Beauty and Blessings by Kellye Burke
Ever wonder why you're here? Matthew 5:14-16 says you're here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. It says God is not a secret to be kept, and that He wants us to go public with Him - as public as a city on a hill. He wants to put His children on a hilltop as a light for all to see the glory of God shining through them. The Lord tells us to be generous with our lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up to God, their generous Father in heaven.
I love summer, because the sun shines brighter, longer and warmer then at any other time of the year. As I read this Scripture passage during my devotional time, I am in my sunroom, and the sun is shining brightly. I'm thinking about how the sun's radiance draws me in and how it makes me feel so warm and bright. Its irresistible light fills me up and makes me happy. I thank God for it.
God created the sun to shine and to light the world to give life, energy, and radiance to all things. In summertime, our part of the world is positioned to face the sun more directly. As I ponder this fact, I realize it's the same with us. When we position ourselves more directly toward the Lord, we, too, will shine, doing our part to give His light and warmth to all. This summer, let's bask in His world, sing His songs and declare our joy in Him! The Son is shining, and we can too.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Your Choice
If you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well." (Matthew 6:14)
There will be times in life when someone hurts you. The offense may be slight or devastating, but if we live in hurt and bitterness, we will continue to suffer. Unforgiveness can affect your health, as well as your relationships with other people and with God.
In Mark 11:25, Jesus says, "Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him." Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who wanted Him crucified. He said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24). Jesus wants us to forgive, we are becoming more like Him. He knows we can't do this on our own, but our first step is making the choice-sometimes even a daily choice. Choosing to forgive doesn't mean that we leave ourselves open to more hurt from that person; it means that we are letting the offender off the hook and in the process, we ourselves are no longer bound.
Forgiveness isn't easy for us because we want to settle accounts, but with God's help, we can forgive and live in His freedom.
Steps of Faith - Dear Father, help me to forgive those who trespass against me. I want to surrender bitterness so it can be replaced with Your grace.
There will be times in life when someone hurts you. The offense may be slight or devastating, but if we live in hurt and bitterness, we will continue to suffer. Unforgiveness can affect your health, as well as your relationships with other people and with God.
In Mark 11:25, Jesus says, "Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him." Even on the cross, Jesus forgave those who wanted Him crucified. He said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24). Jesus wants us to forgive, we are becoming more like Him. He knows we can't do this on our own, but our first step is making the choice-sometimes even a daily choice. Choosing to forgive doesn't mean that we leave ourselves open to more hurt from that person; it means that we are letting the offender off the hook and in the process, we ourselves are no longer bound.
Forgiveness isn't easy for us because we want to settle accounts, but with God's help, we can forgive and live in His freedom.
Steps of Faith - Dear Father, help me to forgive those who trespass against me. I want to surrender bitterness so it can be replaced with Your grace.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Support your Pastor!!!
"Hold them in highest regard." 1 Thessalonians 5:13
Phil Hines tells a humorous story about Jesus walking along the road one day and seeing a man crying. When He asked what was wrong, the man replied, "I'm blind," so Jesus healed him. Further along He met another man in tears and asked him the same question. He replied, "I'm lame," so Jesus healed him. Then He encountered a third man weeping. In response to Jesus' question he replied, "I'm a pastor." So Jesus sat down and wept right along with him! Pastoring can be a thankless job; that's why the Bible says, "Hold them in the highest regard."
Somebody has described the "Perfect Pastor" as one who preaches 20 minutes and sits down. Condemns sin without offending anybody, works 16-hour days doing everything from preaching to sweeping, makes $400 a week and gives $200 back to the church, wears nice clothes, has a model family, supports good causes and helps panhandlers who stop by the church. He's 36 and hes' been preaching for 40 years. He has a burning desire to work with the youth, and spends all his time with the senior citizens. He smiles all the time while keeping a straight face, because he has a keen sense of humor that finds him seriously dedicated. He makes 20 visits a day, spends every waking moment evangelizing, and is always in his office in case he's needed. The bad news is, he burned out and died at 37! Paul writes, "Appreciate...pastoral leaders who gave you the of..guiding you...Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!" (1Th 5:12-13). In other works, support your pastor!
Phil Hines tells a humorous story about Jesus walking along the road one day and seeing a man crying. When He asked what was wrong, the man replied, "I'm blind," so Jesus healed him. Further along He met another man in tears and asked him the same question. He replied, "I'm lame," so Jesus healed him. Then He encountered a third man weeping. In response to Jesus' question he replied, "I'm a pastor." So Jesus sat down and wept right along with him! Pastoring can be a thankless job; that's why the Bible says, "Hold them in the highest regard."
Somebody has described the "Perfect Pastor" as one who preaches 20 minutes and sits down. Condemns sin without offending anybody, works 16-hour days doing everything from preaching to sweeping, makes $400 a week and gives $200 back to the church, wears nice clothes, has a model family, supports good causes and helps panhandlers who stop by the church. He's 36 and hes' been preaching for 40 years. He has a burning desire to work with the youth, and spends all his time with the senior citizens. He smiles all the time while keeping a straight face, because he has a keen sense of humor that finds him seriously dedicated. He makes 20 visits a day, spends every waking moment evangelizing, and is always in his office in case he's needed. The bad news is, he burned out and died at 37! Paul writes, "Appreciate...pastoral leaders who gave you the of..guiding you...Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!" (1Th 5:12-13). In other works, support your pastor!
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