People Need the Light

NOW is the watchword of the wise."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

I found this lovely garden loaded with yellow and looking happy on one of my early morning drives.

Billy Graham shared these words many years ago.  In "light" of all that is happening in this country and the world, these words are needed today:

"We are holding a light. We are to let it shine! Though it may seem but a twinkling candle in a world of blackness, it is our business to let it shine. Light dispels darkness, and it attracts people in darkness to it.

"We are blowing a trumpet. In the din and noise of battle the sound of our little trumpet may seem to be lost, but we must keep sounding the alarm to those who are in danger.

This small raccoon was beside the road. His sibling was a few feet away

"We are kindling a fire. In this cold world full of hatred and selfishness our little blaze may seem to be unavailing, but we must keep our fire burning.

"We are striking with a hammer. The blows may seem only to jar our hands as we strike, but we are to keep on hammering. Amy Carmichael of India once asked a stone cutter which blow broke the stone. 'The first one and the last,' he replied, 'and every one in between.'

"We have bread for the hungry world. The people may seem to be so busy feeding on other things that they will not accept the Bread of Life, but we must keep on giving it, offering it to the souls of men.

Small Turkey poult or chicks were walking along the road.

"We have water for famishing people. We must keep standing and crying out, 'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.' Sometimes they can't come and we must carry it to them.

"We must persevere. We must never give up. Keep using the Word!"
                                                                                                                             Billy Graham, Unto the Hills, July 1 devotion 

You are the light to all those around you. You are the example to everyone you know. You are the vehicle that others can see Christ. People need the light. Shine, believer. Shine bright!

"Lord, let me not live to be useless."

John Wesley (1703-1791) 

Am I Old?

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come."

Psalm 71:18

I have enjoyed spotting small fawn this year! Following are some of the snaps I particularly like!

I've often thought about being old. In my 70s now, that was definitely considered old when I was young. But I keep picturing myself and my friends and don't picture us as old.

There are certainly signs of being old. Memory failing. Dropping things. Typing with more mistakes. Energy. Diet. Early bed time. Wearing colors together that I wouldn't have years ago. Aren't I suppose to be mature? Well, you know what I mean.

 That's why I enjoyed Warren Wiersbe's recent devotion titled: When I am Old. Psalm 71. He said: "The older I become, the more I appreciate this psalm. It focuses on God's special blessings for those who are getting older."

Areas this Psalm speaks about are weakness, confusion, living in the past and complaining. Regarding weakness Wiersbe wrote: "The outward man is failing, but the inward man can be renewed day by day. God will provide you with the spiritual strength that you need." And I know that spiritual strength will overcome any area that I feel weak in.

"We can't always keep up with so many rapid changes in this world. As we get older, we might say, 'I don't quite know what's going on.' But God says, 'Look, don't worry about it. You trust Me, and I'll never allow you to be confused.'" Yes, I've been confused and felt like I couldn't understand at times. But our God walks with us through all things and will always care for us.

"But David said, 'Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.' When we're walking with the Lord, He takes care of weakness and confusion. He takes care of our fear of the future. He also substitutes praise for complaining, and therefore, we grow old graciously.," Wiersbe continued.

And have you said, "Back in the good old days . . . I've concluded that perhaps the good old days were not that good. David acknowledges, 'For You are my hope, O Lord God.' He was living in the future. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know that God holds our future." Keep my eyes moving forward and not backyard. Memories are fine. I love to recall good things in my past. But my eyes need to look forward as I continue to march through life.

"If we are resorting to the Lord continually in prayer, if we are rejoicing in Him continually in praise, if we are hoping in Him continually and laying hold of His promises, if we are saying that the best is yet to come and praise Him more and more, then we can grow old and 'gray headed' without fear We'll be able to glory the Lord, and we'll be able to share Him with others in the next generation."

Well, I would like to grow old graciously. I'm thankful that God stays with us through each phase of our life. I still can't picture my friends and I as being old, but I know things have changed and are changing every day because I constantly say to myself: "Why is this so hard!" So frustrating!

Yes, many consider me old now. I'm definitely slowing down. But as long as my focus is on God and I stay in His Word, it doesn't matter what changes in my physical and mental self occur. God will always help me. Why, He's just a whisper away. 

"Seasons change and I change, but my Lord is eternally the same, and the streams of His love are as deep and wide and full as ever.

Charles Spurgeon

 

A Good Study

 Half our doubts and fears arise from dim perceptions of the real nature of Christ's gospel . . . The root of a happy "faith" is clear, distinct, well-defined knowledge of Jesus Christ."

