It's a Cloudy Day

The city does not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of the Lord gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23

When dawn breaks each morning, we don't know what the day will bring. The sunrise might herald a bright, beautiful day, with shadows that pursue us. Or, it might give way to clouds that block the sun.

Sunset might be greeted by a full moon or the dim light of a crescent shape.

This uncertainty blocks our view of God's light, His love, and His eternal Presence.

But, a day will come when nothing will obstruct God's glory. There will be no shadows, no clouds. We'll no longer see in a mirror dimly, but all will be shining with the light of the Lamb (1 Corinthians 13:12)!

Until then, we move through days of shadows and clouds that obscure our view of Him.

Do shadows chase you? What clouds dim your view of God? How has He brightened your days?

Need a Little Guidance?

By the day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night a pillar of fire to give them light. Exodus 13:21

Remember the story? Through God's amazing deliverance, the children of Israel escaped from bondage in Egypt. Awesome! But, wait, there was a slight problem. They didn't have the foggiest idea where they were going. Not to mention, they were expected to trust a God they hadn't heard of in 400 years. Remember their fear and anger, "Did you bring us out here to die? We want to go back home!"

Can you relate? Ever been totally lost? I'm a pro at it. My sister calls me the U-turn Queen because I never turn the right way the first time. I can get lost in my own backyard!

But, that's not what I'm talking about. I mean being lost in life.

Laid off? What's next?
Graduating from college? What's ahead now?
Divorce? Where do you go from here?

Anytime we experience a life change, good or bad, there's a sense of uncertainty: What happens now?



 Lift your eyes and look for a pillar of cloud (Don't you know it was glowing with the presence of the Lord?) or for a pillar of

fire. Focus on the light that's moving ahead of you. God knew where the children of Israel were going and He knows where you're headed, too.

 
 I know what you're thinking: That was a visible column - anybody can follow that! It would be easier if God were that obvious.


Try being still for a while. Sit with Him. Read His Word. Talk to Him. Listen to Him (What a novel idea!). He'll show you the light posts marking your way. Check with Him frequently to make sure you're still on the right path.

You're never truly lost. God knows exactly where you are and exactly where you're going. Follow His Light!

Has there been a time when you felt lost? How did God's light lead you?

Light for the Lost

There are those who rebel against the light, who do not

know its ways or stay in its paths. Job 24:13

Have you ever driven through an area with no streetlights? It’s a little disturbing to be unsure of where you are on the road. What a relief when you finally reach a well-lit street.

When I read Job 24:13, I always focused on the phrase those who rebel against the light. I don't need to worry about them, I told myself. I soothed my conscience by saying they'd had plenty of chances.

But the next few words give me pause: who do not know its ways.


How many people around us are stumbling along a dark path, hoping for streetlights to show them the way?


God can use our words and actions as beacons to help others see the way to faith in Jesus.

I look back over my journey and I'm so very thankful for the streetlights God placed along my path to lead me to Jesus: my Mom, a precious high school friend, Ann, and a caring teacher, Mrs. Robison. These wonderful people were the lights that drew me to Jesus and helped me grow in my faith.

Who were the streetlights God used to guide you to Jesus or helped you to strengthen your faith?
Have you experienced the joy of being a light for someone else?

 

Radiant Face

It's still Friday, right? Travelling to Pittsburgh to see my precious grandkids and a blog post just wasn't top in my mind.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets 

of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face 

was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.   

Exodus 34:29

This verse has been playing around on the fringes of my mind all week.

Imagine, being so close to God that your face glows!

I wonder, has my face been shining today?

How does one's face shine with the presence of God, with His love?

First thing that comes to mind is a beautiful, wide smile to everyone you meet



Any other ideas? How does your life shine the love of God to those around you?