Light of Life

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world"- Philippians 2:14-15 (NKJV).

How wonderful it is to feel you do not fit into this world! You walk among a fallen world that feeds off of sinful oppression and affliction. You will never be a piece that fits into this world's puzzle, nor should you attempt to force yourself to fit. Walk away from those who are complaining, sharing dark humor, mocking or supporting sinful behavior. Your silence is accepted as your approval. The words of your mouth should be for good, giving grace to those who hear you (Ephesians 4:29). Be very careful if you find you are the oppressed, the one suffering affliction. Let Christ be your example. Don't open your mouth (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12). You can't walk in darkness any longer, because you have the Light of Life within you. Jesus is your Light (John 8:12). Let your Light shine before others. They can't help but notice and give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).   

Wordless Declaration

"When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"- John 11:43 (NIV).

Lazarus' body had been in the tomb for four days when Jesus resurrected him. What emotions did Lazarus have when he realized he was back in his body and back in this life? Later, six days before the Passover, Lazarus was at the dinner table along with Jesus (12:2). Did he talk of his heavenly experience, about conversations he had with the saints or with dearly missed relatives while there? Scripture doesn't reveal anything more. Maybe Lazarus was instructed during those four days about what was to come. He certainly wasn't afraid of dying any longer, because the Jewish leaders now sought to kill him, too (v.10), and he certainly wasn't trying to hide. Lazarus had become evidence of Jesus' power and authority, that He was the Messiah. Without saying anything, Lazarus' presence was loud and clear; a wordless declaration.

Heaven Come

""This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts...No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me...and I will remember their sins no more""- Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NIV).

Jeremiah was prophesying about God's redemptive covenant; His plan to restore the relationship between His Holy Presence and His sinful children. The first Advent marked the coming of the Savior of the world. Heaven must have held its breath as God's Son was born. His heavenly kingdom remained thus…”heavenly.” I imagine heaven-filled silence at His death, but shouts of joy when He rose and when He ascended back into heaven. It was finished! A second Advent is yet to come. Does there seem to be a silence from heaven right now? Is heaven holding its breath once again? His kingdom will not remain “heavenly” during this Advent, but will accompany Jesus. His Kingdom will come and His entry will certainly not be in silence. Praise the Lord!   

Growing Weary

"When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset"- Exodus 17:12 (NIV).

The battle was in favor of Israel's army as long as Moses held his hands high. But his hands grew tired after awhile. It was fellow believers, Aaron and Hur, who stood by his side keeping his hands steady until the victory was theirs (v.12-13). Battles continue, some ongoing and some new, but you grow weary at times. Christian friends are placed in our lives to strengthen our feeble hands, reminding us to remain strong, God will come with vengeance and divine retribution to save us (Isaiah 35:3-4). Rejoice in all of this, though you suffer. These trials prove the genuineness of your faith, more valuable than gold, and will result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed (1 Peter 6-7). Give thanks to the Father for Christian friends and the opportunity to offer your support when they grow weary.

Gentle and Quiet

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still"- Exodus 14:14 (NIV).

Being still goes beyond hands and feet. We also need to keep our mouths in check: quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1;19). Like the rupture of a dam or the eruption of a volcano, only a fool allows his mouth full vent, when we should remain quiet (Proverbs 29:11). Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). You will never "know" if you cannot be "still." God works our quietness to the good when we quietly wait for His salvation (Lamentations 3:26). He will fight for you. Our hearts should melt to know, God sees a gentle and quiet spirit as precious and imperishably beautiful (1 Peter 3:4).