Bring Fear into the Light

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

My Mom was the family worrier. She worried about everything. Her life was filled with “What if?” and the answers always seemed to be bad.

 

 

I know it’s a cliché but she really did worry when things were going well – certainly something bad was right around the corner! She’d say things like, “Friday the 13th comes on Wednesday this month.”

 

We chuckled. We teased her. We called her a worry-wart. We didn’t take it seriously.


Worry-wart: a casual name we use to describe someone who dreads tomorrow; they’re afraid of everything. Someone who’s paralyzed by anxiety.


 

But God sheds light on our fears and enables us to trust Him.

He shines on our anxiety and it fades away.

His light dispels dread and replaces it with faith in His love.



It doesn’t happen overnight – a pattern of fear is hard to break.

 

But, soon, His light overwhelms the darkness and frees us to be the people He created us to be.


Are you anxious about tomorrow?
How has God freed you from fear?




 

Genuine or Counterfeit?

Genuine—we sometimes use this word in funny ways. I was in the grocery store a while back and saw a sign advertising “Genuine Imitation Crabmeat.” Excuse me? How can it be genuine and imitation at the same time?

The phrase “genuine imitation” can also apply to the spiritual lights that draw our attention.

2 Corinthians 11:14 says, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." He’s an imitation light that appears to be genuine. He uses his fakery to confuse us and to lead us astray.


Praise God, there is a Genuine Light that exposes the imitation and outshines it. We might be momentarily confused, but “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5 ) .



Jesus overpowers Satan until he casts but a weak glow.

Now that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, we’ve been filled with the light of the Holy Spirit. We might be assaulted by confusion, doubt, or temptation, but be confident.

The light of the Spirit never dims, it forever shines brightly to guide us and to assure us of His presence. 

Rest in the Light. Be confident in its radiance.



Has Satan tried to distract you with his imitation light?
How did the Holy Spirit’s light reveal Satan’s darkness and guide you back to Him?

Shine On!

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Daniel’s writing about the End Times, but the wise and the righteous light our paths, even now.

You're not wise, you say? I beg to differ!

Has God walked with you through some difficult situations? If so, you have the wisdom of confidence and faith in His provision. Someone who’s struggling needs to hear that.

Have you suffered loss and been comforted by God’s peace? Someone suffering needs to hear that.


You are wiser than you know.


“Those who lead others to righteousness will shine like the stars.” What a wonderful metaphor. For hundreds of years, travelers used the stars to guide them on their journeys.

We’re all on a journey, with God as our guide. As He leads us, so can we lead others.


Do you know someone fighting temptation? Share a truth from Scripture that strengthened you and will encourage them.
Is someone struggling with a difficult decision? Share truths that guide you and will help them hear God’s voice.

 You are a wise, shining leader, even now. Watch for opportunities to shine on others.

Who has been an example of righteousness, encouraging you when you need strength?
Who has been a bright star, guiding you through a difficult decision?
When have you had the joy of shining into someone else’s life?

Nothing Today

No astounding thoughts today.

I made the long drive from west TX to Houston yesterday. One of my closest friend's father died early Sunday and the funeral's this morning.

Praise God for His protection as I drove yesterday.

Please pray for the Lindley family.

Hug a loved one today!

Surprise!

The past several days, God’s been asking me: “Are you serious about your prayer to be on fire for Me? Are you ready to meet Me?”

Zacharias was chosen. How did he feel as he entered the Holy Place alone, to light the incense on the altar, to fall on his face to mingle his prayers with the smoke that rose to God’s throne?

Humbled, burdened with the sins of his people, overwhelmed—I’m sure he felt all those emotions.

Then God showed up! The angel Gabriel came from his position before the throne to bring a message to Zacharias: “Are you ready for your prayer to be answered? Are you ready to be John’s father?”

Zacharias had second thoughts, “Now that you mention it, maybe I’m not ready after all.”

 

 

I have second thoughts, “Now that you mention it, maybe I’m not ready after all.”

I pray for the fire of God to fall on me – Do I mean it? Yet, it has already fallen and lives within me! How should I respond?

Do you long to be on fire for God?
How are you responding to the fire within you?

 

Glory in the Temple

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34

What did it look like when God’s glory filled the temple? Fire everywhere, with nothing burning? Explosion of light? Swirls of rainbow colors? 

What did it sound like? Rumbles of thunder? Rushing wind? Notes of “Holy, Holy, Holy” drifting down from the throne room? 

I do know one sound that was heard: thousands of voices as the children of Israel fell to the ground. Shouts of praise or maybe of fear. It must have been overwhelming when the glory of God appeared, visibly, before them.

How would we feel if we pulled up into our church parking lot on a Sunday morning and saw the glory of God filling the sanctuary? Would we be amazed and fall on our knees? Would we be scared to death and drive home as quickly as possible?

Are we ready, as Christians, to see God move in our churches? I’ll be the first to admit, I’m comfortable with the way things are. If the fire of God’s love were to erupt inside each of us, our worship would never be the same. If we were filled with praise because of His glory, our singing would never be the same.

The Holy Spirit lives within every believer, bringing with Him all the glory of God. He wants to set our lives on fire.

What fire has He put within you? 
How has He called you to praise Him?

Your Face Glows

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

 

When I worked at Johnson Space Center in Houston TX, we couldn’t enter the site without driving through one of several gates. The guards checked for a sticker on the windshield indicating you were authorized to enter.

One guard, who worked mornings, went out of his way to make each driver feel special. He waved us through with a big smile. Sometimes he’d salute. No one could drive past him without feeling good. When asked, he said it was a ministry, to make sure everyone started their day with a smile. As you can imagine, there was always a long list of cars at his gate.

Do you know someone whose face always seems to be glowing? Every time you see him, he has a huge smile on his face. When you walk up to her, her eyes are shining with joy. Your heart lifts just to be around them.

We might say, “She has such a bubbly personality.” Or, “He seems to happy all the time.”

Perhaps these things are true, but Peter has another suggestion: They might be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

Do you know someone who glows with joy?

How do they bless you?

 

It's Falling on You!

Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, Exodus 19: 17-18

Can you imagine the shock and fear that gripped the people when God’s Glory descended on Mt Sinai? This was a God of unbelievable power. This was a God so mighty that the earth shook.

The whole mountain top was erupting in fire.

As amazing as this is, the words in v19 are even more incredible: Then Moses spoke and the voice of the Lord answered him.

 

Just think about it...I'm sure Moses was just as astounded by God's power - but he'd seen it before - the blood red waters of the Nile, the pestilence, the salvation of the children of Israel when death struck Egypt.

 

Moses knew the fire was an expression of the Lord's awesome love and protection.

 

This confidence in God's love and power should fill our prayers. He's our Almighty Father.  As humans, we might call His name and oxymoron: two words that seem to be incompatible, in fact, complete opposites.

 

 

We can call upon the awesome power of the LORD and yet trust completely in His love - even when His answer doesn't meet our desires.

 

 

We tend to forget that His love burns with the same intensity as the fire that descended on Mt. Sinai.

 

What power! And yet the same power falls on us when He becomes our Savior, and lives within us forever.

 

Rejoice! His love is that extreme - and that tender!

 

When have you experienced the power of God's tenderness?

 

Too Narrow-Minded

When I first started my blog, I was in a time of darkness and I was seeking light. Thus, Light Blog was born. I began to search Scripture for the word ‘light’ and write about how God used it to bless me that day.

A couple days ago, as I went on that familiar search, I heard God whisper, “Sherry, you’re being too narrow-minded.” I was taken aback. I’ve always considered myself rather open-minded, although there are many who would laugh at that characterization.

As I prayed, I realized what He meant and I had to agree; my focus has been too focused.

 

 

How does God shed His light in our hearts and on our lives?

 

 

Where there’s the darkness of turmoil, He brings the light of His peace.

Where there’s dark anger, He brings the light of calmness, and the ability to forgive.

Where there’s sorrow, joy.

Where there’s fear, His Presence.

Where there’s discord, reconciliation.

Where there’s loneliness, His companionship.

God has expanded my view of His Light—and my blog will begin to reflect that.

For every darkness we experience, God can invade it with His light.

If we ask!

He won’t flood our souls in an instant, we’d be blinded by the brightness. But slowly, as we turn to Him, He will bring His light into our hearts. But He waits for our willingness.

What darkness to you carry today?

What lightness do you need from Him? You only have to ask.

How has He healed you from darkness?

Flow-Through Love

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4

 

Jesus is the Light of the world—He’s the Light in our hearts and souls.

He fills us with His love, peace, joy, strength and so many other blessings.

The question is: What do we do with them?

Are our hearts lakes where His gifts collect and we cherish them and revel in them?

