the colors of the morning sky

Isn’t it “sweet . . . to see a new day dawning.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7). “Plant your seed in the morning . . .” (Ecclesiastes 11:6) and let the whole day reflect God’s love.

God’s handiwork in this photo looks like a painting, right?

The colors of the morning sky should renew our souls.

“Wake up, my heart . . .
I will wake the dawn with my song.” Psalm 57.8

The Bible has many verses using the morning and it’s imagery to remind us to start our day with the Lord.

Talk to Him.

“Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.” Psalm 5.3

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting ou.” Psalm 143.8

Let Him affirm the day.

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.” Luke 1.78

“Each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me.” Psalm 42.8

“Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day He carries us in His arms.” Psalm 68.19

Read these next verses and take the encouragement to share.

“Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30.5

“Great is His faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentation 3.23

Let God ‘paint’ His presence in your heart as you allow His ‘brushstrokes’ of peace and love permeate the ‘canvas’ of your soul.

“If only you would listen to His voice today!” (Psalm 95:7)

Then, you will…

be.the.church

“May those who love you [God] rise like the sun in all its power!” Judges 5.31

the offering

I think this picture could be titled ‘The Offering‘. It says so much, doesn’t it?

There are many ways to make an offering and some make them to nature. I think this what this picture depicts.

But, our God is a jealous God and desires all our offerings be to Him to bring Him alone glory and honor.

How can we make an offering to Him?

What does it mean to make an offering?

I think an offering implies a sacrifice. it should cost us something. Perhaps, our talent, time, and/or energy is offered up as a sacrifice to our Lord.

Our offerings might be living out this verse by doing good to others and sharing.

“…do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And just as the word offering implies, something is offered as a gift usually in devotion or worship. It could be your time, talent, money, other resources, thanks, etc.

What are you making your offering to God be?

It should be a daily discipline in prayer, with worship, in serving, and in studying the Word. A moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day offering of your devoted life in service to our Lord.

What else can you think of that would be a worthy offering worthy of our King?

I think simply offering the honor and glory back to God in all we do is the offering worthy of His attention.

When we do, we will be a living, breathing sacrifice and others will see us…

be.the.church

world tourism day – is that a thing?

Yep, it sure is and I suppose everyday of the year there is something to be celebrated or observed. But, this day excites me.

It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, you can still explore the world around. If there are places you want to see, check out a book from the library and learn more or watch a travel documentary and pretend you are there. To take it a step further, you could play a virtual reality game in the country of your choosing then you will really get a feel for it.

Having a thirst for knowledge helps expand your mind and that is why I like this day’s observance – it is to recognize traveling does just that – expands the mind.

Traveling also helps you understand the different cultures and customs that might be completely different to what you have grown accustom to.

India is the host country this year.

The richness of culture and differences of spices from region to region is incredible.

The theme this year is ‘a better future for all’ as tourism as jobs is explored.

Take a moment and find a fun fact on the country of India to share with us all in the comments.

As we learn about the differences of this vast world, we come to realize that people all over the world are just as in need of God’s forgiveness as those of us who have already accepted it.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”. 1 Peter 3.15

Travel or not, find someone you can share your faith with to help them…

be.the.church

“Sing to the Lord; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.” Psalm 96.2-4

stay on the straight and narrow path

Life can take us on many twists and turns.

How can we stay on the straight and narrow path?

Stay in The Word

Stay in community with other believers as iron does sharpen iron (Proverbs 27.17)

Watch and pray so you are not lead into temptation (Matthew 26.41)

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Be counted in the few as you stay on the straight and narrow path.

May others see your efforts and join in community to…

be.the.church

Here’s some quotes about staying on the straight and narrow path. Be inspired as you strive to apply each one.

If you have never invited Christ into your life, why not do that right now.

It is as simple as the mention of His name.

Of course, you must have faith to believe He came to earth, died for your sins, was buried and raised on the third day.

Jesus now sits at the right hand of God our Father waiting to forgive and have you enter into the family.

Pray this prayer to acknowledge your sin and desire to repent:

“Lord Jesus, please forgive me of my sin. I know I am a sinner in need of Your grace. Thank You for coming to die for me. I put my faith in You. Help me to stay on the straight and narrow path set before me. Amen”

If you sincerely prayed this prayer, well done and welcome to the family of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe you prayed this for the first time or maybe as a recommitment, know all Heaven smiles down on you today. Please let us know if you prayed this for the first time or how we can pray for you. Again, welcome to the family.

the light unto my path

What lights your path?

Do you ever feel like darkness surrounds you?

Go to The Word and let it penetrate the dark crevices of your soul and light your path.

