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Illumination

Who doesn’t love the bright morning sun on a clear crisp autumn day! The rays of sunshine illuminating the colored leaves of red, orange, and gold with an intense blue sky for a backdrop. Even on a cool fall day, the warmth of the sun heals the body and lifts our countenance. 

The beauty found in God’s creation is a reminder of the Creator himself. The way the light dances and sparkles amongst the autumn leaves brings to mind the Bible verse found in John 8:12 when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

In Luke 11:34-35 we are told, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” Jesus Christ is the only way to fill our hearts, minds, and lives with the Light of life. Only through redemption in Christ, can our body be filled with the gift of Light. In John 14:6, “Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Once we accept the gift of salvation, His Light shines through us. This is life changing now, and for all eternity to come! 1 Peter 2:9 says, “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 into his wonderful light.”

When someone is walking closely with Christ, there is something attractively different about them. They offer the hope of Jesus and walk confidently, with a sense of peace, even in the midst of turmoil. Being led by the Holy Spirit, and abiding in Him, they share God’s truth in word and deed. They are intentional, putting others before themselves. They are warm and welcoming, and people feel loved upon after an interaction with them.

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” As light illuminates leaves on an autumn day, bringing beauty and brilliance to its onlookers, so can we. When we have the Light that comes from a relationship with Jesus, others should see that. Psalm 18:28 says, “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Praise the Lord for His wonderful Light!

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” Luke 11:34-35

“Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“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 into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

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Breakthrough!

Every spring I look forward to the blossom of the gorgeous orange tiger lily! When I see the buds hanging down among the fresh greenery, I get excited about what is to come. It takes weeks from the time I first see the buds, until there are blossoms. During that time, with each trail run, I anticipate the day that I round that turn, and see that burst of brilliance. For what a sight it is to behold. Such beauty! When I see the beauty of the blossom I have been waiting for, it reminds me of how we wait upon the Lord for breakthroughs in our lives. 

Have you endured a hardship in life? If you have suffered a loss, had health challenges, an addiction, been in an abusive relationship, or what have you that jolted or broke you, be encouraged in the hope of healing found in and through a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Jesus is the Bridge to a relationship with God. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”He is our Savior. The One who heals. He is Rescuer, Redeemer, Restorer, and Renewer of our souls. He is our Advocate, Counselor, and Great Physician. He is Rest for the weary. He gives us strength when we think we have none. He heals all the broken places in our hearts, minds, and bodies. He makes us whole.

Whatever your hurt, disappointment, or challenge may be, I encourage you to bring it to the feet of Jesus and lay it down. Give yourself and your problems fully to Him. Let go of the burden and walk in the freedom Jesus Christ offers. He is always available, always near to the brokenhearted. Be of a contrite spirit and forgiving of others, and He will forgive your sins. Ask of Him, as He is always ready to ease your pain, release you of what binds you, and set you free. So may we be steadfast in prayer and, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

As you walk closely with Jesus, fresh growth and buds of new life will begin to form within you. And as you prayerfully seek the Lord and wait upon Him, you will begin to anticipate that blossom, waiting for that move of God. Then, one day, to your surprise, it will happen. You will round that corner and you will see that burst of brilliance in your life! That BREAKTHROUGH you have been waiting for! It will be a beautiful sight and moment to behold, and your life will never be the same. Praise the Lord!

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”-Psalm 34:18

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” -Psalm 147:3

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” -Matthew 6:14

Thank you for reading my blog. If you enjoyed this post, please use the share buttons at the bottom of the page instead of doing a copy and paste. All rights reserved by copyright. Thank you. Blessings to you!💛