How You Are Described

    One of the ways I like to get to know people better is by having times where I meet with them one on one. I do this with the players I coach. One time I had a meeting with a player toward the end of the season. 

   At the end of the meeting, she told me that she would have avoided having a meeting with me had I asked at the beginning of the season. I asked why? She said because she was intimated by me because I seemed very serious. I then asked what changed? She said she got to know me more and saw how I interacted with her and the other members of the team. She realized that I was a very caring person.

   Then, because I like questions, I asked her how she would describe me. She said in one word she would say caring. The next word she would say strict, but about soccer; and that's a good thing for a soccer coach. 

   This got me thinking about how other people would describe me to someone if they had to. The next day I asked a co-worker how she would describe me. She said caring, comedic, sarcastic, and generous. Some of the ways she described me I would have not used to describe myself. It's not that they were bad things, it's just that I didn't think of myself in that way.

   It is interesting to find out what adjectives people would use to describe us. The thing is it is important to think about how they would describe us. We, who call ourselves Christians, are labeled. People who know that about us will be watching to see how we act. Are we loving? Are we loyal? Are we generous? Are we a reflection of Jesus? 

   Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." We are to be a light, not a hindrance to the gospel. There's a saying that goes, "you may be the only Bible someone will ever read." That should make us think about our actions. We can say we love Jesus but if our actions don't show it, why would anyone want to follow Jesus if we are the example? That's why we must walk our talk. We must reflect on our actions and be a light for Christ.

   So, how would people describe you? Are you being a light for Christ? If not, what can you do to change that?

 

Not My Truth

   One day I was sitting at my previous job working on a project while the children were napping. My co-teacher looked out the window and said, "it's raining." I replied, "no" because I didn't want to stay inside with the children. It's better when we can take the children outside so they can get their energy out. She responded, "yes." I shook my head, "no, that's not my truth." She laughed and we tried to figure out what we were going to do inside that afternoon.

   It was a joke and made us laugh when I said, "that's not my truth" but some people say that even when they are not joking. What I mean is, when I said, "that's not my truth" to the fact that it was raining I knew it was raining. I could see the rain, but I jokingly said, "no, it's not raining." Meanwhile there are people out there who know the truth and have seen signs of it, but they choose not to accept it.

   John 14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The Bible tells us the truth. We, as Christians, know we are to spread the Gospel to others. We know it is the truth. There are people out there who have heard the message but don't believe it is the truth. But Jesus is the only way to heaven. There is no other truth in the world more important to know than the fact that God loves you. He loves you enough that he sent his Son to die so you can be with him forever. That's the truth worth celebrating and spreading!

   So, what's your truth? Are you following the truth? How can you spread the truth to others?

 

Spiritual Dryness

    Have you ever had a time where you felt like you were just spiritually dry? I mean you know what you believe. You know God is with you. You know he's helped you through hard times. You trust him. But you just don't feel the spirit in your life the way you used to?

   That happened to me after I got married. I'm not blaming my marriage but that's just the time period where I felt it most recently. I began to wonder why I felt that way. I knew Paul had talked about how people who are married focus more on the needs of their spouse and family, but it felt like there was something more there.

   I knew how I felt, and if you've been there, you know how you felt, but what do you do when you feel that way? The first step I took was I prayed. I asked God why I was feeling this way. I was still going to church, doing devotionals, listening to the word, listening to Christian songs, and doing all the things to get fed spiritually but it wasn't working so I didn't understand. That's when I realized I had been going through a season of going through the motions.

   You know when you just stick to the same routine but don't let it change you? When you lose focus of what should have number one priority. That's what happened. I was still doing all the things, but it was becoming a checklist instead of something that was truly digging deep into me, making me a tad uncomfortable, changing, and challenging me. That's a problem. 

   We should always be growing. It just depends on where we get our nutrients from as to if we are growing toward the Son or toward Satan. Instead of going through the motions I began to stop and meditate on each thing I was doing. If I read a verse, I would pause and think about how those words impacted me. If I listened to a song, I tried to let the words penetrate my heart and connect me to the Spirit. I paused, and that's something we all need to do from time to time to ensure we are not just going through the motions. 

