Matthew 6:22-23
“Your eyes are windows into your body.
If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with
light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a
dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life
you will have!"
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
According to information on
MayoClinic.com, “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of
depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at
about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD,
your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months,
sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes
depression in the spring or early summer. The reduced level of sunlight
in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight
may disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to feelings of
depression.”
I’m pretty sure my maternal grandmother had a form
of SAD. Cloudy and rainy days were terrible for her all throughout the
year. She was miserable on these days. For her, the darkness outside -
and in her house - transferred to a darkness on the inside. And while I
have always been able to find plenty to do on a rainy day, I will admit
that as I’ve gotten older, I notice a definite mood shift when the sun
returns after several days of clouds and rain. Indeed, the Mayo Clinic
website says that…”Treatment for SAD may include light therapy
(phototherapy).”
Clearly there is something to all of this.
Scripture tells us that when we allow darkness to creep into our lives,
we make room for the devil to fill our hearts and minds with his own
brand of darkness – and sin. When we get mired down in gossip…hatred
and discrimination…apathy and indifference…fear…mistreatment and abuse
of others…and selfishness, we leave no room for the light of Christ.
This can lead to a really sad and miserable existence…and a “dark life”
in every sense of the word.
So pull the blinds…raise the
curtains…and fill your heart and mind with the bright Light of Christ.
Focus on Jesus and the joy and blessings that result from keeping Him at
the forefront of everything you think, say, and do. Make His mission
yours…and leave no room for the darkness of the devil. Let the Light of
Christ keep your “spiritual clock” running smoothly and without
disruption. He’s “good medicine” for what ails us! Will this be the
day you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label walk in the Light of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walk in the Light of Christ. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2015
Psalm 119:105-112
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 28, 2015
Psalm 119:103-105
Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been sewing for the kids for Easter…a dress and matching pants for Zola, t-shirts with pockets in a coordinating fabric for the boys. Everywhere I turn in my sewing room, there are lights. There is bright fluorescent light overhead…a bright LED light on my sewing machine, and another bright bulb on my serger. Even my iron has a light that tells me when the device is turned on – and blinks when the iron has been left unattended for more than a few minutes! I cannot imagine trying to sew without these lights. Well, okay…I guess I could do without the light on the iron – or could I?!
Without a strong light source, many daily tasks would be virtually impossible. And so it is with God. If we do not have His “Light source” – Jesus Christ – there are a lot of things that will always loom just beyond our grasp…like true joy, peace, comfort, wisdom, and courage. If our hearts are not illuminated with the “Light” of the Holy Spirit, we will never experience an understanding of what it means to belong fully to God.
Someone told me recently that there are those who teach and preach God’s grace and love…but really do not feed us the scriptures. They do not give us doctrine and Biblical instruction. My reply was that until one understands the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ…until the LIGHT of His passion – and compassion – for each of us fills our hearts and minds, we will not hear the teachings of the scriptures. They will hold no meaning for us – at least not to the extent that God intends.
My message to you today is that God loves you…far beyond what you could ever imagine and in spite of anything you might have ever thought, said, or done. GOD LOVES YOU…so much that He sent Jesus to light the way for you to find Him. GOD LOVES YOU…so much that He allowed Jesus to die for your sins - and then gave you His Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart. God wants His word and will for your life to be sweeter than honey…He wants you to understand how perfect His plans and promises are for each of us.
I cannot imagine what my sewing projects would look like if I created them in the dark…and I don’t even want to think about what my life would look like without the Light of Christ! Won’t you fully embrace His Light for yourself and walk in His ways? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been sewing for the kids for Easter…a dress and matching pants for Zola, t-shirts with pockets in a coordinating fabric for the boys. Everywhere I turn in my sewing room, there are lights. There is bright fluorescent light overhead…a bright LED light on my sewing machine, and another bright bulb on my serger. Even my iron has a light that tells me when the device is turned on – and blinks when the iron has been left unattended for more than a few minutes! I cannot imagine trying to sew without these lights. Well, okay…I guess I could do without the light on the iron – or could I?!
Without a strong light source, many daily tasks would be virtually impossible. And so it is with God. If we do not have His “Light source” – Jesus Christ – there are a lot of things that will always loom just beyond our grasp…like true joy, peace, comfort, wisdom, and courage. If our hearts are not illuminated with the “Light” of the Holy Spirit, we will never experience an understanding of what it means to belong fully to God.
Someone told me recently that there are those who teach and preach God’s grace and love…but really do not feed us the scriptures. They do not give us doctrine and Biblical instruction. My reply was that until one understands the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ…until the LIGHT of His passion – and compassion – for each of us fills our hearts and minds, we will not hear the teachings of the scriptures. They will hold no meaning for us – at least not to the extent that God intends.
My message to you today is that God loves you…far beyond what you could ever imagine and in spite of anything you might have ever thought, said, or done. GOD LOVES YOU…so much that He sent Jesus to light the way for you to find Him. GOD LOVES YOU…so much that He allowed Jesus to die for your sins - and then gave you His Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart. God wants His word and will for your life to be sweeter than honey…He wants you to understand how perfect His plans and promises are for each of us.
