Sing for Joy!

The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy.

The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain.

They all shout and sing for joy!

Psalm 65:12-12

Sing Praises

Sing loud praises to Him who rides the clouds.

Psalm 68:4

PREPARED!

PREPARED !

When we look at news clips of soldiers fighting in far-off lands, do we realize all the training that has gone on to get them that far, fully trained for the task ahead?

After soldiers are recruited or volunteer for the duty intended, then a rigorous boot camp and ongoing training are needed. Day by day they are toughened up and trained - trained to obey the least command.

In our lives, too, God calls us into His service. He never throws us into any task unprepared. He gives us the presence of His very own Spirit within to guide, teach and empower us. He spends days, months and years fitting us for the tasks ahead. He prepares us and equips us fully.

The next time you are faced with a seemingly impossible life task, you can have total confidence in God. He has made you ready.

Bless the Lord, who is my rock. He gives me strength for war and skill for battle. Psalm 144:1

Heavenly Father, thank You that life events and circumstances may change but You have prepared me for doing my part in it all as I walk with You. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Blesses....

God blesses...those who realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5:3

He Creates

He covers the heavens with clouds and provides rain for the earth, and makes green grass grow in mountain pastures.

Proverbs 147:8

Strong and Powerful

O Sovereign Lord!

You made the heavens and earth by Your strong hand and powerful arm.

Nothing is too hard for You!

Jeremiah 32:17

HOW IS YOUR REPUTATION?

When people think of you, how would you be described?

Are you considered cheerful and usually in good humor or are you negative, sour and bitter?

Are you usually on time or are you known for your unreliability?

Are you dependable or do people wonder if you will follow through on your commitments, whether big or small?

Are you careful in the use of material resources or are you wasteful?

Do you walk through life with good energy or do you drag yourself through every waking hour, grumbling all the way?

Are you truthful or are you known to exaggerate or outright lie?

Do you always have to be right or can you humbly admit when you are wrong and make amends?

Are you a giver or a taker?

Do you treat others as you'd like to be treated or don't you care?

Are you consistently kind, patient and loving or are you filled with impatience toward others (and yourself)?

Are you at peace or is there anger raging within you, boiling over, hurting others?

Do you love with words and deeds or are your words of love empty and meaningless?

Do you act the same way in private with your loved ones as you do in the public's eye?

When upset, do you exhibit self control or to you erupt with angry words and actions?

Do people need to walk on eggshells around you or are you approachable and kind?

The probing questions could go on and on... but let's stop a minute and consider how others see us...but most important, how does GOD see us?

Yes, He sees us with loving eyes. Yes, He knows that we are but children, still imperfect - learning to become more like Jesus every day.

Let's not forget the truth about ourselves:
The way of the righteous will shine brighter and brighter until full day. Prov. 4:18

If we truly belong to God, we will be in the process of becoming more like Jesus daily - that is what following Jesus means - to follow Him closely - to become more like Him in the core of our being - in our spirits where His Holy Spirit has come to live.
His Spirit within reveals how we are to live and
His Spirit within empowers us to live as He directs.

So, since we belong to Him, we WILL shine brighter and brighter. Who we truly are before God and man will shine forth.

You are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5 :14-16

Heavenly Father, please help me be Your light in the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Let's shine!