“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; making the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5
Recently I was doing a Bible study over Colossians, and this verse that I’ve read many times jumped off the page and landed in my heart, specifically the last part “making the most of every opportunity”.
Really, it breaks my heart. How many opportunities have I missed, messed up, or even worse slammed doors that He opened? I need to be more aware of opportunities.
Every encounter is a chance to leave someone better than I found them. Each one is a chance to lift up and encourage someone who needs it more than I will ever know.
When I tell you this is completely against my nature believe it 100%. I’m pretty gifted at the eye roll and sarcasm, but encouraging is not my forte. Or should I say wasn’t??
Through Jesus I am a new creation. The old has passed away ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) and I need to put off the old self and embrace the new self. ( Eph. 4:22-24 ) As His child I can pray to be the light He wants me to be ( Matt 5:14).
I may never be the encourager that some of my friends are, but I can be better than I am. I can pray for the wisdom to see each encounter as a way to show Jesus to people ( James 1:5 ) I can pray to be able to control my emotions ( 2 Tim 1:7 ) and put myself second in tense situations ( Phil 2-3 ).
I can pray to be transformed from glory to glory ( 2 Cor. 3:18 ). By praying these things according to His word I am aligning myself with His will. By acknowledging Him I know He will show me the right path to take ( Proverbs 3:6 ). I’m so thankful that He loves me enough not to leave me as I am.
Lord, today I pray for boldness in each opportunity. Help me to get self out of the way and let Your light shine through.
We are image bearers of Christ; therefore, the same passion that He had should reside inside of us. Not only should it reside inside of us, but it should be overflowing. Everyone we meet should recognize that spark within us.
Others should see Him in our eyes.
They should hear Him in our voice.
They should feel Him when we walk in a room.
I hope you’re that passionate about Christ.
I hope I am, too.
Spread it like wildfire.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthian
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”-Psalms 23:1
I absolutely love this verse because it’s simple. I personally tend to overthink everything, so to have a verse that is short, sweet, and complete is a true treasure. Yet even while it’s only nine words, I still struggle sometimes with remembering it.
The 23 chapter of psalms starts by declaring who God is and who He needs to be from our side of the relationship–our shepherd. But, life isn’t always perfect, and we don’t always have Him as our one guide. Why do we let that happen, and why is it that we fail to remember a nine worded verse?
The simple answer would be the devil distracts us with shiny, new worldly items and promises us that they will make us more accepted…but we know that is a colossal lie.
It will always be a struggle to put God first if we allow the devil to distract us with these things. It could be as innocent as a ten-minute TV break, which turns into a thirty-minute break, into a three-episode break, which then turns into a binge-watch. The devil uses unintentional actions towards the Lord to intentionally mess us up. The truth is, it’s a struggle to put God first sometimes because we have to deny our fleshly desires and do the will of the Father. But putting God first doesn’t always have to be a struggle.
So, start small. Instead of checking the socials first thing in the morning, read the bible for five minutes. Instead of grooving to that song with some raunchy lyrics and a great beat, listen to some fun worship music. (Maverick City Music is a great one for that).
Creating a habit of putting God first won’t happen overnight, so be patient with it. If you don’t know what to do to place God in the throne room of your heart, just do the next right thing that has Him involved.
After the psalmist declares who God is, he orders himself to find every want and need in Christ.
He points out to us that if God is our shepherd, not only does he guide us, but he provides for our needs. Why should we want anything but the Lord? He created us and cares for us. If we want something more than we want HIm, we should check our hearts to see who’s really on its throne.
I’ve failed countless times at putting Him first, but the beauty of the gospel is that God is not only patient but forgiving too. He is gracious when helping us out of our troubles and forgives us when we fall short. While we are at the bottom of the ocean, He comes to us to save us.
I encourage those of you, who like myself, find it difficult to remember the importance of those nine words to take the first step towards putting God first. He’s patient with us, so be honest with Him. If you’re struggling, tell Him so, and in return, He’ll help. Start small, and over time with practice, it will be easier to put God first.
After all, He is our Shepherd. What more could we want?
Every time the Word of God is opened, read, studied, taught or preached, we should see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Matter of fact, all of scripture is pointing us to Christ. Remember, “every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.” Today, with the Lord’s help, I want us all to be reminded of how important it is to “See the Savior” as we look into His Word. God is our Creator, our Redeemer, our Lord and our King! Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, is our Savior — (these truths are remarkable and indisputable).
This morning, as I share verses from Psalm 19, I want you to know that you can “See the Savior” in His creation, in His Word and you can see Him in His grace and forgiveness. These things are shown to us through His Son Jesus.
Psalm 19, points us to salvation, redemption and the grace of God found in Christ Jesus. We see in this Psalm what God has given to man. Let us never forget what Christ has done for us.
