He was better to me than all my hopes;
He was better than all my fears;
He made a bridge of my broken works,
And a rainbow of all my tears.
The stormy waves that marked my ocean path,
Did carry my Lord on their crest;
When I dwell on the days of my wilderness march
I can lean on His love for the rest.
He emptied my hands of my treasured store,
And His covenant love revealed,
There was not a wound in my aching heart,
The balm of His breath has not healed.
Oh, tender and true was His discipline sore,
In wisdom, that taught and tried,
Till the soul that He sought was trusting in Him,
And nothing on earth beside.
He guided my paths that I could not see,
By the ways that I have not known;
The crooked was straight, and the rough was plain
As I followed the Lord alone.
I praise Him still for the pleasant palms,
And the desert streams by the way,
For the glowing pillar of flame by night,
And sheltering cloud by day.
Never a time on the dreariest days,
But some promises of love endears;
I read from the past, that my future will be
Far better than all my fears
Like the golden jar, of the wilderness bread,
Stored up with blossoming rod,
All safe in the ark, with the law of the Lord,
Is the covenant care of my God.
I was touched by the part underlined above. I so often do not understand His ways, or what is going on, but He does. He will teach me what ever I need to learn, (mostly trust.:), if I will learn what He is so patiently trying to teach me.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Monday, September 26, 2005
A weekend with the Family
I just got home from a long weekend away with my family. We had a blast. The night before we left, I spent the evening with my Mom and a group of friends. We went to a symphony, and then to eat. The music was beautiful! We set on the highest balcony there and watched the young lady performing, as her fingers went over the piano with great speed and accuracy. She played Beethoven's 5th Concerto. There were parts that made me want to laugh and others that made me want to cry. I have to admit though I didn't actually want to cry until the second half started and it was a piece my Tchaikovsky. There were some beautiful parts, but there were some very depressed sounding parts as well. I had forgotten how depressed some of Tchaikovsky music was. Not anymore...:) I now remember and should for a little while anyway.
We ate at Cracker Barrel, which was terrific. We all talked and laughed at each others stories. It was nice getting to catch up with a few of the people that I don't often get to talk to. The food was of course, good.
My family all went on Sunday to a resort were some of stayed for a few days. I was not planning on staying, but I thought it would be fun, so I called my boss asked for the time off and received it. :)...... We had a good time, we took some of the younger ones to play putt putt golf, and go cart riding. We ate out, swam in the pool, walked down to the lake and just relaxed. I had some time to bond with the younger children in our family and enjoy their sense of humor. Oh, so much fun!!! I was very happy that I was able to stay for the long week end with my family and have that break. Dad and I went out one evening after a full day and saw Flightplan, which wasn't too bad. I enjoyed having the time with him. It has been a few weeks since we have been able to do anything together.
We also got to do something that I think will be rather memorable. We went to a magic show and they asked Aric and Dad to stand up and be part of one of the acts. They had to dress up and sing a song with the performer. It was hilarious, dark wigs on and white outfits. I wish we could have taken pictures, it was funny. What made it even funnier, was the weekend before Austin and I had gotten Mom and Dad on stage in an Improv show. They had to tell about their proposal story and meeting. Dad was on stage 2 weekends in a row and did a great job both times. Aric did a really good job the day that he did it with Dad. He played along and after a few minutes got into the act and did a superb job. We had a fabulous weekend.
We ate at Cracker Barrel, which was terrific. We all talked and laughed at each others stories. It was nice getting to catch up with a few of the people that I don't often get to talk to. The food was of course, good.
My family all went on Sunday to a resort were some of stayed for a few days. I was not planning on staying, but I thought it would be fun, so I called my boss asked for the time off and received it. :)...... We had a good time, we took some of the younger ones to play putt putt golf, and go cart riding. We ate out, swam in the pool, walked down to the lake and just relaxed. I had some time to bond with the younger children in our family and enjoy their sense of humor. Oh, so much fun!!! I was very happy that I was able to stay for the long week end with my family and have that break. Dad and I went out one evening after a full day and saw Flightplan, which wasn't too bad. I enjoyed having the time with him. It has been a few weeks since we have been able to do anything together.
We also got to do something that I think will be rather memorable. We went to a magic show and they asked Aric and Dad to stand up and be part of one of the acts. They had to dress up and sing a song with the performer. It was hilarious, dark wigs on and white outfits. I wish we could have taken pictures, it was funny. What made it even funnier, was the weekend before Austin and I had gotten Mom and Dad on stage in an Improv show. They had to tell about their proposal story and meeting. Dad was on stage 2 weekends in a row and did a great job both times. Aric did a really good job the day that he did it with Dad. He played along and after a few minutes got into the act and did a superb job. We had a fabulous weekend.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Quotes and thoughts of the day.
"He that dwelleth in the secret places of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty!"
"As soon as I woke in the morning I threw myself into the arms of Divine Love as a child does into its father's arms. I rose to serve Him, and to perform my daily labor simply that I might please Him. If I had time for prayer, I fell on my knees in His divine presence, consecrated myself to Him, and begged Him that He would accomplish His holy will perfectly in me and through me, and that He would not permit me to offend Him in the least thing all through the day. I occupied myself with Him and His praise as long as my duties permitted. Very often, I had not leisure to say even so much as the Lord's Prayer during the day; but that did not trouble me. I thought it as much my duty to work for Him as to pray to Him, for He Himself had taught me, that all that I should do for love of Him would be a true prayer. I loved Him and rejoiced in Him. If my occupations required all my attention, I had nevertheless my heart turned towards Him; and, as soon as they were fininshed, I ran to Him again, as to my dearest Friend. When evening came, and every one went to rest, I found mine only in the Divine Love, and fell asleep, still loving and adoring Hiim." - Armelle Nicolas
Wow! What a lovely thought. I know that I often find myself focusing on other things, when my focus needs to be on Him and my love towards Him. My mother sent this to this morning and it blessed me greatly.
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -Friedrich Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)
:) LOL Hmmmmm.
"As soon as I woke in the morning I threw myself into the arms of Divine Love as a child does into its father's arms. I rose to serve Him, and to perform my daily labor simply that I might please Him. If I had time for prayer, I fell on my knees in His divine presence, consecrated myself to Him, and begged Him that He would accomplish His holy will perfectly in me and through me, and that He would not permit me to offend Him in the least thing all through the day. I occupied myself with Him and His praise as long as my duties permitted. Very often, I had not leisure to say even so much as the Lord's Prayer during the day; but that did not trouble me. I thought it as much my duty to work for Him as to pray to Him, for He Himself had taught me, that all that I should do for love of Him would be a true prayer. I loved Him and rejoiced in Him. If my occupations required all my attention, I had nevertheless my heart turned towards Him; and, as soon as they were fininshed, I ran to Him again, as to my dearest Friend. When evening came, and every one went to rest, I found mine only in the Divine Love, and fell asleep, still loving and adoring Hiim." - Armelle Nicolas
Wow! What a lovely thought. I know that I often find myself focusing on other things, when my focus needs to be on Him and my love towards Him. My mother sent this to this morning and it blessed me greatly.
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -Friedrich Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)
:) LOL Hmmmmm.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Quote for this week.
The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862)
Have you ever had someone ask you a question, and when you answered, you knew they were not listening? This has always been one of my pet-peeves, I can't stand when people pretend to care about your thoughts & answers.
It makes you feel like the person cares about you when they actually listen to what you have to say. It takes little effort.
"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever" Winnie-the -Pooh
This is cute and I think it is sweet. Winnie the Pooh a source of wisdom and wit. ;)
“ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ” (Ephesians 4:29)
Something we always need to be reminded of. The things that come out of our mouth can hurt or lift up. We should guard our speech... We should strive to build others up.
What’er My God Ordains Is Right text: Samuel Rodigast
(1675)( a favorite text of Bach's , for his church music)
1. Whate’er my God ordains is right;
His Holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth,
And follow where He guideth.
He is my God,
Though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall;
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.
