“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews‬ ‭12:28-29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalms‬ ‭23:2-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is amazing to think about God as being this all-consuming fire, a kingdom that can’t be shaken, as well as our quiet soul refresher. In Hebrews we learn that God is a consuming fire. We are instructed to worship acceptably with reverence and awe for God. In Psalms, we learn that God can refresh our souls when He leads us to sacred places like church worship and quiet waters. As we enter our sacred places of worship today, I want us to remember how we are to worship God in a thankful posture and in total awe of Him.

When you look at this photo from Ray White, what do you see? I see both fire and water. I see a sacred quiet place to rest, find God, and worship. As we leave our places of worship today, let’s remember that throughout our week we can retreat to our sacred places to find God and worship Him in awe.

What worship song puts you in a thankful posture of praise and total awe of God?

What a cool photo taken by Ray White. If you have the chance, ask him how he was able to have this point of view.

This Finish Friday let’s spend some time reflecting.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Where are you headed today? What goal are you pressing towards? Are you straining toward your goal to win the prize? What is the prize? How is God using you in your race?

As you approach this Finish Friday, ponder your earthly goals but also remember your Heavenly goal. Be reminded of your ultimate prize and let that goal influence your race today.

Meet my Yorkshire Terrier, Abby. This picture is an example of how Abby eagerly greets me when I walk into the room. She is just as happy to see me if I have just returned from the bathroom or from a day at work. Abby loves me. She takes delight in me.

Guess what! God feels the same about you! No matter if you are talking with Your Maker moment by moment through breath prayers, or if you have strayed and are returning from a period away from Him, God still takes delight in you! As a result, let us give praise and thanksgiving.

On this Thankful Thursday read all of Psalm 149 and Click here to have a time of praise and worship. Allow the words of the song remind you of God’s great love for you and may the words of the scripture guide your Thankful Thursday. Every time you are greeted by an excited pet May you be reminded that God feels the same excitement about you! God takes delight in you!

One morning last week it began to rain just as I turned into our neighborhood. It has become second nature for me to push the button on the remote to open our garage as I pull into our driveway. However that morning, I lifted words of thanksgiving for the garage to shelter me from the rain. My thoughts drifted to the memory of our last house where the garage was too small to park my SUV and I had to run inside from the rain. I became keenly aware that not everyone has the same opportunity to be sheltered from the rain as I do.

That is also true when thinking about God as our Ultimate Shelter. Not everyone has had the same introduction to God and sadly so many do not know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

What does that have to do with you and I? Everything! While we cannot really share our carports or garages with others to be protected from rain, we can share the Good News with those who do not know our Savior. We are called to be missionaries, sharing the love of Christ with all who cross our path.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, spend some time intentionally brainstorming ways to share the Good News. How can you be a witness in your words and actions? Where is your mission field? What can you do to offer the Ultimate Shelter from the rain to someone who is getting drenched by a downpour? Are you willing to share the shelter?

While walking on the beach last week I was overwhelmed with a sense of awe as I studied the way the ocean water had molded the sand. The indentions and lines are beautiful. What a marvelous creation! Then I was struck with conviction. I want to be like the beach scape! I want to be moldable, moveable, flexible, and adaptable. I want to be shaped by the hand of God. I want to become more like Christ!

How about you? Do you desire the same? What does it mean as a Christian to be moldable? How can we be flexible, movable, and adaptable?

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, take some time to study the word of God. Read Matthew 16:24 and James 4. God gives us direction on how we can become more like Christ. We must surrender and submit to God daily. We must be intentional and mindful. We must be willing to allow the waves of Christ to shape and mold us just as the ocean forms the sand.

Let’s be like the sand today. Let’s listen for the waves God sends to push us, move us, and shape us into a marvelous creation.

Today’s scripture is from “The Sermon On the Mount” delivered by Jesus thousands of years ago. As we begin our week this Mindset Monday, let’s focus on the meaning of this scripture.

What did Jesus mean by saying the gate is narrow? Why is the “road that leads to life” narrow? How do we find it?

I believe our focus on Christ guides us along the narrow road through the small gate. One way to become focused on Christ is by studying the Word.

According to the website, lifehopeandtruth.com, “the Sermon On the Mount is Jesus’ longest, most detailed teaching recorded in the Gospels.” The sermon is found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. “It contains some of the most essential principles for living a genuine Christian life.”

To begin your Mindset Monday, open your Bible and read Matthew 5-7. If you do not have time to read it all today, finish reading it throughout your week. Make notes, meditate, and memorize some of the words that Jesus intended to teach you. Allow the Sermon On the Mount to guide you along the narrow road and through the small gate that leads to life eternal.