When we were kids, my brother and I often camped out on the front deck of our three-acre yard. In the California foothills, the sky is clear at night. You can see the stars without the obstruction of any phone lines or city pollution. We liked to count how many moving objects we could find in a single night, counting everything from comet tails to satellites to bat wings. (Not to boast or anything, but we came out at forty-eight one summer.)
Occasionally, our parents would come outside looking for an answer to a question, flipping on the flood lamp. Whenever this happened, the game was up. The expanse of stars in our sky theater evaporated by the intrusion of the light’s yellow glare. Only on evenings when our parents stayed in the house (where they belonged) could we experience the grandeur of counting stars.
While we didn’t want a flood lamp exposing the darkness of our enchanted night sky, Ephesians urges us to expose real darkness—more specifically, the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). The Lord we worship is light. He is untainted by evil, and “there is absolutely no darkness in him” (1John 1:5). As people of the Lord, we are called to live as children of the light (Ephesians 5:8). Scripture says that the fruit of the light “consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (v.9). This begs me to ask the question: What darkness in my own life needs exposing in order to bear this fruit?
Usually, works of darkness in my own life don’t look malicious. I’m not prowling around like a storybook villain, slashing down opera-house chandeliers or injuring my father-in-law. Most days, I look like a pretty decent human. But our external appearance is only the tip of the iceberg, right? We’re called to look inwardly, a little deeper (okay, a lot deeper), and discover what hidden or disguised sin might be harming ourselves and others. Most likely, I’m already aware of certain places where lies have been given a microphone or destructive behavioral patterns have persisted. But there are even deeper shadowlands that disrupt our intimacy with Christ that may not be as evident at first. This is why we must ask the Spirit to convict us. God is always faithful to shed light on the darkness.
“Get up, sleeper,” says the author of Ephesians. “Rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). By exposing the darkness, we will experience the fruit of light. Christ and His attributes will shine on and through us. I’ll ask myself the question again, and I encourage you in the same reflective practice: What darkness in my own life needs to be exposed so that I’m free to bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and love in Christ?
Leave a Reply
87 thoughts on "Light Versus Darkness"
❤️
Dear Shes
Brings to mind a favorite quote from writer Madeleine L’Engle:
“We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them they are wrong and how right we are, but by showing them a light so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it”.
He is the Wellspring.
Amen & Amen
Gwineth,
I love this! How right! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful Gwineth, thank you
This is a beautiful, true thought. Thank you for sharing
I love this! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Love this, and needed to be reminded of this! Thank you for posting it!
This! This is as far as I got in the comment section yesterday. First one and it was perfect.
Happy Friday shes,
Darkness vs. Light. God is light, and anything that is not of Him is darkness. Birds of the same feathers flock together. May we yoke with God so that His light so shines in us and through us. There was darkness in my life, and even when it left, there remains this big void that I carry. At certain point I was deceived and mistaken darkness for light. I embraced darkness thinking it was love for the desperation to be loved. But God came and exposed such counterfeit after all these years. Who can see their own errors? “Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.” Psalm 19:12-13.
Lifting prayers to our Abba, the GREAT I AM…
@MIA FAITH: for your son and his divorce, may grace abound to heal and to overcome.
@EILEEN DOWD: wisdom in decision, grace for commitment and strength in serving
@THEBESTISYETTOCOME: for your court today, may the Lord’s will be done with favors for you.
@KRIS: God’s comfort and joy as you saw your son off. Transition is hard and I get the blues as well.
@SHARON JG: Jeff’s treatments to resume without any disruptions, total healing be his portion.
@SEARCHING: good and deep sleep, much energy as you meet with the elderly family member, successful procedure for pain management.
@TRICIA C: energy to go through the day, and more good sleep tonight. Loved your insight today!
Prayers over the school shooting in Georgia. May the Lord protect our children from exposure to violence, aggressiveness in behaviors, any demonic open gates to demonic contents online or social media, or from any hidden source, that got hold of the children, let all be broken in Jesus’ Name. Father, bless the children with a gentle spirit that they can walk in love, kindness, gentleness toward their school environment. Heal them of any deep rooted anger and hurt.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen. Let it be so, Lord.
Pondering darkness and light God brought to my mind this thought:
Darkness = Absence of Light
Death =Absence of Life
Evil = Absence of Good.
His Presence dispels all Darkness, Death and Evil.
Oh, Lord, please be present in my life and reveal the darkness in my heart that I may confess it and be forgiven. Amen
I LOVE this!!! Thank you for sharing!! ❤️
I too pray that any darkness in my life will be exposed by God. That He will direct my paths. That I will not be pulled off to the sidelines into darkness.
Hey Traci
Love the way you put what happens…
“pulled off to the sidelines into darkness”.
Let’s keep pushing back to the light!