2. Whate’er my God ordains is right,
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path,
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content,
what He hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away
And patiently I wait His day.
3. Whate’er my God ordains is right,
Though now this cup in drinking
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it all unshrinking.
My God is true,
each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.
4. Whate’er my God ordains is right,
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall,
And so to Him I leave it all.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Devotionals from today
Yes, yes, yes. Amen. This is so true. So often I have seen Christians take the approach of either adopting the worlds way and becoming like the world, as well as in the world, or bunkering down and hiding themselves from the world, and are not willing to go tell others the great truth that we know is true. There are so many verses that speak of go tell the others the good news, or go into the world, but do not become as they are. The Lord knew what He had placed us in and he wanted us to learn some valuable lessons that I know I have missed in times past. Love the sinner, not the sin, teach those that do not know him, do not be swayed, and so much more. When you read this devotional I am sure you will get something more out of it, but this is what I saw this morning.
Morning Verse
"Be ye separate." 2Corinthians 6:17
The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does, he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure; but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. In your spirit, as well as in your aim, you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will, you will prove that you are of heavenly race. And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing be right, though you lose by it, it must be done; if it be wrong, though you would gain by it, you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that thou art a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep thyself unspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweep celestial strings; let not these eyes become the windows of lust which are soon to see the King in His beauty--let not those feet be defiled in miry places, which are soon to walk the golden streets--let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness which are ere long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.
Then rise my soul!
and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the gay,
And splendours of the proud;
Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine;
Where wealth,
that never can consume,
And endless glories shine.
Evening Verse
"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies." Psalms 5:8
Very bitter is the enmity of the world against the people of Christ. Men will forgive a thousand faults in others, but they will magnify the most trivial offence in the followers of Jesus. Instead of vainly regretting this, let us turn it to account, and since so many are watching for our halting, let this be a special motive for walking very carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundred tongues, it will spread the story, exaggerated and emblazoned by the zeal of slander. They will shout triumphantly. "Aha! So would we have it! See how these Christians act! They are hypocrites to a man." Thus will much damage be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to His name. The cross of Christ is in itself an offence to the world; let us take heed that we add no offence of our own. It is "to the Jews a stumblingblock": let us mind that we put no stumblingblocks where there are enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness": let us not add our folly to give point to the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride the gospel. How jealous should we be of ourselves! How rigid with our consciences! In the presence of adversaries who will misrepresent our best deeds, and impugn our motives where they cannot censure our actions, how circumspect should we be! Pilgrims travel as suspected persons through Vanity Fair. Not only are we under surveillance, but there are more spies than we reck of. The espionage is everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into the enemies' hands we may sooner expect generosity from a wolf, or mercy from a fiend, than anything like patience with our infirmities from men who spice their infidelity towards God with scandals against His people. O Lord, lead us ever, lest our enemies trip us up!
—Morning and Evening
Morning Verse
"Be ye separate." 2Corinthians 6:17
The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does, he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure; but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. In your spirit, as well as in your aim, you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will, you will prove that you are of heavenly race. And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing be right, though you lose by it, it must be done; if it be wrong, though you would gain by it, you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that thou art a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep thyself unspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweep celestial strings; let not these eyes become the windows of lust which are soon to see the King in His beauty--let not those feet be defiled in miry places, which are soon to walk the golden streets--let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness which are ere long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.
Then rise my soul!
and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the gay,
And splendours of the proud;
Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine;
Where wealth,
that never can consume,
And endless glories shine.