   So, have you gone through a season of spiritual dryness? How can you grow in God each day?

How Do You Worship?

    I have worshipped God in many places. Technically in all you do, you can worship. But I am talking about worship in a community and singing. Though worship should be between you and God, it sometimes feels like you are being judged during worship. If you look around during worship you may see some people raising their arms, crying, dancing, etc. Sometimes people are not focused on the song, instead they are focused on what others are doing. 

   Worship should be something sacred. You should not feel judged for how you worship, and you should not judge others as you should be focused on the Lord. Yet, judgement will happen. In 2 Samuel 6:14-22 we see David dancing in front of the Ark of the Lord in a priestly garment. The king of Israel is worshiping the Lord for all to see by dancing. Now, either that is something that is looked down upon or the king was a bad dancer ;) Whatever the case, Michal, his wife, judges him. She says he shamed himself. David replies, “I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!”

   David didn’t care how he was judged. He just cared about praising the Lord. There are times where I will sway or dance during worship. The only time I never felt judged about how I worshiped was at Breakout Church. One of the first things the pastor said was worship how you feel led. I sat and drank in the words that God was speaking to me during that worship. It was amazing to see, hear, and feel the worship there. There are people dancing, yelling, speaking in tongues, pacing, flagging, and much more. They do whatever they feel led to do and there is freedom in that. I would love to see us stop judging others so much and focus more on connecting with the Lord. God gives us different gifts and personalities for a reason. So why don’t we praise him for that and all that he has done for us?

https://youtu.be/BhJ3ZIxbD0Y?si=Z7wFBSRNHkgvfiuR

What is Worship?

   Have you ever asked the question: what is worship? The simplest definition I can think of is, praising God. Then, why do we think of worship time as just singing? Sure, worship can happen through song, but it can also happen elsewhere.

   Worship can happen anytime, anywhere. You can worship in silence. You can worship by making sounds or listening to them. You can worship through dance. There are so many more ways as well. If there are so many ways to worship, how do we differentiate between worship and everyday life?

   Romans 12:1 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices. When one sacrifices, they worship. We are to show love to others and love requires sacrifice. Thus, we can worship in all we do. We worship by showing love, reflecting God's glory, and we can do it through all actions. 

   It is also important to note that when we do things each day, we can use them as acts of worship. We must remember who we worship as well. Each selfless act we do, should be pointed back to God in an act of worship. We should not be prideful and accept the credit, we should credit God with our gifts and possessions because he's the one who gave us them.

   So, how do you worship God? How can you reflect God's glory each day?

https://youtu.be/IXpvretutkY

Looking at the Paper

   I once began a journey I didn't think I'd ever begin: online dating. Through that experience I was in contact with many different guys. Some of them were not Christian who contacted me even though I had put on my profile, "must be Christian." Others were Christian.

   The first date I went on was with a Christian guy. Let's call him Anakin. Anakin looked good on paper. He was a Christian, owned a house, had a good job, knew how to cook, was flowing with ideas, and was creating a new business. He was a man who has the total package. Yet, something felt off. It felt like we didn't connect for some reason.

   After going on a date with that guy, I went for coffee as friends with another guy. Let's call this guy Obi Wan. He was a Christian, a soccer player, a coach, had a job, lives a minimalistic life, didn't own his own house, and didn't know how to cook. He was a good guy but comparing him on paper to Anakin on paper was a no brainer. Most people would choose Anakin because he brings more practicality to the table. Yet, I sat and had a three hour honest conversation with Obi Wan. There was something different about him.

   A week went by and something continued to feel off about my dating Anakin. Then I realized what it was: we were unequally yoked. Now, at this point, you may be saying, "isn't Anakin Christian? How are you unequally yoked?"

   While it was true that we were both Christian, we were at different places in our walks with God. We were on different paths. Meanwhile, Obi Wan and I were both seeking God. We both wanted to have Bible studies together. We talked about our challenges and victories with one another. We prayed with each other. We connected. We were on the same path.

