The LORD is God, and HE has given us LIGHT...

" For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

This morning I was truly blessed to think upon the marvelous work of God in my life. What mercy that God would look upon me and bring me to light...  

I marvel at the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and think often of my unworthiness. How thankful I am... that I should taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

As I went about my daily work this morning, I happened to hear this song playing... it was indeed a time to stop and thank the Lord for His unbounded love.

I HAVE COME FROM THE DARKNESS

(M.W. Chaplin)

I have come from the darkness to the light of the Lord,

I have come from the night to the day.

He has guided my footsteps in the truth of His word;

By His love He has shown me the way.

Chorus:

I have come from the darkness to the light,

To the light of redemption from sin.

Oh, my soul will rejoice in His might,

For my Savior dwells within.

In the light of His presence all temptations depart,

And the shadows of doubt are cast aside.

With the radiance of sunshine He has entered my heart,

Where His spirit of love abides.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being GOD and commanding light to shine in our hearts. We praise you for the Lord Jesus Christ who has brought us from death to life and has opened the door to your throne of grace. Our hearts are rejoicing that we would be made children of God and marvel at your holiness. Help us today to be a light that shines for you.

" For the LORD will not forsake His people for His great name's sake: 

because it hath pleased the LORD to make you His people." 

1 Samuel 12:22

May you be joyful today... offering praise to the Heavenly Father for the Lord Jesus who has brought light and life to us.

~Ellie

For in HIM we LIVE, and MOVE, and have our being...

" Serving the LORD with all humility of mind..." Acts 20:19

These past few days I have been meditating on the need for us to draw near to God. I have been so overwhelmed with the life of Paul while reading the book of Acts. 

We know how apostle Paul was brought to light... in a most direct intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in no way that Saul (apostle Paul) was ever seeking to know the Lord Jesus... 

...why, Saul did all he could to persecute the believers and cause much turmoil. (Acts 8:3). 

And so I stand amazed at God's perfect plan to bring a sinner from darkness into light. 

As He worked with Saul, so He works with us.

This morning, while continuing my reading through the book of Acts, I was extremely blessed with a few verses.... verses that show apostle Paul's total devotion to His Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

His devotion was ever so strong... even when he knew he would have to suffer many things for the name of Jesus Christ... 

... and oh, what devotion and love for His Lord!

" And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit 

unto Jerusalem,

 not knowing the things that shall befall me there." 

Acts 20:22

"Except that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, 

saying that bonds and afflictions await me." 

Acts 22:23

I am overwhelmed at Paul's total denying of self.  

His total devotion in serving His Master is written  in the following verse: 

" But none of these things move me, 

neither count I my life dear unto myself, 

so that I might finish my course with joy, 

and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, 

to testify the gospel of the grace of God."  

Acts: 20:24

I thank the Lord for the reminder this morning, that  just as He worked with apostle Paul... He works with me. Oh, that I would live for the praise of His glory...

So thankful to the Lord that I was found of Him.

I SOUGHT THE LORD

Author: Anonymous

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew

He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.

It was not I that found, O Savior true;

No, I was found of thee.

 Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;

I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea.

'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,

As thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole

Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!

For thou wert long beforehand with my soul;

Always Thou lovedst me. 

Father, Thank you for bringing light in a world of darkness through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for making it possible that we might live through Him. 

May you purpose in your heart to live a life fully devoted to the One who redeemed us by His precious blood...

~Ellie

Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear...

" Wherefore gird up the loins OF YOUR MIND, be sober, and HOPE TO THE END for the GRACE that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13

How often I forget the reason for my existence and the purpose for my life on this earth. More often than not, I tend to lose sight of God's reason for placing me on this earth. It's not that I'm not aware of His purpose in my life, but I find my mind  preoccupied too much with the "cares of the world" ... and too little glorifying God. Way too little...

How thankful I am for God's Word that brings me back to the light. Reading through 1 Peter, I was once again encouraged to fix my eyes on the things above.

I am reminded that,

... my existence isn't to fulfill my own pleasures.

