Beloved, studying God’s word this week left me inspired and encouraged. I realized last weekend that I was falling into the trap of complaining about my job. Sometimes, an old habit will creep back into a routine. So, instead of complaining, I decided to make the best of the hours I had to work. I remained thankful that I had a position, that I had the training to do the job, and God was blessing me. Do you struggle with complaining at work, or home?
Even when things are upside down in your life, God is with you. Do you know of anyone who has been persecuted for being a Christian? Recently a young missionary and his wife were killed in Haiti, her father was Missouri State Representative Ben Baker. Tragedy can strike anywhere and anytime. You see, sweet friend, we are not immune to the struggles of life.
In our verse Jesus, light of the world, said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” John 8:12
In the beginning of the Bible, the first thing created was light. According to the internet, light is responsible for many things.
- It warms the Earth and drives global weather patterns.
- It initiates the life-sustaining process of photosynthesis.
- Through the sense of sight, light allows us to perceive the world and communicate.
- It has shaped the structure of the universe.
- Millions of years ago, light from the Sun triggered the chemical reactions that led to the development of life on Earth.
- Light provides energy for life on Earth.
- Light impacts human physiology and psyche.
- It plays a crucial role in various biological processes in our body.
This week in studying Revelation 1, the description of Jesus is so powerful.
Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man,[p] dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading[q] waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength.”
Do you see the light mentioned? His face was shining like the sun at full strength.
No matter what your situation, Jesus is the light. Remember you are loved with an everlasting love.
Here is a sweet poem from my friend Karen to emphasize the light and life:
“ORCHARD BLOSSOMS”
Karen L. Clark
Blossoming Orchard
Full of God’s Grace
They grow toward the Light
To seek our God’s face.
They look to His Light
They grow strong and tall
His Love, it flows through them
Then shines out to All.
Storms, they will come
Winds, they will blow
But because of His Love
God’s children will grow.
Growing and Glowing
The blossoms bear fruit
Many will come
They will be in pursuit.
For the work of our Lord
From the Orchard of Light
The blossoms of God
That were grown in His sight.
Note: God’s people are the blossoms of God
Nourished by His love when the look to His Light.
posted by permission of Karen L. Clark 8/2024
Summary
God is love and the light of the world who gave us Jesus.
