for early Christians? Sometimes we make a small change in church and I have a difficult time adjusting. Many of the early Christians left behind all their family and friends. They faced opposition, which often meant death. Jesus’s brother James and James Zebedee were executed at the commands of Herod Agrippa. During Nero’s reign, to cut down on the growth of Christianity, there were organized massacres of Christians. Christianity was seen as a wicked superstition.
Early Christians were forced to question all their beliefs and traditions, and shift to a whole new lifestyle and way of thinking. Suddenly, they didn’t need a high priest to pray for them. They could pray directly to God through Jesus’s name. They became ministers to others. On top of all that, they were taught to take care of their neighbors, the sick, the poor, the widows, and the children left in the street. They were required to begin living a very strict moral life immediately. This only scratches the surface of changes. Yet, Christianity continued to grow.
It’s no wonder the early Christians stopped listening when the author of Hebrews was teaching them. Still, this scripture makes a very poignant statement. As Christians we need to continue to read, study, pray and grow. Being a Christian is not only for Sunday morning. It’s all week. It’s praying without ceasing. It’s continually studying the Bible. It’s growing closer to God.
Today, try something new. Grow as a Christian! God bless you.
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
Happy Monday! This was a fast weekend. I had some fun time with Landon. We blew bubbles, rescued caterpillars and sang songs. What a great way to spend Saturday! Saturday afternoon I prepared my Sunday School lesson with excitement. I had obtained some props several months back in hopes of being able to teach about blood covenants. Sunday would be the day and man was I excited. I woke up at 4 am and got ready for church because Landon was coming back over to go with us to church. Hmm. What is that quote about best laid plans? Well, I just couldn’t do it. The earache, sinus headache, fever and stiff, achy joints were too much to fight. I was disappointed with myself and with not being able to do what I wanted to do. That has happened to me more often than not lately. So, I’ve been trying to lighten my load a little. Let me tell you, it is easier to agree to do something than it is to back out down the road. Don’t give in to the pressure, if you know you are unable to follow through. If something changes in your life, let others know as soon as possible.
Last night we had a whopper of a storm come through in the middle of the night. I woke up to the sound of a frightened Great Dane standing over the bed. Just like a little child Singer was shaking, panting, and drooling. She was scared of the thunder and lightning. Dominic wasn’t making her life any easier either. He was stretched out on the chest at the foot of the bed ready to pop her if she made a move. The night before she had been scared because of noises in the attic. The good news for me is the storm settled the pollen and I feel better.
Funny, sometimes we behave much the same way as Singer. When we are frightened and untrusting, the enemy lies in our path waiting to make our lives more difficult. When we trust God, everything falls into place in the right time.
I hope you have a wonderful Monday. God bless you.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Good Morning. Today is the last day of my mini vacation. I needed a few days to recover from so many long days at work and to catch up on some school work. I’m pleased to say that my house looks better and I have written two essays. The essays are still being edited, but I am pleased at the progress I was able to make. Also, this past weekend was birthday weekend. One of my children was born on the 9th and the other on the 11th. It was nice to have everyone here to celebrate.
Throughout the week I enjoyed the company of my husband, Dominic and Singer. The very playful Dominic will be a year old on the 23rd. It has been nice to wake up with him stretched out beside me in the mornings. I’ve heard it said that all good things must come to an end, but I just jump from one good thing to another.
The second most important commandment is to love your neighbors as you love yourselves. You may wonder how you can do this when families can’t even get along. One way is to be mindful of your conversations. As you go out today, I encourage you to be careful what you say and how you interpret what others say. In fact, if there is the slightest chance that you might be misunderstood, don’t text. Texting lacks tone and can be easily misconstrued. There is nothing wrong with speaking your mind, but choose your words and approach carefully. While the receiver may forgive you, some words will not be forgotten. I encourage you to be careful how you interpret what someone is saying. Often that means stepping outside yourself and thinking of the other person’s perspective. Be careful when you blame someone. The situation may be different from what it seems. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Be careful not to overlook or take some people’s efforts for granted in the recognition of others. Finally, hang on the words of God.