   See, sometimes God doesn't call us to take the easy path, or the path the world would take. Many people would have probably chosen Anakin based off his qualifications and what he could do for them. He looked good on paper. But love and marriage are not about looking good on paper or what the other person can do for you. Love and marriage is to point to Christ. People should see you relationship (in marriage) and see how Jesus is with his bride, the church.

   So, are you equally yoked with your partner? How can you continue to walk, grow, and encourage your partner? 

   2 Corinthians 6:14

https://youtu.be/PHqGmo8OO_g?si=2_kbMzN91RWhzQBz

Blinded By the Light

   Have you ever been in your house, your place of work or somewhere else dark during the day? I'm sure you have. Then, for some reason or another you need to go outside to do something. How does it look outside? It's really bright, to the point of you are squinting. Then, as you are outside for a bit you get used to the light. Everything finally seems commonplace and normal.
   This is just like our Christian walk. We come out of our darkness and sin and we are overwhelmed by the light because it's new. We like the light, in fact we love it. We are on fire for God. We want to spread the good news. Then, as time goes on, we start to get used to the light. We stop telling others about God. We start thinking we know all there is to know about God. We start only thinking of ourselves.
   If our jobs were done on earth God would've taken us away. He has us here for a reason and wants us to grow in him. We need to let our lights shine for him. Once we come out of the darkness we give off his light. I don't know about you, but I want my light to shine bright for him. I don't just want it to be dull, that doesn't make a difference for the kingdom at all. We must tell others about what Jesus has done for them so that as many as possible can come to the kingdom.
   So, has the light become commonplace for you? Is your light becoming dim? What can you do to let your light shine for God? 

   Matthew 5:15-16
   Image from here. 

Be Proactive: Soccer Lessons

"Be proactive not reactive. Anticipate the play."

   Soccer is a game of patterns. If the ball is at a certain point on the field you can usually guess where it will go next. Yes, the ultimate goal is to get the ball towards the opposing team's goal; but, there are many different ways to get it there and events that happen that changes how the ball gets there.

   If you've been playing soccer enough you can usually guess what the player with the ball is going to do next. If you try to stop that player from doing what she wants to do before she does it, that's being proactive. If you let the player pass the ball to another player then try to stop the ball, that's being reactive. Because soccer is a game of patterns, it is possible to anticipate the play. You can move your body to try to stop the play from happening. Or, you can make more work for yourself and wait to try to stop the play until the other team has already completed their plan.

   In life, it is important for us to be proactive and anticipate things as well. When you wake up in the morning you normally know what you are going to do during the day. You have a plan but that plan doesn't always happen. Sometimes unexpected things happen. You could be late to work because of an accident, a family member could get injured, your boss could yell at you, and you get the idea. How can you be proactive and anticipate those things? You can't, but you can be proactive in knowing how you will react to those things.

   2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." God tells us how to deal with certain things in his word. No, it doesn't say "when your boss yells at you, this is how you should react." But, God's word does say to love others. We may be upset at our boss but we shouldn't yell back. We shouldn't be reactive to the situation. We should spend time with God each day. We should be proactive. We should know God's word enough to apply it to our everyday lives.

   So, are you proactive or reactive in your daily life? Do you spend time with God each day so that you can as proactive in your daily life?

   Image from here.

Keep It Simple: Soccer Lessons

"Play simple, play smart."

   The basic goal of soccer is quite simple: to get the ball in the opposing team's goal. The difficulty in soccer is actually getting the ball up the field and into the goal. The reason that is difficult is because the opposing team has a pesky habit of stealing the ball from you or blocking your shot. It's simple to get the ball in the goal, but it isn't easy.

   Some teams have a problem of making it harder on themselves because certain players hold onto the ball too long, they don't pass at the right time, or they don't shoot at the right time. That's where the saying, "play simple, play smart" came from.

