“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit… Amen.” Galatians 6:18 AMP
Pause for a moment to reflect and consider
the beauty of a bird’s nest blown from its cradle.
It’s been dislodged, that part is sad,
but remains intact, so this close up can be had.
A bit more spread out, after such a hard landing;
you can tell a lot of care went into its constructing.
A rare opportunity to examine like this
and take the time to appreciate;
had a stiff breeze not come along,
we’d not have a chance
to see it this way!
“Jesus put before them another parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all the seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13: 31-32 BSB
What do you think people see when they look at you…when they look at me?
Do they see someone living each day with a deep sense of peace? …or do they see someone all worked up, who’s angst is in control? Do they see the joy of living a life full of gratitude? …or do they see anger and resentment over things we can’t control? Do they see in us that blessed state of Godly contentment? …or do they see we’re focused on all that’s wrong and consumed by thoughts of what we think we deserve?
What do others hear when you and I speak?
Do they hear words of encouragement that help build, heal and restore? …or do they hear criticisms that wound and tear down, making folks want to give up? Are we looking for and sharing the best about others…or too quick to pick up a stone? When facing many different types of situations are we seeking their connection points with God’s word…or are we blinded in the moment by our point of view and opinion?
The tiniest, right response can shape a huge difference! It comes at the cost of shelving one’s pride…and requires a stretch of faith to reach out and grasp.
“So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for His purposes.” Ephesians 5:15-17 TPT
Our prayer today, Lord, is that we will respond well to this call as we go about living our lives out loud in front of You as One and all! A Breath of fresh air, the medicine we need! Help us inhale…exhale deeply. For we ask these things in Your precious name…amen.
A place where fresh blossoms and matured blooms intermingle. Distinct, the sweet fragrance and draw of summertime’s honeysuckle. A tiny, striped pollinator at work treads and gathers amongst delicate, fringe-like petals.
“For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15 HCSB
Corinthian Bells, how soothing the sound! Fill now the air; peal every hour! We stand as priests to minister before our GOD! “Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV