Sweet Tea and Jesus

I’m a southern girl, so I like the quote” 

    “Raised on Sweet Tea 

         And Jesus”

I also like the summary given in my Sunday School lesson today which stated, “Christians possess confidence, light, love, and Jesus.” 

     What does this statement mean to me? It means that I have confidence that I belong to God because I believe in my Jesus. It means even as a sinner, I strive to walk in the Light, because God is Light. By walking in the Light, I strive to keep God’s laws in such a way that others see Him in me, and I love God and my fellow-man. 

     So, give me a whole lot of Jesus!

The Shadow

As I read my Daily Hope devotional which talked about walking through the Valley of the Shadow and looking to the Light, I was inspired to write the following.

 

The Shadow

 

Should I walk through the shadow of death,

There is still breath,

And I will not fear,

For God is there to steer.

Should I walk through the shadow of debt,

I can overcome the threat.

Through the shadow of conflict,

I will stand strong and not be licked.

In the shadow of depression,

There is still intercession.

When I walk through the shadow of dismay,

I will overcome when I pray.

In the shadow of what is unclear,

I know Jesus stands near.

Should I see a shadow looming

I know it is not all-consuming.

A shadow can disappear from my sight

When I look to the Light,

For He says, “Do not fear,

For I am near.”

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/11/2025

 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 KJV 

 

 

 

 

 

A Lamp and A Light

 I remember memorizing verses in GA's growing up. One of my favorites was found in Psalm 119:105; "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  
     If I had to describe God's word, it would be that His Word guides me; it directs my path and lights my life. In any situation, I have God's word to tell me how to think, act, and do.  

     I envision a large beam shining all around me, but yet as I focus on His Word, the beam narrows ever so small toward the right path to follow.  

Focus

Last Friday, I created a motto to strive for this 2024. It is Focus On Jesus. There are several definitions for focus. One is to “pay attention”. Another pertains to the eyes. If the level of light is not just right, I cannot see clearly enough to focus my vision. 

     As I walked through the house last night in the dark, I was reaching for a chair here or a wall there-all to help me tread a path without stumbling over something.  I needed light to see. That is what God does for me. He is the Light in the darkness. He guides me through what I cannot see.

     When I woke this morning, the first thing I reached for was my glasses. No matter how good my eyes or how strong my lenses, I can only see so far. I not only need the Light to focus, but I need help to guide me further than the distance I can see. God does that! He has my year planned. He sees further than my vision.  

     If I Focus On Jesus, He will get me through.

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 niv

     

Shine The Light

     "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed?" (Mark 4:21)  Here we find that Jesus is the light and He is not to be hidden:  He is to be seen and known.  We are to show His light in our lives.  However, I believe I am not only responsible to show God's light through sharing the gospel, but I am to show His light in my service to others.
     I forget, often, that in my service to others I should do it in love and not through a sense of obligation.  When I stop complaining about "what I have to do" but rather enjoy the moments spent in helping when needed, I can gain fulfillment and shine my own light.  When I get over the selfishness of "time" taken away from my own plans I can find rewards in the moment.