Cultivating Love

How are you? What are you cultivating? The enemy will always try to steal your joy, inflict pain, and have you focus on the things that diminish who you truly are. You are a child of the Most High God. Act like it! Don't let the enemy of God stand in your way and minimize what Jesus Christ himself has provided you. 

You are filled with the Holy Spirit. You have no place being down, feeling defeated or living in a world of can't, lack, hurt, anger or fear. You were created for greatness. The world may not accept the light that you are, the flesh may attempt to limit you, but God armed you to counter even this. 

Stand tall in grace and love. Set your eyes on the glory and promises of the Lord. Cultivate love, especially in those moments when it seems impossible and unpopular. God designed you for victory and love is your sword. Plant hope, peace, joy, and encouragement on your journey every day. Do not let the enemy gain a foothold in your heart or mind. The light that is the Holy Spirit will reveal the love of Christ to all you encounter. Even in the darkness love will shine and fill every space. It cannot be contained because you are in Christ and Christ is love. Go ahead and shine all over the place and cultivate the love of God in all you do.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Giving Praise

You may not take the time to notice. Perhaps you are too busy to see. It could be you are running from here to there are just simply not paying attention. No matter what, there is something for you to be praising God about. It might be the sunshine, a rainbow, or the sweet smiles of your loved ones. It could be that you are living in a country where you are free to even praise God. Perhaps it's that you have a home, transportation, food to eat and a place to plant some flowers. Whatever it is, you literally have hundreds of reasons for praising God. 

There may be time in your day for prayer and even reading the Word but are you taking time for praise? God doesn't need your praise but honestly, shouldn't you be so full of thanks and joy for everything that his has provided and all is has done? Sing a song, raise your voice in an Hallelujah, say "Thank you, praise God" or just look up and let God know you recognize that all you have and are is because he is so good to you.

I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4

Reflecting Christ

Photo By Lisa Basile

A tranquil lake. The water so calm and still it looks like smooth glass and reflects the sky above. Picture perfect beauty like this can take your breath away. The slightest wind would disrupt the calm water and prevent the reflection from appearing. It is only under the condition of peaceful calm without movement where the water can be reflective and display the beauty of the sky above. 

You too can be reflective; especially when you are peaceful and calm. That is when you are most like your Heavenly Father. In fact, it is at that time that you most reflect Jesus Christ! When you are troubled, angry, upset or unsettled you are least like the Lord. However, during those times you can stop, breath, calm yourself and pray. Soon you will feel less anxious and more centered. The Holy Spirit will fill you up with calm and in no time your will be reflecting Christ to those around you. 

Whenever you find yourself being worried, rattled, overwhelmed, and unsettled remember the picture of the beautiful, calm, reflective lake. Then ask the Lord to transform you to be just like that and just like him.

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Flawless

Meet my granddaughter. She was flower girl at our son's wedding. She was adorable in her handmade, custom, Audrey Hepburn style dress and converse high tops. The dress was lovingly made by a dear friend of my daughter. It was picture perfect with stylish tulle, a satin teal sash and rhinestone buttons on the back. Too cute for words. However, the dressmaker was worried that it just wasn't exactly perfect. "It has some flaws." she said. Flaws? Really? It seems, to the dressmaker the flaws were apparently evident but to the rest of the us they were not even noticeable and totally hidden from view.

This is exactly true with God and yourself. God created you in his image but knows that you have flaws because you are human and live in a fallen sinful world. When Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior the flaws and imperfections of your life are covered so that God sees you as flawless! See, because of Jesus, although you are a sinner and far from perfect, you are perfect and flawless in God's sight. In his sight you are a friend of his Son and without sin because Jesus gave his life and paid the price for your sin. Amazing? Yes, in fact, totally wondrous and miraculous. Praise and honor to Jesus Christ. His grace and love are perfect.

But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Provisions

Experts say the US economy is improving. For those out of work and lacking the resources to live an abundant life, the economy may seem less than improved. Truly, it is all very relative. If you are well off or at least making ends me, you may feel good about the economy and what you are able to provide for yourself and your family. No matter the circumstance, however, God promises to provide all that you need. We are reminded of this when we see a sparrow in the sky or a beautiful setting where animals reside in nature. In fact, you may not even recognize the provisions God has so generously given unless you look at the world through a lens of simple gratitude.

Sunlight, clear starry nights, a gentle breeze on a warm day, the beautiful ocean all point to the grace and goodness of God. These, and so many other miraculous treasures that surround you, may go unnoticed and unappreciated. It is not about fancy cars, electronics, and designer clothing. God's provisions are more glorious than these man-made things. In fact, when you have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you already have all you need. 

As you stopped to count your blessings, remember to thank God for all he has provided from the miracle of another day to the loved ones and friends you call your own. See, your blessings already have your name on them. When you seek God and make him your priority he will always provide.

"But first seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33