Thougths for a Summer Day

As I sit again on my porch and reflect on what greatness God has provided for me I am amazed at His love and grace. There are times when sitting quietly before our God can be so refresshing, like a tall cold glass of lemonade on a hot lazy day of summer.

That refreshing feeling comes over us when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to reside within us and work through us to bring forth the gifts given to us.  You might say, but pastor I don't know what these gifts are? This is a perfect time to sit quietly and reflect on skills and talents that come so naturally to you.

You see, God knows you better than you know yourself; for God created you to be just the way you are. Frustrations and All!

The HOLY SPIRIT is partner with our Creator that brings forth power and authority in our spritual lives to accomplish things we never thought we could. 

Remember the Scripture written in Matthew 28: 18-20 
               "And Jesus came and said to them, 
                'All authority in heaven and on earth 
                has been given to me. Go therefore and 
                make disciples of all nations, baptizing 
                them in the name of the Father, and of 
                the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching 
                them to obey everything that I have 
                commanded you. And remember, I Am 
                with you always, to the end of the age." (NRSV)

There are no better or stronger words than these when we accept the fact that God will work through us, flaws and all!

Until next time,
Be Blessed!

Reflections From The Lake

As I sit on the porch near the lake, in which we have enjoyed these past few weeks, I am thinking of the reflections on the water. Each day we had the blessed opportunity to see such beautiful reflections of the sun, moon and shade from the trees upon the lake and the mountains that surround.

Reflections are something that can shine forth beauty and peace. At other times reflections can be harsh and cold. No matter what, reflections show truth of the moment when the reflecting takes place.

As followers of Christ we need to look at our reflection; the reflection we show off to others in the world in which we live, work and love.

I am not sure what kind of mirror Jesus had in his time to see the reflection he gave off; but I assume he did not need one, for he was the true reflection of our heavenly God and Father. This very reflection that Jesus showed the world was one of love, truth, and a willingness to serve others. For Jesus was a person who never thought of himself first. He always put God's children, God's creation and God's love for those searching for the truth out in front.

My question for you is; what does your reflection look like? Is it something that brings glory to God's name, so that others that are around you can learn of the eternal love that was given through Jesus?  Or is it dark and cold, like the bitterness of greed, selfishness, or sin that has brought a dark cloud over your life?

Today is the day that you can have the Son of God bring forth the beauty of his reflection into your life; if only you ask! The Scripture says, ask and you shall receive, seek and the door will be opened to you. (Matt. 7:7)

Let us bring forth the reflection of God's love into our lives so that others may see God's grace and mercy!