And It Was Very Good

 

     God spoke and created the heavens and the earth. There is no way for the human mind to comprehend it. Imagine the stripe of the zebra, the pug nose of the koala, the majestic lion, the fragile butterfly, the colorful array of flowers from the 8-foot sunflower to the delicate crocus, the scent of the rose, or the fragrance of fresh mint or ginger. The creation surrounding us boggles the mind.

     God spoke it into being through His word. And the word is Jesus.

The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, sent from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

     He breathed life into the first man created from dust, the woman from his rib. Notice creation around you today and take it in. Breathe it in. Appreciate all God gave us to enjoy, from relationships to the morning sunrise and the evening sunset, day after day, month after month, season after season; The earth is set the perfect distance from the sun rotating faithfully for our pleasure.

     Looking for a miracle? Get a little closer to creation. Hug a friend. Notice the bird’s song. Soak it in. Take in a little vitamin D on your lunch break. Look up at the stars. The list is endless. He made it for you and me. And it brought Him pleasure.

God saw all that He had made and it was very good. And there was morning and there was evening-the sixth day. Genesis 1:31

How many are Your works Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number- living things both large and small. Psalm 104:24-25

Lord,

We praise You for the creation around us. We thank You for our food, for the seasons, for the glorious lights in the sky, for the animals surrounding us with all of their wonder, for the birds and the flowers and for the ability to love. Remind us to praise You in appreciation for all we have around us each day. Most of all, thank You for Jesus.

Amen

We Cannot Help But Speak

 

     What do we do with this Gospel, the Good News of a transformed heart? With the overflowing abundant love? With the gratitude of receiving new life? How can we keep it to ourselves? Changed hearts can’t help but be exposed. Those that have felt the power and the presence of Jesus are compelled to share.

     Peter and John had been put in jail and they were forbidden to speak about Jesus. ‘This is what they said:

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

    After their imprisonment, they prayed for even greater boldness. (Acts 4:29) Jesus told us to watch for the signs that the end times are drawing near, including wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, an increase in earthquakes and storms, Israel would be back in the land and that wickedness would increase.

     God has us here during an incredible season. Our light is not to be hidden (Matthew 5). We are to shine like stars in a dark and depraved generation. (Philippians 2). The Holy Spirit will give us courage to speak in love. The name of Jesus is more powerful than any other name. Speak it and share it. The world is searching for their Savior.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Dear Father,

We come humbly before You to thank You for the saving grace of Your Son. By His sacrifice, we are saved. Allow us to be Your servants as we speak the good news of salvation to others. His coming is near. Thank You for the privilege.

In the powerful name of Jesus,

Amen

Choose Jesus

      Every day we have the free will to make choices. What will I have for breakfast? What clothes should I wear? How much time will I need to get to work depending on the continual unending snow and cold? Sorry, my choice has been to continually dwell on the weather. Luckily, spring is close!

     Our most valuable decision in the realm of eternity will be our choice on whether to follow and obey Jesus or to follow and obey our human desires our fleshly needs, our culture, our untrustworthy emotions and unyielding hearts.   Choose Jesus today. Choose to follow Him above the noise, the phone, the world. Choose Him.

     The Bible tells us there is life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose life. (Deuteronomy 30) Life in the Spirit. Life eternal. Life in Jesus.

Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. Psalm 25:12

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.  Proverbs 8:10

    Seek His instructions, His ways, His words. All worth listening to above and beyond the world around us. And His glory will not only shine on us in heaven, but on earth as well.

Dear Lord,

Give us Your wisdom in our choices. We continue to fall back to our old habits, to our usual routines. Make our choices clear today. We come to You, seeking Your wisdom, which is more precious than gold.  We choose You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

"Follow Me"

 

My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. John 10:27

     The verse above takes us from the time we first hear His voice and accept Jesus as Savior. Yesterday we talked about getting to know Him. The powerful and all-knowing words of Scripture become planted in our hearts as we walk with Him more closely, as we recognize His voice above all others, and we want, more than anything, to follow Him.

     When Jesus first called His disciples, there must have been something so irresistible about Him that all He had to say was, “Follow Me.” (See Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) And they did. They gave up professions as fishermen, gave up money as tax collectors, and followed.

     One of the beautiful truths about the disciples, in my mind, is how dysfunctional they were. They were so much like us. The Bible does not mince any words when describing them. They were competitive and asked who would be first in heaven. John considered himself the favorite. Peter was outspoken and passionate and spontaneous. He was the one to deny Christ three times before the crucifixion.

