Lady of Light
Our God is truly a God of redemption. In the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, God tells us what he has done for Jacob and Israel:
"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy sins; return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." Isaiah 44:22
There are times when we are filled with guilt or feeling unworthy because of something that we have done - sometimes these things may come back to haunt us, but this way in which God dealt with Jacob and Israel is the same way he deals with us. He forgets our sins, blots them out and gives us forgiveness. Then he says so RETURN TO ME. If you are distant from the Lord, return to him - he has redeemed you.
Don't let mistakes of the past keep you down or keep you away from God. He wants you to have the gift of redemption just as he did for Jacob.
Perhaps you know someone who is down or discouraged. You can share this word with them to encourage them to return to God.
I thank God for the truth of His word that is the best encouragement we can get.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Virtuous Woman - Her Price Above Rubies
Lady of Light
Today I had the privilege of attending the Annual Womens' Prayer Meeting at the church I used to belong to before I moved. It was so great after a few years to have fellowship with all the women and rejoice in the fact that they all looked so well and are doing so well. It was a time to take a look at womens' issues - spiritual well-being, emotional well-being, health and finances. It seemed natural for us to take a look at Proverbs 31 verses 10-31. In these verses, we find out what it is that makes a virtuous woman, how she lives and what her concerns are.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Verses 10-12)
If you are married, your first concern is your husband and your relationship with him.
"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms." (v. 17)
This reminds me that exersise is important - especially if you are a senior, you need to strength your upper body.
"She worketh willing with her hands." (v. 13)
We can all find useful things to do with our hands. This is to be productive, creative and fruitful. One friend I know belongs to a group that cuts out coupons and sends them to the servicemen. Apparently, the grocery coupons are all good overseas. We have a group here I belong to that knits and crochets shawls for the homeless. I am knitting but am going to learn crocheting. Perhaps you can start a new project - even writing letters or sending cards - especially to shut-ins or people you know that live alone - or just an encouraging word to someone. Think of new ways to be like the woman of Proverbs 31.
"She considers a field and buys it - she plants a vineyard." (v. 16)
Gardening is a wonderful activity for your family and to stay close to nature and God, get fresh air and excersise and provide something special for your household.
I am going to have a salad garden this year and look forward to watching it grow.
"She stretches her hand to the poor; and reacheth forth her hand to the needy."
I have been more mindful of giving to some good causes that come through the mail and also to some Christian ministries. We have a food drive at church where we bring canned goods each week to build up a food pantry for the needy. There is always something you can do if you look around you.
"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom annd in her tongue is the law of kindness." (V. 25-26)
We all need to think and speak faith, kindness and encouragement to others. Avoid gossip and unfruitful conversation. I am more aware of the time I spend talking with people. I find I truly benefit from the sharing - especially with my women friends - when idle gossip is absent.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
Spending our time caring for our homes, praying and occupying ourselves with productive and positive activity helps us to "redeem the time, for the days are evil."
I came home from this prayer breakfast (cooked by the men and very delicious, by the way!) refreshed and renewed. I am rereading this Proverb, praying and meditating on it to see what more I can do to be more of the women God wants me to be. I have already been blessed and I hope you too will be blessed by this wise Proverb and take time to read the whole thing and apply it to your lives.
Enjoy your day and God bless you,
Lady of Light
Today I had the privilege of attending the Annual Womens' Prayer Meeting at the church I used to belong to before I moved. It was so great after a few years to have fellowship with all the women and rejoice in the fact that they all looked so well and are doing so well. It was a time to take a look at womens' issues - spiritual well-being, emotional well-being, health and finances. It seemed natural for us to take a look at Proverbs 31 verses 10-31. In these verses, we find out what it is that makes a virtuous woman, how she lives and what her concerns are.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Verses 10-12)
If you are married, your first concern is your husband and your relationship with him.
"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms." (v. 17)
This reminds me that exersise is important - especially if you are a senior, you need to strength your upper body.
"She worketh willing with her hands." (v. 13)
We can all find useful things to do with our hands. This is to be productive, creative and fruitful. One friend I know belongs to a group that cuts out coupons and sends them to the servicemen. Apparently, the grocery coupons are all good overseas. We have a group here I belong to that knits and crochets shawls for the homeless. I am knitting but am going to learn crocheting. Perhaps you can start a new project - even writing letters or sending cards - especially to shut-ins or people you know that live alone - or just an encouraging word to someone. Think of new ways to be like the woman of Proverbs 31.
"She considers a field and buys it - she plants a vineyard." (v. 16)
Gardening is a wonderful activity for your family and to stay close to nature and God, get fresh air and excersise and provide something special for your household.
I am going to have a salad garden this year and look forward to watching it grow.
"She stretches her hand to the poor; and reacheth forth her hand to the needy."
I have been more mindful of giving to some good causes that come through the mail and also to some Christian ministries. We have a food drive at church where we bring canned goods each week to build up a food pantry for the needy. There is always something you can do if you look around you.
