Glory

Webster's dictionary defines "glory" as honor or heavenly bliss. Many today seek their own glory. They pursue fame, fortune, and riches.  There is a lack of understanding of the things of God or for serving and following God.  Sadly, many deny that God even exists and see no reason to glorify anyone but themselves and those they idolize. They fail to realize that God is in control and so they live for themselves and chase shallow dreams and empty promises. Glory achieved this way is short lived and results in disappointment and despair. 

This is so very far from what God intended. The truth is that loving God and living for Him is truly glorious! When you live to glorify God, He responds by providing overwhelming joy. 
 When you know His Son Jesus Christ, and have the Holy Spirit within you, His glory shines through. His glory is great, bold and heavenly. Nothing can compare! Nor can anything compare to the gifts He bestows on us when we live to glorify him. 

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory, for Your mercy and loving-kindness and for the sake of Your truth and faithfulness!" Psalm 115:1

Shine Your Light

Sun light, candle light, the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter the source, light is absolutely beautiful. Without it you can't see a thing! With it you can see clearly. The difference between day and night is attributed to light. It makes all the difference in the world. Just like Jesus. He is the light of the world and because of him we are able to see and know the truth. Christ's light can never be extinguished. He shines brightly for all eternity. How glorious! Actually, it is beyond glorious! It is a miracle and a mystery. 

Now that you are walking with Christ he is showing you the way. You are not in the dark afraid and confused. What was previously hidden has been revealed. In fact, you are a light to others. You can't help but shine. As the Holy Spirit fills you, you are all aglow and on fire for the Lord. Don't let your light become dim. Stay in the Word. Pray and spend time sharing the Lord with others. In doing so you may light a fire in the heart of someone so they too can shine a light for the world to see.

"People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven." 
Matthew 5:15-16

Away From it All

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the quiet of the mountains by the water stream pictured here. It was a place of tranquility and beauty. The only sounds were those of the babbling water, the deer rustling in the woods and the birds singing songs of majestic praise. The sense of peace was almost overwhelming, as though God himself was present there in the stillness of it all. This place still holds a special place in my heart and soul and was a vast contrast from my primary home in the bustling city. I grew so accustomed to the quiet times there, that even now I require time away from it all to just sit with God and listen to His still quiet voice. 

We are told through the scriptures, Jesus himself took time away from the chaos of life to pray. He would retreat from his disciples and all of the crowds, to solitary and lonely places, to be with his Father. That is an amazing point to consider! If the Son of Man needed time away to pray, how much more must you and I need it? 

Still, you may find it is nearly impossible to head away to a mountain side, a babbling brook or a beautiful seaside to spend time with God. You may need to meet up with God in the early morning or late at night in a quiet corner of your house, while driving in your car or yes, in the quiet privacy of your shower. No matter the place, make getting away and being with God a priority. When you do, you will find that everything else in your life flows smoother and that you are filled up to overflowing with joy.

Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:14

Love Will Find a Way

There was a true love story in the news today. Love stories are always so heartwarming, This one was not about a couple romantically involved. This story was about a mother in Pennsylvania and her only son. She traveled to Egypt and spent $100,000 over 20 months to rescue him. The boy, just 12 years old, had been kept there against his and his mother's will by his father. The mother had traveled to Egypt four times before she was successful at finding her son and whisking him away to safety in a get away car. She was not going to let anyone or anything stand in the way. Her love for her son was stronger that the miles that separated them, the fear she had for her life, the time that had passed or the money that was needed. 

There are many love stories about men and woman, parents and their children and even people and their dogs. As heroic, tender and beautiful as they are, there is no greater love story then that of God's love for his children. God's story has spanned the globe and stood the test of time.  No situation, war, disaster, illness or even death can keep God from his children. Now that is a love story worth sharing! God and his love will always find a way.

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Just As Jesus Would

Can you imagine what it would be like if doctors only spent time with healthy people? After all, doctors are all about being healthy. They trained for it and believe in healthy living and lifestyle. It of course makes no sense for them to only interact with healthy people. If they did that the sick would not benefit. Still, there are many followers of Christ that only associate with people just like them or just like who they think they are. They act as though they are more "blessed" or special then the sinners they see around them. They are too holy to interact with those that have a lifestyle that is counter to what Christ would want. They may look down on others or talk to them in a way that makes them feel less than worthy. 

Jesus Christ did not die to have Christians keep the gospel hidden in the church among the Christians. He asked that the good news be spread throughout the earth. That means sharing the gospel with people that are not just like you. Christ provided detailed examples of what he expects from those that call themselves his friend. He expects that you would treat every individual with kindness, dignity and care, especially if they are living separated from God. In this way, the love of Christ and the glory of the gift of life can be shared. What about you? Are you alienating and pushing people that are different than you from God or are you treating them just as Jesus would?

"On hearing this, Jesus said to them. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17