Time for Change

Have you noticed a change in the season yet? Perhaps it is very subtle like it is where I live in S. California. The days lose their light a bit earlier and the mornings and evenings are growing cooler. There seems to be some excitement in the air as communities begin planning for traditional harvest or autumn events. Change can be difficult and unwelcome and yet it is also necessary and always present. 

Imagine the way people felt so long ago when Jesus was talking to them about radical change in their beliefs and culture. There was nothing subtle about it for sure! Even though God decided it was time for change in the world not everyone embraced the message Jesus so eloquently communicated.

Times have changed and the sacrifice Jesus made to pay the price for our sins has been accomplished. Yet there are multitudes of people that haven't accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Let's face it, Jesus changes lives and not everyone wants their life changed. You may know some of these individuals. Perhaps they are in your family, school, work place or neighborhood. You may be the one to have an impact in their life. Be the change in the world they need to see to get a glimpse of Jesus. It's definitely time for change and just maybe that change starts with you. 

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Let Your Light Shine!

Photo Credit: Casie Steele at 

https://www.facebook.com/SteeleaPeekPhotography/

Fireflies. Incredible tiny creatures. As a child living on the East Coast I would thrill at summer night time fire fly shows. As the night grew dark their radiance glowed brighter and brighter. The darker is was the more brilliantly they shined. For a real light show, fireflies were temporarily capture in a large jar and would transform into a warm lamp by the camp site. If you have never experience them it may be hard to imagine. If you have, you likely treasure the experience in your childhood memories of summer.

Jesus taught us that we are the light of the world. The world favors darkness and as such will try to extinguish, diminish and discount your light. It may be through casting doubt, ridicule, and even verbal attacks. However light, like truth, can only be covered up for a time. Eventually the darkness causes the light to shine through for all to see.

What kind of light will you choose to be to the world? Will you be a bright flood light sending out beams of goodwill and positivity and modeling Jesus to others? Perhaps you are more of the intermittent flashing light sharing Christ when the conditions are optimal. Could be you are a dimmer light turning your glow up or down based on how connected you are to the source of power - God Almighty. 

Whichever light you choose to be in the world, be sure to recognize the overwhelming need for all you are and all you bring forth. There is only one light like you. The world needs your glow, warmth and radiance to counter the darkness and to be a beacon to the many lost and weary travelers you'll encountered on your path. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14 - 16

Be Still

Photo Credit Casie Steele @ https://www.instagram.com/steeleapeek/

Running. Getting through the list. First things first and then the next and the next. Just getting it done, completed, finished. Except it is never done. The list continues with new or repeating priorities, things to do, run after, feed, water or conquer. So you strap on your "I got this" attitude and set forth alone to seize the day. 

Wait! You are not alone. God has provided an ample dose of strength  wisdom, and grace to guide you on the daily journey. Are you taking the time in all of your busyness to be still and talked with Him about what you need in your day? Have you asked for wisdom, peace, favor? If you haven't, you are missing the greatest gift available to you. 

Maybe you are one who has never known the absolute small piece of Heaven being still can provide to you. I challenge you to find 10 minutes each day this week to just be still. In stillness there is peace; there is awareness of the reason you were created. In stillness is the source of your strength and your resilience. In stillness there is God. Slow down, quiet your mind, listen up. Yes, just be still. See, that is God talking to your heart. 

"The Lord your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land." Joshua 1:13

Reflection

Photo credit: Dean Johnson

Ah, reflection. You know the kind you see in the mirror. There you go. Catch a glimpse of yourself. You are a work of art! No, really you you are. You may not think of yourself as a work of art, but God certainly created you to be one. You are an original, one of a kind, limited and priceless edition. There is no one just like you. Only you can be who you are, do wha you do, love like you do and know God the way you do. See, you are special. Really and truly you are. 

You are a reflection of the One who created you, the God of the Universe. He placed your features exactly as they are. He knitted you together with perfect care and grace. He is your Father. You have his spirit and his heart. Best of all you have his love. He loves you more that you can imagine. So much that he sent his only Son Jesus to die for you! God wants nothing more then for you to know him just as Jesus does. Now there is something worth reflecting on. 

So how is your relationship with God going? Are you spending enough time with Him or are you barely connected? There is no other relationship as important as the one between you two. If you need to reconnect reach out and ask Jesus to show you the way. No one can come to the Father except through Him. 

Jesus answered, 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Amazing Grace

We have all heard the song and know the lyrics, "amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me...". The dictionary defines grace as "being the free and unmerited favor of God." Favor is further defined as "an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual." Knowing what we know about God and that he gave his son Jesus to die for us, we certainly understand why His grace is called amazing.

Still, many take God's grace for granted or act in a way that discounts or dismisses the miracle of Jesus. What about you? Are you in awe of God's grace or do you find yourself moving through life numb to the greatest gift provided to you? Do you model Jesus in showing grace to others or are you short tempered and self centered?  

You see, grace is certainly a gift from God. It is also a gift you can give to others. Rather than jumping to conclusion, being irritated, or judging others try a bit of grace. When you think about speaking your mind, setting the record straight or getting even substitute in grace instead.

God's grace is amazing. It is limitless, powerful, life changing and available. Tap into God's grace by walking with Him, staying grounded in His Word and being like Jesus to others especially when they least deserve any grace from you at all.

Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! Ephesians 1:6