It’s another Inauguration Day in the USA.
As always, in the words of the end of Ezekiel 33:10, “How then shall we live?”
Part of the answer comes in the second part of our Bibles, 1st Peter 2:17 to be exact, which in The Message version says, Respect the government.
Other versions say Honor the emperor.
Scotty Smith, real life friend from another denomination, points out simply but cogently, “In America, we have a president, not an emperor.” Take a moment today and read the rest of 1st Peter 2:17 for some context.
Apply as needed, and I’m looking forward to seeing you back here tomorrow.
“Don’t compare yourself to others. You can’t compare the sun against the moon…they both shine brightest when it’s their turn.” A blogger who calls himself 5am Joel wrote that.
About you.
But wait! There’s more more —
You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
— Christ Jesus says that in Matthew 5:14-16.
About you.
Shine on!
Believe in yourself! If cauliflower can become pizza, you can do anything.
— Anonymous, but thank you to several people for pointing me to this
“You never know what events will transpire to get you home,” says Tom Hanks as Commander Jim Lovell in Apollo 13.
“There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s house,” Jesus promises us. “I’m on my way to get a room ready for you.”
And maybe best of all, Christ Jesus say, “And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.”
Check it out: John 14:2,3.
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve,” Joshua 24:15 tells us in King James’ language.
We can kid ourselves with our words.
Our actions reveal our choices.
What are yours saying today about whom you serve today?
We’re only one decision away from a totally different life.
I’ve heard that from several different people in a wide variety of settings. You, too?
“Choose this day,” Joshua 24:15 advises us.
I’m running from nothing, no thoughts in my mind
Oh my heart was all black
But I saw something shine
Thought that part was yours, but it might just be mine
I could share it with you, if you gave me the time
I’m all bloody knuckles, longing for home
If it weren’t for second chances, we’d all be alone
— Gregory Alan Isakov, “Second Chances”
A friend who wants to be anonymous has a t-shirt that reads, “Be the exception.”
Right away you and I get the point.
It’s an invitation to go beyond the norm. To expand the envelope beyond prevalent mediocrity. To be your best self.
“Be the exception.”
People will notice.
Pop Quiz: Can you advise people, Follow my example? Yes or no?
Our old friend St. Paul wrote, Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ in 1st Corinthians 11:1. Bold words!
“Be the exception” is a good way to start to actually follow the example of Christ today.
Ready? Ready to Be?
Set? Set to maybe be the only one?
Go! “Be the exception.”
Be Christlike!
No matter what else you do today, grow forward.
