A Light Reflection!

2 Corinthians 3: 18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Did you know that the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we become like Him?

Looking to Jesus, means that we are in the process of transformation.

When Moses came from Mt. Sinai, people could see by the look on his face, that he had been with God.

Do people look at you, and see that you’ve been spending time with Jesus?

If not, they should be.

When we become like Jesus, His glory should be revealed in us.

Unveiled faces means, that our eyes should be ever open to the things of His very character.

The process should be, a transformation from one degree of glory to another.

The likeness of Jesus, should be so evident.

His mannerisms, His love, His understanding, should be steadily increasing in our lives.

“Father, help us day by day, to become like your Son, Jesus.

Let it begin daily, by the very renewing, and transformation of our minds.

For Christ’s sake, Amen.”

Light Reflections will return on March 11^th.

Holy Walking

Matthew 15: 11 – 12

“What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.”

Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?"

It would seem that Jesus could get away with saying anything. He also never apologized, for saying something course.

But on second thought, the Pharisees measured every word He said, and waited to make Jesus pay.

Ultimately, Jesus did pay—with His very life.

Even the Saints of old, didn’t mince words when speaking the truth.

Listen to some of what the great preacher/teacher, A. W. Tozier shared, with his listening audience;

“God has made it plain, that hell is a real place—a final abode for people who do not want to love God, and serve Him!”

“Those who try to give warnings to the Christian church, are never very popular.”

“Our Heavenly Father disciplines us for our own good, that we might be partakers of holiness.”

I don’t see much in the way of the warm “fuzzies” here, that the church has grown accustomed to.

Jesus spoke very plainly, and always spoke the truth.

And the truth shall set you free? For some it will, but the Pharisees refused to make adjustments.

They went away offended, and probably entered eternity in hell, for not adhering to the words of Jesus.

I wonder how many people leave churches on Sunday mornings, offended?

Holiness is one response away, from walking in the spirit of repentance.

Has the skin of the modern follower of Jesus, become so thin, that we can’t take simple words and actions of admonishment?

I think it’s time, we get over ourselves, and consider walking in the ways of holiness………

Giving Thanks!

Psalm 92: 1

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High………

Giving thanks in our prayer life, is often at the bottom of our list of prayer priorities.

Most people have the, “give me” down pat, but our giving thanks probably could use some work.

Have we forgotten that it is only by His grace, that we’ve received anything in the first place?

There are a number of places in the Bible, where it instructs us to give God thanks.

What have you thanked Him for, lately?

Here are some areas, that we don’t often think of, to give the Lord thanks.

How about thanking Him for who He is?

We can thank Him for His nearness—we can thank Him for salvation—we can thank Him for the opportunity we have to serve Him.

We can even thank Him for that, “Amazing Grace”.

I’m amazed at the number of folks, who don’t even offer God thanks, before meal time.

Again, many people are quick to make requests to God—some of which are even selfish ones……but some are very slow, to give God thanks.

When it begins to rain in your life, remember that the Bible says, that God inhabits the praises of His people.

Who couldn’t use a good friend, on a gloomy day?

Start your week out the right way, by giving God thanks and praise……..

Lavish forgiveness

Mark 11: 25         (NLT)

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Aren’t you glad that God lavishes us with forgiveness?

As much as it pleases Him to extend forgiveness, I’m pretty sure He’s adamant about us extending it to others.

Jesus says in this verse,  in the Gospel  of Mark, that we’ll only be forgiven, when we forgive others.

Holding on to grudges, actually reduces the flow grace of God from coming to us.

That thought should stop us right in our tracks.

The grace of God is stopped up? It is when we’re not willing to let go of a grudge.

I wonder how many people, who are hanging on to grudges, are wasting precious time praying in the first place?

Are you holding on to something, that you should have let go of a long time ago?

The longer we hold onto that needless negative burden or offense, the longer we’ll go without God’s favor……..

