I See You!

Over the weekend, I went with my family to do a little shopping.  As I was standing in a check out line, I heard someone call my name.  "I see you Miss B!"  From 50 feet away, this little blonde ran up to me and gave me a great big hug!  Then she ran back to her family smiling and joyfully explaining that I was her music teacher.

The amazing thing to me is that I see this child every week.  She was so excited and so surprised.  It seemed that seeing her teacher at the store just made her day!  It never fails.  Wherever I go, somebody is saying "I see you!"

One of my fellow teachers eloquently explained..."We are a constant to our students and they can rely on us to care about them, help them and protect them."  I am always delighted to see my students away from school.  When they respond to me so positively in a different setting,  I know that I am making a lasting impression; my hard work is validated.

Micah 6:8 basically says it all..."What does the Lord require of you? Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God." If we follow this way of living in every aspect of our lives, then when "I see you" moments come...in the classroom, on the stage, at the movies or in the mall...people will always see a reflection of Christ.  They may not recognize it as Christ, but they will see a difference and you will leave a lasting mark upon their lives.  

The Spirit of God

Who is the the Holy Spirit?  He is not a force, but the actual Spirit of God.  The Spirit of God has feelings and can be grieved and offended by sin and injustice.  The Spirit of God reacts to sin in our lives and holds us accountable.  When we confess our sin, He not only forgives us, but He also gives us wisdom.  No-one understands us...the good parts and the bad...like the Spirit of God.  Ephesians 4:25-32.

Happy Monday

"This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Happy Monday...an ordinary day filled with the regular routines of cleaning, cooking, working, driving, studying, coaching, teaching...I'm sure I've missed many others.... My point is that God wants us to appreciate and enjoy our everyday, ordinary life.  He wants us to worship Him in every little thing, and add to this worship, a spirit of thankfulness.  Worshipping and thanking God in every detail, puts God in his rightful place in our lives:  AT THE TOP!  God not only deserves this position, but demands it! Check out John 4:24!

Thoughts from Romans 3

What happens to our relationship with God when we do wrong or don't follow Him?  Do you think that our faithlessness cancels out His faithfulness?  No way!  God does not abandon us.  He never fails.  We can always depend on Him.  He keeps His word when the whole world is lying.  The Bible says, "Your words stand fast and true."  That being said, when we mess up, Jesus is not waiting to condemn us, but He is waiting on us to look to Him and ask for help.  Then He will always give grace and straighten us out.

John 15

I am The True Vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away. every branch that bears fruit, he prunes so it can bear more fruit. I am the vine and you, my children, are the branches. he who abides in me and I in him produces much fruit. Without me, you can do nothing.... remember, the only way to be productive in all the parts of your life is through Jesus Christ. Being successful is a choice, and it starts with following God.