Fireworks

This is the season of fireworks displays in communities across the nation. Each firework shot into the sky draws “oohs” and “aahs” from the spectators as they gaze upon the bright lights and colors. But, God performs even more wonderful deeds each day for each of us.

Psalm 9:1-2 says, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” We see many amazing things as we journey through life, but none compare to the wonderful deeds that the Lord does for us. Therefore, let us be glad and rejoice.

Glorious Day

The musical group, Casting Crowns, wrote and recorded the song entitled, “Glorious Day “. The chorus says:

“Living, He loved me

Dying, He saved me

Buried, He carried my sins far away

Rising, He justified freely forever

One day He’s coming

Oh glorious day, oh glorious day”

Matthew 19:28-29 says, “Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and redemption will spend eternity before the glorious throne of God, rewarded by God for their endurance and trust.

Spy Novels

I am not a fan of spy novels or mysteries. So, I don’t really understand the intrigue and undercover moves. But I know that a spy must hide his/her true identity in order to carry out their mission. Thus, the people and organizations that think they know the spy, only have a vague outward understanding.

Joshua 24:14 says, “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.” Our God does not place the highest value upon outward displays of religious devotion. Instead, He searches our hearts for signs of an honest and genuine faith, free from deceit and hypocrisy. Having a faithful heart that follows Him, even in the small callings of everyday life, is important to Him.

Light of Knowledge

Imagine a great library that holds all of the world’s books. Great knowledge and wisdom is contained in these books. However, this library has no access to light. The library has no electricity, no windows, no openings. Should anyone venture inside, the knowledge and wisdom contained within would thus be inaccessible.

II Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” God is the creator of light and apart from Him only darkness remains. Beyond physical light, therefore, He brings the light of all knowledge and wisdom to us through Jesus Christ.

Overslept

When we awaken after oversleeping, chaos ensues. We know that we messed up, but both our minds and our bodies are not ready to process our thoughts quickly. We rush out the door without brushing our hair or tidying up our clothes. It takes a while for us to get it together.

Mark 13:35-36 says, “Therefore stay awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.” Comfort and complacency may cause us to lose the urgency to follow God closely and participate in expanding His kingdom.