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and the light unto my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭

That verse was used in a song. Here are the lyrics:

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

When I feel afraid,
And think I’ve lost my way
Still, You’re there right beside me
Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide,
And hold me to Your side,
And I will love You to the end.

Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

And a light unto my path.
You’re the light unto my path.

As Christians, there is no other way to go then to follow the Lord’s leading and let Him light your path. As we do, we can…

be.the.church

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gs-aiQ9NZ1g

plug into the source

Why do we run around crazy trying to do everything on our own strength?

Why do we pretend we have it all together when we don’t?

Why do we not lean in to the source from the start of our frustrations, worries, or troubles?

So often we buy into the thought that we don’t need God’s help or whatever it is ailing us is not something needed to bother God with.

No! No! No!

Plug into the source.

Get prayed up, filled up, loved up, and your strength up.

God is the only one able to provide for and meet all our needs.

No reason to go to any other source but Him alone.

Read the following scriptures to be reminded where your hope, joy, and strength really do come from.

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 6.10

“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.” Psalm 23.1

“For the Lord God is a sun and a shield. The Lord will give grace and glory. He withholds no good thing from those who walk blamelessly.” Psalms 84:11

Plug into the source and…

be.the.church

“For He satisfies the longing soul. He fills the hungry soul with good.” Psalms 107:9

fire season

It is the first day of the new season in the northern hemisphere (aka fire season).

It is funny how it can be so warm one day come fall and bitterly cold the next.

That was the kind of fall we were having last year. Actually, it was even in some summer days.

I remember friends were waiting for a perfect rain day to finish filming a music video. But, when the rain came, it was not a nice summer shower but rather a cold and wet and dreary day.

Fast forward to October, we had warm, wet rain with high humidity and temps in the 70s and 80s followed by that cold, wet weather I was just mentioning a few days later.

Of course, it was a day we were going to be outside for hours. But it was the perfect day to start up the wood-stove with its first fire of the season when we returned soaked through and chilled to the bone.

The last several seasons I was much more prepared with wood all stacked on the porch and in the garage by this time.

Last year I had 2 racks stacked outside with at least 3 more to fill and the holder in the house overflowing. So I had enough ready and seasoned to get the season started.

So far this year I just have half a rack in the garage and a third on the porch with 2 cords in the driveway yet to stack and at least that much yet to split. I need to get to it before fire season peaks. But, as you may recall I am a bit of a procrastinator:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/09/16/dont-put-off-tomorrow-what-you-can-do-today/

Changing seasons marks the end and beginning of something often anticipated.

In New England, the waiting for the leaves to peak is paramount.

What is it that you might be waiting in anticipation for? Are you ready for this next season that is at hand?

Maybe you are like the wood on the driveway, ready to be used but needs to be moved.

Sometimes in life, in order to get where we want to go, we need to get up from where we are and start working towards the plan that will get us from point A to point B.

Start putting plans into actions and one day soon a fire of forward direction will carve the path to a season clothed in beauty.

And each season does have its beauty.

Fall with its leaves, flowers in full spring bloom,

summer’s greenery and lush grassland coverings,

and even winter’s white wonderland.

“You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter.” Psalm 74.17

“There is an appointed time fork everything.” Ecclesiastes 3.1a

Look forward to each and see what God has for you to do in each as you strive to…

be.the.church

you are a miracle

You are a living, breathing, walking, talking miracle!

You are:

L oved

A ccepted

C omplete and

K nown*

You L-A-C-K nothing with Christ Jesus as Lord.

“…beauty out of ashes…” (Isaiah 61.3) that is what the Lord promises.

You are beautiful no matter what uglies might be in your past. He promised to make beauty out of those ashes!

You are loved no matter how big the bag of sin is you are carrying.

Let those burdens go.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalms 55.2

You are His beloved, His bride. Believe it and…

be.the.church

Take another moment to review this previous post that says some of the above: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/09/06/what-do-you-see-when-you-look-in-the-mirror/

Be reminded that when you look in the mirror you need to see who God truly has made you to be – His child, His treasure, His beloved.

*from Jennifer Rothchild study

find peace

Today, September 21 is International Day of Peace.

Many cultures use all kinds of different symbols for peace: the dove, the olive branch, and the rainbow just to name a few.

These all have Biblical symbolism as well and I believe it is where the original peace meanings stem from.

Sometimes these symbols are stolen, distorted, and no longer represent the peace they were intended for.

Do you know what the Peace flag is? It is simply the rainbow.

This flag was first used in Italy with the word ‘peace’ in Italian on it.

The rainbow represents the promise that God would never flood the earth again (Genesis 9.13). For most, it is no longer seen as a symbol of peace of that promise but rather used as symbol of gay pride.

