July 24, 2022
Matthew 5:14, 16   "Leave the Light On"

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14,16)

When my daughter was 5 years old, each night before she went to bed she would always say, "Mama will you leave the light on, please?" She would ask me to leave the light on because she didn't like to be in the dark. 

Jesus is the Light of the World. He is the true light in a light that shines forever, a light that needs no bulb or electricity - Jesus Is the light of the world.
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There are many people living in darkness today because they have not yet responded to God's call. Christ wants to use you, to help let His light shine in a world full of darkness. Keep praying and believing for God's glory to shine through. Lift up a prayer today for your family members and friends to see the light of Jesus. May our lives reflect the love of Christ and the peace of God, today and forevermore. AMEN!

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July 12, 2022
​Mark 4:26-29 NIV [26] He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. [27] Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. [28] All by itself the soil produces grain---first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. [29] As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come .” …
One of the things that I enjoyed about growing up in rural eastern North Carolina, was the opportunity to live on a small farm. What I really enjoyed most about farm life was the season of planting and harvesting. As the planting season began, my father would take my brothers and me down to what we called the “Feed Mill” to purchase seeds to plant in the fields. While we were there, daddy would have a small conversation with the owner about what seeds to buy, and in his conversation and decision to buy, he would not just buy any seeds but he would buy the best seeds that were certified seeds. As a young boy, I just considered seeds to be seeds, but to daddy, certified seeds were the best. After we had purchased the seeds and the fertilizer, it was time to prepare the ground. My brothers, daddy, and I would take turns on the old tractor, preparing the soil and planting the seeds. It was something about the smell of the freshly overturned soil that made me have a connection with nature; I now understand it to be a connection with God and his creation. After all of the preparation and planting, it was a time of waiting. As we waited for the seeds to pop out of the ground to maturing into fully grown plants, it was a joy to see that happening as it was growing and needed cultivating. A few months later, it was harvest time. Harvest time was also a joy because we could sell some grain for-profit and store some for later. As I look back over the planting and the harvesting, I hear the words of Jesus as He tells the parable of the Growing Seed. My earthy father taught me that you must prepare the soil to receive the seed, and not just any seed but certified seeds, and watch the harvest grow as you fertilize and cultivate. What a wonderful lesson to learn about farming. But my Heavenly Father has taught me that the certified seed is the Word of God. So, my sisters and brothers, as we prepare to receive God's certified Word in our lives, we can know that God's promises, that his harvest will be glorious and forever. So as we watch and wait, let us keep our eyes on the great harvest that the Lord will provide for all of us.