     Thomas doubted. I can relate. But like the disciples, when we hear the voice of the one who breathed the world into existence and He says, “Follow Me,” it is irresistible. He changes lives. He transforms relationships. He moves hearts. He rebuilds and redeems and restores and best of all, He forgives and forgets. He uses imperfect people like us.

     Follow Him. Live by His words and deeds. Love more, hate less. Be kind and patient and willing to stop throughout a busy day to lend a hand or to listen. The simple acts of love. Hear the simple and yet profound life-changing words.

     “Follow Me.”

Dear Jesus,

Yes, we will follow You. We are blessed to live in a land of freedom. Christians are dying all over the world as they stand up to follow You. Would we have the courage to do the same? Make us bold and courageous as we follow You.

Amen

 

The Family of Christ

 

     Church. What is your first reaction to the word? Obligation, boring, filled with hypocrites, organized religion? Those are some common reactions I have heard over the years. Jesus did not design His church to be divided into denominations and divisions. He chastised the leaders of the church of His day. He wants a relationship with you and me. He wants us to know Him and spend time with Him, the living Lord.

     Jesus asked for all of us to be united under His headship, each doing our part. The body of Christ should function in fluidity, just as a healthy body is a sum of its moving and working parts. That is the ideal. In His last beautiful prayers in John 17 Jesus prays these words for us:

That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.  John 17:21

     Knowing Jesus unites us as family. Yes, we are dysfunctional, with varied personalities and gifts, but the Holy Spirit lives in us! Dive into His word today and take a peek around. Read through John’s Gospel and take in His great love for you. Falling in love with Jesus and being filled with the knowledge of Him, leads us to love others in the most astounding ways. Take a stand for Him along with the rest of the body so others may believe.

    It is our greatest calling. To make disciples and to be ready to give an answer for our hope. And when we know Him and love Him, we want to be in fellowship with our brothers and sisters of faith. It works as we become the body of Christ. Don’t be led astray by fallen humans. We are not perfect. But He is. Let His perfect love shine on you this morning.

Dear Jesus,

You call us into the deepest relationship. You allow the Holy Spirit, the resurrection power of Christ, to dwell within us. Make us into Your disciples so others may know You, too.

Amen

 

Is It Time?

 

     These days of Lent bring us back each year to the journey of Jesus. They lead us to the cross. It is a time to reflect, to repent, to return to the foot of the cross. Is it time to turn to Him with your life? Is it time?

     Jesus is ready to accept us as we are, to take our burdens upon Himself, just as He accepted our punishment for sin on the cross. His open arms understand. He knew us from the beginning of time and He doesn’t want to lose even one.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30

     Allow Him to be Your rock, Your redeemer, Your foundation, Your Lord and Savior. Come to Him today with it all. Ask forgiveness, ask Him into your life. He will help you begin this beautiful life of faith with the One who will never leave you or forsake you.

Dear Lord,

You promise eternal life to all of us who believe. Take our burdens upon You today. We give it all. Comfort us.

Amen

The Fullness of Christ

 

And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.  Ephesians 1:22-23

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:10

     On a table sits a pitcher filled with sand, an empty jar and three rocks. Imagine taking the pitcher of sand. As you pour it into the empty jar, you list the ways you spend your days. Pour in the work, time with the kids, cooking, watching TV, reading, laundry, phone calls, computer and anything else that comes to mind.

     The jar is plum full. You love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul and strength. The three rocks represent the Bible, prayer and service. You try to squeeze them into the top of the jar but they just won’t fit. Now picture the sand being poured back into the pitcher. The three rocks are placed into the bottom of the now-empty jar first. And the sand? As it is poured back in, it all fits!

     We think we do God a favor by sitting in a church pew for an hour each week. One hour out of the 168 available to us. If the service goes over an hour, we look at our watches, think about the game about to begin or what we will have for lunch. A distracted faith. It’s there, but we place little value on it when all is said and done.

     Jesus wants a real relationship with us, not a ritual, not a religion. The Bible is His gift to us. It is a way to get to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit intimately. I guarantee when you soak yourself in the word you will develop a hunger and a thirst for more.  Remember the living water yesterday? It is always available.

     And reading Scripture and time with Jesus won’t feel like an obligation or duty, it will be the most important and valuable portion of the day.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Matthew 5:6

     And you will be filled.

    And to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

 Dear Lord,

We long to sit with You on a daily basis, filling up on Your word and praying and talking with You. Let that be the desire of our hearts from this day forward. Develop in us a hunger and a thirst for Your righteousness.