If that’s the case, we'll become like the Dead Sea – stagnant. To be truly alive, water must flow.

  

 

 "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38

 

The Spirit living within us is described in many ways but static is never one of them.  John 7:38 says we have living water within us. But the next words are challenging: this water will flow out of us into the world around us.

Does that mean we have to run out and witness to everyone we see? Thank heavens, the answer is no. Sharing Jesus’ blessings can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, or a helpful act.

God brought this home to me a couple weeks ago in the Houston airport.  As I walked to my gate, I saw a woman sitting, crying. I kept walking but I felt the Spirit say, “She needs a kind touch.” I hesitated but I went up to her and put my hand on her shoulder. I asked if she was OK. She looked up and said, “Yes, but thank you for caring.” God used a small touch to bless her - and me.

 

The next time God prompts you, let His living water flow through to someone who’s thirsty. We're rivers that flow in the desert!



When have you been used to bless someone?
How did God bless you when you did that?

Show Me!!

The path of the righteous is like the frost gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day. Proverbs 4:18

Don’t you wish God would show you exactly where you’ll be tomorrow?  I’d be lots happier knowing what was coming rather than stepping out on faith. Take poor Abraham, for instance. I’ll give you the Texas version:

 

Abraham's happily doing his thing when God says, “Dude, I got a nice place picked out for you so pack up all your stuff and come on.” 

“That sounds great, where is it?” (Note: Sarah will take care of the packing.)

Never you mind, I got it all taken care of.”

 

Sound familiar? You’re doing just fine when God suddenly walks in and says, “Follow me—trust Me on the where and why.” Kind of like when He said to me, “I’ve got a nice place for you in west Texas—follow Me.” Did Abraham have to work through the rebellion I felt?

We want to know upfront—who, what, when, where, and why. God chooses to give just a glimmer of light, like at sunrise. Just enough to see the first step. As we walk, the light slowly brightens until we can see His plan.

 

 

God works on a “need to know” basis. We can’t “google” Him and see what’s coming. Maybe that’s a good thing.

When has God interrupted your life saying “Follow Me.”?

What emotions did you feel? Is He growing your faith?

I Can Hardly Wait!!

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

Most of the time, when we read Scripture, a verse or passage reaches out and ministers to us, giving us what we need at that moment. That amazes me: God knows what I need to hear that day.

So it is with Revelation 21:23. I read it today and a fun image of Heaven came to mind. Yes, Jesus will be brilliant and will light up all of heaven. But there will be so many other wonders.

Now, please realize I'm taking lots of creative license here. My whimsical side is showing.

Take the marriage feast, for example. What's your favorite food? What's your favorite unhealthy food? Triple cheeseburgers? My husband's favorite. Cartons of Rocky Road ice cream. Piles of chocolate. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut in cute shapes. And all of it calorie free!

Your favorite kind of music. Opera? Jazz? Good ole rock and roll? Country? It all will be there, and some we never thought of. God is the Creator of music and He loves praise, in any rhythm. No matter what the type, we'll enjoy the music and love to sing the words.

Color? Every possible one. Your favorite flower? There will be meadows of them.

Heaven is joy and beauty. Why wouldn't we think that God, who created music and colors and flowers and marvelous creatures on earth, will not surround Himself with those things in Heaven? I'm just sayin'.

Above all, we'll be there. Every race, every shape, every height, every shade of hair and eyes. The God who creates every snowflake uniquely, created each of us uniquely, and He will gather us around Him.

What a wonderful, exciting, beautiful place our Home will be!

We all wait breathlessly to see our Jesus but much beauty will surround us. Are there other things you long to see?

Who are you excited to see?  (Who or whom? Who cares!)

What are you eager to experience?

Note:

Rooms by James Rubart

Definitely 4-star review!

Exciting read and touching lesson on reconciliation.

 

Is a 12-hour Day Long Enough?

    Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? John 11:9a

Twelve hours of daylight. You'd think that would be enough.

I get up in the morning, ready to tackle my list for the day.



I crawl into bed every evening with lots of tasks crossed off:

Actually got home from work on time - check.
Dishwasher loaded - check.
Laundry folded and all the socks match - check.
Hurried the kids through bath time - check.
Read a bedtime story - maybe tomorrow night.
Do a little cross stitch - too tired.
Sit and talk to my hubby - maybe this weekend.

Hmmm--I think it's time to reevaluate my priorities!

What are your priorities? How do you make sure the important things aren't lost in your busyness?