Let Your Light Shine

 

Week 13

Building A Relationship With God

 

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Daylight shot (no filter)                                                Night shot (no filter)

 

I have this tree in my yard that glows at night. The Firefly, or Lightning Bug, is another example of living organisms producing light. The scientific name for this natural phenomenon is Bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is defined by Merriam-Webster as: the emission of light from living organisms; also: the light so produced.

 

I am always amazed at how God shows us examples through nature. The tree in my yard glows no matter what the weather is doing. Thunder storms, strong winds, tornados or 90 degree humid summer nights, this tree lets it’s light shine. I have spend many summer night catching Lightning Bugs and locking them away in a jar. These tiny lanterns let their light shine just the same, weather they have been captured or flying free. I always released them and never harmed them, by the way.

 

My point in this is, that God shows us in nature no matter what we face, to let our light shine! In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us to let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good work, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. God wants us to let our light shine no matter what we are facing. People notice when we are having a bad day. People will treat us bad. We go through all kinds of storms during our life; but no matter what we are facing, we are called to let our light shine. Keeping calm and bringing Glory to God shows others the peace God can bring. God gives us examples in nature just as we are examples to others and a testimony of God’s grace and mercy.

 

This week, pay extra attention to what you see in nature. Pay extra attention to how other people react in different situations. Strive to let your light shine and bring glory to God.

 

Have a blessed week in Christ!

Jeanie Hannah

 

No Mocking, No Changing!

Week 12

Building A Relationship  With God

 

Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

16-All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17-That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

Isiah 40:8 (KJV)

The grass withereth; the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.

 

Psalm 33:4 (KJV)

For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV)

18-For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

19-And if any man shall take away form the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJV)

5-Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6-Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

 

Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

 

Deuteronomy 12:32 (KJV)

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

 

Today I want to talk about the Bible. The Bible is God’s very word, given to us for reproof, correction and for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) tells us this. God gave us His word to give us comfort and peace. He gave us a manual to help us through this world and to give us strength. Psalm 119:105 says Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

When we get closer to God, we start to love Him. We start to love His word. Our hearts change and become softer for those who are lost and consumed by this world. God’s word is to instruct us in His ways. It is an example for is in How to treat each other. The bible is a precious gift from our Heavenly Father and should always be treated with respect. The word of God is not meant to be used to promote ourselves or any type of agenda. We must always be careful not to change the word of God to fit into our own personal plan. God makes it clear in Proverbs 3:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32 and in Revelation 22:18-19 that we must not add to or take away from His word. God also makes it clear in Galatians 6:6-7 that He will not be mocked.

Galatians 6:6-7 (KJV)

6-Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7-Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

 

We must be careful what we read and say and what we come into agreement with. The article referenced below, is an example of changing the word of God and mocking God to fit one’s own political agenda. Some may read it and think it’s funny. some may think the author clever; but I read it with a heavy heart. This article changes the word of God around and mocks God’s instruction to us. Below are examples found within the article:

With reference to the Samaritan parable the article has Jesus asking “So which of these three should we follow?” though the scripture is referenced, it clearly states in Luke 10:36 (KJV) Which of these three thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

The writer has Jesus saying to a man he healed “Stand Up!” “Pick up your mat and go home.” It also states that the man danced about joyfully.

John 5:8-9 (KJV)

8-Rise, take up thy bed and walk.

9-And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath.

Luke 6:21-25 (KJV) does say in verse 24-But woe to you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. It does not say in the scriptures referenced, “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of God”

Matthew 5:3 (KJV)

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 6:20 (KJV)

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:3 and Luke 6:20 were not referenced in the article.

The article is referenced below. I encourage you to read and judge for yourself. Though the changes are small, they are changes. The bible clearly states do not add to nor take away. We must be careful and challenge what we hear and read. We must also be very careful to show God the respect and reverence he deserves. We must also speak up and share truth with those who wouldn’t know otherwise.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits weather they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

 

This week I challenge you to be extra conscious of what you hear and read. Challenge and try the things you hear and read. Test these things and see if they line up with God’s word and be in prayer for those who are trying to use and manipulate God’s word to lead us away from His holy purpose. Daily fellowship with God and knowing your scriptures will protect you from being deceived by those who are lost and wish to lead you away from God.

