Glorious Light

 

     Jesus is the word of God come to life in the flesh. (John 1) We have read about and imagine His earthly life. We have not seen Him in His full glory. It would be impossible for us to witness His full glory until we arrive in heaven. Right now, we have His very own Holy Spirit within us and we see in part what is to come.

For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthian 13:12

     Jesus, in His full glory, will fill the heavens and the earth with His light. He knows us fully. Someday, we will know Him fully as we meet Him face-to-face!

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

     Impossible to imagine. No need of the sun or the moon. God’s glory will be shining for eternity with Jesus as the lamp. Anticipate the wonder.

Lord,

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we anticipate the wonders of our heavenly home. There are moments we long for Your return. Keep us content while we wait.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Glorious Reunion

 

      The planning for our 50th high school reunion has begun. Where have the years gone? I was blessed to be a part of South Minneapolis and, collectively, we are all still connected with younger and older “kids” from our neighborhoods. My class had over 600 students. Planning for reunions brings anticipation and excitement. Who will be there? Who has changed? What have old friends been up to since the last time we met?

     There will be another reunion for us one day. As we take our final breath, we will be escorted into heaven to be reunited with the believers who have gone before us. I long to see my parents, my friend, Patsy, my grandparents, cousins and other friends who have arrived in heaven first. The thought of that day brings anticipation and excitement. The former things will pass away and everything will be new and exciting and forever. Who do you miss? Do you sometimes long for the day you will meet Jesus?

See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create. Isaiah 65;17-18a

But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

    We wait with anticipation for that most glorious reunion.

Lord,

We await the new heaven and new earth where we will dwell together with You and all who have gone before us. Keep us protected and filled with hope as we wait.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Refreshed

 

     May we be refreshed in our spirits this week, as we fill up with God’s word and await a revival, a renewal and revelation for our weary souls.  I had the opportunity to get together with six of my good friends from high school last week. Such a treat to reconnect, to reminisce about our crazy days and to catch up.

     It was a time of refreshing for us all, as we were reminded of the passing of time. 50 years since our graduation. Unfathomable! We have all lived through much, some with health crises , others with tragic loss of loved ones. We laughed and we cried and we were blessed.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

     How wonderful to walk through life with caring friends and family. We need to count our blessings each and every day we have on this short journey on earth. Some days are too difficult and we need each other. Some days are so filled with joy we can’t help but share.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9

The generous will prosper. Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:26

     When you need an encouraging word, reach out. Refresh others when they need comfort. We are in this together.

Lord,

Thank You for our loved ones, our family and friends. Thank You for times of refreshing and renewal. We need each other.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Revelation

 

     A revelation can surprise us unexpectantly or bring something to our attention that was previously unknown. The Book of Revelation is the unfolding of the final battles and the final victory of Jesus Christ against all evil, ushering in a new heaven and a new earth.

     I love the thought of a refreshed and renewed earth. We sure need it! All of the storms, the earthquakes and the wars, were prophesied long before we began witnessing an increase in all of the above. Don’t be afraid or intimidated by this Book.  After all, it is included in the Word of God!  He desires us to find new understanding and comfort even as we see evil increase.

     Pastor Greg Laurie (mentioned earlier this week) has wonderful and easy to understand studies on the Book of Revelation, as does Pastor David Jeremiah. Revelation is the only book that promises a blessing to those who read it!

Blessed is the one who reads about the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Revelation 1:3

     In the meantime, God continually reveals new insights and fresh promises to us from Scripture.  Often, even a familiar Scripture seems to jump off the page just for us. Each situation or circumstance, each season of life, each tragedy or joy has a Scripture to feed us, to nourish our souls, to comfort, to guide, to teach, to bring gladness.

All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

     Let’s continue to pray for new revelation from Scripture to guide us through each day as we await the coming of Christ.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Yes, Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people Amen. Revelation 22:20-21

 

 

Renewed

 

     I’m feeling refreshed after reading through the promises of our Lord. How about you? As our faith increases after turning back to Jesus time and again, we can ask for our hearts and minds to be made right and whole, according to His will.

     You may recognize this beautiful Psalm. We sang it every week in our church growing up. I still love it.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Spirit from me. Restore onto me the joy of my salvation and uphold me with Your free Spirit. Psalm 51:10-12

     Such a precious prayer for us to recite! I pray we remain in His presence, with a right spirit and never forget the joy of knowing we will be in heaven one day.

     I often repeat the following verse before I head out the door or am in the midst of a difficult situation.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my mouth be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

Father,

Thank You for restoring us again and again. We turn to You this morning asking for our hearts and minds to be continually filled and renewed with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Revived

 

     As we pray for a revival in our country, let’s pray for an inner revival of the Spirit for each one of us. I know I am in need of a refreshing and a renewal of the Spirit in my life. Filling up with the Holy Spirit’s power is there for the asking! Here are a few Scriptures to invigorate us today. I’m tired and hope to gain some passion and energy from these words as I pray this for you, too.

But they who wait for 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. Isaiah 40;31

For I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

May the God of all hope fill you with 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

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28

     Ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you. The Father is willing to give. Be refreshed, revived and renewed!

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Luke 11;13

Father,

We ask You to give us a refilling of Your Spirit. Please fill us with Your good gifts and revive the spirits within us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Revolution

 

     The movie, “Jesus Revolution,” will be released this weekend. Please pray with me and many others around the world for this movie to begin a revival of the Holy Spirit in our midst. This true story covers the Jesus movement of the early 70’s. Those of us living through those times, will remember a seeking culture.

     The culture was looking for answers in many of the wrong ways, including alcohol, drugs, and sex. But when a heart is seeking, Jesus answers the call. This movie follows the life of Pastor Greg Laurie.

     He grew up with an alcoholic, single mom who would marry seven times. His life was moving in the wrong direction when a “chance” meeting with Pastor Chuck Smith changed his life and the lives of many others. My husband and I listen to Greg Laurie every morning and he is an anointed Pastor preaching the Gospel with passion and love around the world.

     I saw the Jesus movement in action in the early 70’s through a high school boyfriend, along with a large group of friends at his school. A young pastor and the Young Life organization offered the love and the Gospel and for the first time in my life I saw the transforming power of Jesus Christ. This group was lit up and loved talking about faith. I believed and started to read Scripture for the first time. I would stray for more than a decade before truly giving my life to Christ. He hadn’t given up on me. This generation appears to be seeking and waiting, just as we were.

     Would you pray with me for a revival for our youth, for our neighbors, for our country? And God promises:

If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7;14

Father,

Hear our prayer as we humble ourselves, ask for forgiveness and turn back to You. Please let Your Spirit work mightily among us. We pray for this movie to open hearts as the Gospel is offered through this movie. Hear our prayer, dear Lord.

In Jesus name,

Amen