“So that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Philippians 2:15, New Living Translation). Light is a luxury we take for granted, at least until a storm brings down a wire…
“But the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). An old but well remembered commercial of a hotel chain promised, “We’ll keep the lights on for you.” This seemed to assure a place of rest for…
So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. During all that time the people could not see each other, and no one moved. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived. (Exodus 10:22-23, Holy Bible, New Living Translation)
This event happened in Egypt during a time of enslavement of the Jewish community. God had chosen Moses to lead these weary Israelites back home, but the Pharaoh was reluctant to release them. So God showed His universal power.
Imagine the Egyptians engulfed in total darkness, unable to move about, but seeing the light where the Israelites lived. That’s how God blesses His children. When everything looks bleak, He surrounds us with His light. No matter how dismal life is, God casts a glow on His children.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for shining Your light around me. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, Holy Bible, King James Version)
Have you ever fumbled for a flashlight during an electrical power failure? Until that battery operated light illuminates a pathway, you’re in darkness. Sometimes life is a blackout with no ray of hope, no visible escape. Look toward the Lord. He is your light and your salvation.
Prayer: Lord, when I stumble in darkness and fear clutches me in its grips, lead me to safety by Your light. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 KJV
February, although the shortest month of the year, can sometimes bring the most severe weather in some parts of the county. But as the days start to get longer, our thoughts turn towards Spring.
Once again, the snow will leave, flowers will bloom, and new leaves will appear on the trees. We will forget the cold blustery days and rejoice in the nicer weather. That is the hope that keeps us going.
Just so, in the seasons of trial and testing in our lives, the Word of God gives us hope that these things shall pass and once again we shall experience new life and blessing. Joy will come in the morning.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your hand upon our lives, leading us through times of trial and bringing your joy in the morning.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine…
“And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:4-5
Imagine a world without light. Everything else that God made during creation week would go unnoticed and unappreciated. Life would be dull, dark, depressing and boring. With light comes clarity, joy, hope and alertness.
The same is true in regard to our spiritual existence. The Father of lights shines into our soul and the darkness is eradicated. We begin to see clearly the things that previously confused us. Our daily lives are infused with joy because we experience unconditional love. We are full of hope for the future, here on earth and in heaven eternally.
And the spiritual illumination we have received causes us to feel truly alive, excited and full of passion for the Kingdom of God. He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for illuminating my life. Let your light shine through me to those around me, and may they be drawn to You.
Devotion by Liane Grant