14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."

Reflect: Walking with Jesus can enable you to shine brighter. Walk with others and share your faith. 

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's might hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Reflect: The heart is a physical and spiritual area of your life that you would like God to restore, to strengthen, and to make steadfast. Learn how to monitor your heart's vital signs and be eager to serve when God calls.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Reflect: No, God has not lost your address/phone number. God continually calls us to be obedient and seek His holiness in all that we do. Healthy living is living close to God.

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Reflect: If you compare your spiritual life to the rooms of a house, which room do you think Jesus might want to clean? Jesus wants to come in and renew your spiritual life with his unconditional love. Open your life to Jesus.

23 Life is more than food, and body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens; They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Reflect: What does Jesus tell his disciples not to do? Seek God's Kingdom and all things will be given unto you.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.

Reflect: Chapter 1 of the Book of Genesis helps us appreciate God's creation. His blessings are many, His instructions demand human responsibility and obedience, and His justice and mercy find their roots in Genesis. Our journey begins with God's covenant of grace and redemptive purpose for life.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.

Reflect: James' focus is on how the Christian faith is to be lived on a day-to-day basis. Earthly wisdom may stand in the way of heaven's wisdom. Wisdom from heaven is pure, considerate, submissive, and full of mercy.

13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Reflect: Paul cites examples of Israel's past as he expresses his concern for the lifestyle in Corinth. The Christian race is filled with temptation, decision and choices and God is always with you.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts  and you minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflect: Philippians is Paul's most upbeat letter. He speaks of joy and love while in prison. He is content knowing that his life is with Jesus. Since God does not always change negative outside forces, what can God change in you?

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff; they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 Reflect: The Psalms catch the reality of our trust in God. We inherit the Kingdom of God when we give our life to Him.

43 "You have heard that is was said, 'Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Reflect: God is giving us directions through His son Jesus. God wants us to grow after we receive His mercy. Will this be a quality you wish to cultivate in a healthy relationship with others?

13 The Prayer of Faith: Is there any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Reflect: James brings those who are omitting God back to the fold. Are you wandering from the faith? The power of prayer will bring you back to God's love.