Evening Verse
"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies." Psalms 5:8
Very bitter is the enmity of the world against the people of Christ. Men will forgive a thousand faults in others, but they will magnify the most trivial offence in the followers of Jesus. Instead of vainly regretting this, let us turn it to account, and since so many are watching for our halting, let this be a special motive for walking very carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundred tongues, it will spread the story, exaggerated and emblazoned by the zeal of slander. They will shout triumphantly. "Aha! So would we have it! See how these Christians act! They are hypocrites to a man." Thus will much damage be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to His name. The cross of Christ is in itself an offence to the world; let us take heed that we add no offence of our own. It is "to the Jews a stumblingblock": let us mind that we put no stumblingblocks where there are enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness": let us not add our folly to give point to the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride the gospel. How jealous should we be of ourselves! How rigid with our consciences! In the presence of adversaries who will misrepresent our best deeds, and impugn our motives where they cannot censure our actions, how circumspect should we be! Pilgrims travel as suspected persons through Vanity Fair. Not only are we under surveillance, but there are more spies than we reck of. The espionage is everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into the enemies' hands we may sooner expect generosity from a wolf, or mercy from a fiend, than anything like patience with our infirmities from men who spice their infidelity towards God with scandals against His people. O Lord, lead us ever, lest our enemies trip us up!
—Morning and Evening
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Colorado
In my humble opinion Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I know most of its desert and it’s hard to get anything to grow, but the view is spectacular. I love the mornings when it is still cold outside, and you are looking towards mountains, sun shining down on you, while having devotions with a cup of coffee; always a must.:) It was a relaxing & inspiring routine.
I just got back home last week from a trip to Colorado. My brother & I were gone for 11 days. It was fabulous! We did not go rafting, climbing, hiking, or skiing; the things you think of when you think of Colorado, but we did get to do some enjoyable things while we were there. We stayed with some friends that we have known for years and are like family to us. While there we visited family & friends in the area. I liked getting to see what people are up to now and hear how they've grown. Everyone has changed. I absolutely love to see people that I haven't seen for a while and hear what God is doing in their lives.
We did sleep in some.:) Most of the time, our friend's dog would come and wake me up around 7am and we would go outside; me with my Bible and cup of coffee, the dog with a chew toy and a yard to explore. We usually stayed up late visiting with the oldest child in the family and the parents. That was refreshing and a learning time for us all. I enjoyed sharing viewpoints. I also had a memorable time being with Austin all week.
We went there primarily for training, and that went well. The altitude made exercising more difficult, but it felt great to be tired and pushed. I have missed the feeling of challenge and exertion. We worked out every night with our instructors, and occasionally taught some of the younger students. I already miss that time we had being pushed and learning. I'm still working out 3 nights a week, but it is not the same. I also miss the conversations we had after working out & our winding down times. (I shall have to bombard them with emails). I sort of already have.:)
I also got to drink some excellent coffee while I was there. One of my favorite things to do. :) The little town we were staying in had coffee shops all over the place, and some of them were quite quaint. I also got some fascinating books that I am looking forward to getting to read, when I have more spare time. LOL…
It has been strange being home though. I am doing the normal things of life again, and I have to try to work in my work out time in the morning, and evening. It is very nice to be home as well though, more nice then strange. :) The first night home my siblings put on a magic show and they were adorable. I saw pennies multiplied, cards disappear, and many dazzling tricks. They were great to watch. I had missed them and it was fun to have them astound us.
I have gone back to work now and I am enjoying the busy atmosphere. It is amazing how much work can accumulate while you are away. It is more to my taste though to be busy.
I am glad that I'm back at home with my family. I'd missed them, and it’s nice to read and laugh together. I am afraid that I have the traveling bug though and I'm just itching to go travel somewhere, anywhere.:) For those that know me at all, they know that I love to travel. I find it exciting to see new people, new places, try new foods, and experience new situations. I am longing to go. Sigh…., I guess I will just have to wait and enjoy what I am doing now. When the times right, I'll travel. :)
I just got back home last week from a trip to Colorado. My brother & I were gone for 11 days. It was fabulous! We did not go rafting, climbing, hiking, or skiing; the things you think of when you think of Colorado, but we did get to do some enjoyable things while we were there. We stayed with some friends that we have known for years and are like family to us. While there we visited family & friends in the area. I liked getting to see what people are up to now and hear how they've grown. Everyone has changed. I absolutely love to see people that I haven't seen for a while and hear what God is doing in their lives.
