Lady of Light
In Luke Chapter 6:1-9 we learn that the disciples picked and ate corn from the cornfields and that Jesus healed a man, restoring his hand. The Pharisees challenged him and he answered: "I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?"
God knows our hearts and the heart of each man as to whether he is out to do good or evil at any time, and it is the motive of the heart that is important. Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can become "legalistic" or "judgemental" of others according to what we believe and yet, if a person does good as unto the Lord, the Lord sees this.
Remember that, if your heart is in the right place, God will guide you as to what to do and when to do it!
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
God Carries Us to our Destination
Lady of Light
As I watch the news, I see all kind of traffic watches - yesterday an area on a highway that is going to be blocked off for a while so the rusted pipe and pot hole can be properly repaired. There are reports of all kinds of obstacles occurring on the roads that people are traveling. Miraculously, a 93 year old lady was brought home safely after being detained in Europe due to air problems. God knows what our destination is, and he sees that we are carried there.
In the book of Acts, Chapter 21, v. 1-5, Paul tells us that
"Finding a ship saling over to Phenicia, we went aboard and set forth. Now, when we had discovered Cyprus, we leftit on the left hand and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore and prayed."
God was leading and directing the travels of Paul - as you can see, when they got off the ship, they found disciples there. They even told Paul in the Spirit where not to travel. After they accomplished what they set out to do, God brought them out of the city and they all prayed.
I know that when I travel, or I know someone who is traveling, I pray for God's traveling mercies. Not only does He answer those prayers, but keeps us safe and guides us, providing us a way to our destination.
For this, we can take comfort and be grateful - God is everpresent on our journey through life and just as he guided Paul and the disciples, he guides us when we look to him.
Wishing you all a great day and safety on your journey
God Bless You!
Lady of Light
As I watch the news, I see all kind of traffic watches - yesterday an area on a highway that is going to be blocked off for a while so the rusted pipe and pot hole can be properly repaired. There are reports of all kinds of obstacles occurring on the roads that people are traveling. Miraculously, a 93 year old lady was brought home safely after being detained in Europe due to air problems. God knows what our destination is, and he sees that we are carried there.
In the book of Acts, Chapter 21, v. 1-5, Paul tells us that
"Finding a ship saling over to Phenicia, we went aboard and set forth. Now, when we had discovered Cyprus, we leftit on the left hand and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore and prayed."
God was leading and directing the travels of Paul - as you can see, when they got off the ship, they found disciples there. They even told Paul in the Spirit where not to travel. After they accomplished what they set out to do, God brought them out of the city and they all prayed.
I know that when I travel, or I know someone who is traveling, I pray for God's traveling mercies. Not only does He answer those prayers, but keeps us safe and guides us, providing us a way to our destination.
For this, we can take comfort and be grateful - God is everpresent on our journey through life and just as he guided Paul and the disciples, he guides us when we look to him.
Wishing you all a great day and safety on your journey
God Bless You!
Lady of Light
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Behavior for the Older Folks
Lady of Light
I am a senior citizen and I imagine there are others of you out there too who will appreciate these verses from Titus 2:1-5:
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given ti much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
The best teacher is example so these goals are worthy for both young and old. I guess that even back in bible times, Christians must have needed these instructions as they were included in the letter to Titus.
It is important to realize that in our behavior, we not only give a testimony, but set an example for others. This can be a challenge at times, but "all things are possible with God." As you go about, remember that your example is an important contribution to the well-being of others.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
I am a senior citizen and I imagine there are others of you out there too who will appreciate these verses from Titus 2:1-5:
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given ti much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."
The best teacher is example so these goals are worthy for both young and old. I guess that even back in bible times, Christians must have needed these instructions as they were included in the letter to Titus.
