Birth—Days are fun.

Birth—Days are special reminders that we are still alive.

Birth—Days bring joyous moments of celebration.

Birth—Days allow us to count—forward—seeking to gather as many numbers as possible.

Birth—Days surround us with people, celebrations filled with those we love & who love us.

But—What If Our Death—Day Were Closer Than Our Next Birth—Day?

Would we Anticipate the Upcoming Death—Day As Much As We Look Forward to Our Birth—Day?

At the university where God has planted me for a season, we have walked through a time of change, a changing of the guard, so to speak.  The university president who did serve in that capacity retired, leaving a void, one that was filled for a year with an “interim” president.  This “interim” president led the university well during his watch, continuing forward the mission of the university.  Now, we have marched into a new season, the “new” president has come to campus, bringing his family, his household items, his pet, and his vision.  The vision he brings as he begins his watch at the university has caught my attention most.

“Salt & Light”

Continuously, he begins each session with these words and then ends the sessions with these same words.  He weaves this truth into his discussions as we speak together, because they are not just words—We are challenged to look for ways we can actually serve our students—as “salt & light.”  The same can be said about every disciple of Christ—about every child of God.

Thus, we must understand what Jesus meant when he spoke those words to the crowds sitting on the mountainside, speaking to the chosen disciples and to His world of disciples.  If we are to “take up our cross, daily, and follow Jesus,” then we must understand our role of serving as “salt & light” WITHIN the world.

Inside the kitchen cabinet, sits a salt grinder, and last night, I was preparing the dinnertime meal, one that allowed me to grill some beef for my husband (his favorite).  As I whisked together the marinade, I reached for the salt grinder because I knew the marinade’s flavor would not be enhanced without the presence of “salt.”  Therefore, as I turned the grinder in my hands, the “salt” descended from the container, perpetually descending upon the beef, permeating the surface, from side-to-side, as I moved my hands horizontally across the counter surface.

Each morning, I prepare coffee, first grinding the coffee beans, heating the water, and then pressing the two ingredients together in order to create the desired taste that will help my murky eyes to open, to see with better clarity.  In order to create the morning coffee, I must turn on a small nightlight that is plugged into the wall near the carafe.  This “light,” though small, fills the darkness of the morning, illuminating the kitchen, providing the necessary “light” to complete the task.  Even though so tiny, this “light” causes a significant difference, providing a way, a path, to make the morning cup of coffee.  We do the same as we walk through this world, as we reflect the “light” of God into the dark world.  Our actions, reactions, conversations, and life-journeys illuminate the Savior Jesus for others to see Him—the “Light of the world.”

“Salt & Light”—

Are we marching with our banner held high, lifting up Jesus for all the world to see?

Jesus Christ wants all people to be saved.

Jesus Christ wants all people to believe in Him.

Jesus Christ wants all people to come to know Him as their Savior.

Jesus Christ wants all people to know He is the Son of God, the Spirit, & God Incarnate.

The Word of God tells us so.  SEE WITH ME.

Living as “Salt & Light” allows us to live for Jesus, to influence others, and for others to SEE JESUS.

Earlier, these words by Malcolm Muggeridge touched me deeply as they resonated how we are to live each moment of our days—“Every happening, great and small, . . . is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.”   God is speaking; are we paying attention?  God is speaking through us, through our actions and words; are we allowing Him to permeate through the surface and into others’ hearts as we live as “Salt & Light” in the world?

Danny Gokey sings a melody that reminds us how we are living a “New Day” today, how we must not let it slip way.

Crowder (with the help of Tauren Wells) sings a melody that reminds us Who we continually seek as “My Hope,” how we must not let our lives be lived in vain.

Charity Gayle (with the help of Steven Musso) sings a melody that reminds us of the power living inside us. “I Speak Jesus” must be our walk today.

LISTEN TODAY IF YOU HAVE TIME.

What If Our Death—Day Were Closer Than Our Next Birth—Day?

We carry Jesus with us as we walk through life.  The psalmist recognized this when he wrote these words—

May we seek presence.

Daily, our prayer can be—

“Father, help me seek You.  Thank you for being with me right now.  LORD, you are welcome here.  Help me sense Your presence as I walk through this one day You have provided.  Help me allow Your presence to change Everything I say and do.  Help me allow You to live through me as I serve others today.  Help me be the “salt & light” as you have called me to be.  Help me dwell upon Your Word and become so filled with You that Your Word sloshes out onto others as I go.

Thank You, God, for fifty-five Birth—Days, and God, thank You for saving my soul.  It is such an amazing gift to look forward to my Death—Day even more than I do my next Birth—Day, because on my Death—Day, I will be with You in heaven.

So, Father God, lead me, guide my steps today, speak to my being today, LORD, help me know what You desire for me to do.  Open my mouth to speak Jesus, move my feet to walk to others who need You, and fill my hands with tasks You would have me do on this one day You have given me to live.  Help me be the “salt & light” today.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”