John Charles Ryle (1816-1900)

I'm so excited! I finished my study on the book of Revelation and was trying to decide what to read and study next. This morning Scripture came to mind that I hadn't thought of in a very long time. Matthew 5, 6  & 7 . . . The Sermon on the Mount.

When I was a new Christian my pastor gave a nine month study for new Christians on The Sermon on the Mount. It was one hour every Wednesday evening, and it provided me with good knowledge on the Bible and how to live as a Christian.

I took the study twice because I got so much out of it, and even purchased the cassette tapes of the class and listened to them a few times. I wish I had those tapes now. What memories they would inspire!

Robert Crowley was my spiritual father and teacher, and I was under his leadership for six years. He taught the Singles class the first year I was saved. My growth and maturity as a person and as a Christian I owe to him.

"Knowledge is indispensable to Christian life and service . . . Knowledge is given us to be used, to lead us to higher worship, greater faith, deeper holiness, better service."

John R. Stott (1921-2011)

There are many books and videos online about The Sermon on the Mount. I'm investigating them to see which one I will use to help me in my study. I always use my Commentary, but hearing someone teach on God's Word helps me understand better.

Do you remember a study that greatly impacted your life? When you know you received greater understanding and knowledge about your faith? I encourage you to return to that study that helped build you up as a Christian.

It is always good to refresh our understanding on things we've learned years earlier. After the experience of living many years of as a Christian, it is surprising what you'll "see" as you restudy Scripture.

Yes, I'm excited! I can hardly wait to begin.

These two grew up fast!

Use It!

A beautiful morning sunrise as I drove the streets Monday.

Do you use His Word?

The beginning of May my friend, Kathy, told me about Tony Evans' audio teaching on Revelation. I had just started reading through  Revelation three weeks before. I've read through this book a number of times, but it's always beneficial to review and find understanding and new points each time you read.

So I began listening to his study. While teaching in the 19th chapter, Evans asks the question: "Do you use His Word?" He said we study His Word; read it and consider it, but do we use it? "The danger of Bible study is you become satisfied with study and don't use it," he said.

When is the last time you used the Word in a particular situation? When did you last quote God? When did I?

Evans said "Every believer carries authority with God to use His Word. The Word has intrinsic authority; built with His authority. His Word is real. God's power is more real than anything or anyone. Don't be ashamed of the Word of God and don't hesitate to use it."

Flowers along the side of the road are refreshing.

David Jeremiah said: "Jesus will strike down the nations with a Word, symbolized by His sharp sword shaped like a tongue." Revelation 19:15-16 . Out of Jesus' mouth comes a sharp sword and He strikes down the nations. Jesus fights with the Words from His mouth. We can too.

Satan doesn't have to win in our lives. We have the Book that tells us how to fight Satan. We just have to use it.

Little ones are getting bigger. Still hoping to find a few small ones.

We are living in a dangerous time. Our country is being destroyed as people have chosen to live against God. Our fall is inevitable. But what the masses do not know or understand is the power of god. He is in control. Only He will win.

Use His Word. Use His Word. Quote it out loud.

God's Word is real; God's power is more real than anything or anyone. 

My heart was encouraged hearing this point. I haven't used His Word enough. It's time to start!

 

That little face. Oh so sweet!

A Word Makes a Difference

                                                                               

These are the words I wrote last Thursday:

I'm tired. I've been writing mostly weekly blog posts since April 2009. Five hundred and eight posts. That's a lot of writing and a long time of doing it. 44,540 people have visited the site. Hello world.

I'm going to take a break. I don't know if I can stop writing forever. My life is different; my creativity is less, and sometimes it's a real struggle to come up with something new.

I've thoroughly enjoyed writing for this blog. It's certainly a reminder to me of moments in my life.

Thanks to all my friends who have given me encouragement, comments and laughs. I will miss your words.

Always remember . . .

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

Psalm 71:14

Since I wrote those words I've received encouragement from two friends telling me how much they enjoy my blog posts. It really makes it hard to stop doing something when you know others get a smile, are encouraged, or inspired by what you do.

So I will not stop writing blog posts. I may not have one out weekly, but I'll continue sharing words that may encourage another. That's what God has called me to do. Words.  They can make such a difference in one person's life.

They did in mine when I received a note from an acquaintance some 38 years ago. Her words changed my life. I've never been the same.

Thank you, Kim and Kathy, for inspiring me last week to continue writing for God.