It is important to realize that in our behavior, we not only give a testimony, but set an example for others. This can be a challenge at times, but "all things are possible with God." As you go about, remember that your example is an important contribution to the well-being of others.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Good Conscience
Lady of Light
In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul was set before the chief priests and all their council to appear. In Chapter 23:1, his reaction is capsulized:
"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
This, apparently, was of primary importance and was the key to his defense. We need to think about this. When we have situations and circumstances in our life where we have to give accountability, can we honestly say we have lived in good conscience before God?
One way to keep a clear conscience is to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin and then to confess our sins, according to God's
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." This is an ongoing process in our life that keeps us close to God. Confessing and receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing is one of the greatest gifts God gives us - the gift of prayer. When we read His word, He will guide us in our behavior, thoughts and decisions. This is important because you can see from reading the gospels and the epistles of the New Testament, for example that much was written to guide individuals and the churches in how to live a Godly life.
Let us follow the apostle Paul's example and make a clear conscience before God a priority in our life.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul was set before the chief priests and all their council to appear. In Chapter 23:1, his reaction is capsulized:
"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
This, apparently, was of primary importance and was the key to his defense. We need to think about this. When we have situations and circumstances in our life where we have to give accountability, can we honestly say we have lived in good conscience before God?
One way to keep a clear conscience is to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin and then to confess our sins, according to God's
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." This is an ongoing process in our life that keeps us close to God. Confessing and receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing is one of the greatest gifts God gives us - the gift of prayer. When we read His word, He will guide us in our behavior, thoughts and decisions. This is important because you can see from reading the gospels and the epistles of the New Testament, for example that much was written to guide individuals and the churches in how to live a Godly life.
Let us follow the apostle Paul's example and make a clear conscience before God a priority in our life.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Touch
Lady of Light
Of all the senses, touch is one of the most interesting. We always say to people "keep in touch." When I look in the scriptures about the healing value of touch I see in Mathew 9:21 and Mathew 14:36 how touch is used in a good way:
"For a women said within herself, if I may but touch his garment I shall be whole.And Jesus said, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole."
"And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that we diseased: And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole." Mt. 14:35-36
Think of how it feels when someone hugs you or touches you in a positive way. Think of how it feels when God "touches" your heart when you pray. In our church, we lay hands on each other for prayer and healing.
Touch is just a beautiful blessing from God. Being able to feel the bark of a tree or the softness of a flower petal, being enhanced in life, this is wonderful.
I thank God for both His touch and the gift of touch and how my life has touched others and the lives of others have touched me.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Of all the senses, touch is one of the most interesting. We always say to people "keep in touch." When I look in the scriptures about the healing value of touch I see in Mathew 9:21 and Mathew 14:36 how touch is used in a good way:
"For a women said within herself, if I may but touch his garment I shall be whole.And Jesus said, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole."
"And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that we diseased: And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole." Mt. 14:35-36
Think of how it feels when someone hugs you or touches you in a positive way. Think of how it feels when God "touches" your heart when you pray. In our church, we lay hands on each other for prayer and healing.
Touch is just a beautiful blessing from God. Being able to feel the bark of a tree or the softness of a flower petal, being enhanced in life, this is wonderful.
I thank God for both His touch and the gift of touch and how my life has touched others and the lives of others have touched me.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Graven Images
Lady of Light
In Exodus, 20:4-6, God commands us not to make graven images and he tells what happens to those who worship graven images and to the generations that follow after:
""Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
This makes me wonder about the images of Christ and the saints that are in heaven - the altars and photos that we have. It makes me wonder about those who decorate their space with large posters of celebrities such as Elvis, and those who have busts of Elvis and others displayed in their homes. Also those who hold idols in their minds - even though invisible, they can be very real. Basically, anything that we hold more important that God and our relationship with him - our money, our possessions, our jobs, our careers, other people etc.
We need to take a look at the physical and mental environment we have created for ourselves and guard against such sins. Sometimes, they can be subtle, kind of sneaking up on us. Even ungodly music in place of worship music needs to be kept in check.
In the new year, you may have resolutions such as getting rid of clutter - think about getting rid of the physical and mental clutter that distracts you from prayer and worshiping the Almighty. Take real stock of how you are spending your time.
