Get Your Glow On! - How To Get That Radiant Glow

Although my Grandmother is well into her 80's, I (along with many others) would describe her as “radiant.” She glows with an internal joy and pureness that is undeniable. But it's not because of good skin care. It is because of good Spirit care. I have countless memories of walking into her room and seeing her reading her Bible by the light of her floor lamp. If she wasn't reading her Bible, she was listening to a sermon on tape or watching a Christian film or show. There's nothing she enjoys more than her relationship with God. And it's evident when you look at her that she has walked and talked with her Saviour.  

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. - Exodus 34:33-35

 

The Bible tells us that Moses went up Mt. Sinai to speak to God on several occasions. He was the only one allowed to speak directly to God. He was in the presence of The Almighty God many times. And each time, the Bible says, he came down with the glory of God literally glowing from his face! He was so bright, that he had to put a covering over his face so he would not frighten the people. 

 

Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

 

Do you know what that means? Being in God’s presence makes us more attractive! If you want to radiate, if you want to shine like the stars, then get in the presence of God. Unlike the Israelites, you and I have total access to The Father, thanks to Jesus and His saving grace that created a bridge between us. So, get your glow on! All it takes is a little time in The Father’s presence. Devote as much time (if not more) to reading God's Word and praying as you would to your daily primping and skincare routine and I guarantee others will start to see a permeating glow that no beauty product could ever compare to.

Heart to Heart: Displaced Devotion

I was listening to a webcast recently from Kyle Idleman and he talked about the subject of idols. (You know, all of those things that we make equal to or place above God?) And he shared a statement that sent shock waves through me. He said that we tend to take Christ off of the throne and put him on a loveseat with our idols. Think about that picture for a minute. We're talking about the King of Kings, the Creator of the Universe, the Almighty Savior who died for you and I. We've removed Him from His rightful throne and told him to share a couch with our sin. Or for some of us, we put that something or someone else in His place on the throne and don't even give Him a seat in our hearts at all.


What is it that you treasure most? What do you get the most joy out of? What is it that you spend the majority of your time focused on?  Is it a relationship? Money? Your career? Sex? Food? A sports team? Your appearance? Success? Pleasure? Who or what are you looking towards to satisfy you? What is it in your own life that you are putting before God? What are you making more valuable than Him? We can all fill in the blank with something that we have chosen to be first in our lives instead of God. I know I can. I unfortunately have put many things above him lately. But when I take an honest look into my own life, I can clearly see where my priorities have been grievously displaced. I have been asking these other things to do for me, what only God can do for me. I gave control over to these other passions and turned my worship from God  towards these lesser substitutes expecting to be satisfied.


Truth is that none of these things we put before God can save us. None of them can truly satisfy us. And none of them even compare to His glory. There is nothing wrong with enjoying things like relationships, success, etc. but it is when we allow these things to take center stage - to be the main focus in our lives - that is when they become idols and therefor are a distraction from God. We start to worship the gift instead of the Giver. Instead of allowing these gifts to enhance a deeper devotion to the One who blessed us with them in the first place we worship the gifts instead of God who gave them to us. God also gave us free will to choose where we place our devotion. And it is a decision we all must make for ourselves.

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15

Heart to Heart: A Life Intended

Self-reflection is essential for personal growth. It is important for us to take an honest, introspective look at our own lives. Why? So that we can have a better understanding of our strengths and weaknesses as well as our purpose and goals. Too often we look to others as our comparison scale to see where we measure up, but it's really not fair to compare. Each of us are uniquely designed for an individual purpose and trying to fill another person's mold that we were not designed for is like a fish trying to climb a tree...we weren't created for that. The fact that we can't be like someone else doesn't make us more or less worthy, or talented, or desirable, it simply means we haven't embraced your ability to swim. We haven't acknowledged who we are and what we are capable of.

When we stop comparing ourselves to others and recognize our own natural, God-given purpose, then we will begin to live the fulfilling life that we were designed for...the life that God intended for us.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

-Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer For The Weary

Heavenly Father,

Your Word says "those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). Please renew my strength; help me to be patient and live for You without becoming weary; help me to stand for what is right, to walk boldly with fortified faith. Thank You for Your promises. Thank You for lifting me up and sustaining me.

In Jesus' holy name.

Amen.