   In soccer, sometimes you end up facing your own net. Some players will try to turn the ball around to go the other way. Sometimes that works, many times it doesn't because the other team won't let you turn. Thus, why I tell my players to play simple. If my players pass the ball back to their teammate, that teammate can then send the ball forward easier. Now, when I finally got my team to understand playing simple, we then had the problem of people passing the ball back when the opposite team was there. Or, we would pass the ball around the same area too much. That didn't really help us get up the field. That's why I added to play simple, play smart.

   In life, we also have a goal. The meaning of life can be found in Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." While we are here on earth, our purpose is simple: we are to reflect the light of God. It seems simple, because it is, but it isn't easy.

   We have trials every day where we have a choice: we can reflect God's glory or follow our own desires. That's where being smart comes in. We know we are to follow Jesus' example by following God's word. We need to be smart because our adversary will try to get us to slip up. We have a big adversary. It is impossible for us to defeat him. It's a good thing we don't have to because Jesus already did defeat him. If we walk with Jesus, spend time with him, pray, etc. It will be easier for us to know what is simple and smart. He will help us in the trials of life.

   So, do you know what your purpose in life is? Are you spending time with Jesus each day? Do you make simple, smart choices when you go through trials?
   Image from here.

Facing Failure

   I am a failure. Do not misunderstand that sentence. I am not in a low place right now, but I was. For a long period of time I felt like an idiot, misunderstood, not needed, and just not good enough. Have you ever felt that way?

   The funny thing was, before I failed, things were going fantastic (I love that word; people just don’t use it enough). I had gotten a job that I was a great fit for, I had just had a relaxing summer, and I felt God was with me. Then it all came down in an instant.

   Sometimes when we fail it is of our own doing. Other times we fail and it’s just because of circumstances outside our control. Either way you fail it is not fun (unless you are into feeling like a ton of bricks conked you over the head, but most people aren’t that I know of). Now, if you’ve ever failed and I am sure you have, then you know it’s not easy to get over. It’s especially hard when it’s not your fault or not part of your plan. If this is how you are feeling I have good news, you’re not the only one that this has happened to.

   In Joshua 6 we hear about the story of how Joshua defeated the city of Jericho. They defeated Jericho in a really unconventional way, and it was a great victory. After the battle Joshua and the Israelites were to destroy everything in the city, except for Rahab and her family. That is exactly what the Israelites did, or so they thought.

   Joshua sent men to another city called Ai (Joshua 7). They said to send 3,000 men to defeat the city. Those 3,000 men came back defeated. The Israelites had just defeated this huge city of Jericho and they could not beat this small city? Joshua and the elders were crushed and they cried out to God because their reputation as a nation/army was ruined. God told them the reason they were defeated was because someone took something from Jericho and did not destroy it. Long story short they find out who took all the plunder and kill him. Then God tells Joshua to go to Ai again and they crush Ai.

   Joshua was on top of the world, then brought to the deepest valley, and then brought up the hill again. It wasn’t Joshua’s fault someone disobeyed God, yet he paid the price because he was the leader. He failed, but he did not wallow in grief. Joshua cried out to God, obeyed God’s instruction, and made a huge comeback.

   When we fail we can choose to wallow in grief because something bad happened to us; or we can get up and trust in God. Joshua chose to seek God for instruction because he knew God would never leave him. God won’t leave you either.

   So, when you fail will you wallow or walk with God? What can you do to further you’re your walk with God so when hard times come you are ready?

   Joshua 6-7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Philippians 4:4-7

   Image from here.

