Let Your Light Shine!

We were prepared this past weekend for storms as much as you can be. Our candles, oil lamps and flashlights were handy. We had bought bread and had enough standby food that didn’t have to be refrigerated or cooked. We even stayed half-awake Sunday night for that last cell of storms coming out of northeast Texas. Thankfully as we were up and going Monday morning we surveyed that neither the lights went out nor did the storms come our way. We grieve for those who have lost homes and loved ones. Unless you have been through a devastating storm you just don’t really know what it feels like. This storm cell is still continuing to cause terrible problems even now. We are praying that the storm will subside. 

God wants you to know precious one that He has given you all the light you will ever need for any darkness you encounter. Whether it’s the storms of nature or the storms of life, He has you covered. And He wants you to know that when you are in the darkest moment is when His light shines the brightest. It is meant to shine the way for you, but there’s more. 

This Light of the Lord shines through you as well. It is an internal light that is given by the Holy Spirit to all believers. Did you know? Do you realize that when things are at their worst, in your darkest hour, His light will show others that in your life He is proving Himself – trustworthy, faithful, true and Ever-present!

Oh beloved, whatever it is, God is lighting the way for you. You don’t have to quit, you don’t have to run, you don’t have to try to create your own light. You don’t have to be strong enough in your own might or find a way to give false or fleshly light. You just have to stand in His presence, walk in His ways and know that you are filled with supernatural light for everywhere you go. It does not matter what others say or do, you are complete in Him. His glory is your finest jewelry and your greatest asset. It’s time to quit confessing the wrongs that have been done to you or recalling the wrongs you have done. You are in the Light of the Lord –forgiven and forgiving. The Lord’s light will shine brighter and brighter in your life as you seek to portray His light of everlasting love and faithfulness. Your good works build the light and that’s more than just working for God – it includes praying, believing God, trusting Him and walking in His light. 

Your destiny is to be a beacon of the Light of the Lord for His glory alone. Wherever you are, you are able to live in His truth. He loves you and He is for you and that is why He has made every preparation for anything you encounter all the days of your life. Let your Light so Shine!

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.

Psalm 44:3 For by their own sword they did not possess the land, and their own arm did not save them; but Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, for You favored them.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

May You Walk in More Light

May You Walk in More Light

We had another houseful of grandchildren this week. It’s always fun and chaotic. As I went downstairs before daylight, I noticed that the grandsons, who were sleeping on pallets, had turned all the lights off but the one small light over my keyboard at the computer. It was dark everywhere but there. I made my way to the desk and began to type. Soon I had to run back upstairs to get something. As I left the computer area I realized it was much darker just a few steps away. I could hardly see the four steps to the upper area of our home. I also noticed that when I was going back downstairs, headed toward the light of the computer area I could see much better, even the steps had light on them.

God spoke to my heart: When you are in the light you have enough to see clearly for where you are. But when you walk away from the light you will find it even harder to see. Only in coming toward the light can you have your steps illuminated. I AM the Light of the whole world. And you are My child, so you are an inheritor of the Light. Always keep close to Me. Walk towards Me, grow in Me, brighten your life in My illumination. Every time you step away from My Light, things will only grow darker. Your circumstances of disaster, discouragement, and ultimately disbelief have to flee in the light. The enemy of your soul wants you to believe that I AM not enough, that I AM not the way, and that I AM not able to give you light for the present time. He is a liar and the Father of all lies. Yes, you may be experiencing problems that look impossible, but don’t walk away from Me now. Yes, you may have been left alone, cast out or forsaken by someone you trusted, but I will never leave you to grope in the dark for comfort. I AM your comfort. My light dispels all darkness.  Your perception of your gloom will only change as you look at Me. My light is always present. I will make the darkness light before you as you come closer to Me.

