a royal pane

"... God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Never has this saying been more true to me than last week. While walking down a school hall, i stumbled on a golden nugget of truth.  In public schools, there is a cautious sensitivity to Christianity and the fear of offending non-Christians.  But, i am joyfully at peace knowing God cannot be kept out of school or any establishment as long as a Christian can be found within it's walls.

Look at the above picture.  The window panes are crosses!  What a beautiful reminder God is alive and cannot be kept out of school.  Christ who is in me (and you), goes with us wherever we go.... including school.   He is  the very essence of our fiber.

Being a Christian is not about what we wear, but how we act, talk and treat others.  Christ in school is possible because He lives within us... Jesus with skin.  Let's put a smile on His face and let His light shine through our "panes"... and joys.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Words to Live By... abide

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."  John 15:7 (NKJV)

In an online article entitled "What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ?" author Sinclair Ferguson shares this explanation:

  

"In a nutshell, abiding in Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. In other words, our relationship to Christ is intimately connected to what we do with our Bibles! Then, of course, as Christ’s Word dwells in us and the Spirit fills us, we will begin to pray in a way consistent with the will of God..."

Wouldn't it be wonderful to know we are thinking, praying, and acting in a way that is consistent with God's will? This week as we activate the word ABIDE in our hearts, minds, and wills, may we know that deep soul satisfaction that comes from abiding in Christ and in His Word.

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By:  One Word a Week (pages 295-300)

HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/WEEKLYWORDSTOLIVEBY/

pour it on!

The LORD says...
"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

You would think that after only two weeks of classes, teachers and school staff members would still be going strong, but not so.  The first couple of weeks are grueling and hectic and exhausting.  The train is up and running, but it sure took a lot of steam to get it moving in the right direction. A long weekend is just what is needed for rest, refreshment and refueling.

I am thankful for an opportunity to have a long weekend to count my blessings and to catch my breath.  May we come back stronger in Him, as He equips us for the days ahead.  Never doubt the tremendous impact you are making on others.  You might be the only face of Jesus another sees.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

jitter bug cure

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart..." Isaiah 40:11

Teachers are known for teaching, correcting and putting out fires; but i think one of their most admirable and effective qualities is hugging with words and arms.

A sure cure for jitter bugs first days and hard days...
big hugs!

When we love like God, we hug like God.

we are loved and chosen AND hugged by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word - encourage

"Encourage one another daily..."  Hebrews 3:13

It's always right...
it's always needed... by everyone.

Many thanks to each of you for your encouragement, understanding and support in a rough start with the salt shakers devotions.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

in for the long haul

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The walk is a little slower, the smiles not quite as wide, the arrival time a bit later.  School is back in full swing and some of the normal patterns and habits of old are beginning to appear. Are you ready for whatever is in store for you this year?

The joy of the journey ahead depends a lot on us... our attitudes, our actions and our reactions.  We have the power to influence for a better or eternal future in another, but it takes work, patience, love and a belief we can conquer the battles ahead.  Or i should say, a belief that God will provide opportunities for victories as we obediently allow Him to work in our lives. His calling in our life is for good... and through our trust in Him, His glory will shine as a witness to others.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

WTLB... multiply

"And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."  Matthew 14:19-20

As we think about and activate the word MULTIPLY in our lives this week, take a look at the steps Jesus took when he multiplied the meager loaves and fishes to feed a multitude.

1. He directed those around him to get ready.

2. He took in his hands what was available.

3. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks.

4. He broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples.

5. He watched the multiplication happen as they obeyed.

I'm so glad we serve a Master who knows how to multiply.  Watch for how He takes what you have and makes it more than enough.

Praying you have a week of marvelous multiplication,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By: One Word a Week (pages 289-294)

https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/