You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
          The first Christian musical production I ever sang in was called “Good News” and I recognized the presence of the Lord.  My first serious boyfriend, Mark (my future husband) had a cathartic experience during our presentation when we were seniors in high school.  He stood up in front of peers, teachers, and parents and professed his faith in Jesus Christ.  I was so proud of him I could hardly breathe.
 My low self-esteem caused me to be “terrified” to speak in front of anyone.  I shrank back to a position of a proverbial “wallflower” even though I totally identified and agreed with everything he said!  I fell a little more in love with Mark that day although my mother was very critical.  Speaking the truth of God takes boldness when the world and even those closest to us do not approve.  I desired to be bolder for Jesus!
Prayer: Lord give us the courage and boldness to testify of you when we understand an unction from you that should not be denied.
Thought:  Have you ever felt an undeniable quickening to do something but did not act upon it?  You realize the window of opportunity is gone and only regret stands in its place.
 

 Roman’s Road Tract starting with John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
 I Timothy 2:4, Who (Jesus) wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth. Amplified
 Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.  Mankind has a sin problem.  (KJV)
Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 Romans 5:8, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
 I Timothy 2:5, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…
Romans 10:9, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  To repent means to admit to God that I am a sinner and that I cannot fix the sin problem by myself.  It means to turn away from sin and to turn toward Jesus Christ, God’s wonderful remedy for my sin.
  Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  To believe in Jesus Christ means to affirm that He is God’s son and the He died for me on a cross as the Bible tells me.  In gratitude for all He has done for me, I trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord.
At the age of twelve I had experienced prevenient grace and seen examples of a superior life as a Christian.  I was needy, pliable, teachable, and desperate to know more of Jesus.  When I was told that someone loved me enough to allow His only son to die for me, I eagerly accepted.
I met with a Pastor that I trusted and several other twelve year old peers to talk and study the word.  I had never been dedicated or baptized.  So one faithful Sunday morning (1965) in front of the whole congregation I was baptized and with all my other peers confirmed.  That familiar understanding of being watched over, loved, and in total peace returned but it was more intense because I had made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  I had no idea of what that really meant or what would transpire after that but I wasn’t concerned.  My reality was a sense of “walking on air” as I approached the Pastor that wonderful Sunday and I truly believe I was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit at that moment.
Prayer: God, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior, repent of my sins, and make Him Lord of my life.
 
 

Enlarging Your Territory (Understanding)
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.             I Chronicles 4:10 (KJV)
 What we have not been exposed to we do not perceive.  However, the Lord desires that we be exposed to all of Him and the sweet fellowship between Christians when they share the fruit of the spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22a).
I had the sovereign hand of God on me when I visited the home of a Christian family in my neighborhood at the age of eight.  They were preparing dinner and the smell was so inviting!  Everyone participated and had a job.  They laughed, touched each other in a loving way, encouraged each other and were genuinely joyful!
 I was astounded, is this the way other families behave?  I had never known such harmony and happiness.  I believed all families functioned as mine did until I was exposed to something better.  This experience set me up to yearn for what secret this family had to produce the results I saw.
I instinctively knew that each member was incredibly valued for just who they were at this place in time. That kind of encouragement is part of God’s plan, purpose, and destiny for every human being.  The Lord gives each of us a “gift set” to be discovered, matured, and used for His glory.   In an environment of unconditional love and acceptance strengths and gifts blossom and true supernatural joy results!
Prayer: Most merciful Lord assist us in pondering the wonderful experiences you expose us to in light of your love.  Reveal to us more of your character.
Thought for the Day: Ponder the experience the Lord is exposing you to in knowing more of Him.
 
 

Prevenient Grace – The Divine Initiative
 
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44 (NIV)
 
The definition of prevenient is going before; preceding; anticipating; expectant.Grace is the unmerited love and favor of God, so prevenient grace is God watching, hovering, and brooding over us as individuals before we are aware of Him.As a very young child I felt disturbed by the chaotic negative emotions constantly displayed in my home.I was very sensitive to the tense atmosphere and would escape to various “playhouses”.I never understood the peace and calm in those solitary places where no one disturbed me. There was a presence that watched over me and always wooed me back to my quiet refuge.
I have a distinct memory of one occasion when we had a record snowfall and I found a large hedge covered with snow and ice.The sunlight sparkled through the leaves and the wind made a rustling sound through the icy limbs of the hedge.I could almost hear a comforting voice calming and soothing my ragged emotions.I recognize now that voice, that presence was the Lord hovering over His blood bought daughter before I had any concept of who He was!
 
Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father help us recognize your prevenient grace.