Lady of Light
Sometimes it is difficult to meet all of the challenges that life has to offer.
We feel overwhelmed with all that is going on in the world. But in 1 John, Chapter 5, it tells us:
"For whatsoever is born of God over cometh the world: and this is the victory that over cometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that over cometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth." 1 John 5:5-6
So, if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you have overcome the world. In verse 7, it says:
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word an the Holy Ghost and these three are one."
Therefore, we can take comfort in the fact that although life can have many
challenges, we have overcome. How do we know this? Because the bible tells us that this is our given condition if we believe in Jesus. This reminder is a help to me when I get overwhelmed every now and then. I hope it is an encouragement to you as well.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Dedicating Your Children to God
Lady of Light
In some churches, dedication ceremonies take place when a new child is born. This consists of the parents (and sometimes other relatives) going forward in the sanctuary to have the child prayed over and dedicated to God in the presence of God and the congregation. In other instances, parents just pray faithfully in giving their children to God and for God's guidance to encourage them spiritually.
In 1 Samuel, we have the wonderful example of Hannah, who gave her son to the Lord and he lived with the priest. In gratitude to the Lord for giving her a child, Hannah committed her son to God. In v. 26-28 she spoke the following:
"And she said, Oh my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord, and the Lord hath given me the petition which I asked of him. Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord: as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And He worshiped the Lord there."
When we think of our children or grandchildren as belonging to God, it encourages us to seek the Lord's guidance in our relationship with them, and to pray for them.
If you are a grandparent as I am, who is no longer raising the children or grandchildren, I believe it is your primary job to pray for them. That, and being a good example, are the best gifts you can give them and, of course, most importantly, loving them and accepting them.
My the Lord bless you in all of your familial relationships - especially with the children.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In some churches, dedication ceremonies take place when a new child is born. This consists of the parents (and sometimes other relatives) going forward in the sanctuary to have the child prayed over and dedicated to God in the presence of God and the congregation. In other instances, parents just pray faithfully in giving their children to God and for God's guidance to encourage them spiritually.
In 1 Samuel, we have the wonderful example of Hannah, who gave her son to the Lord and he lived with the priest. In gratitude to the Lord for giving her a child, Hannah committed her son to God. In v. 26-28 she spoke the following:
"And she said, Oh my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord, and the Lord hath given me the petition which I asked of him. Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord: as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And He worshiped the Lord there."
When we think of our children or grandchildren as belonging to God, it encourages us to seek the Lord's guidance in our relationship with them, and to pray for them.
If you are a grandparent as I am, who is no longer raising the children or grandchildren, I believe it is your primary job to pray for them. That, and being a good example, are the best gifts you can give them and, of course, most importantly, loving them and accepting them.
My the Lord bless you in all of your familial relationships - especially with the children.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Psalm 18 - God Protects Us from our Enemies
Lady of Light
Unfortunately, we all may have people who dislike us, hate us, or even desire to do harm towards us in some way, or maybe you have some people like this in your past.
In Psalm 18, it tells us that King David experienced much distress because of his enemies. In verse 17 David says:
"He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were
too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me because he delighted in me."
This certainly indicates that the Lord has the power to save us from the enemies and that he does intervene in our lives. David explains it in the following way in v. 20-24:
"The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. for all his judgements were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my rightousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight."
In v. 30, more simply put: "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
Often times, people think of retribution or getting even with those who have gone against them. But, according to these scriptures, all one needs to do is put their trust in the Lord and he will take care of these situations in his time and in his way. "Vengeance is mine, thus saith the Lord." It is helpful to realize that this is what God has told us so when we get upset about something that someone has done in our life, we need to pray, let go and let God.
This Psalm is a comfort to me and helps me to let go of any negativity in my life and especially in my thought life. I feel that I am free because I have let go of the old.
It is my hope that you too, will have this feeling as you let go of fears and grudges against those who have hurt you in some way.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Unfortunately, we all may have people who dislike us, hate us, or even desire to do harm towards us in some way, or maybe you have some people like this in your past.
In Psalm 18, it tells us that King David experienced much distress because of his enemies. In verse 17 David says:
"He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were
too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me because he delighted in me."
This certainly indicates that the Lord has the power to save us from the enemies and that he does intervene in our lives. David explains it in the following way in v. 20-24:
"The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. for all his judgements were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my rightousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight."
In v. 30, more simply put: "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
Often times, people think of retribution or getting even with those who have gone against them. But, according to these scriptures, all one needs to do is put their trust in the Lord and he will take care of these situations in his time and in his way. "Vengeance is mine, thus saith the Lord." It is helpful to realize that this is what God has told us so when we get upset about something that someone has done in our life, we need to pray, let go and let God.
This Psalm is a comfort to me and helps me to let go of any negativity in my life and especially in my thought life. I feel that I am free because I have let go of the old.
It is my hope that you too, will have this feeling as you let go of fears and grudges against those who have hurt you in some way.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Saturday, January 9, 2010
True Blessings
Lady of Light
Where do true blessings come from? According to Ephesians, Chapter 1:3-6 the apostle Paul says:
"Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. To the praise of the glory off his grace, wherein he hat made us accepted in the beloved."
When we think of our blessings, we often think of many good things God has done for us that are visible, but the first basic and most important blessing is the one stated in Ephesians that says he chose us and made us his children. It is from that heavenly blessing that all other blessings follow.
As you count your blessings today, consider who God really is - the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider how he planned this special relationship that you have with him before the world even began! And, most of all, be thankful that we are accepted in the beloved.
This can also be a clue as to planning - if he planned this BEFORE the world began, think about how important it is to pray and plan BEFORE we begin something. It is the prayer, preparation and planning that makes for a true success and not leaving God out of our plans.
May God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Where do true blessings come from? According to Ephesians, Chapter 1:3-6 the apostle Paul says:
"Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. To the praise of the glory off his grace, wherein he hat made us accepted in the beloved."
When we think of our blessings, we often think of many good things God has done for us that are visible, but the first basic and most important blessing is the one stated in Ephesians that says he chose us and made us his children. It is from that heavenly blessing that all other blessings follow.
As you count your blessings today, consider who God really is - the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider how he planned this special relationship that you have with him before the world even began! And, most of all, be thankful that we are accepted in the beloved.
This can also be a clue as to planning - if he planned this BEFORE the world began, think about how important it is to pray and plan BEFORE we begin something. It is the prayer, preparation and planning that makes for a true success and not leaving God out of our plans.
May God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Appointment
Lady of Light
Many times as we go through life, we pray for a touch from God for ourselves or others.
In the book of Acts 226-10, we read of how the Lord did "touch" and reach the apostle Paul, changing his life forever. Not only that, but he was given an "appointment" of the things which God wanted him to do. This is clear evidence that God wants to be involved in our lives, giving us life-changing power and direction. The account is as follows:
"And it came to pass, that, as I (Paul) made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground , and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persectest thou me? And I answered, Who are thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, who thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And what shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do."
It is interesting that it was noon when the light came. On a sunny day, you know that the sun shines brightest at noon and yet, there was no doubt that this was a light from heaven - he fell to the ground. Also, it is interesting that no one else heard the voice of God, speaking to him. When God speaks to you, you are the only one who hears him, or when you receive a prompting from the spirit, you are the one who experiences it.
I believe that these verses are a great encouragement because if God can transform the life of Paul who was doing evil killing and imprisoning Christians, he can do a mighty work in our lives today. Also, the fact that God was interested in giving him instructions of what to do is an indicator that we don't have to simply wander through this world without clear direction.
So, as you pray for yourself for change and guidance as well as for others, be strong in your belief that God will hear and answer as he did in the life of the apostle Paul.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Many times as we go through life, we pray for a touch from God for ourselves or others.
In the book of Acts 226-10, we read of how the Lord did "touch" and reach the apostle Paul, changing his life forever. Not only that, but he was given an "appointment" of the things which God wanted him to do. This is clear evidence that God wants to be involved in our lives, giving us life-changing power and direction. The account is as follows:
"And it came to pass, that, as I (Paul) made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground , and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persectest thou me? And I answered, Who are thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, who thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And what shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do."