... my existence isn't that I run around seeking to fulfill "my life's ambitions".

... my existence isn't for worldly gain.

... my existence isn't that I "be the best that I can be" in the eyes of the world. 

No, my existence is purely to GLORIFY GOD and give HIM PRAISE in all that I do. 

I am to remember that HE brought salvation to my soul and turned me from the pit of darkness to His glorious light.

" But you are a CHOSEN people, a ROYAL priesthood, and HOLY nation, 

His OWN SPECIAL people; 

that ye should shew forth the praises of Him 

who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

1 Peter 2:9

And so I was thankful this morning for the reminder to:

1) Gird up the loins of my mind,

     ... and be prepared for action. 

                 ( 1 Pet.1:13)

2) Pass the time of my sojourning here on earth... in fear,

    ... laying aside all forms of malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speakings. 

                         (1 Pet.1:17/ 2 Pet.2:1)

3) Believe in God.

     ... that my HOPE and FAITH might be in God. 

                        (1 Pet.1:21)

The Word of God says it best in Ecclesiastes,

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; 

Fear God, and keep His commandments, 

for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgement, 

with every secret thing, 

whether, it be good, or whether it be evil. " 

Ecclesiastes 12:13,14

Lord how we need you! Remind us of your purpose for our lives... and remove from us any selfish ambitions that lead to death. Help us to walk by your Spirit... in the light of your Word. 

May you be encouraged today to "desire the sincere(pure) milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."... honoring and glorifying God.

~Ellie

Will you not TREMBLE at MY PRESENCE?

" ... but yet I would have you WISE unto that which is GOOD, and simple concerning evil. " Romans 16:19

"... neither be partaker's of other men's sins; Keep thyself  PURE." 1 Timothy 5:22

Recently I came upon this verse in Romans, where we are instructed to be simple in the things that are evil. I thought upon this quite a bit, because oftentimes we can find ourselves dabbling in things that are not pure and righteous... and overlooking sin.

Evil surrounds us in all forms... we can easily be drawn to evil... and even place ourselves in the pathway of temptations unknowingly.

I find it comes easy for our minds to "soak up" things that our flesh desires... it can come through media, news, movies, books and all forms of evil practices. And sometimes we can find ourselves in the presence of evil company. But... 

Do we separate ourselves from these worldly passions? 

Are we aware of God's HOLINESS... and desire that we be simple concerning things that are evil? 

Do we fear GOD? 

Do we tremble at His presence? 

Do we run from evil... and seek that which is good?

We can easily clutter our minds with things that harm...

However, we are to  be wise unto that which is GOOD. We are to know God's Word..., for it has power to heal and cleanse... and teaches us the way we ought to walk.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, 

and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 

2 Corinthians 6:17

"I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand...." Jeremiah 15:17

" Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 

2 Timothy 2:19

Yes, we are to live in this world...but we are not of the world. The Lord Jesus sent us out into the world... and His prayer was that we would be kept from evil (John 17). 

Oh, to be innocent concerning all that is evil,

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless(innocent) as doves.

 Matthew 10:16

So in my thoughts, I went to Psalm 101... a perfect guide... for the application of God's precepts.... to help us in our walk:

PSALM 101:

IN REGARDS TO OUR OBEDIENCE

• I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. 
• I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
• I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.
• I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
• A froward heart shall depart from me: 
• I will not know a wicked person.

IN REGARDS TO GOD'S JUDGEMENT ON DISOBEDIENCE

• Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:
• Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
• He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house
• He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

AND GOD'S PROMISES TO THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY

• Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: 
• He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Lord, I pray that  I would be wise in the things that are GOOD, RIGHTEOUS and HOLY... 

...  to be aware of Your presence in my life, to acknowledge Your holiness and purity, to flee from unrighteousness...

... and be FAITHFUL to You.

May you be encouraged today to hide God's Word in your heart... to be wise in that which is GOOD... and innocent concerning evil.

~Ellie

Let not your good be evil spoken of...

" Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify one another." Romans 14:19

Do you ever find yourself wanting to "change" another person? Do you see yourself nitpicking at others because of your own convictions? Maybe you desire that those you are concerned with " see the importance of being in the Light"... to know what is good and right...

... or maybe... you simply want them to turn away from evil.

You know, sometimes we tend to go "overboard"...by impugning our own rules on someone else, or simply pushing others to believe as we do, or nagging them to no end. And while we mean good, sometimes our attitudes bring about strife... and not peace. 

We forget that God is at the helm of every life... He does the work of salvation.. and He brings about true repentance. We are to seek peace and pursue it.

It was while reading through the book of Romans recently, that I thought upon my need to follow after righteousness, peace and joy... and not bring about strife.

" For he that in these things serveth Christ 

is acceptable to God and approved of men." 

Romans 14:18

I was yet again reminded of my need to reflect a bit on my own life... to see how my attitude, or my words or my deeds can make another person stumble. 

Do I act and do any thing that causes another... to stumble, to be offended or to be made weak? Do I let  the good that God has done... be evil spoken of ? 

I have to admit I don't ask these questions of myself as often as I should.  Sometimes I think I am so right, that I am blinded by my own "righteousness". 

O, Lord forgive my self righteousness! Help me to know Thee with simplicity and pureness of heart... that Christ might be exalted.

Make me to be holy in all manner of conversation... and may my deeds manifest YOUR working in me. May I not grieve or make another stumble because of my proud attitude... and bring shame to your name. 

" But if thy brother be grieved... now walkest thou not charitably?" 

Romans 14:15

And remind me not be a "clanging cymbal"... but rather, may your LOVE cover over all inadequacies. 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, 

I am become as sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal." 

1 Corinthians 13:1

May you be encouraged today to follow after righteousness, peace and joy ... in the Holy Ghost.(Romans 14:17)

~Ellie

... that the man of God be perfect...

" All scripture is given by inspiration of God... that the man of God be perfect, throughly furnished..." 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Do you ever find yourself failing... in your walk with God? In not manifesting the fruit of the Spirit... nor manifesting to others that you are a child of God?

Recently I was convicted of my wickedness through my words and deeds... idle/unkind words said at the expense of others... and even impatience, along with a disdainful look. Sometimes I am aware of my wrongful actions straightaway... other times I let it go for sometime, thinking nothing of it, only to feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit bringing my failings to my attention.

" Be ye therefore perfect, 

even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." 

Matthew 5:48

Striving for perfection. The ups and downs of our spiritual walk. " All things work together for good to them that love God..." Rom 8:28 

As I was acknowledging my sins before my Father, I was thankful for His forgiveness, for His love...

... a love that brought His Spirit in my life to convict me of sin... and guide me in all truth.

" ...because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts 

by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." 

Galatians 5:5

I thought about how the Lord tells us to be perfect, as He is perfect. 

Can we actually be perfect? 

Then the Lord showed me that His Spirit in us ... indeed is perfect. That is why we are to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit... (Romans 8).

So yes, the man of God may be perfect when we walk in the Spirit... For we are furnished unto all good works... made possible through ALL the scripture that is given by the inspiration of God. (2 Tim. 16,17)...

Oh, the magnitude and the power the WORD OF GOD has on our spiritual walk.

How important to know His Word... it does us good!

" ... do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? " 

Micah 2:7

I was so thankful for God's direction towards a verse that gave me much comfort after acknowledging my failings before Him.  It is the HOLY Spirit dwelling in me that continues to help me in my infirmities... 

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities..."

Romans 8:26

How precious the WORD... the comfort it gives us! 

Thank you Lord for your continual working in my life. Help me to lay aside that which displeases you. Help me cling to that which is good and perfect in YOUR sight.

May you hide God's word in your heart and walk in the Spirit... that you might not sin against Him.

~Ellie

Only TAKE HEED to thyself and keep thy SOUL diligently...

