A Blessed Sunday
Weekends come and go so quickly. I am always sad to see them leave, although I do love Mondays!
This Sunday, I was reminded of the many blessings that we have in Christ and of the gracious love that He freely offers those who repent from their sins and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Yesterday morning, I woke up, a little tired, but happy to start the day. Around nine, my family and I went to church.
Pastor Brauns spoke on the Sermon the Mount. We are in a sermons series called “Blow Away and (Some) Blessed: The Sermon on the Mount”
This week Pastor Brauns spoke on salt and light from The Sermon on the Mount.
{Matthew 5:13-16} ESV
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
It was great sermon, that challenged my thinking on being not only salt in the world, but also, light. My prayer is that I will be bold in sharing my faith with others, while humble and kind to those around me who don’t know Christ. I long to be the best reflection of Christ to those around me that I can. And I know, that in the Lord’s strength and power in my life, I will be able to do that for His glory alone.”
What a beautiful analogy? Christ says that we are the salt of the earth, subtly flavoring the world around us, while we are lights, boldly proclaiming the Good News to others and bringing light to the darkness around us.
(Photo credit: Pastor Brauns and this was taken when it was warm out!)
After church was finished, we had friends over for lunch and then my friends Landon, Michael, Andrew and I went to the mall and witnessed to people there. The Lord was faithful and gave us each unique opportunities to share the Gospel with some awesome people and pass out tracts. I was so overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy and graciousness in giving us great conversations and a wonderful time together as friends, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ.
We were at the mall during the afternoon and a couple of hours later, we came back home to celebrate my little sister’s birthday party.
I suppose I should correct myself, she isn’t little anymore!
This young woman is 13 years old! I am privileged to call her my sister, one of my best friends, and sisters in Christ. I am so proud of how she has grown in her faith and her love for others. Keep striving after the Lord, Emily, with all your heart.
I also opened a few cards from family, while apparently, (as seen in the picture below) stared off into space. It was a full day, so I think have a good excuse. 😉
Later after everyone left, I spent time with my mom and dad, talking and catching up. Afterwards, I spent time in the word, talked and prayed with my friend, and fell asleep.
All in all, this Sunday blessed me.
It blessed me because I saw the grace and mercy of Christ at church and in the smiles on my brothers and sisters in Christ’s faces.
It blessed me because I spent time with family and friends that I love.
It blessed me because God is doing some wonderful things in my life and in others.
It blessed me because I was able to get out of my comfort zone, become uncomfortable, and have wonderful conversations with people.
It blessed me because God is good and His mercies are never-ending.
I hope you all had a wonderfully, blessed Sunday and a great start to your Monday!
“I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.'”
{Psalm 16:2} ESV