It is interesting that it was noon when the light came. On a sunny day, you know that the sun shines brightest at noon and yet, there was no doubt that this was a light from heaven - he fell to the ground. Also, it is interesting that no one else heard the voice of God, speaking to him. When God speaks to you, you are the only one who hears him, or when you receive a prompting from the spirit, you are the one who experiences it.
I believe that these verses are a great encouragement because if God can transform the life of Paul who was doing evil killing and imprisoning Christians, he can do a mighty work in our lives today. Also, the fact that God was interested in giving him instructions of what to do is an indicator that we don't have to simply wander through this world without clear direction.
So, as you pray for yourself for change and guidance as well as for others, be strong in your belief that God will hear and answer as he did in the life of the apostle Paul.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Running Away
Lady of Light
I believe at times, that we all look for an escape or a way to run away from the unpleasantries of life. At the very least we try to avoid certain people, places and circumstances. This was true in the account of the runaway slave, Onesimus in the book of Philemon. In this case, he ran away from his master but found his way to the apostle Paul in Rome where he was converted. After his conversion, Paul convinced him to return to his master. Not only that, but Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, Onesimus' master, and advocated for him. In V. 18 Paul says:
"If he hath wronged thee or oweth thee or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account."
The good thing about this is that Onesimus found faith through his relationship with Paul and it caused him to do the right thing and to have the strength to face his problems. Mainly, his master. Not only that, but he had an advocate. When you run from something and seek God, your faith and the love and care of God's people will help you to deal with the unpleasantries and problems and conflicts of life.
Remember that if you draw near to God, he will guide you to the right people, places and things and restore broken relationships or improve relationships that you already have.
This is good news - we can count on God to renew our faith and to do a restoring work in us and in the world around us.
May you consider as you read this what things you may be avoiding where you need to lean on God and his strength to change those things.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
I believe at times, that we all look for an escape or a way to run away from the unpleasantries of life. At the very least we try to avoid certain people, places and circumstances. This was true in the account of the runaway slave, Onesimus in the book of Philemon. In this case, he ran away from his master but found his way to the apostle Paul in Rome where he was converted. After his conversion, Paul convinced him to return to his master. Not only that, but Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, Onesimus' master, and advocated for him. In V. 18 Paul says:
"If he hath wronged thee or oweth thee or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account."
The good thing about this is that Onesimus found faith through his relationship with Paul and it caused him to do the right thing and to have the strength to face his problems. Mainly, his master. Not only that, but he had an advocate. When you run from something and seek God, your faith and the love and care of God's people will help you to deal with the unpleasantries and problems and conflicts of life.
Remember that if you draw near to God, he will guide you to the right people, places and things and restore broken relationships or improve relationships that you already have.
This is good news - we can count on God to renew our faith and to do a restoring work in us and in the world around us.
May you consider as you read this what things you may be avoiding where you need to lean on God and his strength to change those things.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Walk in the newness of Life
Lady of Light
In Romans Chapter 6:1, Paul asks the question:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Even though we know that as Christians, Christ died for our sins and we are forgiven, but that doesn't mean that we should just "keep on the same old way"
Paul says: "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism not death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (v. 2-4).
During this holiday season, let's think of "new" ways to respond to people as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let's think of "new" ways to show kindness,
to give, to share, to comfort, to love, to celebrate.
Let's just "walk in the newness of the life free from sin that Jesus has given to us and thank and praise Him for it."
God Bless You and Have a Great Day!
Lady of light
In Romans Chapter 6:1, Paul asks the question:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Even though we know that as Christians, Christ died for our sins and we are forgiven, but that doesn't mean that we should just "keep on the same old way"
Paul says: "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism not death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (v. 2-4).
During this holiday season, let's think of "new" ways to respond to people as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let's think of "new" ways to show kindness,
to give, to share, to comfort, to love, to celebrate.
Let's just "walk in the newness of the life free from sin that Jesus has given to us and thank and praise Him for it."
God Bless You and Have a Great Day!
Lady of light
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