We did sleep in some.:) Most of the time, our friend's dog would come and wake me up around 7am and we would go outside; me with my Bible and cup of coffee, the dog with a chew toy and a yard to explore. We usually stayed up late visiting with the oldest child in the family and the parents. That was refreshing and a learning time for us all. I enjoyed sharing viewpoints. I also had a memorable time being with Austin all week.
We went there primarily for training, and that went well. The altitude made exercising more difficult, but it felt great to be tired and pushed. I have missed the feeling of challenge and exertion. We worked out every night with our instructors, and occasionally taught some of the younger students. I already miss that time we had being pushed and learning. I'm still working out 3 nights a week, but it is not the same. I also miss the conversations we had after working out & our winding down times. (I shall have to bombard them with emails). I sort of already have.:)
I also got to drink some excellent coffee while I was there. One of my favorite things to do. :) The little town we were staying in had coffee shops all over the place, and some of them were quite quaint. I also got some fascinating books that I am looking forward to getting to read, when I have more spare time. LOL…
It has been strange being home though. I am doing the normal things of life again, and I have to try to work in my work out time in the morning, and evening. It is very nice to be home as well though, more nice then strange. :) The first night home my siblings put on a magic show and they were adorable. I saw pennies multiplied, cards disappear, and many dazzling tricks. They were great to watch. I had missed them and it was fun to have them astound us.
I have gone back to work now and I am enjoying the busy atmosphere. It is amazing how much work can accumulate while you are away. It is more to my taste though to be busy.
I am glad that I'm back at home with my family. I'd missed them, and it’s nice to read and laugh together. I am afraid that I have the traveling bug though and I'm just itching to go travel somewhere, anywhere.:) For those that know me at all, they know that I love to travel. I find it exciting to see new people, new places, try new foods, and experience new situations. I am longing to go. Sigh…., I guess I will just have to wait and enjoy what I am doing now. When the times right, I'll travel. :)
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Quote for the week.:)
What is morally wrong can never be advantageous, even when it enables you to make some gain that you believe to be to your advantage. The mere act of believing that some wrongful course of action constitutes an advantage is pernicious. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman, orator, writer (106-43 BCE)
* Our soul waiteth for the LORD, HE is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him because we have trusted in His holy name. Ps 33:20. : } The LORD will come through FOR US. What a wonderful thing to be waiting on Him to see what He can do!
Even if we think we can justify a thing we want to do, it boils down to what we know is right and wrong. If we are not sure, then we need to be in the Word, searching for an answer, counseling with those that are older then us, that have more experience, and love the Lord. We should not do something because we think we can justify it, if it is wrong, it is wrong period...
* Our soul waiteth for the LORD, HE is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him because we have trusted in His holy name. Ps 33:20. : } The LORD will come through FOR US. What a wonderful thing to be waiting on Him to see what He can do!
Even if we think we can justify a thing we want to do, it boils down to what we know is right and wrong. If we are not sure, then we need to be in the Word, searching for an answer, counseling with those that are older then us, that have more experience, and love the Lord. We should not do something because we think we can justify it, if it is wrong, it is wrong period...
Phillippians 2:15
September 6
Morning Verse
"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.
Gracious Spirit dwell with me; I myself would gracious be, And with words that help and heal Would thy life in mine reveal, And with actions bold and meek Would for Christ my Saviour speak.
—Morning and Evening
I found these this morning and thought that they went well with the devtional above.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Luke 1:79 - To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace
We are to shine, so that others may know Him, the Father that has blessed us with Himself. We do not keep Him to ourselves, but we let others know who He is and what He has done for us, and so many others throughout the world, in all days and ages.
Morning Verse
"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.
Gracious Spirit dwell with me; I myself would gracious be, And with words that help and heal Would thy life in mine reveal, And with actions bold and meek Would for Christ my Saviour speak.
—Morning and Evening
I found these this morning and thought that they went well with the devtional above.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Luke 1:79 - To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace
We are to shine, so that others may know Him, the Father that has blessed us with Himself. We do not keep Him to ourselves, but we let others know who He is and what He has done for us, and so many others throughout the world, in all days and ages.
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