“O faithful Father, we trust in your forgiveness and grace this day. We ask that your Spirit would work in our hearts to release any grudges that we may have against anyone.

We also ask that the Holy Spirit will help us to forgive those with whom we have held grudges against, in a new and more loving way.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.”

High Expectations

Colossians 3: 12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

There’s a high expectation for the follower of Jesus, packed in this 18 word verse.

Have you thought recently, that we have been chosen by God, and that we’re called to be holy?

Then that word “compassion” pops up, and I am convicted about the times I’m not as compassionate as I should be.

And to top it off, the last four words are supposed to be the MO (Method of Operation) for a believer in Christ.

Seems like a tall order to me.

The Bible actually contains many stories about compassion.

When you show compassion for someone, you show pity and deep sympathy.

God wants His children to show compassion to sinners and saints alike.

I wonder if we see compassion displayed in the church like it should be?

It sure feels good, to be the recipient of compassion.

Remember the times, when you’have been given the benefit of the doubt? That seems like compassion to me.

Is that really alive in the church?

We always seems to say….. “I really should help this person, but I just don’t have time today.  I’ll do it next week.”

The time to show compassion is right now. Who will you show compassion to today?

“Father God, Almighty in all things, help us to show love and compassion today.

It should be a normal response, but sometimes we’re slow to give it away. Help us to extend it, the same way we want to receive it. Amen”

Encouragement!

1 Thessalonians 5: 11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 

I meet people every day, who just need a word of encouragement.

Do you need to be encouraged today?

 

I find that when I encourage people, and they respond, I’m also the recipient of encouragement.

Too often though, we’re sometimes just too busy, to look beyond our own needs.

 

Part of the WCF Experiment that I implemented in the New Year, was a direct challenge, to drop at least two notes to people, once during each month of the year.

Here’s a sampling, of some testimonies I received in return, for sending out a small expression of encouragement, just last week……

“Thanks so much for the nice Valentine ! We really appreciate your thinking of us "old folks"

“Thank you for the Valentine's card!  It was a bright spot on a rather gloomy day.”

“By the way, that valentine you sent to us, is the first I've ever received from a guy; and I love it! The verse and what was written inside, says it all. Thanks buddy!”

 

Who do you know that needs to be encouraged today?

Why not take a chance, and then see what might come back to you.

 

“Gracious Savior, thank you for the encouragement we receive from You every day.

For the person who needs to be uplifted today, just remind them of Your great love.

In Jesus’ precious name—Amen.”

Constant Guidance

Isaiah 53: 6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way…….

Sheep are not the brightest stars in the sky.

Middle Eastern Shepherds say, that the flock will follow a trail of grass, right over a cliff, if the path leads in that direction.

Obviously, this kind of animal, or in this case person, needs to be tended.

Sheep are defenseless and  fearful, and they need constant protection.

They’ll eat just about anything, and so they need to be guided to safe, lush, green pastures.

The lives of sheep literally depend on the shepherd, who is responsible for their care.

Why God chose to refer to his people as sheep, can be a little unsettling.

But once we get to know the nature of sheep, and the nature of people, maybe God was not all that far off.

Don’t we tend to wander into some dangerous places from time to time?

Don’t we get involved in things, that could be detrimental to our spiritual health?

Some sheep leave the flock, for sometimes greener pastures, without sending out a warning sign.

It’s not so much an issue with their intelligence, but their lack of maturity.

So where does that leave us? In constant need of guidance, direction, provision and protection.

So which path are you on today? Are you on your own path, not aware of the trouble that’s just brewing up ahead?

Or on the other hand, have you recognized your need of a shepherd, who will tend to you faithfully, lovingly and honestly? 

True Love!

1 John 2: 15

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The things that John warns us about, do not come from the Father, but from the world.

What somebody truly loves, tells a lot about the person.

What does John say about love?

He says this if it comes from the world, don’t have anything to do with it.