Oh beloved, are you walking in fear, disbelief or worry? Are you living in the dark? It’s time to turn around and walk in the light! Your view will clear up and your heart will strengthen as you determine to believe God in spite of whatever is going on. His plans for you are outrageously wonderful. A life lived for Christ is blessed with every spiritual blessing – not one is kept from you. Quit stumbling and quit mumbling and start praising Him. Things may “look” dark but He is always lighting your way for He is the Light. He will dispel the darkness and His light cannot be extinguished. Turn around and look for His light is beckoning you to come back to Him.

God loves you and He is surely for you so you can trust His light to dispel any misconceptions, miscommunication or misinformation as you live in the Light of His Word. He sheds His Light on everything so you can see clearly and walk fearlessly.

Colossians 1:12  always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.

Psalm 112:4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright, gracious, compassionate, and just [who are in right standing with God] Amplified

I John 1:5  This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all.

Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the Light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the Light that leads to life.”

Need Light for Your Present Situation?

Early in the morning he posted a message on social media. “For light I go directly to the Source of light, not to any of the reflections.”

God speaks to my heart: I AM the Source of Light. You are in great need of the Light that only I have. So many times things are obscured by fog or the darkness of the situation. Those things don’t affect My light. But to receive light for any situation or circumstance you will have to come to Me. I shed light on every area of life. When you have a problem I will give you the truth about that situation. When you don’t know where to go I will light MY way for you. When you don’t understand what’s going on My Light will lift the fog from your eyes.

God speaks to my heart again: My Light is the light of healing. My Light is the light of reconciliation. My Light is also the light of impartation. I will send people to minister to you when it is needed. You will need discernment for not everyone who shines a light has My Light. The enemy of your soul disguises himself as an angel of light. Even believers can shine their own light. Look closely and watch carefully who you go to for light in any situation. I will lead you to the right people, the right place and the right outcomes. I may keep you secluded in Me until you can see My Light clearly. My desire is that even in your darkest hours you will see Me clearly and let Me lead you into all truth.

I must say that we all have multiple sources of light in our homes in our cars and at our jobs. Even church is fully lit. We are used to flipping a switch and having light for whatever we need, whenever we need it, wherever we are. But to live as beacons of God’s light, to be a reflection of His light, we must stay plugged into the Lord, who is the Source of light. We must keep our hearts pure towards Him, fully yielded to Him and walking in the Light of His presence.

Oh beloved, have things gone dim? Are you wandering around as though there is no light where you are? Have you been trying to find the light in friends, in entertainment, in hobbies or in habitual problems that keep cropping up in your life? Do you notice that none of those lights work for you anymore? Don’t be afraid. Don’t try to hide. It’s time to let God’s light shine on your heart, fill your mind and correct and order your steps. He has been trying to shed His light all around you but you’ve been busy trying to keep the darkness away. Step into His light and the darkness has to flee! You were not meant to wander but to abide. You weren’t meant to live in the dark but to thrive in the Light.  Let God do what only He can do. Other people might be stingy with their own light – through rejection, humiliation, and more. But God will give you liberally all the Light you will ever need. Sometimes the light of others is dimmed so that you will return to the Source of All Light with your whole heart. He will make your situation shine with His glory, He will make your heart sing with the Light of His praise.

He will give you the ministry of reconciliation to the Light and impartation of the Light. True believers always impart the Source of Light to others. Some may say they have the Light but they don’t share it. It’s okay, their rejection is not your reflection. Connect instead to the One Who brought you out of darkness into His marvelous Light. Live as a Light bearer, a reflector of all God has done for you, with you and to you. He has called you, saved you, given you a ministry, blessed you, protected you, watched over you, guided you and will keep growing you all the days of your life. He loves you and He’s for you and He shares His Light with you whenever you are humble enough to ask. Always, anytime, anywhere, for any reason. Rejoice in the Light and live brightly for Him.

I John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Daniel 2:22 It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the Light dwells with Him.

John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. Amplified

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous Light;

Psalm 89:15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the Light of Your countenance.

God's Light Helps Us See Clearly

It was just beginning to get light one morning as I stepped out onto the porch. I love early morning because it’s quiet and peaceful. As I looked across the street to the neighbor’s house I thought I spied a large dog. It was sitting there at attention. I almost whistled for it when I realized it must not be a dog. It was not light enough that I could make out what it really was. I went back insi...de to drink a cup of coffee.

Later, when the sun had brightened the view, I saw that it was just a soccer goal.

In the dark it was impossible for me to see what I was looking at but in the light it became apparent. Without the light there was no perception of color or shape. The eye was fooled, the mind was tricked. But as soon as the light of day crept in everything was apparent.

It is very hard to perceive truth from error in the dark. Without the light of God’s Word shed onto each and every situation we are going to have a hard time discerning what’s really there. Given our own personal preferences we are going to go for what feels good, what looks right and what everyone is doing. We’ll be going with the flow but we will be without sight – we won’t have real perception of our situations we find ourselves in. Oh we can still see the problem, the opportunity, the decision but we’ll be confused and confused about what to do.

But once the light dawns, once we take the light of the Word and look at our situations in the light of that Word we will be able to see clearly. The enemy won’t be able to fool us and neither will our minds and our hearts. Light dispels darkness and everything becomes crystal clear.

Are you perplexed this morning? Are you thinking about reaching out for something but you just aren’t sure it’s what you need to have? It’s important to your life to stop, pick up the Word and let the light dawn on your present situation. Let God show you whether it’s real or not. Let God instruct you on the truth about it. Let God’s Word give you better sight so that you won’t head for something you perceive as good that will ultimately be bad for you.

The Word of God will always protect you, defend you, direct you, keep you safe and guard your heart and mind. It may seem that God’s Word is restrictive and narrow, but it’s always the way of blessings. Take out His Word this morning and let it give you the right perspective. Let Him enlighten the eyes of your understanding so that you know the truth and aren’t fooled by things that come into your life. People try to convince you of things that are in direct opposition to the Word. The world’s system will tell you lies about yourself, about your hope, about your future. The enemy will tell you to reach out for something God wants to protect you from.

Oh beloved, take out God’s Word this morning and let its light give you better vision. He loves you so much that He gave you a book containing all you will ever need to perceive the truth about your life, your walk and your destination. And beloved, He’s on your side; He’s for you so you can trust what you are in the dark about as you shine His Word on every situation. Live in the light of His Word, don’t trust your senses, and watch as dawn breaks over everything and you live a life of blessing and strength.

John 17:17 Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.

Proverbs 4:18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

Psalm 119:130 The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.

Psalm 119:115 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

With a View to the Future

I was driving grandson Blake home this week and the sky was a brilliant blue. Not a cloud to be seen. I guess because the sky was so clear and blue, we were able to spot other things in the sky. Blake saw them first – a huge flock of geese flying in formation, headed south. Then we saw a smaller flock doing the same thing.

Just as I looked away from the birds I saw a glimmer. As we got to a stop, I looked through the trees and spotted it! It was a jet.  I told Blake to look but he couldn’t see it. I kept saying turn your head to the right and other directions but he could not see the jet.  Finally I pulled into a parking lot and said again, “LOOK!”  He turned His head, climbed up into my window and put his face right where mine was. He saw it!  Racing through the sky it looked like a silver bullet in the sun trailing a streak of clouds behind it.

Until he got my viewpoint he couldn’t see what I was seeing.  He might have just said never mind. He might have just gone on. He might have missed the magnificent view entirely. But he kept looking until he could see it from my perspective. 

God speaks to my heart: “With a view to the future”.  Such simple words. But He’s speaking to my heart and maybe you need to know it too beloved.  Often we are caught in a scene that’s right out of a horror show. It could be that we’ve held something so dear that we don’t want to let go. We see no point, we  feel no reason, we hear no promises. We’ve been rejected and that’s all we see.  We’ve been left out in the cold and that’s all we feel. We’ve been passed over, turned down, unanswered.  Unless we can get God’s perspective on our present situation we are going to feel frustrated or fearful or maybe even quit. 