Amen

Soul-quenching Love

 

     Our heat has been running non-stop during this endless, bitter cold spell. My skin is itchy and my throat parched with dryness. Is your soul a tad dry and itchy, too? That abundant love and contentment Christ offers can fade into the background of our daily existence, when the urgent takes precedence over our needs, our physical, mental, and spiritual needs. The Samaritan woman at the well during the hottest part of the day, met the One who would fill the dryness in her life. Here are His words for her and for you and to me.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

     The lost woman believed. She would become one of Jesus’ first evangelists as she offered the Messiah’s truth to her family and the surrounding area. Soul-thirsty answers, life-quenching truth, free-flowing living water available whenever and wherever we need it. Is it time to stop and drink?

    How do we receive this flowing spring water that will last until eternity?

“Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  John 7:38

   Believing in Jesus begins with His abundant love. We realize our need for a Savior and His offer is iron-clad. We are His until He will wipe the earthly water from our eyes and we will walk with Him beside the streams of living water forever.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Revelation 7:17

    Heaven will provide perfection one day. What about our dry, cracked souls today? He offers us thirst-quenching answers for every tear-stained question, for every deep longing, for every pit of shame. The water is satisfying. Thirsty? Dip into the life-quenching well of Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

Walk with us beside the still, cool waters of Your saving grace in our uncertain lives. Take our hands as we search for answers and lead us to the Words of life. Refresh our souls. You are the answer to our longings. Fill us to the brim.

Amen

Overflowing Love

 

     The ordinary events of everyday life can be filled with the presence of Jesus. It takes practice. It takes time. It takes a deepening sense of who He is and how to seek Him in the middle of the muddle, in the sorting of the laundry piles, in the sneak peek out the kitchen window while cleaning the dinner dishes, in the warm embrace of your spouse. His presence is everywhere, anywhere, anytime. Ready?

The grasslands of the wilderness overflow, the hills are clothed with gladness. Psalm 65:12

     Creation overflows with gladness. Ok, this Minnesota winter may not be filling our hearts with gladness. More like sore muscles from shoveling, ice-trimmed houses, bone-chilling temperatures and white-knuckle driving. Let’s move on to spring, please! Buds ready to bloom, the songs of a myriad of birds, the scent of lilacs, warm sunshine. The overflow of gladness, the promise of spring will arrive. With Jesus we can overflow with hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

     Trusting Him allows us to live in hope.

All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4;15

      God’s extravagant love, His overflowing grace is available to us in His presence and in His word Weaving through the intricacies of our lives we find balance and a rhythm as we walk with the Holy Spirit of God. As our knowledge grows and our lives change, the love that has filled us miraculously begins to overflow.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  1 Thessalonians 3:12

 Dear Father in heaven,

Thank You for Jesus. He gives us a life overflowing with grace and love that rises up to eternity, that extravagant love that fills our hungry souls. Overflow our lives with that love, so we can give it away, just as You gave it to us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Soul-quenching Love

Extravagant, Sacrificial Love

 

     Extravagant love. What comes to mind? Is it a bracelet dripping with diamonds, a trip around the world, a love poem written just for you? Our world tells us, “You deserve the best.” “You are worth it.”  “You need this to be happy.” Jesus turns all of that upside down with His sacrifice on the cross. While we were yet sinners, He took it all upon Himself, suffered and died, because He loves us.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  1 John 3:1a

     Extravagant love may not come in the way we envision it. It comes in the heart of the mom with the disabled child. There is not much time to think about herself or her needs. She would not have wished or dreamed about this life for her family, but would she have it any other way? No, the love is deeper than anything she has or will ever experience.

     Sacrificial love. It’s all around us, in the care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or cancer, in caring for the poor, in missionary work in other cultures, in the service of our country, in the front-line heroes. These lives are all around us and they are beautiful. The extravagant love of Christ is available and ready to be shared.

     This sacrificial love is often found in places and with people the world would rather avoid. The difficulties and sufferings we are called to endure, often become the very places we witness the holiness of Christ and His love. Don’t be afraid of His lavish love. It is there for the taking. He gives it richly, abundantly, extravagantly, sacrificially. Can we do the same?

Jesus,

You, the pure light of the world, washed the filthy feet of Your disciples. Show us how to love in the ways of Your heart. Take away our fear as we step a little closer to serving others sacrificially in Your name. After all, that’s what you taught us to do.

