Spirit & Soul

It was a cold, sunny day in November. My son and I stood in the doorway, looking at our front yard. The grass was brown and dead from the recent frost we had received, but the sky was blue with only a few clouds, and the sun shone brightly. Although the ground looked dull and lifeless, the sky looked bright and hopeful.

Our glass door separated us from the cold, but we could still feel the warmth of the sun. My son commented that the sun’s warmth through the window was his favorite thing about winter. Even though it was cold outside, we could still feel the warmth of the sun through the glass. 

As Christians, we are to be the warmth and light of the world. When we accept salvation from Jesus Christ, He puts His light inside us. We then become a light to those around us. We shine brightly for Jesus by speaking with love and being kind and encouraging to others. 

In our world, we encounter cruelty, hate, and cold-hearted people. Many deal with darkness. Life has taken more from them than it has given. As a result, they are hurt and bitter and project what they feel onto others.

Others need love and light. They need to see the light of Jesus in us. Just as darkness can be seen in the world, so can light. It’s always a pleasant experience to encounter a person with a smile on their face and a kind word on their lips.

Let’s be the light Jesus wants us to be. When you encounter people, smile and speak a kind word. If you can help them, do so. Make a point to leave some of Christ’s joy with them. You may be the only glimpse of Jesus they see. 

My yearbook photo bears the caption, It’s my life!

I must have said that often because everyone’s photo had some tagline describing each of us. Looking back, I shudder at the arrogant, headstrong young woman I was. I did not know the depth of my ignorance then. No, I held high my diploma, which said I was ready to take on the world. I gazed out the window from my sixth-floor dormitory and admired the city below—its lights sparkling in the night.

We meet Eve in Genesis 3:6. In her mind, she was like me, queen of all she surveyed. A tree full of good food and more wisdom. With more knowledge, what could she not accomplish? Arrogant, headstrong, and prideful—like someone I know all too well. 

When I read the Bible, I sometimes wonder how people could have been so stupid. Yet in the next moment, I realize I’m no different. My foolishness just wears another garb, but pride, with its self-will, lies behind the same sin Eve committed.

I may think I’m doing God’s work, but is it His will or my idea I dressed up as His? Am I puffed up, seeking to outperform myself or to do the task He set before me as best as possible?

That fruit from the Tree of Life comes in several varieties, but lurking in each is the sin of pride. I must learn to stop before I act and pray that I am doing God’s will, not mine disguised as His.

Ask God to shine His Spirit on you so you can discern His will above yours. Make sure your thoughts, words, and deeds proceed from your character alone.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and fotografierende.)

I once embarked on a journey to pursue my lifelong passion for writing, aiming to fulfill my dream of becoming an author. However, self-doubt and fear of failure clouded my path. In my moment of uncertainty, I turned to my faith, seeking guidance from God.

Paul’s words reminded me that I could do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. This verse became my source of inspiration. With newfound determination, I delved into my writing, feeling as though Christ guided me every step of the way. Despite moments of frustration and doubt, I clung to this verse, reminding myself of the power of Christ within me.

When I finally held my completed manuscript, I realized my journey was not my achievement but a testament to the strength I found in Christ. Through faith, we can overcome any obstacle.

Our limitations can make us feel weak and incapable of achieving our dreams or overcoming challenges. However, the Bible teaches us that our abilities don’t confine us. Through faith and prayer, we can access Christ’s boundless strength, wisdom, and guidance.

The power of Christ extends beyond personal struggles; it can also create positive change in the world. By tapping into His strength, we can love and serve others in extraordinary ways, using our talents and resources to make a difference in their lives.

Let’s harness the limitless power of Christ within us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or kindness, we can collectively embody Christ’s love and bring about positive change in the world.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Boke9a.)

Some people believe and follow anything people tell them. We call them simple. Scammers easily take them in. Others will examine the information before they believe and follow it. They are called prudent.

In Scripture, the simple person is gullible, devoid of understanding, easily tempted, foolish, and unmindful of danger. Yet they can be reached with God’s Word, understand, and be corrected.

The simpleton, however, is the person who believes they can trust everyone and believe everything but learns the hard way they cannot trust everyone because some people lie.

The prudent person carefully investigates whether the information they receive is factual. They will not chance that the data is correct but will check to ensure it is before committing to follow it.

Unfortunately, many Christians are simpletons. They believe everything they hear from a preacher or teacher and end up out of God’s will.

Even preachers are known for lying. They say what people want to hear, draw large crowds, and receive large amounts of money.

A prudent Christian carefully examines what is preached and searches the Scriptures to see if what someone teaches aligns with God’s Word.

Don’t be a simple Christian or a blind follower of the blind. Be a prudent Christian and make sure God’s Word guides your steps.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and pexels.)

How disappointing for a runner to look behind during a sprint, only to be passed in a split second. How heartbreaking. If only they had stayed focused on their own race, they would have won. The same concept applies to distance runners. They must run at the right pace based on their training while resisting the urge to keep pace with the front runner.

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. This verse reminds us to run the race ahead of us. Looking back and comparing ourselves with others slows us down. The things that hinder one person may not be a problem for another. But we will burn out quickly if we try to keep up with everyone else.

Whether we just started or are nearing the end of our race, we must not measure our progress by other runners.

Don’t hinder your progress by looking back. Comparison will only slow you down.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and alba1970.)