James 1:21-22

21-Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22-but be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 

Have a Blessed week in Christ!

Jeanie Hannah

Article reference:

Kristof, N. (2017, March 16) and Jesus Said Unto Paul of Ryan…The New York Times. Retrieved from http://nytimes.com

 

Take Out The Trash

Week 11

Building A Relationship With God

 

John 16:33 (KJV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

Exodus 14:14 (KJV)

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

 

Proverbs 30:5 (KJV)

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

 

Micah 6:8 (KJV)

He hath shewed thee, O Man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

 

Micah 7:7-8 (KJV)

7-Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

8-Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: whin I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

 

Does your trash can ever overflow? Do you go to put something in and have to push down, compacting the contents to make room for more? Eventually, trash starts spilling out and you are forced to take it out. Sometimes, the bag will burst at the seems from the pressure of being overfilled!

 

This week I found my trash overflowing and it burst out through tears, hurt feelings and venting. Day after day of being treated like I am stupid. Sitting at work listening to lies and watching someone’s pride and drive to control others. Hearing news of my friend being treated the same way. Coming home to contractors doing more damage than the tornado did. Seeing my husband’s frustration and hurt in dealing with the situation. Trying the entire week to deal with all this garbage by compacting it instead of simply taking it out.

 

It is so hard. I thought I was taking it all to God by reading in my bible at lunch and talking to Him through each day. In a way, I was taking these things to Him; but I was just venting to Him. We can’t trust in God and hold on to our hurt. We must completely let go and trust in Him to take care of the situation. This act brings peace to our mind and spirit, instead of torment.

 

I know all of this, still, I fell hard this week. Watching my husband, who is a Mighty Man of God, struggle. Seeing my friend, who is a Mighty Woman of God, struggle. Watching Godly people, whom I love, suffer added to my hurt.

 

I tell you all of this, not to vent and complain to you; but as an example. We all struggle. We all have hard weeks. We all fall and we all have overflowing trash cans from time to time.

 

God tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have tribulation; but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. He tells us this, He says, so that we can have peace. In Micah 7:7 He tells us to look to Him and wait on Him and He will hear us. In verse 8 He tells us we will fall; but we will rise and that when we sit in darkness, He will be our light.

 

How wonderful and loving our Heavenly Father is! He gives us His word telling us He knows we will fall. He knows we will face darkness. He knows this world and our enemies are against us; but He gives us peace and assurance that He will take care of us! He has already overcome this world and with His strength we can overcome too!

 

This week I challenge you and myself to cast your cares on God.

1 Peter 5:7-8 (KJV)

7-Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8-Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour:

Have a Blessed week in Christ!

Jeanie Hannah

Weekly Exercise:

-Talk to God each day.

-Search out scripture to help with the situations you face.

-Build your faith and trust in God by putting in more of what He says and let His word take captive of your thoughts.

-Utilize your journaling to purge your struggles and hurt feelings. Write them out and leave them at the foot of the cross for Christ to take care of.

 

Search My Heart

Week 8

Building A Relationship With God
“I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

http://bible.com/1/jer.17.10.kjv
Think about the Lord searching your heart. He is the only one, aside from ourselves, who truly knows our heart. This is a pretty scary thing; but also a beautiful thing.
Think about all the changes you’ve made the past few weeks. Have you been led by your heart or by your head and flesh?
It is so important to keep our heart in check. The closer we get to God, the more we are led by Him and not, in our minds, what we think we should do. The Lord searches our hearts and gives to us according to the fruit of our work.
We can do good deeds all day long. We can keep our cool and not lash out against those who hurt us. We can do great things; but they must come from a heart of love and obedience toward God, otherwise they are empty works.
Have a blessed week in Christ!