Got Passion? An Easter Blog

   "He has risen." If you go to church and you heard that more than likely you would reply with: "he has risen indeed." That's a great saying but I wonder if it has become common place.
   I'm not saying it isn't great to remember that Jesus has risen. What I am saying is I think that we do not have the passion we used to have when we say it. Think about when you were a child, or when you first became a Christian. When you heard "he has risen," how did you reply? Did you say "he has risen indeed" very quietly or like you were bored? No! I'm pretty sure you would have jumped up in your seat, if it was appropriate, and yelled "HE HAS RISEN INDEED!"
   Why do I say that you would have yelled it? I say that because when we first become Christian we have a fire for God. We have been saved from our sin. And, we have been saved in a most unexpected way. God came down to take our sin. He showed us love in the most unconditional way. Shouldn't we shout that to the world?!
   But, as time goes on, we take it for granted. "Oh, yes I know Jesus rose from the dead. I know pretty much all I need to know about him. No, I don't feel I am called to go places to share about him. Someone else can do that, I don't want to risk my neck." Rather than sharing the greatest story of love ever told we sit back. We become lukewarm, selfish, and hypocritical. Then we wonder why people don't want to hear about Jesus.
   We have a chance to share the good news. We should want to share this news with everyone! This isn't just a story from history. It is a story that is continuing on and that we get to be a part of. That's why we should have a passion for sharing this news. We should be yelling in church and everywhere "HE HAS RISEN INDEED!" We should be willing to tell others about him no matter the cost because he paid the ultimate price for us.
   So, do you still have a passion for Christ? Are you sharing the good news of the gospel? If not, what can you do to share the gospel? 

   Mark 16:5-7, Matthew 6:21, 1 Corinthians 10:31

   Image found here.

A Strong Foundation

   One day while I was at school with my students, one of them built a tower. The student was very proud of the tower. The student kept calling me over to look at it. I saw it growing higher and higher. It got to the point that I knew the inevitable would happen: the tower would fall.

   I kept quiet and watched. Sure enough the tower came down with a crash. Then the student looked at me. I just shrugged and said "bummer, maybe you should try to build it again." The student began to build again. And, again the tower fell.

   The next week we did a lesson about the book "Yertle the Turtle" by Dr. Seuss (spoilers ahead). We talked about how Yertle's tower of turtles would have been stronger if he would have had a better foundation. Then we built Yertle a tower together.

   This got me thinking about how we try to build our own towers. We think "I can build the biggest tower all by myself. I don't need any help." Yet, some of us don't build on a good foundation. The sand of the world isn't a strong foundation. The rock of God is a strong foundation. If we spend time with God, pray to him, and read his word we will have a strong foundation. That's how we grow in knowledge and make a bigger impact for him.

   So, what is your foundation built on? Do you have a strong foundation built by knowing God? How can you make your foundation stronger today?

   2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Matthew 7:24-27

   Image from here.

Abiding with God: New Year's Blog

   As some of you know, each year I try to challenge myself with a spiritual resolution. This year I chose to challenge myself to spend more time with God. Many times we feel we are too busy. I know this year I was very busy with many different things. I could’ve used excuses and said “I’m too busy to spend time in the word.” But, each day I spent time with God. You could also say I was abiding with God each day. Abide isn’t a word that we tend to use much nowadays. The only time I have really heard the word abide used much is when someone says, “I cannot abide with that.” According to dictionary.com abide means: “to remain, continue, or stay.” I was remaining and staying with God all year.

   I chose this challenge because at the beginning of the year I read the verse John 15:4. The verse says: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” This verse is basically saying that we are like a branch. God is the vine. Without an attachment to the vine, the branch would not survive. The branch would not produce fruit. As Christians, we are called to produce fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). If we abide with God, then we will produce his fruit. We will grow in him and get to know him more.

   I learned a lot this year during the challenge. I had a few rough patches this year, and I am sure you did as well. However, this year when I went through these rough patches I knew the word better and I kept saying verses to myself. This helped me to get through tough times. Knowing the word made me feel like God was walking right beside me. I knew he was walking beside me in previous years; but knowing his word and abiding with him helped me feel closer to him.

   I encourage you, as 2019 ends and 2020 is here, to come up with your own spiritual challenge. If you don’t have one, then why not try spending time abiding with God? I promise you, you will learn a lot and you will grow in him.

   Image from here.

