Posts Tagged 'Shining Brightly'

Shining Brightly

Published August 24, 2020 devotional , Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it provides light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mathew 5: 14 – 16.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     It is impossible for a Christian to journey through life unrecognized. To remain hidden is to fail to fulfill God’s ultimate purpose. As genuine believers we are called to be different; to stand out; to be set apart; to love where there is no love; to serve in the midst of selfishness; to faithfully encourage others; to nurture the sick; to care for the needy; to fill the hearts and minds of many with great hope and joy. Authentic faith inevitably produces an abundance of good works. As disciples we are set apart; we are a light glowing in a dark world; we are instruments that point toward the one true and everlasting Father.
    Of all the planets and stars that glow in the night sky, one of the brightest is the North Star (also known as Polaris.) Resting in a sea of other stars it outshines most of its neighbors. Additionally, every other star in the northern hemisphere travels across the sky; Polaris however, remains fixed; a characteristic that once proved useful to ancient mariners who sought to navigate the open oceans. The North Star’s brightness and stability makes it easy to recognize; a heavenly body that is not readily confused with the thousands of dimmer objects surrounding it.
     Like the North Star, the believer is often the brightest and most stable object in the lives of those around them. In a sea of unbelievers, the followers of Jesus Christ stand out; they are unique. Filled with compassion, charity, and peace, they are easily recognized. They orient others as well, by pointing them toward God (who is the source of all love, justice, and mercy.) If you have received the salvation of the Lord, then you too are different. Never seek to remain hidden, but rather, let the light of Christ shine through you; that others may see your good works and know that there is a God who loves them.
    “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be different. We yearn to be more loving, more caring, and more giving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to shine brightly. May others see our good works and be drawn to You; our loving Creator and Everlasting Father. We love You Lord, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Give Without Expectations

Published December 3, 2018 Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

        “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back” (Luke 6: 34.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

         Even the cruelest individuals will give money to those who promise to pay them back. And yet, Jesus desired that his disciples be completely selfless. He therefore taught them to give without expecting anything in return. The mandate of everyone who longs to practice genuine Godliness must freely give, when they are able, to those who are in need.
         One day, as I was getting ready to leave the gym, I bumped into an acquaintance who asked if he could borrow $10 dollars. After giving him the money, he continued to insist that he would pay me back. (With this scripture in mind) I told him that the money was from God, and that I didn’t want any form of repayment. He immediately understood that it was a gift and not a loan; as we parted ways, I felt a warm blessing; because I had done God’s will.
         The Lord is pleased when His disciple’s standout; when they shine; when they are more loving and more charitable than those around them. Giving without expectation or the desire for repayment is just one identifiable characteristic of a true believer. Whether we pass by a stranger begging for change, or a family member who needs help paying the rent, we must be willing to freely give, when we are able. May we always choose to freely give; may we love without restriction, and may we receive the ultimate compensation for your unconditional obedience.
         “Lord Heavenly Father, help us to be obedient, to be caring, and to be generous. May we always freely give expecting nothing in return; for we desire heavenly rewards over earthly rewards. May Your love for others flow through us, that our faith might be a light to all those who walk in darkness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Shining Brightly

Published August 13, 2018 Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
Tags: , , , , ,

JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it provides light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mathew 5: 14 – 16.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

        It is impossible for a Christian to remain unrecognized. To stay hidden is to fail to fulfill God’s purpose. Every genuine believer is called to be different; to stand out; to be set apart; loving where there is no love; serving in the midst of selfishness; faithfully encouraging others; nurturing the sick; caring for the needy; filling the hearts and minds of many with hope and joy. Genuine faith inevitably produces an abundance of good works. As disciples we are set apart; we are a light in a dark world; we are divine instruments that point toward the one true and everlasting Father.
        Of all the planets and stars that glow in the night sky, one of the brightest is the North Star (known as Polaris.) Resting in a sea of stars it outshines most of its neighbors. Additionally, every other star in the northern hemisphere travels across the sky; Polaris however, remains fixed; a characteristic that proved useful to ancient mariners who sought to navigate the open oceans. The North Star’s brightness and stability make it easy to recognize; a heavenly body that is not readily confused with the thousands of dimmer objects that surround it.
        Like the North Star, the believer is by far the brightest and most stable object in the lives of those around them. In a sea of unbelievers, the followers of Jesus Christ standout; they are unique. Filled with compassion, charity, and peace, they are easily recognized. They orient others by pointing them toward God (who is the source of all love and mercy.) If you have received the salvation of the Lord, then you too are different. Don’t seek to remain hidden. Instead, let the light of Christ shine through you; that others may see your good works and know that there is a God who loves them.
        “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be different. We desire to be more loving, more caring, and more giving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to shine brightly in this dark and often cold world. May others see our good works and be drawn to You; the loving Creator and everlasting Father. We love You Lord, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.

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