1. We should “See the Savior” in creation.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” Psalm 19:1-6 KJV.
You see, the Heavens declare the power and wisdom of God. They also “tell out” His purpose and plan. Creation is a witness of God to man; its majesty and power direct us to Christ. “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” Isn’t the picture of God, that we have in creation, wonderful? Creation shows us the power He has and how awesome it is to “See the Savior” in creation.
2. We should “See the Savior” in His Word.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11 KJV.
In these verses, there are seven things that David states about the Word. (Here are 3 of them). David shares with us: 1. The law is perfect. The word is perfect and you are not; therefore, it was given to show us that we are all sinners before God. (Sinners need a Savior). 2. The law is pure. In its purity it will show you the purpose of faith. 3. The law is true. Not only is the Word true, but it shows us truth. Actually, it shows us Jesus, the truth Himself, for He is “full of grace and truth.” The Word is perfect, pure and true showing us that we can “See the Savior” in His Word.
3. We can “See the Savior” by His grace and forgiveness revealed to us in Christ.
“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:12-14 KJV.
Let us remember that Jesus Christ only is capable of forgiving sin. He paid the price for our sin with His blood and life. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” He is the only one that can cleanse us from our sin, for He is “our strength and redeemer.”
The point: God’s creation, Word, grace and forgiveness show us His glory – His Son, the Savior, Jesus.
“See The SAVIOR.” It’s time, you see who He is and what He has done for you. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.”
As an assistant pastor, and called preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I often have the opportunity to preach and teach God’s Word. I am so thankful for each opportunity to share Christ, with anyone. Though I am not the greatest writer, I am thankful for this platform and this opportunity as well. Believer, I want you to be reminded of the power and presence of God in your life. These are things that you can be reminded of daily. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you.” God bless, and have an awesome day.
When you are trudging through a season of heaviness – or maybe even just one solitude situation that is weighing you down – there is a residual affect that can disturb every other aspect of your life.
It makes everything heavy. Just a few descriptors that Webster gives for heavy are:
▪️Difficult to lift or move
▪️Substantial
▪️More than the normal size, weight, or force
▪️Moving slowly or with difficulty
▪️Mentally oppressive
Y’all, that’s a lot to bear on your own. I know. I’ve been there and done that more than once in my almost 40 years.
What if I told you that I have the secret to making it through? It’s really no secret, though. It’s Jesus and a few amazing prayer warriors.
Will it still be hard? Yup.
Will it still be heavy? Yup.
But it won’t be AS heavy. God will literally lift that load up off your shoulders and help you carry it.
Let Him.
And your knee-hitting, verse-calling, hand-raising, Bible-believing besties—they got you.
Let them.
Don’t try trudging through a torrential rainstorm alone.
Call out.
Dial out.
Ball your eyes out.
But don’t do it alone.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
Now, I’m no parenting expert – I’m mean I’m only 17 years into this gig. However, Frank, my sisters, and myself (it takes a village, y’all) have always made a conscious effort to build our girls up.
We don’t talk about weight. We talk about being strong. We don’t talk about how we look in clothes. We talk about being healthy. We don’t talk about following trends. We talk about feeling good.
We compliment. A lot.
We build up. Every single day.
The other day Maggie and I had to unload a huge cooler of crawfish (because if that ain’t Texan) by ourselves because my men weren’t home. Now, please understand the 12 year old girl is freakishly strong – her momma not so much. I said, “Maggie, I’ll try my best but you know I’m a big ol’ wienie.”
And then she said these words:
“Mom, you’re a lot stronger than you think you are.”
Boom. Hallelujah. Amen. Girl Power.
Guess what I did? I lifted that big ol’ crawfish cooler right up out of the car and into the garage – because SHE said I could.
I said all of that to say this:
▪️If we want women that lift each other up – we need to raise them.
▪️If we want women that will be each other’s biggest cheerleaders – we need to shape them.
▪️If we want women that clap for us – we need to clap for them first.
I mean seriously. We are two weeks in, and I feel like my summer theme song thus far has been shake, rattle, and roll.
Anyone else? Just me? 🤪
At times when life feels topsy-turvy and way too curvy this is what I know:
Lean in.
Lean on.
Trust in.
Count on.
Sweet, sweet Jesus.
On the good days, the bad days, and the absolutely crazy days – God is God and He is oh so good.
So if you see a lady standing in the middle of her yard, staring through binoculars, waving a white flag – it’s just me. It’s just me looking for Miss Summer Slow-Down.
She’s coming.
I can feel it.
Jesus has it.
I know it.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
I think most of us at some point have compared one brand of a product to another brand name. Maybe it was cosmetics or clothing. Perhaps you were looking to purchase a new handbag, a watch, or some perfume. It doesn’t take a person long to realize name brand products come with a higher price tag. A higher level of commitment from our wallets if we are to go with the brand named product.