I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Happy Monday! It’s a great time to share something good. I want to share about my husbands Chicken Soup. It was the most-perfect thing that I could have put in my mouth last night. There’s something about comforting food and good company that really makes us feel good. I had both, and managed to stay on track with weight watchers. After three weeks, I have lost twelve pounds. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I feel good about losing 12 pounds during the holidays. Plus, I haven’t felt too deprived. I have been on the weight watchers program many times over the years, but the new Freestyle program is the best yet. If you are searching for a program, maybe this will work for you too. I will provide updates from time to time, so you can also share your experiences if you’d like. It’s always good to have a weight loss and exercise buddy.
Have you ever thought you weren’t special? Have you felt like you have nothing to really offer the world? Do you feel overshadowed and like you need to shine? Everyone is special and loved by God. Everyone! Please know that each of us have special gifts. We are not all alike. Sometimes we may want to be like someone else, but that is really cheating ourselves and God. Our gifts are equally special. God calls us to use our gifts in different ways. Regardless to what our gifts are or how we use them, we will be rewarded equally in heaven if we are using them as we are called. If God calls you to be a greeter at church, don’t feel insignificant. I know one particular greeter at our church that gives me reason to show up every week. If you are not a minister, you should not feel that you don’t count. If God calls you to be a minister, you should not look down on the ladies and men who cook and deliver food. Each person’s job is important. I appreciate all the roles. What I think is most important is how you feel in your heart when you are doing God’s work. Do you put on a smile and say “I’m doing my best for you today God”? You should. Every person has different gifts and each gift is unique.
As you go into the world today, use your gifts to make a difference. God bless you.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
Happy Thursday from a very cold and rainy Florida. I’m studying this morning with my grandson by my side. We started the day with Landon taking a drive in his new car.
Have you ever felt like your emotional steering was out-of-control; like you were running off road? Do you need to get your life back on track? Often during the holidays we have a little extra stress, and may find ourselves being short-tempered with our family. If this describes you or what has happened to you, let it go. Forgive your family and friends. Life is too short to hold grudges and stay away from the people we love. You might miss out on moments like the ones in the photos above. It’s important to remember that we don’t all think and behave alike. Usually the ones who hurt our feelings don’t even know it. Sometimes bad things happen to where we can’t be around our family and/or friends. Forgive them and yourself even if you can’t be around them any more.
Today, forgive yourselves and others, as Christ has forgiven us. God bless you.
Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You–
JEREMIAH 32:17 AMP
Good Morning! Every day we are one day closer to Christmas. Are you beginning to feel anxious about commitments, money, time, and gifts? You are not alone. One answer is to do everything for God.
This morning I woke up, looked around and wanted to go back to bed. Every night this week I came home late, and our home is a mess. I have a stack of presents to wrap. I have yet to decorate the house, and oh boy do my joints hurt. I know you must be thinking, well, this post is a little different. I can tell you that all my grumbling didn’t make me feel any better. So, my plan is to put on some Christmas music to lift my spirit, and get busy. It’s amazing what I can accomplish when I stop complaining and feeling sorry for myself. Let me add one more point. Talk to God while you work. If you are having fun dancing, singing and talking to God, the time will fly. You won’t feel like you worked on your day off either. Most of all, remember why we celebrate Christmas.
I challenge you today to take on all the dreaded tasks with a cheerful heart. God bless you.
So, my plan is to put on some Christmas music to lift my spirit, and get busy. It’s amazing what I can accomplish when I stop complaining and feeling sorry for myself. Let me add one more point. Talk to God while you work. If you are having fun dancing, singing and talking to God, the time will fly. You won’t feel like you worked on your day off either. Most of all, remember why we celebrate Christmas.