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And God saw the light

“And God saw the light.” Genesis 1:4
Commentary from Charles Haddon Spurgeon

This morning we noticed the goodness of the light, and the Lord’s dividing it from the darkness, we now note the special eye which the Lord had for the light. “God saw the light” –He looked at it with complacency, gazed upon it with pleasure, saw that it “was good.”  If the Lord has given you light, dear reader, He looks on that light with peculiar interest; for not only is it dear to Him as His own handiwork, but because it is like Himself,for “He is light.” Pleasant it is to the believer to know that God’s eye is thus tenderly observant of that work of grace which He has begun. He never loses sight of the treasure which He has place in our earthen vessels.  Sometimes we cannot see the light, but God always sees the light, and that is much better than our seeing it.  Better for the judge to see my innocence that for me to think I see it.  It is very comfortable for me to know that I am one of God’s people–but whether I know it or not, if the Lord knows it, I am still safe. This is the foundation, “The Lord knoweth them that are His.”

You may be sighing and groaning because of inbred sin, and mourning over your darkness, yet the Lord sees “light” in your heart, for He has put it there, and all the cloudiness and gloom of your soul cannot conceal your light from His gracious eye.  You may have sunk low in despondency, and even despair; but if your soul has any longing towards Christ, and if you are seeking to rest in His finished work, God sees the “light.”  He not only sees it, but he also preserves it in you.  “I, the Lord, do keep it.”  This is a precious thought to those who, after anxious watching and guarding of themselves, feel their own powerlessness to do so.  The light thus preserved by His grace, He will one day develop into the splendor of noonday, and the fulness of glory.  The light within the dawn of the eternal day.  Charles H. Spurgeon

So, let your light shine in the darkness, so the world can see the goodness and glory of God, and rejoice for the King of kings. “And God saw the light, and it was good.”

Be blessed this day,  light-bearers for Christ.

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Thought for today

I’ve been studying for our adult Sunday school class from Philippians Chapter 1, where Paul imprisoned, wrote about the gospel being preached, and his desire to leave and be with Christ.  It is a lesson in personal conflict.

Paul’s ministry had an amazing impact on those believers. They were bold for Christ and the message was yielding fruit.  Paul’s joyful attitude made them eager to share Christ with the world.  The purity and sincerity of Christ’s love broke down the walls, and despite his tremendous joy at the spreading of the gospel, we see Paul’s desire to be with the Lord [Phil 1:21-23].  While he remained, the gospel was being preached, and the church was encouraged, but if he died he would be with the Lord, a thing which he desired.    Paul’s attitude was resolute – ” Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [Phil 1:24]”  Paul stated that no matter what he had to endure, he would not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ[Phil 1:20]. His purpose was to honor and glorify Christ at all costs.  So it didn’t matter if he was imprisoned, his spirit, his attitude was not.  Paul was freed from the snares, the temptations, and his own flesh to do the will of Christ.  He did not sit in a corner moaning his misfortune, instead Paul reflected Christ.  Paul’s total message was so captivating that Christ’s message of love and grace won the hearts and minds of those desperately seeking the Messiah.  And they discovered Christ-the hope of glory through Paul despite of his chains.   The thought for today is, does our attitude reflect and honor Christ despite our situations, challenges, and personal imprisonments?  

Faith asks us neither to destroy nor to exalt human desire but to gather it into an even greater desire; the thirst for God.

Author Unknown

Dear friends, let your entire being like Paul, reflect the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Share Christ and let the joy of your salvation bring forth the light and love.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  Amen. 

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Grace

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Grow in grace” – not in one grace only, but in all grace. Grow in that root-grace, faith.  Believe the promises more firmly than you have done. Let faith increase in fullness, constancy, simplicity. Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed. Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie every low, and know more of your own nothingness. As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward – having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.  May God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior”, [that grace may abound]. Amen   C.H. Spurgeon

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Renewal: A Classic Devotion from C.H. Spurgeon

“Let the people renew their strength.” Isaiah 41:1

All things on earth need to be renewed.  No created thing continueth by itself. “Thou renewest the face of the year,” was the Psalmist’s utterance.  Even the trees, which wear not themselves with care, nor shorten their lives with labor, must drink of the rain of heaven, and suck from the hidden treasures of the soil.  The cedars of Lebanon, which God has planted, only live because day by day they are full of sap fresh drawn from the earth. Neither can man’s life be sustained without renewal from God. As it is necessary to repair the waste of the body by the frequent meal, so we must repair the waste of the soul by feeding upon the Book of God, or by listening to the preached Word, or by the soul-fattening table of ordinances.  How depressed are our graces when means are neglected! What poor starvelings some saints are who live without the diligent use of the Word of God, and secret prayer!  If our piety can live without God, it is not of divine creating; it is but a dream; for if God had begotten it, it would wait upon Him as the flowers wait upon the dew.