Giving Up Everything For God: Abraham Hall of Faith

   "Imagine what God would trust you with tomorrow if you trusted Him more today...” (Simon Lawton).
   Abraham was the start of the nation of Israel. However, when God chose Abraham he was far from perfect. Abraham worshiped other gods but when God called him to leave all he knew Abraham went.
   On this journey Abraham learned many things and was given great promises from God. God promised him land, children, and blessing. Abraham had to go through many trials before he received the promised child: Isaac. 
   Abraham loved Isaac as evident in Genesis 2:2 "Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac" He finally received what he was promised then God said this: "go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you."
   Abraham was asked to give up his most precious possession just because God asked him to. Abraham could have said no. It is evident from other passages that Abraham did not always trust God. This was Abraham's final test to see if he would trust Him. Abraham took Isaac and did what God called him to do. He stepped out in faith and trusted that God had a plan to keep the covenant He had with him. Would you be willing to give up your most precious possession for God? That's the kind of faith Abraham had.
   So, would you be willing to give up everything for God? Will you trust that God has a plan for your life?

   Genesis 2, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 19:21
   Image from here.

How Salty Are You?

   How salty are you? That may seem like a strange question. Some of you are probably thinking "I'm not food, why do I need salt on me?" Others may be thinking, "I didn't just work out, I'm not sweaty. And, I wasn't just in the ocean." Still others may be thinking, "You're crazy, where are you going with this?" For those of you in the latter category: thanks, I know I'm crazy but, as always, I have a point.

   I will tell you that I hope I'm salty. As well as I know I'm salty because my dog licks me :D Before I get to the reason why I want to be salty let me tell you a story. One time I was at a Jr. High soccer game. One of my High School players volunteered to be ball girl (If the ball goes out of bounds she gives the player a new one and gets the old one to make the game go faster).

   We were standing on the sideline talking about how things were going. I was semi-upset with her because she wasn't playing on my sister's team that season and I joked with her about it. She said, "are you salty?" She meant "are you jealous?" I said, "no, well maybe a little, but if I am that's actually a good thing according to the Bible." She laughed and one of the other coaches came over and was confused. I explained Matthew 5:13, which says: "But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

   Jesus was speaking in a riddle, which is typical of him because he wants to find the seekers. He wants people to dig deeper into his words and find meaning. What Jesus is talking about in this verse is that if we are not doing our jobs then what good are we? Salt has a job. Salt's job is to flavor things. But what's the point of putting salt on food if it isn't going to add flavor?

   In the same way, what's the point of us going into the world to do our jobs, or make disciples, if we are not actually going to do our job. If we are lukewarm in our faith how are we going to spread the saltiness? How do we flavor others with the good news of the gospel? We don't if we are not doing our job of spreading the good news.

   In the end, in my story, the player and the coach had a good laugh. Even though, originally, I used the verse out of context. I corrected myself and had a good conversation with the player (who is a believer) and the coach. In that little episode I was spreading my saltiness (the good kind, not the jealous kind), which is exactly what we are called to do.

   So, are you salty? Are you spreading your saltiness? How can you spread the Gospel today?

   Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 14:34-35

   Image from here. 

Defeating the Darkness

   Imagine you are at home and it is night. You are enjoying watching some tv, reading, or spending time with your family then suddenly the power goes out. Now, depending on your age you may be feeling different things. If you are young and afraid of the dark, you may be freaking out at this point. If you are an adult you may be going through your head thinking about a generator, candles, or flashlights are. You probably are not thinking: "let me pull my sleeves up, put on my boxing gloves, and punch this darkness until the lights come back on." That would just be silly, right?

