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

This week I will be sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Take a moment today to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭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. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

‭‭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.

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

‭‭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.

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

@biblegateway @youversion

This week I will be sharing the salt and light of the Earth. Take a moment today to worship.

Salt & Light by Lauren Daigle

Still by Crowder and Zach Williams

Moments by Red Clay Strays

I shared a few weeks ago that this summer I have enjoyed growing vegetables in my two raised beds. I have also taken delight in developing a vibrant flower garden outside our sun room. This week as I was harvesting vegetables and flowers, I realized the containers I was using hold special memories for me. Today I am savoring these special memories.

Today’s picture shows a colorful bowl holding green peppers. That bowl belonged to my grandmother. I don’t remember what exactly she used the bowl for, but I do remember seeing it in her kitchen when I was a child. We affectionately called my grandmother, Mother. Mother was very dear to me. I remember a few summers, as a child, I was privileged enough to go spend a few days or week with her by myself. Mother taught me to drink coffee, to love reading, and to embrace showing love through cooking and caring for others. In the last couple years of her life we were blessed to have her move in and live with us.

The white dish holding tomatoes and the glass vase holding flowers were both wedding gifts. This past June, Clark and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. I do not recall who gave us the dish or vase, but they remind me of the love we felt as we were surrounded and supported on our wedding day. It rained the morning of June 7, 1997. Thankfully, hours before our wedding, the rain ceased and the temperature fell. I recall it being one of the coldest days I have experienced in June, but in my mind it was also a beautiful, perfect day. 

I share this as a reflection on this week’s Thankful Thursday post. I shared with you a quote made by Tara Leigh-Cobble from the Bible Recap. She said, “Trusting God means we live in contentment now.” I encouraged you to be aware that even when we are in the valley, we should find peace and joy in the moments we walk through. Using items that trigger sweet memories is one way to find peace and joy in hard times. What items do you have that trigger memories that you savor? How can savoring memories help you in hard seasons?

Faith and trust are often strengthened through trials and tribulations. When we allow God to lead us, He draws us near and opens our eyes to beautiful blessings we may have missed if we had not had faith and trust in Him. Take a moment to read Stories of Faith/Learning To Trust God written by Michelle Hicks.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for times my actions do not mirror my words about You. Give me strength, courage, and peace as I walk in faith and trust. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

John 20:29 NIV — Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Are you in a hard season? Do you feel like the world is crumbling around you? Are your circumstances so heavy you feel the weight crushing the breath out of you? 

We all have had those kinds of times. The real question is what do you do when the world around you comes crashing down? How do you react and respond in times of crisis? 

Julie, Ray, and I are reading and watching The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble (aka TLC) this year through the YouVersion Bible app. It is a “one year guide to reading and understanding the entire Bible” in chronological order. Recently when referring to John 20:29, TLC said “Trusting God means we live in contentment now.” In other words, even when we are in the valley, we should find peace and joy in the moments we walk through. For me, that means letting go of control and asking God to prepare me to accept whatever His will is for me and the circumstance that is troubling me. For me, it means living out the words He has given me to write to you over the years. For me it means walking out the definitions of faith and trust.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for times my actions do not mirror my words about You. Give me strength, courage, and peace as I walk in faith and trust. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion