Lady of Light
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor" (Ephesians 1-2)
These verses are relatively simple, but contain abundant information. The first is that we are God's dear children - this fact is awesome and Christ has given himself up for us. We can therefore, follow God and not only love (because He first loved us), but we can walk in love.
Sometimes we can get "out of shape" - we need to walk more or exercise more to become physically fit. As we "walk" in love more and more, we become spiritually fit and, if we follow God as his children on faith, it is possible to do this. Think of even small daily situations - waiting in line at the grocery store, for example. When I have a lot of items and someone comes behind me with only a few, I smile and let them go ahead of me. When I can share a smile, or a kind word as I encounter people throughout the day, I do. Starting in small ways has helped me with the privilege of learning to treat the people that God has brought in my life with more love and respect. Being a child of God has truly changed my attitude. Consider these things in your own life and "grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ."
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sing a New Song
Lady of Light
We hear all kinds of songs on CDs, the radio, TV, and in entertainment but in Psalm 59:16-17, David tells us what he will sing about:
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense and the God of my mercy."
Keep a hymn or song of praise in your heart today.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
"On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand."
We hear all kinds of songs on CDs, the radio, TV, and in entertainment but in Psalm 59:16-17, David tells us what he will sing about:
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense and the God of my mercy."
Keep a hymn or song of praise in your heart today.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
"On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand."
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Well-pleasig in his Sight
Lady of Light
In 13:20-23, the apostle Paul, in his closing remarks to the Hebrews says the following:
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, bretheren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter to you in few words."
Paul wrote a series of letters to various churches and individuals to communicate that which he deemed important for the people of the day to know. He says that through the everlasting covenant of the blood of Jesus, his son, we can be made perfect and do that which is well pleasing in the sight of God. But, in order to do this, we must also suffer the word of exhortation - to be able to listen to godly instruction and correction as it is written. Sometimes it is difficult to take a look at ourselves and what we may be doing wrong or what we may not be doing that we should be doing, whether in attitude or deed. The word of God, in particular in this instance, Paul's words can give us a clue as to what we can become - which is doing God's will and what is well pleasing in his sight. How can we do this? Through the everlasting covenant of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all to easy to "settle for less than the best" but these verses tell us that we can do better than that. These verses offer a hope and expectation for how we live our lives. As you think about this, perhaps you will see something new that you have not seen before.
God Bless You and have a great day!!
Lady of Light
In 13:20-23, the apostle Paul, in his closing remarks to the Hebrews says the following:
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, bretheren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter to you in few words."
Paul wrote a series of letters to various churches and individuals to communicate that which he deemed important for the people of the day to know. He says that through the everlasting covenant of the blood of Jesus, his son, we can be made perfect and do that which is well pleasing in the sight of God. But, in order to do this, we must also suffer the word of exhortation - to be able to listen to godly instruction and correction as it is written. Sometimes it is difficult to take a look at ourselves and what we may be doing wrong or what we may not be doing that we should be doing, whether in attitude or deed. The word of God, in particular in this instance, Paul's words can give us a clue as to what we can become - which is doing God's will and what is well pleasing in his sight. How can we do this? Through the everlasting covenant of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all to easy to "settle for less than the best" but these verses tell us that we can do better than that. These verses offer a hope and expectation for how we live our lives. As you think about this, perhaps you will see something new that you have not seen before.
God Bless You and have a great day!!
Lady of Light
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Best Counsel
Lady of Light
In Ephesians 1:6-11, the Apostle Paul tells us the following as he writes to the church at Ephesus:
"Wherein he (Christ) hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted Christ."
It is a great comfort to know that Christ has been toward us, giving us wisdom and prudence and giving us knowledge and the purpose of gathering us together both on earth and in heaven. This is really great news - we live in a world where there are many divisions and here it speaks of oneness and fullness of times. To know that all things work out according to the counsel of his will, is the best counsel we can receive - to learn and understand the Lord's divine purposes. As I meditate on these verses it sets me in such a good direction - and praising and trusting Christ, I believe, is the way to keep going in that direction.
May God bless you and have a great day!!
Lady of Light
"
In Ephesians 1:6-11, the Apostle Paul tells us the following as he writes to the church at Ephesus:
"Wherein he (Christ) hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted Christ."
It is a great comfort to know that Christ has been toward us, giving us wisdom and prudence and giving us knowledge and the purpose of gathering us together both on earth and in heaven. This is really great news - we live in a world where there are many divisions and here it speaks of oneness and fullness of times. To know that all things work out according to the counsel of his will, is the best counsel we can receive - to learn and understand the Lord's divine purposes. As I meditate on these verses it sets me in such a good direction - and praising and trusting Christ, I believe, is the way to keep going in that direction.
May God bless you and have a great day!!
Lady of Light
"
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Some Good Promises
Lady of Light
In the book of Hebrews 13:5-8, we have a few wonderful promises of God:
"Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said "Never will I leave thee or forsake thee." (v. 5) This promise from God that he will never leave us or forsake us is a great gift and certainly, it should allow us to be content with what we have and to have wholesome conversation without covetousness or envy. It puts everything in a true perspective.
"So that we may boldly say "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man may do to me." (v. 6) We have all had experiences where people have said or done things that were unkind or inappropriate, but we can rest in the fact that God helps us and takes away our fear of things that man may do. That is the second great promise.
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." (v. 7)
The third, is that God has provided spiritual leaders and other Christians to speak faith into your life and share the truth of the word of God.
"Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever." (v. 8)
This is the most wonderful promise, that we can rely on the Lord to ALWAYS be the same. In our world where people change and so many other things change, this is a true strength and comfort.
There are many more promises in the bible, but this section of Hebrews gives us a sample of the wonderful things of God.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In the book of Hebrews 13:5-8, we have a few wonderful promises of God:
"Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said "Never will I leave thee or forsake thee." (v. 5) This promise from God that he will never leave us or forsake us is a great gift and certainly, it should allow us to be content with what we have and to have wholesome conversation without covetousness or envy. It puts everything in a true perspective.
"So that we may boldly say "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man may do to me." (v. 6) We have all had experiences where people have said or done things that were unkind or inappropriate, but we can rest in the fact that God helps us and takes away our fear of things that man may do. That is the second great promise.
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." (v. 7)
The third, is that God has provided spiritual leaders and other Christians to speak faith into your life and share the truth of the word of God.
"Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever." (v. 8)
This is the most wonderful promise, that we can rely on the Lord to ALWAYS be the same. In our world where people change and so many other things change, this is a true strength and comfort.
There are many more promises in the bible, but this section of Hebrews gives us a sample of the wonderful things of God.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Sunday, June 5, 2011
CONSIDER THE LILIES
Lady of Light
In Luke 12:27 - 34, Jesus speaks. Spring and summer are a time when we experience the beauty of nature in terms of blooming trees, grass and flowers. The verses say:
"Consider the lilies how they grow. They toil not, they spin not, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If the God so clothes the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow in the oven; how much more will he clothe you, ye of little faith. And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Sell that ye have, and give alms: provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:27-34
If we are not careful, we can get too caught up in the practicalities of our earthly life rather than living in the reality of God's kingdom and heaven which is to come.
The bottom line is, where is your heart? Is it with God and his kingdom or is it wrapped up in the temporary things of this world? Yes, it is true that goods and possessions can be used to honor God, but we must be careful not to doubt God's wonderful provision and to understand the true source of what we have.
As you meditate on what Jesus is saying here, think about what you may need to do to have a godly perspective. Our world can crowd us if we aren't careful.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In Luke 12:27 - 34, Jesus speaks. Spring and summer are a time when we experience the beauty of nature in terms of blooming trees, grass and flowers. The verses say:
"Consider the lilies how they grow. They toil not, they spin not, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If the God so clothes the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow in the oven; how much more will he clothe you, ye of little faith. And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Sell that ye have, and give alms: provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:27-34
If we are not careful, we can get too caught up in the practicalities of our earthly life rather than living in the reality of God's kingdom and heaven which is to come.
The bottom line is, where is your heart? Is it with God and his kingdom or is it wrapped up in the temporary things of this world? Yes, it is true that goods and possessions can be used to honor God, but we must be careful not to doubt God's wonderful provision and to understand the true source of what we have.
As you meditate on what Jesus is saying here, think about what you may need to do to have a godly perspective. Our world can crowd us if we aren't careful.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Friday, June 3, 2011
Conformity v. being transformed
Lady of Light
In Romans 12:2, it says:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God."
It is very easy, if we are not careful, to become "people pleasers" and instead of allowing God to transform us and renew our minds, to simply conform to the so-called
"Norms".
This indicates to me that we need to go directly to the source of that which has the power to renew us and transform us which is Jesus and the love of God, and the word of God which is God's gift to us - a "handbook for life". The bible will always renew and transform through God's spirit, but we must seek to have a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, first. Admitting and confessing that we are sinners in need of a Savior, and accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior is the first, and most important step in that direction. Then Pray to God and ask him to change you and seek after him through his word. There is so much out there in the media that will not renew us, but simply try to make us conform to many limited ideas of men that do not find their root in God or in his word.
Take some time today to meditate on God's word and experience what a difference it makes!
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In Romans 12:2, it says:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God."
It is very easy, if we are not careful, to become "people pleasers" and instead of allowing God to transform us and renew our minds, to simply conform to the so-called
"Norms".
This indicates to me that we need to go directly to the source of that which has the power to renew us and transform us which is Jesus and the love of God, and the word of God which is God's gift to us - a "handbook for life". The bible will always renew and transform through God's spirit, but we must seek to have a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, first. Admitting and confessing that we are sinners in need of a Savior, and accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior is the first, and most important step in that direction. Then Pray to God and ask him to change you and seek after him through his word. There is so much out there in the media that will not renew us, but simply try to make us conform to many limited ideas of men that do not find their root in God or in his word.
Take some time today to meditate on God's word and experience what a difference it makes!
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Thursday, June 2, 2011
THE SHEEP
Lady of Light
In John 10:27 - 30, Jesus says the following:
"My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give on to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My father, which gave them to me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." I and my Father are one."
These are encouraging verses - that as a follower of Jesus, I can be still and hear his voice. I can know that even with all the different teachers and people in the world, no one can take me from the hand of God and Jesus. And here Jesus tells you that he and the father are one and that we have Eternal life.
If you are not one of Jesus' sheep, confess you sins to him: Pray "Lord, I confess to you that I am a sinner and I accept you as my Personal Savior who died for my sins and I ask you to be Lord of my life." If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are "born again" and your new life in Christ begins. If you are already a Christian, you can experience the truth and joy of these wonderful verses.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In John 10:27 - 30, Jesus says the following:
"My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give on to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My father, which gave them to me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." I and my Father are one."
These are encouraging verses - that as a follower of Jesus, I can be still and hear his voice. I can know that even with all the different teachers and people in the world, no one can take me from the hand of God and Jesus. And here Jesus tells you that he and the father are one and that we have Eternal life.
If you are not one of Jesus' sheep, confess you sins to him: Pray "Lord, I confess to you that I am a sinner and I accept you as my Personal Savior who died for my sins and I ask you to be Lord of my life." If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you are "born again" and your new life in Christ begins. If you are already a Christian, you can experience the truth and joy of these wonderful verses.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
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