Take time today to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬ — And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.

2 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

@biblegateway @youversion

Take time today to worship God through song and prayer.

As For Me & My Home by Brandon Lake

Praying Woman by Anne Wilson, Ft. Lainey Wilson

On My Knees by Red Clay Strays

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

I have found so much joy this summer with friends and family sharing their gardens and their catch with my family and I. This past week my husband and I visited with some friends and we were able to talk about God’s word together. They also gifted us with catfish that had been freshly caught and cleaned. It was such a blessing that I could then savor the catfish with my family. I was reminded that to stay salty, we must nurture the friendships that sharpen us.

We pray that you all have savored the week by staying salty. 

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This week I have been sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Let’s look at signs of summer in comparison with our walk with Christ Jesus. They say home is where the heart is. I love to be wherever my family is. It is important to me that we share lots of meals and laughter together, especially in the summer, when our son is home from college. It is also important to me that my children see and hear me glorifying God both in and out of my home. 

How can we practice glorifying God both in and out of our homes? One way to glorify God is practicing humility in everything we do. I like to change my mindset to “I get to” rather than “I have to.” Some days are filled with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and running errands for my family. I can let God’s light shine by serving happily and humbly or I can grumble. Over the coming weeks as school begins, I challenge us to examine how and when we bring Glory to God. Let’s let His light shine.

Let’s meditate on ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to shine Your light and bring You glory in everything I do and say. Help me maintain an “I get to” mindset. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

This week I have been sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Let’s look at signs of summer in comparison with our walk with Christ Jesus. I love spending time in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. You will see pineapples on buildings, fountains, and artwork on display as a symbol of the town’s hospitality. Just like the town’s rich history, the pineapple dates back to Christopher Columbus’ days

Our faith is meant to be a symbol of love and grace within our relationships, work, and daily walk. Our faith should not be hidden, rather it should stand tall like a pineapple. How can we make sure our faith does not get hidden? By putting love into action and practicing hospitality others can see our faith in action

Let’s meditate on ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can share Your love by putting it into action and be hospitable to others. Help me to stand tall like a pineapple. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

This week I have been sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Let’s look at signs of summer in comparison with our walk with Christ Jesus. Wading on the beach shore is one of my favorite summer activities. I love looking for seashells, starfish, and crabs. When the waves crash at your feet, these hidden treasures wash up. 

Just like our light of Christ can’t be hidden, the sights, smells, and textures of the beach can’t be hidden or disguised. Especially the sand as it tends to linger. We too can linger where God leads us. Like a lighthouse on the beach, we can be a vessel to shine God’s light. We can be a vessel for Christ Jesus by walking on water, wherever He leads us. How are you being a vessel to share God’s light? 

Take a moment to meditate on ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunities to share Your light with others. I desire to walk on water, wherever You lead. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “You are the salt of the earth. 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.”

This week I will be sharing the salt of the Earth. Let’s look at signs of summer in comparison with our walk with Christ Jesus. Our family loves to fish. Nothing like holding a scaly fish in your hands. The fish’s scales vary in type, size and color. They are commonly meant for protection. 

In today’s key verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to saltiness as our Christ-like, God-flavors we share through our words, actions, and reactions. We must protect this gift by staying salty through humility, love, forgiveness, and grace. How can we do this? Like a fisherman would cast a weighted net, we can humble ourselves before God and be content in where and with whom God has positioned us.

Take a moment to meditate on ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the God-flavors of this Earth in Your presence. I humbly come before You and cast my anxiety before You. Equip me to be Christ-like in my actions and reaction. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblerecap @youversion