God morning! My friend and sister in Christ, Linda Norris, posted this video in our women’s group. (Thank You, Linda!) My first thought when I opened the video was “Wow, eight minutes?!? I don’t know. Eight minutes is a long time!” But as the voices started to sing one of my favorite songs (you know, one of those songs that can instantly bring tears to your eyes because you can feel His presence), my heart opened to hear the message. My heart opened to see the hope that still exists in this world! As they started to sing those first words … 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 my heart could feel the Holy Spirit saying “Be still and know that I am God …” This morning I have a simple request … Be still! Be still to take the eight minutes to watch the video. Be still and allow God’s presence to fill your soul. Be still and recommit yourself to our Lord and Savior. Be still and ask Him for guidance as to what He wants you to accomplish this weekend. Click here to watch the video that I know will be eight minutes well spent! It was for me. Stay blessed, stay positive, and keep being a shining light for God!
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"Sweet to the Soul: Embracing the Healing Power of Kind Words from Proverbs 16:24"
In the tapestry of biblical wisdom, Proverbs 16:24 stands out as a beacon of truth, illuminating the profound effect of our words. "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones," the scripture reads, offering a vivid metaphor that captures the essence of kind communication. This blog post invites you to reflect on the power of kind words and their ability to heal, uplift, and transform. The Sweetness of Speech Just as honey was a treasured delicacy in ancient times, known for its sweetness and healing properties, so too are pleasant words in our interactions. They are a balm to the weary, a comfort to the troubled, and a joy to the heart. When we speak with kindness, we offer a gift that can sweeten the bitter moments of life and bring a smile to a downcast face. Nourishing the Soul Our souls crave affirmation and encouragement, much like our bodies hunger for nourishment. Kind words can be a feast for the soul, providing the emotional sustenance needed to face life's challenges. They reinforce our sense of worth and belonging, reminding us that we are valued and loved. In a world where harsh words often dominate the discourse, choosing to speak with kindness is a radical act of love that can change the atmosphere around us. Healing the Bones The latter part of Proverbs 16:24 speaks to the physical impact of our words, suggesting that they can promote health in our bodies. While this may seem like a poetic exaggeration, modern science supports the idea that positive communication can have tangible health benefits. Stress, which can be exacerbated by negative interactions, is a known contributor to various health issues. Conversely, positive, affirming conversations can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even boost the immune system. Creating a Ripple Effect When we commit to speaking kindly, we set in motion a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circle. Kind words can inspire others to pay forward the positivity, leading to a cascade of goodwill. Imagine a world where each person took Proverbs 16:24 to heart, transforming every corner of society with the sweetness of gracious speech. In conclusion, the wisdom of Proverbs 16:24 is timeless and universal. It challenges us to be mindful of the words we choose and the impact they have. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to speak words that are "sweet to the soul" and bring "health to the bones." In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the healing and uplifting of the world around us. Stay blessed, stay positive, and keep being a shining light for God! "New Beginnings: The Transformative Promise of 2 Corinthians 5:17"
The essence of the Christian faith is transformation – a profound, radical change that reshapes our very being. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul encapsulates this truth with powerful simplicity: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse is not merely a statement; it is a promise, an invitation to a life renewed by the grace of God. In this blog post, we'll explore the depths of this transformative promise and how it can impact our lives today. The Old Self: A Portrait of the Past Before we can fully appreciate the newness that comes with life in Christ, we must first acknowledge the old self. This is the version of us that is bound by past mistakes, regrets, and the brokenness that sin brings. It's a life marked by spiritual inertia, where our true purpose remains undiscovered and our potential unfulfilled. The old self is a shadow, a mere outline of what we were created to be. The New Creation: A Masterpiece Revealed When we come to Christ, the old self is not merely improved; it is replaced. We become a new creation, not just incrementally better but fundamentally transformed. This is the miracle of salvation: that we are given a fresh start, a blank slate upon which God Himself begins to write a new story. This new creation is not defined by what we once were but by what we are becoming in Christ – a masterpiece in the making, reflecting the image of our Creator. Living as a New Creation Embracing our identity as a new creation means letting go of the former things that once defined us. It's a daily process of renewal, where we learn to live out the reality of our transformation. This involves growing in faith, deepening our understanding of God's Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we do so, the evidence of our new life becomes apparent to those around us. We become agents of change, carriers of hope, and beacons of God's love in a world that desperately needs it. The Promise of Continual Renewal The beauty of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is that it speaks not only of a one-time event but of an ongoing journey. The new creation is continually being renewed, day by day, as we walk with the Lord. This promise assures us that no matter how many times we stumble, God's grace is sufficient to pick us up, dust us off, and set us back on the path of righteousness. In closing, the message of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is one of hope and renewal. It reminds us that in Christ, we are not defined by our past but by the glorious future He has prepared for us. As new creations, we have the privilege of living out this transformative promise, embodying the change that Christ has wrought in us, and sharing the sweetness of this new life with the world. Let us step forward in faith, embracing our new identity, and living each day as a testament to the life-changing power of God's love. Until next week, stay blessed, stay positive, and keep being a shining light for God! "Creating a Pure Heart: The Power of Transformation in Psalm 51:10"
In today's soul-stirring message, we're going to delve into the heart of spiritual rejuvenation, inspired by the timeless verses from Psalm 51: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." So, let's pause, breathe, and prepare to be uplifted. Start by setting the scene. Life can be like a long tour – it's exhilarating, exhausting, and everything in between. Sometimes, we find ourselves a little off-key, longing for a tune-up of the heart and soul. That's where our verses come in, like a gentle hand guiding us back to harmony. Tip #1: Seeking Purity of Heart "Create in me a pure heart, O God." Imagine your heart as a garden. Over time, weeds can grow – these are our mistakes, our regrets, our missteps. But just as a gardener tends to their plot, we too can ask for a fresh start, a clean slate. It's about seeking forgiveness, letting go of the past, and planting seeds of goodness and love in their place. Tip #2: Embracing a Steadfast Spirit A steadfast spirit is like the strong roots of an ancient tree, keeping us grounded when the storms of life rage. It's about resilience, determination, and a deep-seated faith that doesn't waver. Cultivate this steadfastness through daily practices like prayer, reflection, and connecting with a community that shares your values. Tip #3: Remaining in God's Presence "Do not cast me from your presence." This is a plea to stay connected to the divine, like a musician staying in tune with the band. It's about recognizing that we are never alone, that the presence of God is a constant source of comfort and guidance. Make time for stillness, for being in nature, for immersing yourself in scriptures or spiritual writings that resonate with you. Tip #4: Rediscovering Joy "Restore to me the joy of your salvation." Joy is the melody that plays in our hearts when we're in sync with our spiritual selves. It's the lightness we feel when we embrace gratitude and the beauty of the moment. Rediscover this joy by celebrating small victories, by serving others, and by remembering the transformative power of grace in your life. Tip #5: Cultivating a Willing Spirit A willing spirit is eager, open, and ready to follow where the path may lead. It's about saying "yes" to new opportunities for growth, "yes" to challenges that stretch us, and "yes" to the journey of becoming our best selves. Nurture this willingness by stepping out of your comfort zone, by learning new things, and by embracing change as a friend. As we wrap up today, let's reflect on these verses as a personal anthem for our spiritual journey. Let them be the lyrics that remind us of who we are and who we aspire to be. Let's carry them with us, like a cherished melody, as we navigate the complexities of life. May your heart be pure, your spirit steadfast, and your joy complete. Until next time, stay blessed, stay positive, and keep being a shining light for God! |
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