F4S: Illuminate. Participate. Not Isolate..off all alone somewhere. No no, seek the Lord and then go wisely Infiltrate!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Illuminate. Participate. Not Isolate..off all alone somewhere. No no, seek the Lord and then go wisely Infiltrate!

We're not to be alone so much that we selfishly isolate.  I say we infiltrate--be in the world with Christ's love, not of it. Sure, cuz the Bible says...

"Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:12

Lord, we want to know your will each step of the way. We want to reflect who You really are. Thanks for being near.
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 
God is love. He’s the door on in. He’s so there for you today. 

Be a believer and then declare to yourself:  Hey Bud, you can indeed do somethin' different that can make a difference in this world.  Yup, good-different for the glory of God! 
God, what practical, what helpful, what service, what uplifting.. You know specifically.. would You have us do? ..would you have me do? What would you have me say and how? To whom? I inquire of You. Please shine-out in love through us today. 

As a shining witness for Christ, the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13 said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It wasn't about self-reliance or self-confidence. He simply allowed the Holy Spirit to minister through him. Lord, help us to follow You today and have your way in us--each of us as we hold out the word of life. Thanks for helping us spread Your Gospel this week.

Shining; it’s a bold choice.  You can make this choice and do this.. daily. Don't worry about the opinions of others or your multiple flaws.. whatever those may be or not be. Sometimes you can have the smallest of roles in the smallest production if ya will... doesn't really matter where you start... yet make a big impact for eternity.  Let God give you fearless confidence and use you as His witness.  Ask Him to.  

“Be a light in someone’s life today, no matter how small–you’ll still light up their world.” ~ Marie Wikle

Arise and shine, for your light has come. You remember, His Name is Jesus. You can do it differently, colorfully, uniquely.. but do shine out for Him. 

There are mistakes, there are sins, there is grace, mercy, forgiveness, fresh learning, and some new opportunities. God love you and gives freely. Ask for.. from God and people when you let em down. Do your best not to blow it again. Duh! 

Ask.. what are you really passionate about? Is it worth it? What's big on the Lord's heart? Influence saints and sinners towards Him and what's good. Employ godly wisdom, good advice, and shine. Apply it right and pass it on to help another.  Intelligence plus accurate facts minus godly wisdom equals a beautiful and colorfully-exotic bird without wings to really fly.

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” Colossians 1:13
“The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!” Psalm 64:10