How can we avoid getting caught up in the world?

By loving God.

John warns us that when we love the world, we’re revealing what we don’t love.

The world will one day all pass away, and all those who live for it.

Only those who truly love God, will supernaturally abide with Him forever.

If our desire for the things of this world, outweighs our desire for God—it’s still called sin.

The first commandment is….. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’

Nothing or no person, should ever come between us and our Creator……..

“Father, let me not wait for Valentine’s Day, to tell You that I love You.

Help my daily actions show, that I love You, more than anything this old world could ever offer.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Be Convinced!

Romans 8: 38 – 39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The more I read the Bible every day, the more reassuring I find the promises of God.

I decided this early morning hour, to meditate on what that really means to me.

As I sort through all my own personal problems/challenges, I have to admit, that God sometimes seems so out of my reach.

There are times, that I can even convince myself, that He’s just too darn busy, to care about the likes of me.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

So what do these verses of scripture, actually mean?

That His love for me, will never be apart from me.

The love of God is eternal, and nothing can separate me from it.

So I went back to the first words of verse 38….. For I am convinced…..

Are you convinced of God’s love?

God loved us so much, that He allowed His Son’s blood to spill on the cross for our sins.

God’s love for me, and for you, is far more reaching, than we could ever imagine. It’s beyond our ability to understand.

When things are going good, or when things are not going so good, His love for us, never changes.

I don’t know about you, but I take great comfort in that…….

Claim it!

1 John 4: 6

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

 

Do you rely on the love of God?

If not, you should.

 

I have always believed God loves me, especially when He first took up residence my heart.

I can’t always say though, that I have fully relied on that love.

 

When something happens in my life, that does not feel good, I must admit that I have questioned His judgment.

I am slowly believing, that everything in my life is allowed by Him.

Although I sometimes wish my circumstances were different, He really does know, what’s best for me.

 

Each step of my life journey, I know that God is conforming me into the image of His Son.

Talk about perfect love!

 

Can you claim this verse today?

We should claim it, even as we anticipate surgery, or a migraine, or trouble at work.

Some people rely on God’s love through cancer or Parkinson’s or loss of Job.

 

The life line of God, is what we should always cling to…….and sometime’s that easier said, than done……..

 

Father God—give me the extra measure of faith I need today, to grasp the depth of Your great love.

That I may not only know of it, but that I would learn to rely on that love, at all times during my life.

Unbelief

Ephesians 3: 16 – 19

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

The Bible tells us that God loves us, and the cross actually proves that.

Sadly, many people in the world don’t believe that.

I many cases, it’s because they’re senses are somewhat deadened.

 

Maybe it’s because of a current circumstance in life, or because of a sense of unworthiness.

Maybe it’s because our focus is on our past sins, and not the love of the cross.

 

The devil is very good at promoting defeating thoughts, but God does  not work that way.

The root of not accepting God’s love, is often times the spirit of unbelief.

We so often doubt scripture, and His great concern for us.

 

Do you know that as we start this new week, God wants us to experience His great love?

We should not allow circumstances, or the prince of lies, to tell us anything different.

When doubt creeps in about that love, rely on God’s Word.

 

If you begin to believe it, eventually you’re going to feel it.

Maybe you need a fill up this morning, of the measure, of the fullness of God?

Power!

Hebrews 4: 12

For the word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Word of God is living.

The truth of the Words of the Bible, is actually the authentic, living mind of Jesus.

The Word of God is active.

The Greek word used for “active”, is “energeo”.

Because the Word of God is active, it is an enabling, energizing and powerful force.

A sword used during Roman times, was double edged, and it was wider at the tip, than it was at the base.

It was mostly used for powerful, penetrating thrusts. It’s the image given to us, for God’s written Word.

The sword was of no real good use, unless it was sharpened. That’s why Bible study is so important. (Iron sharpth iron)

Will you allow maybe your hardened heart, to be exposed to the living Word of God today?

