God saw the light was good.7/12/2018 For many people, they set a new year’s resolution of reading their bible. They want to dive deep into the word, book by book. Well if you identify with this goal, lucky for you. Today is the day, crack open your bible to Genesis and get started.
I got a new bible for Christmas (an apologetics study bible), hands down the best gift. You know the kind that keeps on giving. Not only did they give me reading material they gave me hope, promise, reassurance, and so much more. As a I open my bible and flip the thin delicate pages I decided to start reading Genesis chapter 1: The Creation. This is one I have read many times over. This time I read something different. I mean it was the same words I just never noticed them the way I did this time. “God said “Let there be light” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:3-4) I’m not here to talk about the creation of the world or argue with someone about evolution. I am here to talk about light. In a NIV (New International Version) bible the word “light” is used 232 times, that is 139 times in the Old Testament, and 9 times in Genesis Chapter 1 alone. (12 times in Genesis 1 if you include the variations of the word for example: “lights”) My point here is the importance of light. In the beginning God spoke light into existence and boy was it good. It gave us days, and seasons, it gave us the stars to brighten the night. Light in the bible is the removal of darkness. A clear separation of good and evil. All good things, given that it is in Gods will, is light. My new year’s resolution is to look for light constantly. And when I cannot find it, to shine a light into the shadows and BE THE LIGHT. From the very beginning there has been light. Do you know where your light comes from? What are the sources around you? My life is a room with many lamps, many sources of His light. 1. A friend who shares faith, a friend who leads me closer to God. The light is their voice, their love, and their heart. Friends who are a light are truly the angles upon us. Their light is the way to happiness. Their light is comfort. Their light is joy. 2. The word of God, the written scripture brings reassurance. His word provides a path, a lit path. The word of God is the beam of light that guides my feet, the light that guides me to being more like Jesus. The light that leads me to be caring, loving and giving. 3. His light is the sun that shines bright rays through my window. The sun gives me warmth. The sun lights the beauty of this world. The sun uncovers the layer of darkness that clothes the night. The sun allows us to see. Seeing God’s beautiful creation, the blooming flowers, the chirping birds, and the pastel sky, brings me joy. 4. His light is laughter. The shrieking giggles that provoke a smile. The feeling of true happiness. The result of a good time. Laughter brightens my face and in turn, brightens my soul. Where does your light come from? Have you figured out yet? Is a caring stranger, or is it your family? Remember how precious these light sources are. Remember how important it is to have faith in your life. God is the light that guides you. Prayer: Hey, God, it's me. Help me to recognize the lights You have turned on for me. I ask that You help these lights guide me to whatever I may need right now. I pray today that You remove darkness from my life. The darkness of fear, pain, and worry. I pray that You uncover everyone and let Your light shine brightly. I ask that You turn on lights for people who may not know you yet. I pray that You make me someone's light. You are the light of the world, You are the light of my life. In Jesus' name Amen.
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Self-Worth7/3/2018 Innate self-worth. What is it and how did I get it? The word “innate” means it is inborn or natural. Self-worth is confidence in one's own worth or abilities. Many will say self-worth is something developed over time, but with that statement I would have to disagree. As a child of the King, I was born with it. Proverbs 30:10 says “She is more precious than rubies.” Proverbs 31:25 says “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” By recognizing Jesus Christ as my lord and savior, I am acknowledging his good works. I am loved by the one who created love. I was loved so much that God gave his only son to die for my sins. You are loved. You are clothed in strength. You are more precious than rubies. With everything we do in life may we glorify Him. He who gives us this worth. For anyone struggling with self-worth or self-esteem I challenge you to uncover your wealth. Take time and indulge in God’s words. Everyday take chances to learn more about yourself. Try something new. Do things outside of your comfort zone. You are priceless. You are worth more than any tangible object on this earth. If only we could see as Jesus sees. If only uncovering our self-worth was easy. It took me time but now that I have seen it and I will never let is out of my sight. Prayer: You think I am to die for. Help me to continue to see myself the way you do. Help me to remember my gifts given to me by you. Gifts of talent, kindness, heart, and ability. I pray today that my struggling neighbor hears you. I pray that you help uncover their self-worth. Loyally,
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An artist, that is truly what God is. He painted the lavender sunsets, he hand built the highest mountain, he carefully designed you. Remember that the same God who created the world, the seas, and the land stepped back and decided the world needed a YOU. One of my favorite verses, Plsam 139: 14, says "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made your works are wonderful and I know that full well." We look in the mirror just about every day and for most of us, our heads fill with tough criticism as we tear apart every aspect of our look. Every blemish, every curve, and every mark was carefully designed by HIM. When I look in the mirror I try to see all my "imperfections" as a sense of individuality. God chose for me to look this way, and for that I should be thankful. He truly thinks we are to die for, and He views us as beautiful. After my week at Miss Tennessee I left feeling inspired. I learned a lot by simply observing the other girls. I saw how they looked in the mirror and smiled, how they walked away looking empowered. I saw them overcome fears and go on stage with confidence and grace. Well, thats what I saw from a handful of them. I also saw the girls look defeated. I saw them look in the mirror in a swimsuit and mask a feeling of insecurity. I saw them point out their flaws, being their harshest critic. Sometimes I found my self being human, following the culture around me. I pointed out the flaws in myself. Those same flaws, I fell in love with so long ago. The first paragraph you read I wrote August 2, 2016. Today I want you to think of a time when you painted a picture. How did you choose the colors, the brush, the paper, and the paint? Was it easy? Did it take time? Have you ever drawn the same thing twice? Were they exactly the same or were they unique? When God designed us he was faced with the same decisions. What color what brush? God has a vision of what you would be. He put an immense thought in every line and ever brushstroke. We are hand crafted and so unique, none of us are entirely the same. The beauty of us is really the beauty if His art. We are made by the most skilled, most careful, and by far the best artist. We are God's masterpieces, the world's greatest works of art. His craft is not just seen on the outside. His art goes deep. He handcrafts your heart and your mind.. He handcrafts YOU. Regardless or what feel or what you see, you are beautiful. Next time you see yourself in a mirror, say to yourself, "I AM a work of art. I AM beautiful. I AM HIS masterpiece." Always remember you are unfinished. God is still adding come color here and there. He is still writing your description, He is still writing your book, and illustrating every page. Remember you are art, you are great art, you are unfinished art. Prayer: Hey God, today I come to you in thanks. Thank you for taking the time to make me who I am, but help me to see the way you see. Help me remember what i see as imperfections are only foolish cultural standard, help me see imperfections as perfections. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for my story and every word you add. Glory be to you always. | I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made your works are wonderful and I know that full well. Loyally, | |