Stepping into the Light
Recently my mom got up at 3:00 am to go to the bathroom. She decided to put on her shoes instead of going barefoot. After pushing her shoes from near the nightstand to where she could put them on by the bedside, she made a mistake and put her shoes on the wrong feet. With some nightlight, she couldn’t see the shoes well. They didn’t feel different at first, but while taking a first step, she suddenly lost her balance and crashed into her closet across from the bed. She’s all bruised up with a fractured tailbone due to the impact, but with time, she should heal.
When I take steps into a new day without having my feet “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15 KJV), I am at risk of also falling. The impact of falling and crashing could cause damage to my witness for Jesus and leave me with lasting issues. My choice of words and my attitude will be directed by what I’ve read in the Bible or by what I didn’t read. Reading The Word and praying prepares me for the day.
It’s all about taking time to find God’s Word and let the illumination begin.
When do you find God’s Word?
“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 199:105 ESV
When do I need a light? When I’m in the dark. The darkness with just a little light causes confusion. Like my mom who confused the right shoe with the left, we can step into our day with our minds not prepared then fall, damaging our heart and body. Reading God’s Word and meditating on its message will allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding and guide us into all truth.
Where do you get your nourishment?
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.” Jerimiah 15:16
Jeremiah not only found God’s word but he ate it which gave him joy and delighted his heart. Joy and delight appear to be consequences of Jeremiah experiencing God’s Word.
It can be easy to skip a Quiet Time before God before our days begin due to all the things that have to be done. Whether it’s making breakfast, getting kids off to school or just getting ourselves ready, we need to build in time to read and meditate on the Bible. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV) It doesn’t take long for God’s Word to wake me up and provide just the right and powerful message for me, but I have to take time to read it.
I take in information from social media and news outlets, but often, the consequence of spending too much time there leads me to a feeling of despair. The facts are facts, but my faith can be built up if I get my nourishment each day from the Bible. Jesus said that his words are Spirit and life. We must choose to eat the words that he has created for our bodies and minds and receive joy and delight from them.
What are you called?
Jeremiah was known as Jehovah’s man. He knew who he was and aligned his actions to his calling. He spent time with God and God gave him the words to share with Israel.
I have believed on Jesus as my Savior. He rescued me from the curse of sin through his death on the cross. I am called a Christian because of my faith in Jesus and love for him. As a result, I must also get my daily dose of faith building words from God. As I read and meditate on God’s word, I then pray the Word of God and allign my daily goals to his grand design for my life.
My Challenge to you
If you are a believer in Jesus, I challenge you to remind yourself of the importance of not placing anything above God’s Word. We are called by his name and will have the joy that only the Holy Spirit can provide. Joy in the hard times. Joy in the dark. Joy in the light. His Word can be found if we will take the time to open the Bible and hear what God wants to say to us. Our confusion and anxious thoughts will be calmed when we focus on the Light of the World, Jesus. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
Instead of falling into temptation, open the Bible.
Instead of tripping on the opinions of social media influencers and news, listen to God’s opinion. I’d like to remind you that he loves you. He has chosen you and values you so much that he died in your place to take away your sin and mine.
If you’ve never by faith accepted Jesus as your Savior from sin, please take a moment and ask him to forgive you of sin and come to live in your heart. His Holy Spirit will instantly reside in your heart by faith in Jesus. Having his presence in my life has been the best decision of my life. I hope you will consider this challenge. I am praying for you. Please let me know you’ve prayed a prayer in the comments below. Get a Bible and begin to read the truths found in it. I love to read about the life of Jesus in the first four books of the New Testament. God will meet you there.
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