Jeanie Hannah
Weekly Exercise

Examine your heart and ask God to examine your heart. Ask Him to reveal what He wants you to do. 
Journaling Exercise

– What have you learned about God this week?

– What have you learned about yourself this week?

– How have daily talks with God changed your heart?

– What does this week’s scripture mean to you?

– Search the Bible for more scripture regarding the heart.

Draw Near to God

Week 5

Building A Relationship With God

 

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Psalms 73:28 (KJV)

 

It is good to draw near to God. That is the purpose for each weekly post, to draw nearer to God and to help others draw nearer to Him. I am learning through these weekly posts and exercises and gaining strength along the way. I am also gaining understanding. Putting it all together to work for His good and Glory. See, in order to form a relationship with God, we must first understand some things and put forth effort to give up some things that take time from God.

 

In making the decision to start fresh, lay down some things and put effort in producing fruit for God, we have started on a path to drawing closer to Him. We are learning about His great love for us. We are learning to spend time with Him each day. We are learning to be aware of our thoughts and actions. Great change comes through a series of small events.

 

We declare our trust in God by obeying His word. If we didn’t trust in His word, why would we be trying to live by it? All these small changes lead to something bigger and greater than we can even imagine. Sharing God’s word and letting His light shine through us, plants seeds of salvation in those we encounter. Salvation is the greatest gift of love ever given. To have a heart for God’s people and want to declare His works is huge!

 

You are forming a solid foundation in Christ. You are getting to know the best friend you will ever have and learning to live free from the bondage and pain of yesterday!

 

I give Praise, Honor and Glory to God for His blessings! I thank Him for each person touched and for the ability to share His love with others. I thank God for the gift of life through His Son Jesus, that we may live in freedom and rest in His peace. I give thanks for every blessing in my life.

 

Weekly exercise:

Spend time with God daily and count your blessings. Tell Him everything you are thankful for in your life. Every day, tell God the list of things you are thankful for.

 

Journaling exercise:

-Examine this week’s scripture and write out what it means to you.

-Make list of all things you are thankful for.

-List the things you are learning about yourself

-List the things you are learning about God.

 

Fruit of the Spirit

Week 4

Building A Relationship With God

 

I find this week a good time to reflect on what we have learned, especially with all that is happening in the world. Brother against brother, sister against sister. It is so important that we take a step back and remember that God wants us to be His light in this world. We learn to let his light shine by maintaining the blessings and teaching He has given us. We put this into action by living out His word toward our brothers and sisters. Our words and actions produce fruit, either good or bad.

The past three weeks I have thrown a lot on you. I have asked you to think about and put into action a fresh start. I have asked you to lay down old habits that hold you back and to put all that together to find yourself in synch with God and His will for you.

Galatians 5:22-26

22-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23-Meekness, temperance, against such there is no law,

24-And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts,

25-If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26-Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

This week’s assignment is simple. Start to incorporate the fruits of the Spirit with every encounter you have. If you see hate, pour out love. If you see fighting, be the peacemaker. Be gentle and kind toward one another and trust God in faith.

Reflect back on your past journaling and see how you have progressed in just a short amount of time. Take one moment, one encounter at a time and incorporate what you have learned to produce better results.

Spend time with God each day and journal about your encounters and reactions.

Be blessed and have an awesome week producing much fruit!

Jeanie Hannah

Questions and/or comments are welcomed. I will answer any question you have and pray for your needs.

 

 

 

 

Let Go Of Those Dead Heads

Week 2

Series: Building A Relationship With God

I have rose bushes in my garden. They are established and beautiful; but with each set of blooms comes the dead heads. The dead heads are what is felt over after the beautiful flower plays out. At this point, the plants will continue to grow but the blooms will be very few. To produce more flowers, the dead heads must be pruned away to allot the plant’s energy to focus on blooming again. I am always amazed at how quickly the plant fills with blooms after the pruning.
John 15:2 (KJV)

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
I am in awe at God and His creation. He shows us even in nature, that what is past must be laid aside. It must be pruned before more fruit can be produced. This simple example speaks to me that we must let go of unproductive things in our life. Past hurts, offenses, bad habits. All these things hinder our blooms and fruits. We are walking around full of dead heads, causing our energy to be spent on unfruitful things and hindering our relationship with God.

