In Devotions

One Step at a Time

November 11, 2019 2 Comments

“The LORD will continually lead you; he will feed you even in parched regions. He will give you renewed strength, and you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring that continually produces water” (Isaiah 58:11, New English Translation).

Have you ever thought how great it would be to know the future, to see what lies ahead in your life? Or do you find that thought a little scary? Psychologists say most people prefer not to know their future, whether thinking of the good things or the difficult things that might be coming their way. I’m sure there are times we’d all like to see a little farther down the road, hoping for better things ahead.

I once lived in an area which seemed to have more power outages than other neighborhoods, possibly due to the numerous large trees near power lines. I learned to keep flashlights in strategic spots around the house for those times. To make my way through the dark rooms, I would shine the light downward just ahead of my feet. If I aimed it high across the room, I might miss something on the floor and stumble. The same holds true when walking a dark path in the woods. We watch where to place our feet as we take the next step and keep the light low. Perhaps David thought of this when he wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV). As I heard in a recent sermon, God is a lamp to our feet, not a spotlight. He shows us one step at a time.

Why do you think God only shows us the path just in front of us rather than the whole road? Only He knows the full story, but here are two possible reasons.

Not knowing allows us to learn trust.

Difficult times allow us to learn and to grow. Our character is also revealed in how we embrace the good times in life. Both seasons allow us to discover new things about ourselves and gain maturity. Both allow us to develop our faith and dependence on God, although in different ways.

Not knowing gives us the joy of surprise.

Why is a wrapped gift more exciting than someone just handing us the same item unwrapped? The joy of surprise and discovery. God does that when He brings good gifts into our lives. He wants to surprise us with joy.

I may never see beyond the next step, but that’s okay. The future will hold disappointments and heartache, but I will also find times of laughter and happiness somewhere around the bend. It doesn’t matter where the path leads as long as God is on the path with me. Psalm 37:23-24 promises, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand” (NKJV).

As you walk your path, don’t be discouraged if the light on your feet only shows the next step or two. Take comfort that the light will reveal what you need to know in this present moment. As the old hymn tells us, I know who holds tomorrow. And that’s sufficient!

Many things about tomorrow

I don’t seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

(Lyrics from “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira F. Stamphill)

Prayer: God, remind me each day that You are walking this path with me. I feel loved and secure in that knowledge.

In Devotions

Keep the Light On

January 17, 2019 No Comments

“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 the weary traveler and a warm welcome no matter how late they arrived. What a comforting thought.

It’s true. Light is inviting.

I don’t know about you, but I feel uncomfortable driving up to a completely dark house. Darkness can seem forbidding and perhaps even unsafe. That’s one reason I installed landscape lighting so the front of my house is covered in light all night long. I want it to look alive, inviting, and safe.

The Bible contains many scriptures which speak of light and its importance in fighting back the darkness. Jesus tells us in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (English Standard Version). The darkness referred to in this verse speaks of wickedness and sin, not physical darkness. I Peter 2:9 says we were called out of darkness into His marvelous light. That sounds so warm and inviting. He beckoned us, called us, to His light. He came into our dark world to save us from sin.

I think most of us recognize that our world is indeed a dark place. It has now reached the point that I dread, or even ignore, reading the daily news. It seems filled with crime, out-of-control anger, stories of horrible addictions, and acts of pure evil.

But where the night is darkest, the light shines brightest.

As a child of God, we become a beacon of light to those around us. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (English Standard Version).

Yes, it’s true that our world is filled with sin and despair, but hopefully we will “keep the lights on” for those weary travelers who need a place of security and rest. We can offer hope and a bright path to those stumbling in darkness and needing a Savior. Keep your light burning brightly so it can overcome the darkness.

“That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:15-16, ESV).

Prayer: Lord, You have called me into light and to be light. I live in a world filled with sin and despair. I am surrounded by lost souls who are floundering in the darkness. Let the light You have placed in my life shine brightly into the darkness so that men and women will find their way to salvation. Help me to never be content just to live in the joy of Your light myself, but may I always strive to share that light with those around me.

In Bible Studies

Women of Radiance & Devotion

November 14, 2018 No Comments

Radiance

Focus Verses:

“And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:4)

“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,” (Matthew 5:14-15)

The Word of God says that we are the light in this world and that we are to be separated and divided from the darkness. Matthew 5:16 says, “let your light shine.” Even the world recognizes light and darkness as the universal battle between all things good and all things evil.