Amen

Satisfying Love

 

     It was a summer, Saturday evening about twenty-five years ago. The picture is etched in my mind. Our daughters were somewhere around the ages of six and four. The house was clean. The gardens were planted. The yard freshly mowed and trimmed thanks to my husband. Our girls sat quietly with their French braids, clean from their baths in their freshly laundered nightgowns.

       “Ahh.” Pure satisfaction. You may have noticed the time frame. This is not a daily experience. Far from it. We have those moments when all seems right with the world; when the jobs are done, the tough project complete, after enjoying a satisfying meal, enjoying a day off. Then hunger returns. Another project rears its ugly head. The house is in chaos, the kids squabbling, just too much to do.

     Jesus offers us this deep and satisfying, soul-quenching contentment. All day. Every day. When we place our lives totally in His hands, we recognize the kids are from Him, the grass and all of creation was breathed into existence, just for us. And our lives can be trusted completely to Him, the satisfying days, along with the frustrating and chaotic. What Jesus offers us is more than a momentary feeling of satisfaction? He offers us the abundant life, grace-given, love overflowing assurance of the more-than-enough life.

But Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

     Contentment with Jesus is available in the midst of the chaos, in the fear of the moment, in times of hunger and peril. Every moment can be trusted to Him. Let’s dig into the abundant life this week. In the meantime, breath out a satisfied, “Ahh” with me. He has you in the palm of His hand. Be content there and then go tackle that mess.

Dear Father,

You gave us Your Son. He gave everything up for us and loves us too much to ever let us go. Give us that Godly contentment every day no matter what is in front of us.

In Jesus name

Amen

Through It All

 

     Looking behind, forging ahead, savoring a moment, reaching out to others, and allowing others to reach out to us, being amazed at unexpected joy. Life unfolds in ways we could never have imagined for ourselves.  There are times we wonder how we ever came through a difficult time, how we can hold onto the joyous days (or babies) a little longer, how to bring back the memory of someone no longer with us.

     Life lived on earth is fraught with strong emotion, with dread, with smiles and laughter, with miracles and delight, with deep sorrow and fear. There are those that will tell you once you become a Christian life will become easy, as if He is Santa Claus.

     Instead, Jesus gives us what we need and not just what we want. He is there to guide us through, to find purpose in each day. It is often in the times of deep suffering we draw closest to Him. He delights with us in our joy. He sorrows with us through the valleys. (He has felt and gone through everything we have). His suffering and death only brought hope and life. He lives and His hope remains with us.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

So, do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10    

     Do not fear. Do not be dismayed. He is holding us up, through each moment, through the fire and the raging waters. He is smiling with us in times of joy. Let Him be enough for each moment.

Father,

This life is filled with ups and downs, with deep sorrow and unexpected joy. Give each reader just what they need, right now, at this moment, with Your loving presence. Be enough.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Unexpected Joy

 

     There is no such thing as too much love. Our son-in-law has two beautiful children. Tenley is 8 and Ryker is 5. They are cute, funny, energetic and we love them so. They have loving families on both sides and we are lucky to be included as a part of their lives, and I can’t get enough of the love between our daughter and these two amazing kids.

     “Bonus” grandchildren. One of my friends mentioned this term to me when our daughter was planning her wedding and I would agree. They have brought such unexpected joy.

     Has God surprised you in His timing, in a new relationship, in turning your world upside down, in a miracle? Trust Him to surprise you! He is way above our earthly meanderings and expectations.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Lord,

Today we thank You for the extra blessings you shower on us. We wait in expectation for what You will do next in our lives. Continue to surprise us with unexpected joy. Your true blessings await!

In Jesus name,

Amen

When We Have No Words

 

     Grayson has been teething. Three teeth came in almost simultaneously. He is also learning to crawl which has led to a time of transition and sleep issues. It is tiring and difficult when he cries. We want to comfort him, but he can’t tell us what he is feeling.

   Patience and love, soothing talk and squeezes, will lead him back to his typical, smiley self. When we, or those we know, are going through difficult times of our own, we can grow tired of listening to ourselves and others.

     Walking alongside someone in deep grief or uncertainty isn’t easy. We often give pat answers, or we wonder why they aren’t moving through faster, or dealing with things in the way we see fit.

     Working with a crisis ministry team for twenty years was fraught with times of of feeling inadequate. Words would tumble from my lips that never seemed quite enough. But I discovered, along the way, the many gifts the Holy Spirit offers each of us. He would bring the right timing, the words that were beyond me, the confidence in Christ rather than in my fallen self.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with us through wordless groans, Romans 8:26

     Through each struggle God is with us. He offers wisdom and compassion. When we come through a tough time, God uses our pain and suffering. I have seen it time and time again, a widow who reaches out to someone experiencing that deep grief, a cancer survivor who understands. One example is the book, “Grace for Each Hour,” written for encouragement by someone experiencing the diagnosis and journey of cancer.

