Have you ever prayed this way?

I have to admit, at one time, I was absolutely guilty of this. Thanks to God, and His awesome power, I realized that love is waaaay more powerful than hate.

When I truly listened to God, He showed me there is a better way to pray. Here’s how:

Here’s to having fun this weekend and letting love rule.

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Lighthouses and Shipwrecks

Have you ever seen a lighthouse up close? I just love them. I’ve seen lighthouses on the west coast, the east coast, and the gulf coast. I seek them out.

Lighthouses serve as both beacons and warnings. In daylight, they serve as a warning to ship captains so they know where the rocks are and can avoid them as they pass. In rough seas, they  serve as beacons in the night and offer up hope.

The lighthouse keeper is charged with a heavy responsibility. No matter how bad the weather, in sickness or in health, the lighthouse keeper is charged with making sure the lighthouse is working. To do otherwise would spell tragedy and certain shipwreck. Traditionally, the lighthouse keeper is considered trustworthy and reliable.

As a Christian, are you trustworthy?

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

We, as Christians, are the lighthouse keepers of the mysteries of God.  Think about that for a moment. We are charged with the mysteries of GOD. No matter the weather,  no matter the size of the tragedy, no matter the seriousness of the situation – we are charged with the mysteries of God.

We are the keepers of the light of the Lord. Everything we do should reflect that light. That’s both heavy responsibility and a joyous charge.

My grandmother always told me, “Honey, you are either an example of light in this world, or a stern warning to others.”

A lighthouse is both.

Not to contradict my grandmother, but I think we are all a bit of both. We are both examples of how to live, and, at times, we are warnings to others. It’s part of being human.

We’re usually very quick to share testimony that’s positive, but we’re not usually quick to share testimony that is unpopular or highlights our mistakes.  I think both testimonies are equally important. It’s not whether we screw up or not. We all screw up. What matters is whether or not we’re willing to shine a light on our mistakes as well as our triumphs. To me, that’s being responsible enough to hold the light of the Lord.

Do you care enough to shine?

Do you care enough to share your testimony with the world? We need to live our lives as instructed by the Bible, but we don’t always do that. When we mess up, I don’t think we should let shame rule and keep it to ourselves. I think we should share it. I think that’s testimony too. Who knows, your testimony may help someone stay off the rocks you already steered into.

Here’s to letting love rule today, and to shining your light as bright as possible.

Who’s your worst enemy?

Think for a moment. Is your worst enemy the bully from middle-school,  the teacher who hated you, a boss that doesn’t understand you, or even the devil? If you’re honest with yourself, I think you’ll be surprised.

Your worst enemy is someone who undermines you,  sabotages you, or makes you feel ‘less than’.  If you’re anything at all like me,  it’s the voice in your own head.

There were times in my life when I was on the verge of living my dreams, of making a breakthrough, of branching out, of finding my bliss. Then, as if on cue, a voice began attacking me.

You know the voice I’m referring to, right? The voice that says, “You can’t. You aren’t important enough. You aren’t smart enough. You aren’t photogenic. Your pathetic. You’re not brave enough. You haven’t thought about what might happen down the road because of what you’re doing now, and you better be afraid of what you might find.  You’re not perfect enough to inspire anyone. You will fail miserably. You’re simply not ‘enough’.”

Do you have a voice like that? Are you sometimes your own worst enemy?

Well, when the voice in my head takes hold, I’ve already lost. I just don’t realize it until  a problem arises.  It doesn’t matter what the problem is.  Big or small, the problem becomes an excuse to let the ‘voice’ win.  It’s easier to give up than to keep fighting.  Why? Because I haven’t taken the time to renew my strength in God.

In order to keep fighting, I have to shut out the voice in my head with God’s word.

First, what does the Bible say about gifts given to us by God?

1 Peter 4:¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Finally, what does the Bible say about fear and doubt?

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So, these days, and even on my worst days, when the voice begins its rant,  “Who are you to attempt to reach anyone with your insignificant words?”  I think of  Romans 8:31 and say, “I’ll tell you who I am. I am a child of God.”