" For what nation is there so great, who hath GOD so nigh unto them, as the LORD our GOD is in ALL THINGS that we call upon him for? "

 Deuteronomy 4:7

Have you ever looked at a spider and its web? Have you seen the spider at work... diligently working the web ever so meticulously? Have you seen how the spider reacts when something foreign invades his "home"?

Recently while sitting near a large window I noticed the spider at work. A leaf fell in his web. Within seconds the spider appears to remove all form of "foreign invasion". Patiently he begins the removal of the foreign object that has attached itself in his web. The object is much bigger than he... 

But it's obvious to anyone watching the spider at work that it is of utmost importance for the spider to have the object removed. 

He diligently and patiently works. His web needs to be free of any danger to his "home". 

And what I noticed most is that within seconds the spider came to remove the foreign object... the leaf. 

I thought of our own lives. Our hearts... 

Are we like the spider that quickly removes all "foreign dangers" that can mar our hearts? Do we diligently keep our hearts free from any form of danger that can infiltrate our souls and make us useless for the kingdom of GOD... and hinders us to grow?

Do we quickly put aside all form of  "dangers"... before they can debilitate us? 

Dangers can come in all forms... bitterness, jealousy, slander, pride, malice, hypocrisy.  

" Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, 

And hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings..."

1 Peter 2:1

But it can also be what we put in our hearts... through what we see/read/hear. Dangers from wrong books, movies, music.etc...

"Be sober, be vigilant;

 Because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, 

Walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 

1 Peter 5:8

Our God has instructed us, through HIS righteous WORD... to guard our hearts. Diligently.

" Keep thy heart with all diligence, 

For out of it are the issues of life."

Proverbs 4:23

We are always to be on the alert.  And we have a GREAT GOD who is near us when we call. 

What an awesome privilege to have the GOD of heaven act on our behalf.... even when dangers come our way.

" When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, 

Even in the latter days, 

If thou turn to the LORD thy GOD, 

And shalt be obedient unto HIS voice; 

For the LORD thy GOD is a MERCIFUL God; 

HE will not forsake thee... " 

Deuteronomy 4:30,31

And so I was grateful for the little glimpse in the world of the spider... a different outlook than I would otherwise see.  

Marvelous are God's reminders...

May you be reminded today to guard your heart from evil.... and may you have victory through HIS power that can set us free.

~Ellie

Create in me a clean heart, O God ....

"... God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Matthew 22:32

Lately I've been contemplating what it means to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. What it means to be humble. What it means to be clean on the inside. What it means to have mercy and faith. And above all, what it means to have Christ as your master...

" For one is your master, even Christ." 

Matthew 23:8

Maybe all this stemmed from a recent visit to a group of people that take pride in their "cleanliness"... and having "orderliness" as a top priority. Lots of rules and regulations. I suppose there's really nothing wrong in being clean, it's a wonderful trait to have. But as I visited these people I was burdened. Can outwardly cleanliness count for anything in God's kingdom? Does it count for eternity? 

How are we, as followers of Christ, able to shine clean in a world of "filth"? Filth being sin, and all things unclean.   Well, I needed to go to the WORD... to find God's answers.

The gospel of Matthew relates Jesus' condemnation of those being clean on the outside and failing to apply cleanliness on the inside. 

" Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, 

But within they are full of extortion and excess. " 

Matthew 23:25

The Lord sure is direct! How often we make ourselves look good so that others may see our "righteousness".   

We can easily "pay" the tithe... whatever it may be that requires us to "look good". But we forget what counts most in God's eyes... judgement, mercy and faith.

"  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, 

But within ye are full of hypocrisy, and iniquity." 

Matthew 23:28

So as I was reading through the chapter in Matthew, I stopped a bit to evaluate my own life. How do I live for Christ? Do I worry about man's view of me? Or do I care about being clean before God?

If Christ is alive in me, then I too shall live... no longer for myself, or the world around me... but for the ONE who died for me. And if Christ be my master, the greatest amongst us(also a servant), then I too am called to follow in His steps.... to walk humbly, to show mercy, to be guided by Him in all things. No boasting in my own abilities...