     We are in this life together. We will face dark moments throughout our lives. Christ’s comfort and strength, His light and His love, His sacrifice and His peace, can rise above it all. I can’t explain it. Like Grayson, I don’t have the words to express what I need for myself or for others. But I know the One that has just the right tone, the right comfort, the only love and hope that sustains.

And now, these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

     Faith. Hope. Love. They endure forever.

Lord,

Give us Your type of love. Give us the right words, that only You can provide. Give us the strength to help others and to accept help when we need it. It is all because of You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Help, I Need Somebody

 

     Grayson ‘s strength belies the fact of his 8-month’s old age. Imagine him sitting contentedly in a lap playing with a toy. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he turns and catapults his head dangerously over the edge of the arm. Many times, we have saved him from a sure head dive.

     (His mother knows) that Grayson fell off a bed while in my care. He was situated with his head near the wall as he lay on the bed. There was a stack of diapers on one side and pillows and stuffed animals on the other. I swear I turned my back for two seconds. He must have done a triple flip to get to the edge of the bed when I heard the most dreaded sound while caring for a baby. ”Thud!)

     Luckily, no harm was done and he just looked extremely startled and maybe just a bit proud. I swear he had a little smirk on his cute little face.      

     I’ve been in a few precarious situations in my life, too, when I needed some saving from myself. How about you? We all need someone to pull us back before making a disastrous decision, to help us out when we have twisted or side=stepped our way into a corner. This past year has exposed the deep hole we have when we can’t be together.

     This forced isolation brings anxiety, depression and for those most at risk, a longing to be with family. Creative ways to be together have eased some of the burden, for sure. But being together, eye to eye, is necessary and I can’t wait! to celebrate birthdays again, go out to dinner with my girlfriends, go out without a mask. How much we took for granted! We simply need each other.

     So, like Grayson, we need to allow others to hold us up. We need to reach out to others during their uncertain times. I am especially grateful to the body of Christ, the deepest fellowship I know. I appreciate all of you!

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10

Jesus,

We long for the day we can safely be together. In the meantime, keep us steadfast in prayer, reaching out in the ways we can in Your name.

Amen

The Still Moments

 

     Our eight-month-old grandson, Grayson, never stops moving. We look forward to and have a fear of, the day he starts to walk!  As we hold him in our laps in a standing position, he twists as far as he can and looks over his shoulder to see what he is missing. He wants to play with whatever wonderful toy his brother has in his hands.

     He is almost ready to crawl. In the meantime, he rolls over, straining for anything and everything just out of his reach. He scoots backwards, loves to hang upside down, always looking for the next adventure. Sounds a bit like us.

     Sometimes we look over our shoulder to the past. Memories, wisdom acquired, wistful longings. At other times, we reach with passion, to a future yet unknown, with new beginnings and pictures yet unexperienced.

     Luckily, when Grayson is tired, he will lay his sweet head on my shoulder as I sing a lullaby and he falls asleep.  Our daughter knows he is too old to sleep in our laps, and wishes we would put him down for his naps. (which we do, sometimes).  But I understand, oh so well, the passage if time.

      I know these sweet moments will pass all too quickly. So, when our active, curious boy is tired, I pull him close, sniff those sweet baby smells and sigh. Soon, it will be just a memory. I will twist my head back and look for the moments that passed away all too soon.

     But for now, I stop, just where I am, and savor what is here, right now.

He says, “Be still and know that I am God…”  Psalm 46:10a

Lord,

Thank you for these gifts you have given us. Keep us reaching for what is ahead, savoring what is behind and resting in the quiet moments.  And we pray Grayson will never stop reaching for the stars, as He lets you guide.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Children of the Day

 

     Our deepest love and our first love should be Jesus. When we take the time to develop a personal relationship with Him and dig into the deep things of the Word, our lives will be filled with perpetual light and hope. Our lives will reflect His light. As His love fills us, we have enough to overflow onto others. The darkness has no power over us.

     Live, then, as children of the light. Our glorious Savior lives in us. Shine!

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

Lord,

You promise us we will never walk in darkness. We have the light of life. We are children of the day, not of the night. Let us live to reflect Your glory.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Amen

Keep Shining!