God is telling us to let our light shine, and not just any light, but a light that is so strong it can only be compared to that of a city. With the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us, we can not only be a light, but we can radiate.

When you look up synonyms for the word radiate you will find the following list; bright, shine, light, dazzle, and illuminate. These words challenge me in so many different areas of my life.

Don’t be the typical neighbor. Be different!
Don’t be the average co-worker. Be bold!
Don’t be the every day stay-at-home mom. Stand out!
Don’t be just another sister at church. Be radiant!

The exact opposite of radiant is: darkness, blackness, dim and dull.

Two ways to radiate His light:

1. Recognition. Recognize that Jesus is our source of light. In John 8:12 and I John 1:5, we read that Jesus in the light of the world and that in Him there in no darkness. Psalm 27:1 reminds me that God is my light and my salvation. We need to recognize that all goodness and mercy comes from him. When we’re doing good, flesh likes to take credit. A radiant woman will:

- Give glory to God
- Reflect Him
- Radiate His goodness

2. Separation. In II Corinthians 6:14, the Bible asks a clear question, “What fellowship has light and dark?” Nature itself shows us that there is no fellowship between light and dark. A simple experiment can be done to prove that; go into a dark room and turn on the light. What happens to the dark? Like the light and dark, we are to live a life that is separated. Lines must be drawn that separate our conversations, our outings, meals, friends and choices of entertainment. “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy ” (Leviticus 19:2).

Life Reflection:

Ask yourself: Are the boundaries I put in place that separate me from darkness, evident to nonbelievers?

Our goal as woman of radiance is to reflect Christ. Luke 11:33 makes a clear statement, “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, put it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.” The scripture is so clear, to do anything else would lack reason.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9)

Let your light shine. Be a woman of radiance!

Devotion

Let’s start with defining the word devotion: love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause. Synonyms for the word devotion include: committed, loyal, practice, or an act of fidelity. The opposite of devotion is infidelity and unfaithfulness.

Nowhere in the definition of devotion do we see that it relates to religion. We do however see words within the definition of devotion that relate to relationship.

Devotion is not religion, it is relationship.

The greatest example we have in the natural realm of an act of devotion, is a wedding. More specifically, at the point when the marriage vows are made. We commit our lives to our spouse in front of family, friends, and God, promising to devote our lives to them. The greatest relationship you will ever have in your life is your relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ.

There are benefits to committing your life and devoting your life to God. Proverbs 16:3 tells us, “commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” When we choose to commit our lives to God, the Bible says that He will establish our thoughts. Our spouse will offer us comfort and support; be someone to share our joy and victories with, but only God can establish our thoughts. Only He can bring stability and clarity to our mind and give us a firm foundation allowing us to grow in our walk with Him.

Two ways to build a life devoted to God:

1. Recognition. We must give God recognition in all areas of our life – career, education, family, finances, relationships, marriage, and ministry. In the Book of Acts, Paul was in Athens and he came upon a statue that the people had erected. “For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD…” (Acts 17:23). If we are going to live a life of devotion to God, we must first be sure that we know who God is.

Devotion to God will require a commitment of our time. Proverbs 31 is a powerful chapter that describes a virtuous woman. Proverbs 31:27 reads, “she looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

You will know who you serve when you know where your time is spent.

Life Reflection:

Make a list of how and where you spend your time:

Matthew 6:19-21 tells us that where your treasure is, there is your heart also. We can also read it as a challenge to us saying, where your time is spent, there is your heart also. It is a reasonable argument that people spend time doing the things they love.

2. Separation. When you become devoted and involved in a new relationship, there is a separation from previous commitments. Acquaintances, hobbies, friends, interests and plans that once controlled your time, now begin to revolve around your new relationship. Living a life devoted to God will bring a natural separation as you grow closer to Him. Matthew 6:24 confirms that we cannot serve two masters and in II Corinthians 6:14-15, the scripture asks the question, “What does a believer and an infidel have in common?”

We devote time and self to God in the following ways:

Prayer
Attending church activities
Fasting
Reading the Bible
Fellowship
Praise and worship
Ministry Development

Life Response:

Psalm 1:1-3 describes great blessing and favor when our life is devoted to God first. It describes not just a moment in time with our Savior, but a lifestyle of devotion. The greatest relationship you will ever have in your life is your relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ!

Submitted by Kini Garcia

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