What assurance to know that His blood has cleansed me from the filth and dross of sin. Great is God's power to cleanse! 

His cleansing, not my own... 

And so I delight in the wonderful work of God on my behalf... the joy of being clean within, by the power of His blood.

" Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: 

Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." 

Psalm 51:7

May you know the real meaning of being clean... and shine for HIM.  

  

~Ellie

The effectual FERVENT prayer of a RIGHTEOUS man availeth much....

" Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." 

Ephesians 6:18

Sometimes the power of prayer has to be seen in our own lives before we can truly embrace it as a means to intercede for others.  

Have you ever cried unto the LORD... and been heard? Have you ever experienced someone else's prayer being answered on your behalf? 

Prayer. What a powerful tool. A privilege. A means to glorify the Father through the Son:

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." 

John 14 :13 

This past week I was again reminded of God's mercy in answering our prayers. A mother's prayer on behalf of someone who was sick. How in a matter of hours God graciously answered and healed.... My mother's faith in her heavenly Father was unwavering. It was fervent.

The effectual fervent prayer brought about a miracle... seen before my very eyes. My loved one healed... when all else looked dim.

I praised God for His love that brought me to realize how important it is to persevere with supplication for all saints. 

We have a MIGHTY God who desires that we glorify HIM... not ourselves. No pride, no glory for our works.... but all praise be unto HIS name. 

 How much the Lord desires that we go before Him ... with a HUMBLE and a CONTRITE heart. 

We need to lay aside all pride. ALL.

For as long as we come before God with pride, we won't have our prayers answered. Did you know that? 

" ... HE respecteth NOT ANY that are wise of heart." 

Job 37:24 

If the LORD JESUS became of no reputation, shouldn't we?

Lord, help me to put aside all manner of pride and evil from my life... that the FATHER may be glorified.

" Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocricies, and envies, and all evil speakings." 

1 Peter 2:1

May you persevere in prayer on behalf of the saints... and glorify the Father through faith in the Son.        

~Ellie

Come Ye, and let us walk in the LIGHT of the LORD...

" Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; 

Cease to do evil; Learn to do well..." Isaiah 1: 16-17

These past few days I've been meditating on a few verses in the book of Isaiah. Having just started reading through the first chapter, I found God's holiness and just character displayed in such powerful words. And it made me think...

God tells us how tired He is of our vain oblations(or offerings). He's tired of our ritual sacrifices that have no meaning to Him. He's tired of our prayers before Him... our "sacrifices" are iniquity before Him.

" Bring no more vain oblations... the new moons and sabbaths... it is iniquity. Appointed feasts my soul hateth, they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. When you make many prayers I will not hear them. Your hands are full of blood." 

Isaiah 1:13-15

The words sound harsh. God doesn't want to hear us. He doesn't want our sacrifices.

When reading through the chapter, I thought how easily we can go over these words. It doesn't pertain to us. It's the Lord's judgement on Judah.  

But no. It pertains to us as well. To me.

How many times we fall in the trap of doing things... for traditions sake, to appease our conscience, or because certain things are required of us. And our heart is not in it. We go to church, because we "have to". We read our bibles because we "need to".  We offer our services because it is "required" of us.

But God  knows our hearts. 

Do we truly honor God with our sacrifices... or are they merely a cover-up.

And then I read further. God doesn't require too much of us. He just wants us to cease from doing evil.... and learn to do well.

Learn to do well. 

How do we learn? I immediately thought of the verse in Matthew:

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart... "

Matthew 11:29

What a beautiful example to follow. The Lord Jesus Christ. Humble. Lowly. Meek.

Interestingly God doesn't require pompous sacrifices. He desires that we be humble before Him. That we put away evil. 

"... but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my WORD." Isaiah 66:2

Oh, Lord make us humble. Help us to walk in the light of your WORD.

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." 

Isaiah 1:19 

May you be encouraged to learn of Him... to walk in obedience to His word.

  

~ Ellie