I know that I, myself, need to be more structured with my daily bible study and long range plans of study. All of us could us improvement. I hope you think about this and pray about it to enrich your spiritual life in 2010.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
In Exodus, 20:4-6, God commands us not to make graven images and he tells what happens to those who worship graven images and to the generations that follow after:
""Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
This makes me wonder about the images of Christ and the saints that are in heaven - the altars and photos that we have. It makes me wonder about those who decorate their space with large posters of celebrities such as Elvis, and those who have busts of Elvis and others displayed in their homes. Also those who hold idols in their minds - even though invisible, they can be very real. Basically, anything that we hold more important that God and our relationship with him - our money, our possessions, our jobs, our careers, other people etc.
We need to take a look at the physical and mental environment we have created for ourselves and guard against such sins. Sometimes, they can be subtle, kind of sneaking up on us. Even ungodly music in place of worship music needs to be kept in check.
In the new year, you may have resolutions such as getting rid of clutter - think about getting rid of the physical and mental clutter that distracts you from prayer and worshiping the Almighty. Take real stock of how you are spending your time.
I know that I, myself, need to be more structured with my daily bible study and long range plans of study. All of us could us improvement. I hope you think about this and pray about it to enrich your spiritual life in 2010.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Non-Conformity
Lady of Light
I believe that we are all conformists to some extent - even if this is in invisible ways such as our values or our thinking or our faith, but in Romans, Chapter 12, Paul speaks of a certain kind of non-conformity and what follows:
"And be ye 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."
That certainly says that as believers, we are transformed, and must live accordingly.
Our minds must be renewed by prayer, and reading the word of God and having fellowship one to another. In this way, we are guided to good things, the goodness of God and the will of God.
I don't know about you, but without even trying, I get all kinds of stimuli from TV, news, people and circumstances coming my way each day. I have to take time out for quiet time, prayer, bible reading and meditation in order to refresh and renew my mind.
Life is full of distractions, and we have to choose carefully, where able,
what we are going to allow into our lives. I have limited TV time, endless phone chatter, and too much worldly reading. This has helped me to be more attuned to the spiritual and spend more time in God's presence - consciously. I am not saying that some things aren't good on TV - we watch Dr. Charles Stanley and Joel Osteen every Sunday morning. Being informed about the news helps us to pray more intelligently, but as long as these things are done sensibly and in moderation, that is okay.
Consider, are you taking the quiet time you need to renew your mind? Are you being conformed to the world or transformed by the spirit?
Taking a good look at ourselves, how we spend our time, and what we think about is beneficial according to these scriptures.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
I believe that we are all conformists to some extent - even if this is in invisible ways such as our values or our thinking or our faith, but in Romans, Chapter 12, Paul speaks of a certain kind of non-conformity and what follows:
"And be ye 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."
That certainly says that as believers, we are transformed, and must live accordingly.
Our minds must be renewed by prayer, and reading the word of God and having fellowship one to another. In this way, we are guided to good things, the goodness of God and the will of God.
I don't know about you, but without even trying, I get all kinds of stimuli from TV, news, people and circumstances coming my way each day. I have to take time out for quiet time, prayer, bible reading and meditation in order to refresh and renew my mind.
Life is full of distractions, and we have to choose carefully, where able,
what we are going to allow into our lives. I have limited TV time, endless phone chatter, and too much worldly reading. This has helped me to be more attuned to the spiritual and spend more time in God's presence - consciously. I am not saying that some things aren't good on TV - we watch Dr. Charles Stanley and Joel Osteen every Sunday morning. Being informed about the news helps us to pray more intelligently, but as long as these things are done sensibly and in moderation, that is okay.
Consider, are you taking the quiet time you need to renew your mind? Are you being conformed to the world or transformed by the spirit?
Taking a good look at ourselves, how we spend our time, and what we think about is beneficial according to these scriptures.
God bless you and have a great day!
Lady of Light
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