It’s up to us.  The view is there. God’s openly showing it to us. He’s trying to get us to quit looking at things from the earthly view.  He’s urging us lovingly to keep looking, keep straining toward God’s face, keep seeking His heart.  He may even ask us to pull over and sit a moment alone with Him until we can find God’s peace.  At some point we have to let God in on our pain and let Him assure us. Who else can soothe us really? And how blessed are we that we have a God who didn’t just create us and leave us to try to figure out the scenes of our lives alone. No, He’s fully acquainted with us – fully prepared to walk us through every single day with us – fully prepared to give us His perspective, even though He’s the Lord of Heaven and Earth. After all, He is our Abba Father as well. Christ has gifted us with the opportunity to have a rich and intimate relationship with God Himself. If we can just let ourselves and our pains go and get into Father God’s lap and see things “with a view to the future” we’ll be able to live seeing God’s face when nothing else makes sense. We’ll know there’s a future for us because He has said so.

Oh beloved, climb up in Abba Father’s lap. Let Him wrap His loving arms around you. Let Him speak truth into your life. When you get his perspective, when you can view things as though you are going into the future, looking beyond yourself, you will know that God’s ways are best. Nothing can ever separate you from the love of God and nothing can keep you from seeing into the blue skies of His perfect will. He loves you and He’s for you and that’s worth slowing down, opening His Word, resting in His promises and moving into the future with fresh determination to live in the light of His Word.

 

Psalm 77:11-13 But then I recall all You have done, O Lord; I remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago.  They are constantly in my thoughts.  I cannot stop thinking about Your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy.     Is there any god as mighty as You?

Psalm 73:23-24 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.   You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

You Are So Very Precious To God! Come and See...

As a young girl I went to more A.A. meetings than church services. Some would be aghast at that fact, yet I learned a lot about God at those meetings. I learned the Lord’s Prayer and could recite God’s Word at a very early age. The members recited those verses at the end of every meeting without fail.  I learned that everybody’s in the same boat regardless of their address, position or title. Each week there would be testimony from one after another of God helping them out of their struggles with alcohol and all would say, “But for the grace of God…”  I learned encouragement.  One would stand up to get their one month coin, while another would stand and get their 30 year coin.  Everyone was congratulated no matter how young or old they were in the program.  I learned humility. I watched as my parents would bring in folks off the streets who had asked for help. One friend in particular came to live with us a while. She would sleep on the floor in our living room when she came in from work because as she said, “I’m too dirty to get in your beautiful bed and too tired to clean up”.  That woman is now in her 80’s and she’s still my friend and we talk occasionally. 

Probably the greatest thing I learned was the importance of celebrating one another.  Birthday cakes abounded as one after another passed milestones of sobriety.  I can’t find anywhere in God’s Word that we are to be crude with one another, rude to each other or bossy and insensitive.  Nobody ever stood at the lectern and brow beat or bad mouthed the audience.  Even in the discussion of right and wrong there was always a note of tenderness for everyone remembered that they all came from the same gutter into the light. 

Oh beloved, you are so precious to God! He speaks kind words into your life as He woos you to come out of your darkness and into His Light.  He knows everything about you and loves you all the more!  His plans for you are good and kind and generous! He tenderly calls you today! No matter if you’ve missed the mark over and over, there’s still today and this day is fresh and new! Reach out for His Hand that is always extended to you in grace, mercy and peace! You are loved so much that you were worth dying for! Now run to the One Who rose again so that you can walk in newness of life!

 Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NAS)

Psalm 119:11 Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

2 Corinthians 8:9  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. (NAS)

Psalm 135:3  Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate His lovely name with music.

Lamentations 3:22-23 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.