To some people, that may sound a little on the threatening side—and it is.

The truth of God’s Word, really uncovers the truth about us. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

But let’s face it, we’re not only visible to God, but we’re vulnerable to Him as well. He knows everything about us.

No created thing, is hidden from God.

Maybe it’s time we allow, the deep powerful thrusts of His Word—to penetrate the hard, thick places of our heart?

No other book in the world, has the power to penetrate, reform and transform………..

Ready Yourself !

I Peter 5: 8 (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

 

As believer’s in Christ, when we first awake in the morning, we should ready ourselves for the attack.

I see way too many people these days, who are falling for the schemes of the devil.

We often times, make ourselves very easy prey.

 

There is no way we can be capable enough, to handle this battle of warfare on our own.

Often times, we think we can operate this way in our own strength.

That would be our first mistake.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m sure glad we’re never alone.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our constant companion, and we need Him to help us in the midst of the battle.

Jesus is the One who equips us for the battle—who protects us against the attack.

 

Are you ready for the battle today?

The lion is lurking, but the enemy who looks to inflict carnal pain, is no match for the Lion of Judah!

 

How can we resist the attacks of our adversary? By remaining firm in the faith that we testify to.

Today, claim the truths of God’s Word with confidence.

 

The everyday battle will always be there, but the ultimate victory in Christ, is secure………………

Demon Dilemma?

Matthew 17: 21                (NKJV)

‘However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

 

The disciples faced a bit of a dilemma one day.

They were trying to minister to a child, who had physical and spiritual issues.

The disciples were operating within their own power, and because of that, they weren’t able to cast out the demon in this boy.

 

Some people in the church, think that prayer and fasting went out of style, right after the covered wagon.

Maybe that’s why so many people, still deal with all the demons in their life. Are you facing a demon dilemma today?

 

Our church has surrendered this day (Tuesday)—and have set it aside to pray and fast.

Did you know, that prayer & fasting puts you in the best position, for spiritual breakthrough in your life?

 

Most people never pray and fast.

It could be the reason, that their mind is still troubled.

It could be the reason, why a loved one still deals with pain in the physical realm.

If we only knew, what kind of power could be unleashed by prayer & fasting—we’d pray & fast, a whole lot more than we do.

 

Scripture teaches us to pray & fast. Breakthrough comes, within the realm of the Spirit.

Maybe you have issues in your emotional realm—then pray & fast.

Maybe you have problems in your financial realm—then pray & fast.

 

It is widely documented, that people who spend great periods of time praying & fasting, experience great break through and great results.

If you’re still trying to operate within your own power—good luck!

 

I guess if the Bible teaches us to do something—then by God, maybe we should do it………..

Self Control

Galatians 5: 22 – 23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If anyone claiming to be a Christian, and then watched the Super Bowl last night, you would have needed to demonstrate the last fruit of the Spirit mentioned here by  St. Paul; Self control.

The half time entertainment was sexually suggestive in nature as always. Many of the commercials were much of the same.

All done for the sake of entertainment?

Have we lost all direction when it comes to morality?

Did we miss the fact, that 1,000’s of young women, were hauled into New Orleans like cattle, to appease the sexual appetite of Super Bowl tourists?

Most people hardly even noticed, and some would chalk it up as play-full fun.

Anytime our culture turns a blind eye to sexual trafficking, we certainly are not displaying any self control.

Is this what we have been relegated to as a country?

For the sake of football, have we really accepted this behavior as normal?

Sure seems that way.

What we sow as a culture, is surely what we will reap.

How will you show self control this week?

Folks had no problem, watching 4+ hours of questionable entertainment. That surely took some self control.

4+ hours of church, would be considered my many, a heinous crime.

Will you be self controlled enough, to seek God with all of your heart this week?

The Bible says, that’s the only way to find God—when we seek Him, with all of heart………