His Radiance

After dropping the children off at school this morning I noticed how the sun's rays were radiating from this one opening in the sky. Being the photographer that I am quickly grabbed the next best thing to my Nikon, my phone.  Well not really, I just always have it with me.  

As I was driving I kept thinking, find a place to pull over and get that "perfect" shot.  Well, I kept driving and found myself getting pumped to find that "perfect" place.  

I kept driving and watching the sky, anticipating that moment in time when I can say, ""Yes! I got it".   

The radiance from the sky so bright and beautiful.  This morning I had been dealing with an issue in my life that I thought was resolved, but apparently was not. A reminder of the past that I had not let go of.  You know, those things that bogged you down and you thought you were over? 

Seeing the radiant sunlight captivated me so and I just wanted to capture it so I could have a picture to remind me.  

I finally made it to my perfect spot.... The sky had hanged and the radiant beams of sunlight were no longer as bright.  Matter of fact, it had faded and become gray again. 

My first reaction was, "I missed it!"  I was disgruntled because it had changed.  Then as if God was sitting beside me, He  gently reminded me - "Yes, you missed it.  You missed that opportunity to know me deeper.  To feel my presence in your life. You missed a moment we could have shared together". 

As I pulled over and parked and reflected on this moment, I felt a bigger missed opportunity to capture something bigger than "that perfect shot". I missed the opportunity to capture a "Lord, I get it" moment. 

Now as I finish this, there is a radiant light that just radiated into my pilot.  It actually reminded my of a flash of light.  "I actually think God took my picture, the flash went off, and He said, "That's what I'm talking about!"

God in His radiant Glory reminded me that it's not about capturing His radiant glory, but living in His Radiant Glory!!!  How many Christians think they have to capture a few moments with God and they are good Christians?  Shouldn't we be seeking to live in His Radiant Glory every day?  Shouldn't everything we say and do radiant His Glory to others?  His Glory in our lives should change who we are, how we treat others and how we live out His Glory in our lives. 


Once we learn that it's not about "me" and not about getting that "perfect" shot, but it's about God so filling your heart, mind, soul that you all you see is HIM IN ALL HIS GLORY!!!
My friend, may you experience and live in His Radiant Glory today. 

"and behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.".  Ezekiel 43:2. 



Sheila Gleaves
Praising the Glory of His Grace,

Christian Life Skills 1

Wisdom 

Conduct yourself with wisdom towards outsiders, making the most of the opportunity" (Colossians 4:5).


Let's look closer:


What is Discernment?  The ability to distinguish, and make judgements: truth from falsehood, virtue from vice, sincerity from hypocrisy, positive impressions from negative ones, pure motives from impure ones, proper procedures from improper ones.  Proverbs 2:3-6 says, "For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding;...then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom..."  Also read, Psalm 119:66, "Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in thy commandments".


What is Discretion?  Wise self-restraint in speech and behavior; free from ostentation (showiness or flamboyance) and pretension; modest.  Proverbs 3:21 says, "My son, let not theme depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion".  Psalm 112:5 - "A good man... will guide his affairs with discretion". Discretion enables a person to evaluate accurately what is correct and proper.


What is Decisiveness?  The ability to reach definite conclusions and follow through with appropriate action.  Decisiveness removes all doubt, resolves questions, and brings an end to controversy.  James 1:8 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways".  1 Kings 18:21 - "How long will you hesitate between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow Him..."  Rev. 3:15 and Joshua 24:15 (one of my favorite verses) "And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourself today whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"  


So, I must ask...


Do you have wisdom?