God Bless and have an awesome week in Christ!

Jeanie Hannah
You will find a comment option at the end of this post. Feel free to post your questions, comments or prayer requests.

Weekly Exercise:

Study the scripture from this week and ask God to reveal what He would have you learn from His word. Find time each day to talk to God and give thanks for the fruit in your life. During your quiet time with God, ask Him what you need to lay down to establish a stronger relationship with Him.
Journaling Exercise:

What does this week’s scripture mean to you?

What are your deadheads?

What do you need to lay down?

What have you learned about God?

What have you learned about yourself?

Whosoever

 

If you died today, where would you go? My prayer is that everyone reading this would be able to truthfully answer, Heaven.

 

The sad truth is, many people don’t know.  Many people have been taught that being a good person is enough. Many have been taught that through their works on earth, they are building their place in Heaven. I could go on and on about possibilities and what is being taught; like, when you die, that’s it.  There is nothing, no Heaven or Hell.

 

I will tell you the plain, honest truth. God is real! Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again. He sits at the right hand of God. God will come back again and every knee will bow and know that He is God! That moment will be too late! The moment you die will be too late.

Romans 14:11 (KJV)

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

The only way to get to Heaven is to believe in Jesus in your heart and confess with your mouth.

Romans 10:10 (KJV)

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

This is the only way to Heaven. This is God’s word and truth. I have heard people say, “This is not fair! I have lived a good life.  I am a good person. God should take me because I’m not bad” I ask you though, Why would God allow anyone to enter into Heaven if they don’t believe in Him? Would you let a total stranger walk up and live in your house? No. It wouldn’t matter how good the person is, if you didn’t know him at all, you wouldn’t invite him to live with your family.

Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)

21-Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22-Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in they name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done have done many wonderful works?

23-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

The only way to Heaven is through Jesus.

John 14:6 (KJV)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

There are people being taught that their works on earth are building their place in Heaven.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

8-For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not that of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9-Not of works, lest any man should boast.

God himself prepares a place in Heaven for His children. God created us for relationship with Him. Our purpose is to know Him and make Him known.

John 17:3 (KJV)

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent.

John 14:2-4

2-In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3-And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also

4-And whiter I go ye know, and the way ye know.

 

It takes great strength and courage to give your life to Christ: to believe in someone you can’t see or touch.  It takes faith.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

God gives us proof with His word, the Bible. His word is our guide and is relevant to every modern situation we face. He gave us His word to council us in times of trouble; to give us wisdom and strength. God gave us His word, His promise of eternal life with Him. He did this because He loves us. No person is perfect. we all fall short every day in some way. He sent His son Jesus Christ to take our sins that we may live with Him.

Romans 3:23-24 (KJV)

23-For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24-Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

 

John 3:16 (KJV)

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.

The word whosoever is so important.  WHOSOEVER, ANY PERSON. God’s word says any person can choose to have faith in Him and have salvation.

This world is so divided right now. Race against race. Religion against religion. All saying they are right and the other is wrong. We label ourselves, Baptist,  Methodist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Mormon, Muslim, Jewish, Pentecostal, Black, White, Asian, Mexican, Indian, American Indian, Mixed.  We, this world, labels ourselves and divides ourselves into groups all saying “We are right and you are wrong!” But God says WHOSOEVER!

I challenge you today to pick up God’s word and read it. Get to know God and Jesus Christ. Decide for yourself. Step outside of what you have been taught. Step outside of the pain and suffering and seek God. Let Him be your guide. Choose for yourself. God will give you the strength and courage you need to break the chains of bondage. It doesn’t matter what you have done or what has been done to you; God will answer the call from a true heart and bring healing and peace to you.

 

God Bless!

Jeanie Hannah

Beautiful Peace

My art is now available for purchase on Society6.  Just follow the link.

https://society6.com/product/beautiful-peace_print

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)