I cannot imagine what my sewing projects would look like if I created them in the dark…and I don’t even want to think about what my life would look like without the Light of Christ! Won’t you fully embrace His Light for yourself and walk in His ways? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 2, 2015
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
When our Lord Jesus returns, we will be gathered up to meet him. So I ask you, my friends, not to be easily upset or disturbed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this directly from the Holy Spirit, or from someone else, or even that they read it in one of our letters. But don’t be fooled! People will rebel against God. Then before the Lord returns, the wicked one who is doomed to be destroyed will appear.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late 2014, the movie Left Behind* debuted. The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele, an airline pilot who discovers that the Rapture has come while he was in flight - and he was “left behind”, along with his daughter and countless others. In the blink of an eye, Steele’s wife and son – both born-again Christians - were carried to heaven with others who professed a belief in Jesus Christ. We’ve not seen the movie yet…but we did read all of the books in the “Left Behind” series…and I assume that the film depicts the chaos that ensues as people try to cope with what happens after millions of people suddenly vanish into thin air.
I enjoyed reading the “Left Behind” series, written by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. I found the story to be an interesting “take” on the Book of Revelation and what could happen when things are put into motion for the Second Coming of Christ. I know several people who devote a lot of time to studying “end times” and Bible prophecy. They put a lot of stock in signs and symbols…and turn things like beautiful “blood moons” into a warning that “Doomsday” is upon us!
Again, I do not discount the prophecy of the Bible – nor do I condemn those who express such an interest in these things. At the same time, I do not operate in fear and worry over when Jesus will return…and what this “sign” or that means. I would rather enjoy the beautiful red moon rises that God gives us than worry about whether they signal “the beginning of the End!” In the words of the Apostle Paul…I am content to go or stay.
Sadly, a lot of Christians have become more concerned with worrying about “end times” than in living for Jesus now! If you know where you are headed…and Who you serve…your interest in the “Doomsday” message should be limited to a mere passing glance. This doesn’t mean that we should argue with those who worry. But since we don’t plan on being “left behind”…we needn’t be bothered by their talk. Focus on demonstrating your faith and confidence in Jesus…enjoy reading this series of books if you wish – and seeing the movie…and serve as a walking example of the Light of Christ.
In Psalm 16:11, we read…”You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” It’s time we stopped worrying about the future and started living in the nearness of Jesus. He is HERE…He is by our side. Let’s serve him with a joyful and peaceful heart this year. Let’s make this the year that worry and fear are “left behind”.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467046/
When our Lord Jesus returns, we will be gathered up to meet him. So I ask you, my friends, not to be easily upset or disturbed by people who claim that the Lord has already come. They may say that they heard this directly from the Holy Spirit, or from someone else, or even that they read it in one of our letters. But don’t be fooled! People will rebel against God. Then before the Lord returns, the wicked one who is doomed to be destroyed will appear.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late 2014, the movie Left Behind* debuted. The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele, an airline pilot who discovers that the Rapture has come while he was in flight - and he was “left behind”, along with his daughter and countless others. In the blink of an eye, Steele’s wife and son – both born-again Christians - were carried to heaven with others who professed a belief in Jesus Christ. We’ve not seen the movie yet…but we did read all of the books in the “Left Behind” series…and I assume that the film depicts the chaos that ensues as people try to cope with what happens after millions of people suddenly vanish into thin air.
I enjoyed reading the “Left Behind” series, written by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. I found the story to be an interesting “take” on the Book of Revelation and what could happen when things are put into motion for the Second Coming of Christ. I know several people who devote a lot of time to studying “end times” and Bible prophecy. They put a lot of stock in signs and symbols…and turn things like beautiful “blood moons” into a warning that “Doomsday” is upon us!
Again, I do not discount the prophecy of the Bible – nor do I condemn those who express such an interest in these things. At the same time, I do not operate in fear and worry over when Jesus will return…and what this “sign” or that means. I would rather enjoy the beautiful red moon rises that God gives us than worry about whether they signal “the beginning of the End!” In the words of the Apostle Paul…I am content to go or stay.
Sadly, a lot of Christians have become more concerned with worrying about “end times” than in living for Jesus now! If you know where you are headed…and Who you serve…your interest in the “Doomsday” message should be limited to a mere passing glance. This doesn’t mean that we should argue with those who worry. But since we don’t plan on being “left behind”…we needn’t be bothered by their talk. Focus on demonstrating your faith and confidence in Jesus…enjoy reading this series of books if you wish – and seeing the movie…and serve as a walking example of the Light of Christ.
In Psalm 16:11, we read…”You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” It’s time we stopped worrying about the future and started living in the nearness of Jesus. He is HERE…He is by our side. Let’s serve him with a joyful and peaceful heart this year. Let’s make this the year that worry and fear are “left behind”.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467046/
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