Often the good intent ends up being used irreverently. For now, we no longer associate the rainbow with being whole or God’s creation or even that it is the symbol of His promise of peace.

It is true, people get confused even if you try to tell them otherwise.

I do wish they find true peace in Christ alone.

I love this representation for international peace:

Perhaps, a Christian designed it. I am not sure, but it does incorporate peace, don’t you agree?

If it had a rainbow, then it would have all three of the above mentioned Biblical symbols of peace (the dove, the olive branch, and the rainbow).

Another example of peace is the swastika. It is an ancient Eurasian symbol. Then, it became a symbol of good luck and now, of course, no one would associate it with peace or luck!

When I was in Korea, I was surprised to see it on ancient buildings over 5,000 years old and learn of its roots which are so far from the racism of white supremacy and intimidation we think of today when we see it.

If you think of the upside down broken cross as a peace symbol, well, there is more to that story too. You see, Nero who despised Christians would crucify them head down on a cross (including Peter).

So, could it be that the peace symbol really is a reminder of martyrs? I am not entirely positive, but I do know Germans used it in the graves of their SS Officers who they believed were martyrs for their cause.

Supposedly the bottom half of a peace symbol represents a broken rifle – or broken ‘arms.’

The internationally recognized peace symbol – variously known as the nuclear disarmament symbol is a combination of the signals for the letters “N” and “D”, standing for “nuclear disarmament.”

The letter “N” is formed by a person holding two flags in an inverted “V” like this:

The letter “D” is formed by holding one flag pointed straight up and the other pointed straight down.

These two signs form the shape of the centre of the peace symbol.

If it is the other way with arms up it is suppose to represent life. Arms down – death. Makes sense death will come if evil prevails.

So for me, this is what I see: peace is not possible in this fallen world without Christ. It also says look at sacrifices others have made as martyrs like Peter being crucified upside down.

Let the peace symbol remind us to pray for those who have been lead astray. Pray they find the peace that passes all understanding which finds its roots in Christ alone.

Most will look at this symbol and instantly identify it as peace. If someone thinks it evil, we must remember so is the cross!

It was a sadistic, most horrendous, and evil thing. It was a curse to hang on a tree; even Scripture so says in Deuteronomy 21:23 and Galatians 3:13.

It was a symbol of shame and of evil.

The cross was never a symbol of good, at least not until Jesus came.

When Jesus spoke of taking up our cross and following Him, the imagery would not have been seen as a good thing by the vast majority of people. It would be as if the syringe became the symbol of euthanasia and then we all started to take the syringe as the symbol of our new religion. However, the death of Christ transformed the symbol of death into a symbol of life.

I used to wonder why did we wear crosses. I thought how strange it would be to wear an electric chair. But the empty cross reminds of Christ’s conquering of death and seen in the peace sign, it can also remind us of the post our Lord was whipped on prior to his death.

Let it remind us He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities as it says in Isaiah 53.5.

We can find peace in Christ alone and when we do, others will ask about that peace they see in us as we strive to…

be.the.church

Find peace – find it in Christ alone.

By the way, all of the above was inspired original by this peace symbol I saw on a wall in a clothing shop in an airport terminal:

I encourage you to blog or journal and write down the things God lays in your heart and mind even as this as I rushed through hallways while traveling. You might be surprised at the learning adventure you might go on by taking the time to explore what you have been exposed to. Happy adventuring with our Lord. I pray you do in Him alone!

love should not be silent

Growing up the I love you’s just were not heard in our house.

Years later when asked about it, my mother said: “How can you say you didn’t know you were loved?” And I thought: you can’t know for sure if the words are never spoken.

So, what’s the point today?

Love should not be silent.

In The Word of God, He tells us over and over of His love. In fact, more than 300 times and in the New Testament Christ tells us to love one another just as He loves us. (The command ‘love one another’ appears in the Bible, all in the New Testament. Jesus said it three times. Twice in John 13:34 and once in John 13:35. ‘Love each other‘ appears four times in the Bible, again and all in the New Testament. Jesus said it twice. Once in John 15:12 and once in John 15:17.

Five times altogether, according to the New King James version:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13.34

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13.35

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15.12

“These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17*)

The point is if anything is repeated in the Bible, we should take heed and follow its instruction.

If we are commanded to love than that love should not be silent!

How can we…

be.the.church

if it is?

Something to think about for sure!

Don’t let your love be silent or those in your life may wonder if you love them.

Love in word and deed.

The best way to love is to just be together, but do that after you have said: ‘I love you.’

Do it daily and life will be a little sweeter.

*https://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question112529.html