A friend of mine once told me, “If you pray and talk with God about everything you will begin to see God everywhere!” Seeing Jesus in the small stuff helps us remember all the amazing things He has done. Don’t forget what Jesus has done in your life!

When you and I choose to go after peace, as Hebrews 12:14 encourages, it leads us to a more holy life (the whole goal of the last few days conversations). We will begin to see the Scriptures come alive in our lives. Go back and look at Matthew 5. There is a list of blessing waiting on us when we put holiness into motion. Romans 6:22 describes the fruit of our action as eternal life. Romans 14:19 tells us the results of our pursuit of peace is building up of those around us (making those around us better).

Story after story was shared of Isaiah 61 coming alive in peoples lives! Freedom! Chains broken! Darkness removed! Hope was Alive! I heard bold proclamations made - “Because of Jesus, I have traded pain for His loving Promises!” and Jesus has taken my pain and replaced it with His Power!” I was looking at what was once viewed as rubble, broken trash, now shining brightly as Priests of God! Miracle after miracle was shared. Each story a one of a kind work of art, flowers from ashes! Jesus’ beauty on full display!

Here is something to think about. Holiness is shown in humbly serving. Our approach to life will be one full of meekness, or gentleness, and saturated in humility. We do not become “doormats”, to be walked all over. On the contrary, we become bold and fearless in our serving of others, following the example given by Jesus!

Our action today should be meekness - a gentle approach to our lives. Our action today should be humility interwoven with meekness. The result, as Jesus promised, will be a life deeply rooted in happiness. This is by no means an over night formula. This, my friends, is a lifestyle. A lifestyle of following closely after Christ. A way of life that has you and I looking more like Jesus today than we looked yesterday. A growing - humbly and gently loving on those who cross our paths. Happy in our holiness.

The beginning of holiness is humility. Humility begins with a memory. A memory, which serves as a reminder, of where we once were and where we find ourselves today! It was nothing you or I did; it is all Jesus. Today, walk humbly in your God given Holiness! Be holy!

Some days I need a reminder of what God has done for me. Have you ever been there? You just aren’t “feeling it”. On days like that I read through Psalms 40.

you have a special gift, one that is unique to only you. It was given to you by God on purpose! Keep that ablaze! Let the fire burn bright in your life. God does not want us to be shy with the gifts He has given. So, be bold today and also be full of love. Reflect the love of Jesus burning in you!

I would like to make a challenge to you. Take some time to read Isaiah 61. Read the text in more than one translation. This is easy to do with a smart phone. Allow the prophets ancient words to penetrate your heart and mind.

The Bible is not merely a historical record book. It is a studied story with every detail being important. You see, the Bible (God’s Word) connects the dots in our lives. We begin to see the prophecy come alive. The entire story is vastly important. As we emerge our lives in Scripture, we begin to realize - we are living part of the story!

One thing to understand about walking with Jesus, it is not going to be easy, but it will be awesome! God’s plan is not a bunch of religious ideas and spiritual talk. God’s plan is US and our lives. God’s great love and purposes for each one of us are worked out in the challenges, messes, and storms of daily life. And He chooses to do that with each one of us, just as we are!