How Do We Give Others a Taste of God's Goodness?

Without exception, Jesus commissions all believers to be salt of the earth and a light to the world. Narrowing down the world to whom we daily  encounter, it is possible to be salt and light. We do this by staying focused on who we represent so we will not become indifferent to others.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth and a light to the world.” Picture yourself enriching the lives of those you see each day with actions that prove Jesus is a part of your life. Imagine being a light that reflects the presence of God’s love to those who surround you.

Jesus encourages you to give others a taste of his goodness and kindness by the life you live. He challenges you to be a beacon that helps others navigate the darkness they encounter in their world. 

This is the purpose Jesus has called you to fulfill, and he promises to provide you with courage and eagerness to be that person. May God Bless you.     

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What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.

~1 John 3:1 The Message

Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

~Proverbs 19:21 New International Version

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How Can You Be Available for Others to Know You?

A young man described his father as being more than adequate to meet the financial needs of the family but seldom there emotionally to spend time with him. Children of divorce can also attest to how they were affected by only seeing their parent as the divorce decree allowed.

A woman in her early twenties went into detail describing how she was only now beginning to understand her father. This came about as she chose to spend time with him as an adult. Feeling comfortable to ask him questions about his personal history and feelings, she was amazed when she discovered they had so much in common.

Obviously, it’s possible to know someone for a lifetime and still not know them personally. Can you imagine another person knowing everything about you and still loving you unconditionally? The Lord God thoroughly knows you and still accepts and loves you unconditionally. What a blessing and privilege it is to know that Jesus loves you so much he gave up his life for you.                      

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See what wonderful love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called God’s children, and that is what we are! This is why the world does not know what we are, because it has never come to know him.

~1 John 3:1 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

 

This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others!

~1 John 3:16 Good News Bible

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Jealousy or Forgiveness? It's Your Choice - Part 1

When the prodigal son returned home, his father was so happy that he ordered a celebration with music, dancing, and special food. But this was bad news for the older son, who felt angry and refused to participate. Listen to the hurt feelings he expressed to his father. "Look, all these years I've slaved for you. Yet, you never once gave me a party. But when this irresponsible son of yours shows up, you offer a fantastic family celebration."

Did the older brother have good cause for his anger? He was responsible, hard-working, and dedicated but felt his father never recognized him for his work and loyalty. Now he felt angry and threatened by the father's acceptance and forgiveness of his irresponsible, worthless brother.

What prevented the older brother from celebrating his brother's return? Perhaps he failed to understand that his father's unconditional love was not based on performance or faithfulness. This father did not love the older son less for being faithful and loyal. The father's love surpassed the bad choices of his younger son. God's love for you surpasses your bad choices.  

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Never Too Late to Change - Part 1

The experiences of life, both positive and negative, work together to shape what we believe and how we behave. God designed us for growth, maturity, and change. An eighty-four year old woman proudly stated, "I'm still learning and changing." What we know and believe provides meaning and purpose to life.

When the prodigal son chose to go home and face his family, his attitude and mind-set had changed. His experience in the pig pen reshaped his entire belief system. He left home with an attitude of arrogance but returned with humility. Arrogance portrays false confidence. Humility reveals an attitude of flexibility, readiness to learn, and willingness to be transformed.

The father was so delighted to have his son back home that he celebrated by giving him a robe and ring and by throwing him a huge party. The pig pen experience helped the young man accept his father's love and generosity. This parable illustrates God's attitude toward us when we repent and return to him.