   Well, I can tell you that some people do try to fight darkness. Christians have used darkness and light as a metaphor for sin for years. Darkness is sin, therefore light is the influence of Christ. We think we need to fight this dark sin. Let me ask you this, do you think you can fight sin? I'm not saying that you should fall into temptation of sin. I'm talking about trying to defeat sin. We go throughout our days in a constant battle. That makes us tired. Do we have to be so tired?
   1 John 4:18 says: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears us not made perfect in love." Our battle isn't against sin. That battle has already been won by someone far greater than us. Our battle is against fear. We are afraid we will mess up. We are afraid to lose our job, friends, and family. We are afraid we will never be good enough. The list of fears goes on and on. We try to defeat the fear/darkness in different ways. Some of us just accept the fear and give in. How can we combat this fear and darkness?
   Look back at 1 John 4:18 and you will find the answer. The answer is love. You may be saying, "how does that make sense? Isn't the opposite of fear bravery?" Let's say you are afraid you will let your boss down at your job, or your parents down. If you love them, love others, and act in love while at your job then you'll be driving out the fear.
   I'll tell you I am very self-conscious and I don't like letting people down. In fact, it got so bad that at one point I had severe anxiety. I tried to think logically, forget about the situations, and pray about them. The prayer helped a little but then I realized that in these situations I wasn't letting my light shine as much as I could've been. I was doing the bear minimum trying to defeat the fear on my own. Instead of fighting the fear on my own, I asked God to show me how to let my light shine. I asked him to help me show love.
   We don't have to fight the darkness because it only takes a light to stop the darkness. If all Christians showed love to others by letting their light shine there would be less darkness in the world. We can make this world bright by helping those in need, listening to those who are hurting, and so much more. That's how fear and darkness will be defeated.
   So, are you trying to defeat fear and darkness in the wrong way? Are you showing love to others and letting your light shine? How can you let your light shine today?

   1 John 4:18 and John 1:5

   Image from here. 

The Light in Me: New Years Reflection

   Each year I challenge myself with something I need to work on spiritually. I don't view it as a New Years Resolution because many people don't keep those. I view it as a choice I make to grow in my walk with God. And, I don't just do it for a year I try to keep it up from then on. It's funny though, this year, my challenge changed. I started out trying to be more like a servant. But, then God made it clear that's not what he wanted me to focus on this year. I was trying to be a servant but more and more it became clear that I was to let my light shine for him (God's plan was different than my plan, go figure).
   You may be saying, "isn't that kind of the same thing?" Yes, it is in a way. But, letting your light shine means doing more. It means that when hard times come you praise God. When someone is in need you stop to help and praise God. When life is filled with so much darkness you can't see any light left, you praise God and let your light shine.
   I've been struck by how many songs talk about letting your light shine, even non-Christian songs. They helped me on my journey this year. "Come alive, come alive, Go and ride your light, Let it burn so bright, Reachin' up to the sky" (Come Alive, The Greatest Showman). When we first become Christians we are born again. We "Come Alive" with our new life. We are on fire for God. We want to tell others about him, learn about him, and serve him. Then, as time goes on we start to lose our fire, our light starts to dim, and we begin to go back to our old ways. 

   We forget that our "Lights shine bright everywhere we go" (Lights Shine Bright, TobyMac), even in hard places and times. We need to "Shine, Let it shine before all men, Let 'em see good works and then, Let 'em glorify the Lord" (Shine). The most important thing about letting your light shine is that your light isn't glorifying you. That's what we must remember when we think about putting our light out. It's about glorifying God. We can do this every day. When we go to work and are asked to do a mundane task we can do it to the best of our ability with enthusiasm. That's how people will see we are different. Then we can share our light with them and bring them out of darkness.
   It is not easy to always do this. I had a really hard year this year for different reasons. At times I am sure that my light was not that bright. The devil will try to snuff out our lights in any way he can. He knows what makes us tick. He then uses those things to try to turn us from God. When those times came up in my life I remembered to "Keep fighting the good fight (Never give up, never give up), Keep letting your light shine (Holding it high as long as you live)" (Good Fight, Unspoken). God is walking with me through all of the good and bad things I went through. I know these things happened for a reason. I may not know that reason yet but I am trusting in God.
   The Devil will not shut my light off because light is hope. I have hope in Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He loves me. He gives me a chance to be a part of his story. I'd be crazy not to give others chances to find the light. I can share my light of Jesus with others. That's what I'm going to do. Because God, "let Your(his) love shine down, So that the world could see, You(he) put the light in me" (The Light In Me, Brandon Heath).
   So, have you been letting your light shine? What can you do to let your light shine even more?

   Matthew 5:16, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Revelation 4:11
   How to Let Your Light Shine blog.

The Armor of God Series Conclusion

   How do we put on the armor of God then? Throughout this series I have told you ways that you can put on each individual piece of armor. But how do we put on the whole armor? It is no easy feat, especially since we have to do so much to put on each individual piece.
   We cannot put on the armor on our own. After all, it is called the armor of GOD. We are sinners and we fail, but through Jesus all things are possible. Jesus made it possible for us to be cleansed. He is the one who makes it possible for us to put on the armor. He is the truth. He is the righteous one. He is always ready. He is faithful, gives us salvation, and taught us how to pray.
   Without God we cannot do anything. With him we can do everything. That is how we put on the armor. We trust in Jesus as our Savior. We pray and follow him and then we will always be ready for battle.
   So, will you trust in Jesus as your personal savior? Will you follow him and put on the armor of God? Are you prepared for battle?

   Ephesians 6:10-18
   Image from here. 

Covering Your Armor in Prayer: The Armor of God Series

   “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing” (Martin Luther).

   Once upon a time when I was young I used to only go to God in prayer when I needed help. If I was being bullied, I would pray for the bullying to stop. If I wanted a dog, I would pray for a dog. If I was tired at soccer, I would pray for strength. But, during the good times, I didn't pray. I never really thanked God for all he had given me. I fell into the trap of treating God like a Genie.
   Prayer is one part of the armor that we don't talk about much. I think it is because the Roman soldiers did not have a metaphor connection to prayer. Paul puts prayer at the end like this: "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Eph.6.18). 
   Prayer is like a protective coating of the armor. If the armor is not taken care of then it will not be able to do its job. We must pray to God. I'm not talking about praying to him like he is a Genie. I am saying we talk to him throughout the day. We thank him for our blessings, whether they are good or bad. We tell him about our day like a friend. We question him like a father.
   Prayer is our link. It is like the chain that keeps the armor together. It keeps us connected with God. That's why prayer is so important. We could pray just to talk to God. Or we can pray for something as major as healing from cancer. It just takes some faith and a little bit of time for us to talk with our maker. 
   So, will you stop treating God like a Genie? Will you choose to pray to God at all times and in all things?

   Philippians 4:6, Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:10-18
   Image from here. 

Our Salvation is Protection: The Armor of God Series

   "No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief" (John Calvin).

   I grew up in the church my whole life. When I was in second grade my Sunday school teacher asked us if anyone wanted to pray "the prayer" to accept Christ. I thought I understood what that meant so I prayed the prayer, but I wasn't sure. When I was going into 4th grade I was at Camp YoliJwa and I prayed to redirect my life to Christ again.

   When I grew up in went to camp YoliJwa again the year before 11th grade. My counselor told me that she used to do drugs. She had other issues too. She got so low that she took pills to kill herself. But, the overdose didn't work. She sat in her room and saw a Bible. She was really mad at God so she threw the Bible. The Bible hit the wall and fell to the ground. My counselor went over and picked it up. A specific verse jumped off the page at her Romans 8:38-39 " For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." She had thought she would never be worthy of anyone, let alone God. She prayed the same prayer I did.

   The helmet was another vital piece of a soldiers armor because it protected the head. Many enemies would go for the head because it was a quick way to defeat the enemy, thus why the helmet was needed.

   In the life of a Christian the helmet of salvation is our knowledge of salvation. We know we are saved but our job isn't done. We are called to go save others by sharing our testimonies. Both my counselor and I prayed the prayer of salvation but our testimonies are not the same. Some people may relate to my testimony more than hers and vise versa. But we both share our testimonies to reach others nonetheless.

   Christians have our story as a tool to help us spread the Gospel. Our testimony is also a defense like the helmet. There are times when we all get really low. But if we know what we believe and why we believe it we can say "Jesus is my lord and he has saved me." That is the knowledge we can rest in and share with others.

   So, will you put on the helmet of salvation if you have not already? Do you find rest in the fact that Jesus has saved you? Will you spread that good news with others? 

   Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 19:25-26, Ephesians 6:10-18
   Image from here.