Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Denial - Evident in all of us

Lady of Light

We know from reading the bible that Peter was a very special person who loved Jesus and when in Mark Chapter 14, they went to the mount of Olives, Jesus saith unto them;

"All ye shall be offended because of me this night, for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, That this day, iven in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice." (Mark 14:28-30)

How we all try to have a loving relationship with Jesus. We worship him, we pray, we read his word and we commit our lives to him. Yet, in our old nature, we still sin, even if only in thought and sometimes by acts of omission and commission. It is good that we can join with David the Psalmist to say as is spoken in Psalm 23 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

We must not deceive ourselves as Peter did into thinking that we are immune to denying Jesus in some form by our thoughts or actions because if we are aware of this we can claim his promise in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is just and faithful to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

So, as we walk humbly, in this awareness, we can experience the love, mercy and forgiveness of God in our daily walk and also learn to show love, mercy and forgiveness to others. When we ask for God's forgiveness and confess our sins, we receive a blessing and are most able to bless others.

I believe it is not meant for us to become discouraged by this revelation, but to receive the blessings of God and to bless others.

God bless you. Have a great day,

Lady of Light

Friday, April 24, 2009

Preservation

Lady of Light

You may have an unusual circumstance or situation in your life. As I read Psalm 146, I find that the Lord preserves people with unique situations. Perhaps this is why David says "Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my sou. While I live, I will sing praises unto m God while I have any being."

In Verse 9, it says:

The Lord preserveth the strangers: he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."

Perhaps you or someone you know is widowed or fatherless. You can claim God's promise from this Psalm for them. I have a friend who is right now I grieving widower. I take comfort in these words today.

God Bless You and have a great day!

Lady of Light

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Above Every Name

Lady of Light

Recently, I joined Facebook. It has been an enjoyable way of keeping in touch with friends and family and they always have interesting fun quizzes and such. Yesterday, I found out what my "hippie" name is. "Daisy Eclipse". This was just some fun. But in the bible, we find out as stated in Phillipians 2:5-11 we find that Jesus was given
"a name which is above every name". He was named by God himself. Their is power in the name of Jesus. Can you imagine if someone was in trouble and they said "In the name of Daisy Eclipse"? (LOL) Of course, a person in difficulty would call on the name of Jesus!

"Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of me;;: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: And that evry tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the father."

So, as I said in a previous post, be thankful for your name, but be especially thankful for Jesus Christ, the name above every name.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Purchasing Power Vs. God's Power

Lady of Light

The Book of Acts gives an account of how God's power, the power of the Holy Spirit was given by the laying on of hands. Now there was a man named Simon who saw this power and offered them money saying "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:18)

We live in a society where we sometimes come to believe that we can purchase everything and even have the plastic to do it! When we want to take a vacation, buy clothes, get a massage or whatever is our whim, it seems that it is possible.
But let us listen to Peter's answer to Simon:

"Thy money perish with thee, because thou has thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wicknedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." (Acts 8: 20-23)

Then answered Simon, and said Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me." (V. 24)

This also brings to mind "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

I was recently troubled in mind over various things that have happened and I could hear that still small voice telling me, "Think on things above."

Let us not be unwise like Simon was, thinking that we can purchase the things that we need, when prayer and seeking God and His word provide the true gifts that sustain us and help us to live meaningful lives.

Think on the higher things and the intangibles today - the ones that God alone provides for you and I know that life's true meaning and purpose will be highlighted once again amidst our complex and busy world.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Monday, April 20, 2009

God's Peace

Lady of Light

Sometimes the events and activities in life just seem to keep my head spinning. So many things to do, people to talk to , places to go etc. In the quiet, I slowed down and read Chapter 4 - mainly verses 6 and 7 state:

:Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and suplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peacoe of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

This is of great consolation to me that all I need to do is slow down, talk to God about everything that is on my mind, and then receive His peace. What wonderful promises of God are held in the pages of scripture.

So, as you go through your day, I hope that you to will stop, talk to God and receive his blessed peace.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Greetings

Lady of Light

In the Second Epistle of John, I happened to take not of the greeting:

"Grace be with you, mercy and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."

This is such a beautiful greeting which is actually even like a prayer.

We don't greet each other this way, but we should pray and wish this for everyone.

A while ago, I read an article that suggested that you try to smile and greet everyone

you see along the way all day. I tried this, and it really does make a good difference.

The importance of greetings is something I have become aware of, the ones in the Word, the ones in my life and even e-mails and greeting cards.

Greet people more often and receive the blessing.

God Bless you,

Lady of Light

Monday, April 13, 2009

Established in the Faith

Lady of Light

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:7 to be "Rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith as ye have been taught abounding therein with thanksgiving"

Prior to this, he warns:

"Let no man beguile you with enticing words."

As we become rooted in the Word of God and in Christ, we are less apt to fall prey to the enticements that the world has to offer. I delete eighty per cent of my e-mail without even reading it unless I know the person it is from simply because it is loaded with enticements - make a lot of money, lose weight, meet singles, invest, etc etc.

Then there are the advertisements, magazines and sales pitch phone calls - always something to try to entice.

As I go through my day, I am thankful for Jesus because I don't have to fall prey to every enticement and every wind of doctrine.