We often find that other companies offer imitations of the products we the consumers are looking to purchase. According to Collins Dictionary of Business this is called a market positioning strategy- companies and manufacturers introduce a product which emulates or copies a product already on the market. In other words, there is a level of competiveness among companies.
I once purchased a bottle of perfume that was a company’s imitation of a designer perfume. The label included the words “our version.” While it had a different name, to me the smell was the same. It only cost less.
One day while shopping, a lady standing nearby turned and made a comment about my perfume. She even was able to name the fragrance. I thanked her but didn’t feel it was necessary to point out that what she smelled was an imitation of the brand name she thought her nose had detected. Would that detail have made a difference in the long run?
We can buy cheaper versions of products, use generic medications, and wear clothes missing fashion names without anyone really needing to know the particular name or brand we choose. Do those kind of details make a difference in the long run?
But there is a name that matters. Whose name is the detail that makes a difference in the long run. It’s not a name on any earthly product but it’s a name written on hearts. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to The Father except through me.”
God, The Father is looking for the name.
He is looking for the original.
No other version will do.
No imitations accepted.
“Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
There is a cost in pursuing the name of Jesus. A higher level of commintment is required. In the world there are many voices calling. So many things distracting us and competing for our attention and devotion.
Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34. I don’t know about you, but some days it’s just out right hard “to come after” when my get up and come has left. And those days when my flesh screams “Me! Me!” are not my proudest moments.
But then thankfully, Jesus sends me a reminder that choosing His name makes a difference in the long run. It will be worth it in the end.
And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no light there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God shall giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:4-5
Just a reminder my friends,
Jesus, the name that makes a diffence in the long run.
“ You must love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
Guest Post by Miss Harley Perkins
Sometimes it’s hard sitting on the sideline. Sometimes it’s hard when you realize it isn’t your time to be in the spotlight.
When it’s not your time in the spotlight or time for a promotion at work, we can become discouraged and only focus on what we “don’t have” at that moment in our life.
But when it’s not our time to shine, maybe it’s time for our friend to shine and time for you to be their best supporter. Maybe it’s time for you to learn how to give the best hugs, speak encouraging words, and cheer them on to their greatest achievements.
Learning to be a friend can be the greatest gift in a time of waiting for our own opportunities to arise. We can learn how Jesus deeply loved his disciples and was the best friend to all people.
We can decide to focus on our bench warming season or be the biggest fan to our friend who is running towards the goals God has for them.
Cheering on your friends and being their greatest supporter takes nothing away from the victories and triumphs God has planned for you. Being a friend can give you a joy you’ve never known before.
So today, if you’re sitting on the sideline, don’t focus on your nonexistent playing time. Make a choice to love your friends who are climbing mountains and reaching goals that God has given them. Your time is coming, but trust me, when it’s your friend’s turn, your unconditional love and support is a sturdy foundation for their victories.
Picture this: It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, you’re out for a stroll in the town to the nearest coffee shop. (Or for my small-town folks with no sidewalks; you’re on vacation enjoying the city.)
Regardless of what you are doing, nothing can bring you down. You walk down the sidewalk with an extra pep in your step sharing your joy with everyone in passing.
You see the coffee shop across the street.
Walking to the crosswalk you press the button of the arrow that you desire to go. “Wait” the machine calls out, warning you that it is not your turn to cross. You wait for what seems like an eternity while the people to the side of you have already crossed twice!!
You walk once more to the crosswalk button and begin to press the arrow several times in hopes to speed the process up. “Wait, wait, wait,” the machine calls out. Frustrated, you wait a few more minutes until finally, the white walk sign gleams and you safely cross to your destination.
I don’t know about you, but I have been this person many times in my walk with Christ. I find myself being frustrated in my season of wait and comparing my walk with Christ to others around me. Looking at the opportunities that they have had and questioning God on why it’s not my turn to cross.
Thankfully, I can look to the Word for encouragement and find all of the examples of people that didn’t waste their season of wait, but instead, received what God was showing to them and grew from those moments.
Abraham waited for a son, and waited and waited some more. However, instead of losing faith and hope, the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:2-6)
Jesus even had a season of wait! He did not begin His ministry until He was an adult. He was around 30 years old when He began His ministry here on earth. Even now, He is in a season of wait to return back to earth.
I hope this serves as a reminder to you. Don’t waste your season of wait, grow in it, and allow your faith to be strengthened.
Rejoice for the purpose that God has placed on your life and don’t allow comparison to creep into your mind.
Just like you wouldn’t step out on a busy crosswalk when it’s not your turn to go, don’t miss the lessons that the Lord is trying to equip you for in your season of wait.
Rays of Sunshine inc 