Go Public

going_public_blogThis passage of Scripture begins with the phrase, “Let me tell you why you are here.” Man, that’s what everybody’s looking for…I know I am. Here it is. When you become a part of the Body of Jesus, when you enter His kingdom you become a light. Bringing out God all around you. Some will be so grateful to you, some will probably be mad. That’s not your focus. Just be the light. Shine His light. Go public!

 

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 MSG)

Photo by David Heinlein

Love Like That

worship_extravagant
Oh man…this captivated me this morning. So beautiful, so powerful…love EXACTLY LIKE HIM! Not cautious but extravagant. So awesome.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (Ephesians 5:1-2 MSG)

Photo by David Heinlein

Even If You Were Told

So many amazing things happening in our lives right now.  One of our friends gave us a scripture toward the beginning of Olivia’s Biggest Loser journey:

“Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.” -Habakkuk 1:5

That’s exactly the description I would use for this incredible experience. You never know what God is going to do next…

I continue to be utterly amazed!!!

 

Very Nice Verses

I was writing a song with a friend recently and we started talking about beautiful Bible verses.  Today, as my recommendation post, I thought I’d give you a few of my favorites.  These are meaningful for life as well as beautiful language — kind of how I’d like my songs to be 🙂 — that’s a tall order to live up to!

Romans 11:29
…for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way.

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.