Remain steadfast.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter

Lady of Light

Today is a special day that we have set apart to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I often wish that I could have been there when they rolled the stone away and found that the tomb of Jesus was empty! What a joyful time that must have been. For those of us who have accepted Jesus as our personal Savior, we know that he died for us and has risen and is reigning at the right hand of God in power and glory! Let us keep our minds and hearts fixed on this wonderful news and of this miracle as we celebrate throughout the day.

I wish all of you a blessed Easter and hope that you experience the love of Jesus through and through as you go about your day.

Have a Great Day!

Lady of Light

Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Armor of God

Lady of Light

In this world, with all of its temptations and distractions, we definitely need to heed the Apostle Paul's command to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11).

When we go outside in the rain, we think of using rain gear or an umbrella, but how many of us stop to think if we are "putting on the armor of God"? Paul describes what the armor of God is in verses 14-16:

"Stand therefore, having your lions girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God".

He continues:

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and with watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Simply put, each day spend some time in the word. Make sure your doctrinal teaching is sound and comes from the truth of the word of God. I hear many things spoken, but I always ask the question: "Does it line up with the word of God?"

When we are busy praying for our needs and the needs of others, Satan must flee.

This, of course is a special time to meditate on the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, and I know that today, as I am busy with preparation for guests tomorrow, I am going to remain in prayer and meditation.

May the Lord help you to prepare your hearts and minds for the celebration of Easter.

God Bless You.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

"

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Believing God's Best

Lady of Light

Today I am thinking about Joel and Victoria Osteen as I just read their interview from Tuesday night on Larry King Live. Together, they pastor the Lakewood Church in Texas.
I have read Joel's books which are on the bestseller list and will read Victoria's book soon. I watch his church on TV Sunday mornings and I am a partner with their ministry. When I get letters from Joel, he always signs them "Believing God's Best for your Life." I always feel so uplifted when I read that. Before I started watching this church, I used to be in the habit of thinking "What's the worst case scenario?" whenever I would be making a decision or dealing with some situation. I then realized that that is NOT believing God's best for my life. It is amazing how different it is when you change your way of thinking. Instead of saying "What's the worst thing that can happen?" Believe God's best.

I share this with you because for me it was a turning point in my thinking patterns and also in my faith.

I hope it can be for you too.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Set Apart

Lady of Light

Isn't it nice to know that as Christians and children of God we are "set apart" or in more technical terms "sanctified". This is a great comfort when you see the many things that go on in this world that we really don't want to be part of. Just listen to the news or read the paper and I think you will agree with me.

In Psalm 4:3-6, David says:

"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will her when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

There will be many that say Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."

So, these verses let us know that we are set apart for God and that he will hear us when we call him. This is a promise of God that we need to remember especially when we don't get an answer right away. God hears us when we call out to him.

And, of course, David reminds us to put our trust in the Lord.

Enjoy this wisdom and have a great day!

Lady of Light

Saturday, April 4, 2009

The Time Is Now

Lady of Light

In my life, there are many things I think I will do "sometime", "some day" or "one day." Some of them are spiritual - I will do a special bible study or start a journal. Some are practical. I will purge the files in my cabinet, finish a craft project etc., etc. Some are social. I will have lunch with an old friend. Some are goals. I will exercise more each day. I will buy more diet food. On and on....I will witness to more people...I will hand out some tracks....

When I was in college many years ago, I had a Christian counselor, George Garrison who writes and sings original Christian music with the George Garrison Singers. In the 1970's he gifted me with one of his albums called, "The Time Is Now". As I prayed this morning and many things came to mind, I kept hearing "The Time Is NOW" as an answer.

In Ephesians 5:15-16, it says:

"See thatyou walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

In 2 Corinthians 6:2, it says:

"For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, no is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

In Ps. 31:15 it says:

"My times are in thy hand, deliver me from the hands of mine enemies and from them that persecute me.

Think of all the things you mean to do and say to yourself, "The time is now!"

You will see amazing changes in your life, I am certain. I know I have.

God bless you!

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Friday, April 3, 2009

Defend the Poor

Lady of Light

It does my heart good when I see so many organizations that offer help to the poor, those of low income, and now during the recession, the unemployed. This is in keeping with Ps. 82:3 which says:

"Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked."

Even the wealthy have their fair share of victims with the "Madoff Scandal". As I read the front page of the Ledger the other day, I was appalled to see the number of people out of work, suffering economically who had never known the likes of this before. We need to continue to share our resources of time and material things with the less fortunate and to be ever thankful to God for what we do have.

Take time to do something to encourage someone who is poor, needy or afflicted today and throughout the weekend. It will do your heart and soul a world of good and will be in keeping with the Word.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Resist Temptation

Lady of Light

In the book of Mathew, Jesus was "led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil."

I believe Jesus' answers to the devil's temptation can give us help as well. For example if you are dieting (as I am always attempting to do), think of Jesus' answer to Satan when he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights:

"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" Mathew 4:4

In what ways do we live by bread - by being overly preoccupied with food, by working hard to provide for ourselves and others for our needs. Let's not forget God, His Word, and His counsel along the way.

The world is filled with many distractions. I always wonder why, if you turn the TV on at night there are always colorful food and restaurant commercials to make you think about eating long after you have had your evening meal!

All we really need to do is pray the Lord's prayer, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, Power and Glory forever." Amen.

Stick with prayer and the word of God - move away from the world, the flesh and the devil.

Have a great day!

Lady of Light