Designed to Shine

Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.”

One of my favorite things about where I live is the night sky, on a clear night. When I go to close up the chickens for the night, I like to look up to the sky. No city lights, no street lights. Just a vast array of stars. I look for the Big Dipper, the North Star and a few others I have managed to learn the names of. It's cool to watch them move with the universe and changing seasons. I also like finding the moon as it goes through its cycles. All designed to shine and all beautiful to see, knowing God set them in the heavens just as they were meant to be. God's beautiful creation, God's masterpiece.

     We are also part of God's creation, beautiful and meant to shine. You may feel your looks don't spell beautiful, you're the ugly duckling, maybe even bland to look at. This unfortunately is heightened when we compare ourselves to those models or TV actor/actresses. One thing to remember when those feelings creep in is what scripture tells us. 1 Samuel 16:7b, “God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.” So, how can we show our beauty within?

B- Blessings: Ephesians 1:3

     The Lord chose us before the world was made and we are his family. He promises us blessings in every way. If we are blessed, then why not share the blessings with others. Even a kind word or gesture can make a difference to someone. They will see Jesus in you and inner beauty.

E- Endurance: Romans 15:4

     We have been given hope in Jesus even when we're at our darkest or weakest, scripture and knowing Jesus brings hope. Share that hope with others. Let your light of hope shine to those at their weakest or darkest moments.

A-Affection: 2 Peter 1:6-7

      When Jesus lives in our hearts our inner beauty will shine, especially when we show kindness and compassion to others. Patience, goodness, service; all are actions that come from within. Even when it's difficult, let Jesus help grow this light in you to everyone you encounter in your daily life.

U- Uniqueness: Psalm 139:14

     When you create something you put its own uniqueness in each masterpiece. We are God's creation, His masterpieces, each created with their own beautiful uniqueness. Embrace your beauty, God created you, so shine.

T- Truth: John 8:32

     What is something that makes you beautiful- truth. Claiming the Lord's truth and living in truth. Be honest with yourself and with others and you will be free. The feeling of being free instead of shackled in our hearts and minds, gives us a happier countenance, which will shine to others.

I- Inspiration: Hebrews 10:24-25

     What better way to be beautiful than to be an inspiration to others showing Jesus and His love and goodness. Share about Jesus, tell others how Jesus helped you in good times and bad. Lift others up, encourage others, let your light shine.

F- Faith: Hebrews 11:1

     Having faith in Jesus is a beautiful thing. When the chips have been down did your faith pull you through? Others see those times and it can encourage their faith or crush it. Yes, it is hard. Yes, you will stumble. Yet, the beauty comes when we overcome or make it through. Our light can shine brighter through our trials and rough days because our faith in Jesus grows stronger.

U- Understanding: proverbs 2:2-5

     Seek to understand all the Lord teaches you. Once you have understanding you can help others find what the Lord is teaching them. Show understanding to others instead of irritation, grumbling, etc. Your inner beauty will shine when you incline an ear to those around you instead of dismissing them.

L- Love: 1 John 4:7-21 sums it up the best

     “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us that much we also should love each other. No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is made perfect in us. We know that we live in God and he lives in us, because he gave us his Spirit. We have seen and can testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has God living inside, and that person lives in God. And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. This is how love is made perfect in us: that we can be without fear on the day God judges us, because in this world we are like him. Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears. We love because God first loved us. If people say, “I love God,” but hate their brothers or sisters, they are liars. Those who do not love their brothers and sisters, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have never seen. And God gave us this command: Those who love God must also love their brothers and sisters.”

     As children many of us learned and sang, “This little light of mine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.’

     Somewhere along the way we tend to forget those simple words. In a world of darkness you were designed to shine, designed by the Master to be you, not as the world is. Beauty comes from within and shines out to the world. So, be BEAUTIFUL and let your light shine, let Jesus shine through you. Even in the dark moments let your light shine as Jesus helps you through. Be the beautiful, unique you, today and every day.

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