Without constant restoration we are not ready for the perpetual assaults of hell, or the stern afflictions of heaven, or even for the strifes within.  When the whirlwind shall be loosed, woe to the tree that had not sucked up fresh sap, and grasped the rock with many intertwisted roots.  When tempests arise, woe to the mariners that have not strengthened their mast, nor cast their anchor, nor sought the haven.

If we suffer the good to grow weaker, the evil will surely gather strength and struggle desperately for the mastery over us; and so, mayhap, a painful desolution, and a lamentable painful disgrace may follow.  Let us draw near to the footstool of divine mercy in humble entreaty, and we shall realize the fulfillment of the promise, “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Amen.

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Spiritual Discipline-Solitude

Spiritual Disciplines are practices which strengthen the believer, and creates greater intimacy with God. An intimacy which defines and provides a platform for the ultimate expression of who and what we are. One such practice is solitude. A time of quiet, soft stillness and calmness when hearts and minds become clear, and can hear our Creator. Solitude involves separating oneself from people and things, but namely people so the spirit can re-connect with the heart source – God. Various groups of people have practice solitude, and reported its benefits – clarity, spiritual resolve, increased faith during times of testing and trials, etc.   Scripture also mentioned how Jesus went to solitary place to pray, speak with the Father, and even went into the wilderness at the beginning of his earthly ministry resulting in power and divine obedience.
Our lives are far too cluttered. We have so much on our plates, we hardly have time to think.  We need solitude for our souls and our minds.  Begin the year by practicing solitude as part of your spiritual disciplines.  I believe it will result in your having a closer walk with God.
Here is a link to a good article on http://www.soulshepherding.org/2012/08/solitude-2/.
Check it out and let me know what you think.

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January 1st

January 1st with its Rose Parade and football games grabbing for our attention. Chicken wings, nachos, or traditional meal spread out ready to satisfy our waiting appetites. January 1st when text messages, phone calls go out to those near and far wishing them a prosperous new year. January 1st, the first day of a new beginning, when we reflect about what did and did not happen last year. Thoughts about losing weight, getting better, going back to school, finishing the book, or taking the leap of faith intersect with New Year’s Day rituals and activities.  And yet January 1st is a gift – another chance “to become“. I would hasten to say with conviction, no other day on the calendar tends to move more people to ponder how to begin again.  It is our “In the beginning“, when the tug of divine fulfillment and purpose prompts many to make resolutions, set goals, and start on the path to becoming.  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (
Genesis 1:1), and during the process He created us in His image, to be stewards, caretakers, builders, worshippers, architects, and co-heirs.   January 1st is not just another day on the calendar.  It is a day of unification with the Creator, and not with a bowl game or bowl of chili.

Take a moment to unite with God, and seek your new beginning through Him this January 1st.  There’s still time.

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New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve preparations and celebrations across the globe are underway. Cooking, cleaning, selecting just the right table setting, beverages, clothes for a night of feasting and celebrating. Folks will be filling up New York City, and at different homes the host or hostess is busy preparing for the arrival of friends and family. There are also preparations for another kind.  At some African-American churches, Watch Night Services will be held this night to praise, pray and give thanks to God for His mercy and grace. There will be singing, and a message of hope shared. This tradition dates back to the Civil War era when slaves gathered together waiting for news of their freedom.  We are no longer waiting for that news.  Believers have been freed through the gift of Christ.  What believers are watching for now is the return of our glorious King.  So these gathered hearts will sing joyously in triumphant to the risen Lord for the blessing of another moment, another hour, another day upon earth.
Whatever way you choose to “bring in the new year” take time to say thank you to our Lord for His blessings. And resolve to do the work He has called us to do. As Keith E. Eggert said, “So we must work hard now, live at our peak, serve and love those around us, help the church grow, heal someone’s wounds, write a good poem, clean up our spaces, do our best at school or work, but always with one eye toward heaven.” Because a better day is coming.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Happy New Year.