"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom annd in her tongue is the law of kindness." (V. 25-26)
We all need to think and speak faith, kindness and encouragement to others. Avoid gossip and unfruitful conversation. I am more aware of the time I spend talking with people. I find I truly benefit from the sharing - especially with my women friends - when idle gossip is absent.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
Spending our time caring for our homes, praying and occupying ourselves with productive and positive activity helps us to "redeem the time, for the days are evil."
I came home from this prayer breakfast (cooked by the men and very delicious, by the way!) refreshed and renewed. I am rereading this Proverb, praying and meditating on it to see what more I can do to be more of the women God wants me to be. I have already been blessed and I hope you too will be blessed by this wise Proverb and take time to read the whole thing and apply it to your lives.
Enjoy your day and God bless you,
Lady of Light
Friday, May 15, 2009
Grandchildren - a blessing
Lady of Light
At this point I am very appreciative of my grandchildren because I just heard some great news of my two oldest - the oldest (and only) granddaughter just graduated from college last Saturday, and the oldest grandson informed us that he received all A's this semester at college. The younger two are doing very well also.
In Psalm 128:6, God has promised that "thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel."
But the Psalm begins that "Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways." (v. 1) and "Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." (v. 4).
So, if you fear the Lord and walk with him, the blessing of seeing your grandchildren is expressed in this Psalm.
And for those of you who don't have grand children, perhaps you are blessed with grand nieces or grand nephews!
Enjoy and have a blessed day!
Lady of Light
At this point I am very appreciative of my grandchildren because I just heard some great news of my two oldest - the oldest (and only) granddaughter just graduated from college last Saturday, and the oldest grandson informed us that he received all A's this semester at college. The younger two are doing very well also.
In Psalm 128:6, God has promised that "thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel."
But the Psalm begins that "Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways." (v. 1) and "Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." (v. 4).
So, if you fear the Lord and walk with him, the blessing of seeing your grandchildren is expressed in this Psalm.
And for those of you who don't have grand children, perhaps you are blessed with grand nieces or grand nephews!
Enjoy and have a blessed day!
Lady of Light
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Especially for Mothers
Lady of Light
Several days ago, many of us celebrated Mother's Day. The bible has an interesting promise regarding mothers. In 1 Timothy 2:14-15, it states:
"And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression. Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
Although, there are conditions involved in this, it does explain that a woman is saved though having children and that "Children are a Blessing from the Lord." I know that many of you did not necessarily get to see your children on Mother's Day if, like myself, you have adult children that do not live nearby. I am happy that my children are living busy happy lives and now that they are grown, I believe it is my job to continue to pray for them and for my grandchildren as well.
I hope that each of you hold your children close in your heart and prayers whether you see them or have contact with them or not, and those of you that have children at home, enjoy your children while they are still with you. The time moves faster and faster, it seems as they get older.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Several days ago, many of us celebrated Mother's Day. The bible has an interesting promise regarding mothers. In 1 Timothy 2:14-15, it states:
"And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression. Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
Although, there are conditions involved in this, it does explain that a woman is saved though having children and that "Children are a Blessing from the Lord." I know that many of you did not necessarily get to see your children on Mother's Day if, like myself, you have adult children that do not live nearby. I am happy that my children are living busy happy lives and now that they are grown, I believe it is my job to continue to pray for them and for my grandchildren as well.
I hope that each of you hold your children close in your heart and prayers whether you see them or have contact with them or not, and those of you that have children at home, enjoy your children while they are still with you. The time moves faster and faster, it seems as they get older.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Gift of Eternal Life
Lady of Light
Interestingly, the salutation of 1 John reveals a considerable amount about God, His Word and the gift of eternal life. Although we know about these things, it is good to see them expressed so well in the bible:
"That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life:
For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ;" (1 John 1-3)
Oftentimes, we hear the Word of God, God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ spoken of but as we read these passages we can see that this is all included in the introduction to 1 John. Unlike us, in the first verse, John insisted that the gospel was based on the evidence of his physical senses - he had heard, seen and touched Jesus.
While we haven't had John's experience, we can be grateful that he has recorded it and shared it with us and I would encourage you to share the gospel and your relationship with Jesus with others too. I am so grateful for my salvation and my relationship with him, as he has changed me, the meaning of my life and the purposes in my life by his living truth.
May God bless you as you meditate on these thoughts and share your blessings with others.
Have a great day!
Lady of Light
Interestingly, the salutation of 1 John reveals a considerable amount about God, His Word and the gift of eternal life. Although we know about these things, it is good to see them expressed so well in the bible:
"That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life:
For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ;" (1 John 1-3)
Oftentimes, we hear the Word of God, God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ spoken of but as we read these passages we can see that this is all included in the introduction to 1 John. Unlike us, in the first verse, John insisted that the gospel was based on the evidence of his physical senses - he had heard, seen and touched Jesus.
While we haven't had John's experience, we can be grateful that he has recorded it and shared it with us and I would encourage you to share the gospel and your relationship with Jesus with others too. I am so grateful for my salvation and my relationship with him, as he has changed me, the meaning of my life and the purposes in my life by his living truth.
May God bless you as you meditate on these thoughts and share your blessings with others.
Have a great day!
Lady of Light
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