Brilliant Light

This last week, my oldest daughter and I went to an appointment for a program through our local school system, called Vocational Rehab. They offer free help for "special needs" students as they get close to graduation; in order to find jobs or even get vocational training. (Even though she has always been home schooled, we can still use this service.) My sweet "Marie" is a junior in high school, almost 17 years old. She entered this life with so many struggles. She continued persevering in life and school even though many things seemed to be against her. And she has become a beautiful woman who loves God with all her heart.

As we entered the appointment, her nerves were on edge and neither of us really knew what to expect. As we left the appointment, I wanted to just cry. She did an amazing job, although the amazing part wasn't her poise, or knowledge of what she could articulate. It was her love for Jesus and she had no inhibition to express why she lives the way she does. Her worldview screamed loud and clear. When questions were asked about her blog or about her relationships with her parents, it came down to, "I write about what Christ has done for me..." or "sometimes I disagree with my parents, but I know they are trying to protect me and help me to do what is right."

The counselor that interviewed her was stoic and did not express emotion either way to "Marie's" responses, but I would have loved to get in her head.

One thing I am certain of is this: my sweetie's light was bright that day. She allowed the world, especially the counselor, to see what she lives for. She can't tell you her birthday some days. She can't tell you what the date is, how much money a cashier needs to give her back, or what time it is. But she is confident of this one thing: HE WHO BEGAN THE WORK IN HER IS STILL WORKING AND WILL COMPLETE IT!

The Ultimate Sunrise

The book of Luke opens up in such a way that makes me fall to my knees. Yes, we all know that this is the record of the birth of Jesus, but reading the account of Zachariah and Elizabeth as well as Mary's visit is amazing.

Scripture records both Mary and Zachariah were "filled with the Spirit" and then prophesied in form of a song.

Zachariah uses an interesting name of God in his prayer full of praise.

Luke 1:76-79

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the Sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."

When I think of a sunrise, beauty immediately comes to mind. But then I also think to the darkness(at least on the part of the earth that I live) at night. Pitch black. Once the sun comes up, all darkness is dispelled.

No darkness can remain. The light overshadows the darkness. All the time.

My Lord is that Sunrise. He dispells all darkness...even in the valley of the shadow of death. He guides my feet. He brings peace when all else is chaos.

Malachi 4:2 also refers to Jesus as light, "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall."

At times there seems to be darkness all around me. I turn to the Light that guides my way.

The Story of Commander Deeds (Part II)

"Though he knew his life in danger, Todd refused to leave. 'I beg you to believe on the Lord Jesus', he said. The commander was furious. He went upstairs and came down with his pistol. 'Go, or I will shoot you now,' he threatened. Todd answered, 'I have come to ask you to believe in the Lord Jesus. If you want to shoot me, go ahead. But before you do, let me pray for you.' He knelt before the commander and prayed, 'O God, here is a man who does not know You. Please save him!' He stayed on his knees while the commander towered over him with the gun. 'Have mercy on him, Lord!' he cried out. 'Have mercy on the commander!'"

"Young Todd prayed like this for several minutes before he heard a sigh, then the sound of the pistol being laid aside. Soon the commander knelt down beside him and, after a moment of weeping, prayed, 'O God, have mercy on Commander Deeds.'"

"The commander was saved at that instant, and after praying some more, he rose and took the hand of his young friend, saying, 'I have heard the Gospel all my life, but today I have seen the Gospel for the first time.' On the following Lord's Day, Commander Deeds went to the church to worship. And before he died, he led several dozen people to the Lord."

As Watchman Nee finished this story, he spoke these words.

"Beloved, there are two big days in the life of the believer: the day on which he believes in the Lord - and every day after that when he leads someone to faith in Christ. This is my challenge to you. Witness to at least one person a day. Witness to whomever you meet."

-excerpt taken from Watchman Nee by Bob Laurent, pg 103

This is a challenge to me and you. Let our lights shine, sisters...brightly and loudly...with words and actions.

Meditating on Scripture

I have been using this to help me have Scripture before my eyes as much as possible.

The Word of God is a light to our path. I find myself in a very dark valley right now.

Again.

I need this light desperately.