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The Lord Has Helped Us

“Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honor, in dishonor, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, hitherto hath the Lord helped us!” 1 Samuel 7:12

The loving kindness and faithfulness of our Lord is immeasurable. Even in our deepest pains and darkest days He has helped us. During the brightest days when all the world seemed poised to shower us with riches untold, we recognize the Lord’s help.  The heavens declare his glory and the works of His hands.

Think about that last sin. The one just committed. Didn’t the Lord help you? What about that problem? Wasn’t grace and mercy right there? And what about that temptation you almost fell into? Wasn’t it his hand of love that lead you away? And when clarity returned, didn’t the arms of restoration race joyously towards you?

In each and every circumstance, our amazing God has helped us, and will continue to  through more trials, more joys, more temptations, and more triumphs. As preparations to celebrate the new year begin, remember The Lord has helped us.

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Just Another Day

Just Another Day

Just another day for millions around the globe. But for believers it is another opportunity to praise the living God.  Another day to love your fellowmen. Another day to engage in loving service. Another day show the world your talents and fulfill those divine instructions.  Another day to be imitators of Christ.  Another day to love ourselves as Christ loves us.  Another day to heal the sick, bring sight to the blind. Another day to comfort the broken-hearted and wounded.  Another day to find the lost and lonely and show them the way to Christ.  Another day to fight the forces of darkness with the light of Christ. Another day to show the world the beauty around us, and celebrate the joy of the Lord which is our strength. Just another day to show mercy and grace. Another day to say “yes” to Him. No matter how many times predictions are made about the end of all days, the day nor the hour will not be revealed until the Son of Man appears in His glory.  But we have a blessed assurance; “My people shall dwell in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18

No panic, no hysteria, no hoarding up on supplies for believers, because we dwell in the quiet resting places of the most high God.  And in his arms we are sheltered from the storms of life.

Yes, it is just another day, but what a wonderful day for us to show Him to the world.
Glory to God in the highest. Peace and goodwill to all mankind.  Just another day!

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Why Not Pray

Why Not Pray?
How distracted or preoccupied are you, that you could not or would not take a moment out of the day to pray? Prayer is our way of saying thank you, and seeking help and comfort for those we know and know not. “Each hour we think of others more than self, that hour we live again…” Prayer is the sweet language of love and life. Prayer offers hope to the soul. It communicates to God our desires for family, and for ourselves. It is said as one prays, the heart opens to God in such as way that one clearly hear His voice – that still small voice reaching beyond the heavens.  Prayer bring joys and peace to the soul. It lifts burdens and puts into perspective who is our true enemy.  Prayer allows us to speak grace and mercy to those who mistreat, injure or cause us sleepless nights. Prayer changes the person who prays. So why not pray?

The benefits of prayer are worth noting. For one, it clears the mind and brings into focus our relationship and need for God. It is easy to fall prey to our fleshly state and forget there is more to us than this earthly package. Prayer open our hearts to want to seek God. There is an internal GPS, that in difficult or perplexing times desires nothing more than to be HOME. When lost, God’s amazing grace directs us to him. Prayer is power.  The Holy Scriptures shares lots of examples of the power of prayer. Changing water into wine, calming raging seas, healing physical and emotional infirmities, raising the dead. Why would you not pray, if these experiences are possible?

Finally, prayer is divine communication with God. We talk with our Creator and to our surprise He communicates back. The ways God chooses to reveal himself are different for the person and situation. I often chuckle at the ways God chooses to reveal answers to questions or challenges I’m facing.  Those answers arrive not in the manner nor method I would not have expected, but I receive them with delight and humility.

Today, I arose and immediately knew I had to go into warfare prayer.  However, before, I could begin I was given the title for this blog.  It became clear that this was not only the message, but also the admonition to pray for others, since our primary prayer focus oftentimes stop at our front door.
We are told to pray without ceasing not only for family, friends, ourselves, but also for our leaders, and for nations. When we pray for others our souls experience great spiritual beauty and powerful efficacy. We change into vessels of light, love, power; clearing ourselves of the impure desires, weak self-pity, degrading self praise, vanity and pride; all things which deform our hearts and spirits.

As these prayers (heart offerings) are uttered, we experience the beauty of holiness, and His will being done on earth, as it is in heaven. Prayer gives us this day, our daily bread and leads us not into temptation, but delivers us from evil, and brings peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind.  So why not pray?