Ephesians 5:8-11
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light. 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.) 10 And find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather, expose them.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said: "I am the light of the world. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
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Sometimes, in a darkened world, we can get confused as to which way is forward. To find our way, we need Jesus- the light that pierces the darkest places. Don't fumble in the darkness anymore- quit stubbing your toe and banging into walls... turn the light on!
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Lord, be my light. In the darkness, sometimes I cannot see the beauty of who You created me to be. Shine on me and through me. Help me to be a reflection of Your glorious light. Strengthen me to reap a harvest of the fruit of the light. May goodness, righteousness and truth be my principal products. Help me- for the glory of Your Kingdom and Your Name... amen.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Don't get burned while being refined
Isiah 1:25 I will take action against you. I will purify you the way metal is refined, and will remove all your impurity.
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For those who don't spend much time working with molten metal...
The purification process is a critical step in making any kind of metal useable for everyday practice. Whether it be gold for jewelery, or steel for a bridge, the same method is used: extreme heat and fire. So, while walking with God, we may experience some painful heat- it's not because He is punishing us for something we did wrong, but we are being refined, sanctified- we are being transformed. It doesn't end there- the next step is huge: once we've been thoroughly heated up and melted down, all the "yuck", the dross, the impurities float to the surface! Don't beat yourself up, you are not "backsliding". This is the most important part- the opportunity to give these things to your Lord so He can remove them. From personal, repeated experience, I recommend taking the chance the first time you've been reduced to molten metal... There is much more room in your heart for His beauty than there is for re-dried, crusty dross.
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Father, as our pride, doubt, fear and sin come to the surface while You are refining us, bless us with MORE GRACE so we can recognize the process. As we realize the work You are doing in us, help us to give these things to You, so You can remove them.
Your word says to "lay our burdens down" and "take MY yoke upon you, for MY yoke is easy, my burden is light"... Jesus, we long for the complete joy that You give- transform us today by your mercy! I love You Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength- amen.
---
For those who don't spend much time working with molten metal...
The purification process is a critical step in making any kind of metal useable for everyday practice. Whether it be gold for jewelery, or steel for a bridge, the same method is used: extreme heat and fire. So, while walking with God, we may experience some painful heat- it's not because He is punishing us for something we did wrong, but we are being refined, sanctified- we are being transformed. It doesn't end there- the next step is huge: once we've been thoroughly heated up and melted down, all the "yuck", the dross, the impurities float to the surface! Don't beat yourself up, you are not "backsliding". This is the most important part- the opportunity to give these things to your Lord so He can remove them. From personal, repeated experience, I recommend taking the chance the first time you've been reduced to molten metal... There is much more room in your heart for His beauty than there is for re-dried, crusty dross.
---
Father, as our pride, doubt, fear and sin come to the surface while You are refining us, bless us with MORE GRACE so we can recognize the process. As we realize the work You are doing in us, help us to give these things to You, so You can remove them.
Your word says to "lay our burdens down" and "take MY yoke upon you, for MY yoke is easy, my burden is light"... Jesus, we long for the complete joy that You give- transform us today by your mercy! I love You Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength- amen.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The baker's dozen blessing
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
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I remember baking cookies with my mom when I was just old enough to understand how to use a measuring cup. My favorite part was always measuring the brown sugar. You could keep adding more and squishing it down, until it was totally compacted. When I read this verse, I always think of brown sugar. Our day is like the measuring cup- 24 hours. What we have to give is the brown sugar. One scoop, and it appears full- but if we press it down, much more can be added! I am not saying our days need to be full of activity. But our days do need to include time with Him! Are we cutting God out of our "busy" schedules? How much blessing will we recieve...? If we offer Him our prime time, (when we are at our best) He returns the favor!
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Lord, I don't want to miss out on Your best! Please, give me wisdon to eliminate the time-wasting activities from my life. I don't ever want to give "just-enough". You went above and beyond for me- help me to give my all for You! Thank You for all the blessings You've poured into my life. By Your spirit, give me strength to bless You! amen
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
---
I remember baking cookies with my mom when I was just old enough to understand how to use a measuring cup. My favorite part was always measuring the brown sugar. You could keep adding more and squishing it down, until it was totally compacted. When I read this verse, I always think of brown sugar. Our day is like the measuring cup- 24 hours. What we have to give is the brown sugar. One scoop, and it appears full- but if we press it down, much more can be added! I am not saying our days need to be full of activity. But our days do need to include time with Him! Are we cutting God out of our "busy" schedules? How much blessing will we recieve...? If we offer Him our prime time, (when we are at our best) He returns the favor!
---
Lord, I don't want to miss out on Your best! Please, give me wisdon to eliminate the time-wasting activities from my life. I don't ever want to give "just-enough". You went above and beyond for me- help me to give my all for You! Thank You for all the blessings You've poured into my life. By Your spirit, give me strength to bless You! amen
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