The Real You

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

1803-1882

As I begin this post I'm thinking to myself, "Do you really want to do this?" It's revealing of the real me and the simple life I live. I've decided to share this because there may be someone who needs to read this. If you haven't already done something like this, maybe it is worth thinking about.

We record the sermons of Dr. Robert Jeffress each Sunday morning. He is the pastor at First Baptist in Dallas. The series he's now preaching on is titled: "Choose Your Attitude, Change Your Life" and the other Sunday he was talking about how important it is to have a goal in your life; to know what God has gifted you to do so you can have a productive life.

While he was talking I remembered my list that was created some 20-25 years ago about what I have to do to accomplish what God has called me to do. It helps me to accept my shortcomings and use them for good as I serve God. My list is on bright yellow paper, typed in bold print and laminated, so I will have it ever before me.

Even at my age the list is a constant reminder of why I'm on this earth, and it inspires me to do the work I'm meant to do.

I'm a simple-minded person and the list is as simple as I am. This is my life. I'm satisfied with my life and what God has chosen for me to do. This is what I wrote:

For Carol to be successful in life, through my relationship with Jesus Christ, I must:

1. Accept my spiritual gift of encouragement and exhortation and do all I can to implement this service for God.
2. Accept that God has made me sensitive, deep-feeling, and emotional so that I can utilize His gift in my life.
3. Accept that my gift is accomplished in solitude (writing notes), the quiet of my home, and no one will know that I'm doing anything for God.
4. Accept that I must spend quiet time with God to prepare my heart for the service He has called me to, and be filled with Him to succeed each day.
5. Accept that I must lead a disciplined, organized life on a daily basis, needing must rest and quiet.
6. Accept that I haven't been called to numerous actions and projects, nor important decision-making, but to empathize with people and touch hearts through God's love and care.
7. Do all I can to keep my eye on the goal set before me and not be distracted by self doubt.
8. Realize that only I can accomplish God's purpose for my life, not another, and it is good in His sight.
9. Doubt not that God knows my fears and is able to overcome all that inhibits me.
10. Be faithful in what God has give me to do and He will fill my life with good things.

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

 Romans: 8:28

Well, there you have it. I've laid myself open and you know just who I am. I listed the things I have to accept and do in my life if I'm going to be successful in God's eyes. And really, He's the only one I need to please.

Do you know what God wants you to do in your life? Have you accepted the gift(s) He's given you and know the steps you need to take to accomplish His work? Do you accept your flaws and things you don't like about yourself?

Maybe you just need to make a simple list like mine, being completely honest with yourself, no matter how silly, stupid or simple it makes you feel, and do it.

There is nothing better in life than to know your true self and accomplish the work you've been put on this earth to do. Did I really want to do this? No. But maybe it's there just for you.

 

Shine Like a Light Post?

"I don't have to light all the world, but I do have to light my part."

Unknown

The above snap is my favorite picture of a light post. I'd see this light post on my way to work, and in the spring when the clematis bloomed, it would always make me smile. One spring morning the light was on when I drove by, and I was able to get this great snap!

I've always enjoy seeing light posts and lighthouses. They are a welcoming sign, whether in the yard or at the sea. One of my favorite songs is "The Lighthouse" written by Ronnie Hinson. Following is the first verse and chorus:

"There's a lighthouse on the hillside, That overlooks life's sea.

When I'm tossed it sends out a light, Tis a light that I might see.

And the light that shines in darkness now Will safely lead us o'er.

If it wasn't for the lighthouse, My ship would be no more.

"And I thank God for the lighthouse, I owe my life to Him.

For Jesus is the lighthouse And from the rocks of sin;

He has shone a light around me That I could clearly see,

If it wasn't for the lighthouse Tell me where would this ship be."

 

As followers in Christ, we are to be a light to the world. Your state, your community, your neighbor, your family. God wants your light to shine so that others see Christ and turn to Him.

Jesus said: "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."

 I found this light post in Gettysburg one fall day. Another special snap to me.

Are you an attractive light to the world? I often see this quote in print: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there me enough evidence to convict you?" source unknown. It's not always easy to let your light shine, especially when it causes division between you and people you love. But if you are sincere in your faith, you must stand for what you believe.

Jesus is the light of the world. And in that light is the hope I live with each day. One of my favorite Bible verses is: "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

Let your light shine! Share the wonderful hope of Jesus for all the world. The blessed hope. The only hope.

Shine like a light post!