 

     Yesterday, we recognized Jesus as the light of the world. That glorious light enters us when we put our faith in Jesus. These little lights of ours can shine! Don’t hide it under a bushel! No! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Just as one small candle can bring comfort and warmth into a dark room, we can bring the light of Christ into the darkness surrounding us.

Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you. Luke 11:36

     There are days we shine brightly. There are days we turn the dimmer switch on low and then there are the days when the darkness feels more powerful than the light. Don’t believe it! The power of Christ will expose any darkness. Go to Him and His Word.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105

 Dear Lord,

We know, without You, it is easy to fall into darkness. Keep us in Your light, so we will have the ability to shine like stars in the sky.

In Jesus Name

Amen

The Name Above Names

 

     The Bible is filled with the names of our Triune God. He is the Almighty, the Good Shepherd, the Prince of Peace, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God, the Alpha and Omega. the King of Kings, the Son of Man. He is our strength, our song, our salvation, our Savior. He is our rock. Do you have a favorite?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

     When I was growing up, my mom called me the light of her life and the sunshine of her life. I think that is why the term “light of life” goes straight to my heart. I hope our two daughters will have a smile on their faces for as long as they live remembering their many nicknames, including Peanut, Peno, Sweet-pea girl, Petula Poppers, Ladybug, Baby Doll and Lulu.

         If you didn’t grow up in a family able to give unconditional love, or you have lost someone you have loved deeply, God can fill in those gaps. He loves you beyond measure and one day in heaven, He will give each of us a new name, made just for us, from our loving Father. (Revelation 2:17)

     The name of Jesus is above every other name given on earth. His name is to be used in awe and reverence and holiness. Use God’s name in praise and in prayer and not in cursing or casual conversation.  Call on the Shepherd to guide you, the Counselor to comfort you, the Prince of Peace to ease your mind, the Savior to help you forgive someone or your friend to share your heart. No matter the need, He will meet it.

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-11

Dear Lord,

Your name is powerful. Let us use it wisely in praise and worship, in prayer and reverence. Teach us to treat each other in kindness and love and to lift up and encourage our loved ones with a sweet and gentle spirit. We celebrate the name of Jesus.

Amen

 

New Creations

 

   Did you know that when you become a Christian you become a new creation? Jesus takes away our sin and death, once and for all, and we are immediately seated in heaven with our names written in the Book of Life. Wow!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!  2 Corinthians 5:17

We are sealed.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of His glory.  Ephesians 1;13-14

     There is an invisible seal on your forehead and in your heart. This guarantee is the ultimate hope for glory. You are going to heaven! Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Your sins are forgiven, past, present and future.

     Satan may tempt us with his lies, oppress us with his destructive ways but he knows he can never, ever gain access to us. We are redeemed!! Now, let the Holy Spirit’s guarantee guide you into a lifetime of joy, peace and purpose. You are a new creation! The old has gone, the new has come. Live the new life now and forever. This earthly life is gone in a moment. Love remains forever. Let’s celebrate!

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank you for Your Holy Spirit, the deposit for heaven. You have given us this guarantee and nothing can take it away. Jesus promised us eternal life. All we need to do is believe. An amazing gift of amazing grace. We don’t deserve it, but we celebrate this gift with You.

In Jesus Name

Amen

An Ode to Salvation

 

I came across this poem I wrote many years ago. It is the story of all we receive in our salvation.

Dear Lord, I fall upon my knees, so empty, oh so weak.

Darkness has encompassed me, ‘til only You I seek.

There You are with loving grace, You take me as I am.

Gently now You gather me in the arms of the Lamb.

With face upturned, a light begins to stir me from within.

Washed afresh, sins forgiven, my new life does begin.

My heavenly home was made secure there on Calvary.

You, my dear Savior, dwelled on earth and died for me.

And now not only do I have Your Word to light my way.

Your Holy Spirit lives in me to guide me day by day.

Teach me how to serve You, to love others as You do.

I put my faith, I place my trust, in the One and Only You.

Take away my fear and doubt as the chaos does ensue.

When I suffer, when I grieve, You will walk me through.

The very earth around me now groans for your return.

Oceans swirl, tornadoes twirl, volcanoes smoke and churn.

Every soul is yearning for some answers, for release.

Let my prayer, my desire, be to share with them Your peace.

All I ask is to know You more, to finish out the race.

Until one glorious day, I will meet You face-to-face.

Let Your Word spread to every nation, and every knee shall bow.

Eternal light will shine forever, may it shine upon us now.