I wanted to comment on yesterday. I really like fashion. Always have since I was a little girl. I remember going to church and thinking I need to change, to downplay. I didn’t feel like myself. I dress the way I do because it is an expression. I was a hairstylist for 25 years. It is something I truly enjoy. Not trying to outdo or impress anyone.BUT I also don’t want to feel judged by anyone either.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV
The relationship we have with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is all light. There is no darkness in them.
Our sin is what gives us the darkness.
Help me today Lord to be aware of the shadows , to not be complacent in allowing them to hang over me. Confession is our highway to everlasting fellowship in the Spirit
I love Bailey’s devo and appreciate her challenge. I also love all of your comments about being a light. My observation today took a different turn, though as I read Bailey’s disappointment when her parents turned on the flood light. Instead of disappointment, I felt JOY in thinking of how bright our little lights shine in the darkness of this world, but oh what JOY (golden joy, TINA) when Christ comes again and HIS
LIGHT shines so bright it dims our lights!!! Beautiful imagery to me this morning!
~
Years ago I loved playing the video game based on The Lion King. There was one level that I dreaded, however, and did not enjoy! That level was ‘the shadow lands’. I had to be very alert and quick to make it through. Still creeps me out thinking about it now 30 years later!
~
I was reminded of an old hymn, but couldn’t find the lyrics online. I found a song I haven’t heard, though, and thought I would share partial lyrics to it- song by Thomas Rhett, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban, Hilary Scott, and Reba McIntire:
In a world full of hate,
be a light
When you do somebody wrong,
make it right
Don’t hide in the dark,
you were born to shine
In a world full of hate,
BE A LIGHT
(caps mine) ~
Love, hugs, and prayers as we enter the weekend! ❤
❤️
Great insights everyone! Holy Spirit reveal to me areas of darkness in my life. I repent of these before even knowing them. I know I need work. Help me to take captive every thought that is not pleasing to you. Soften my heart and humble my heart in repentance to you. Help me to be watchful over my thoughts and words. May my words build up and encourage not tear down.
Praying for all of you! Have a blessed day. Especially praying for all the families affected by this senseless shooting.
Speaking of light and darkness, while my son was here, we strung a short strand of red Christmas lights down the basement steps so he could see to get down to his room. (the light switch for the regular bulb is at the top of the stairs and you’d have to walk back up to turn it off) The little red bulb were enough to illuminate the steps so he wouldn’t stumble. It doesn’t take a lot of light to make a huge difference. Those little night lights aren’t very bright, but they sure make a difference if you’re trying to find your way around in the dark. We don’t have to be gaudy and blindingly glaring to make a difference. Sometimes a soft glow is more comforting and peaceful. To the dark world, we can let our light be comforting and peaceful.
I like this way of looking at the light!
❤️❤️
Love this!
I wrote this in my Bible by the Matthew passage…”we were dead in our sins, despite being made in God’s image.. We lost His light. But now b/c of Christ, we are on fire. We are now the light of the World, as He was, we are. We must shine our light so that others see our good works and get lit too! They’ll glorify the Source – our Creator God!
Erica,
I love that! Thank you for sharing!
I am reminded of the song Steve Green:
We’re pilgrims on the journey
of the narrow road,
and those who’ve gone before us
line the way.
cheering on the faithful,
encouraging the weary,
their lives a stirring testament
to god’s sustaining grace.
o may all who come behind us
find us faithful,
may the fire of our devotion
light their way.
may the footprints that we leave,
lead them to believe,
and the lives we live
inspire them to obey.
o may all who come behind us
find us faithful.
Susan,
Brought back memories! Thank you for sharing!
I’m feeling a little down today, quiet, alone. I dropped my son off at the airport yesterday, he is in flight now on his way back to New Zealand. Its cloudy and rainy here in Northern Michigan today, so that doesn’t help. But God clearly wants me to know I am not alone, He is always with me. Maybe this is a good time to reconnect with Him, to spend some quality time with Him that I haven’t done in the past few months. The quiet in my house should be a reminder to run to the Father who is right there waiting for me.
Yes, it sounds like a good time to turn to God and seek His comfort. Hugs to you sweet sister
❤️
We talk a lot about this at our house – darkness and light. When I become discouraged by all of the darkness in our world, my husband reminds me that “light shines the brightest in darkness.” So true, right? If you turn on a flashlight during a bright, sunny day, it joins the other light and is indistinguishable. But when you turn on a flashlight in pitch darkness, it is not only noticeable, it is also a comfort, safety, and draws people (and bugs) to it. We are living in a dark, dark world that is only getting darker. Christians NEED to be the light even more than ever. People are longing for it. I want to shine the light of Jesus in this dark, dark world. But I am reminded today that not everyone appreciates light. Some prefer darkness. Because their hearts are evil. Evil and wickedness prefer to stay in the dark where no one can see what they are doing. Because of that, when light comes near, they attack and lash out. They try to snuff out the light. To turn it off. How many times do we give into that? Afraid to shine the light of Jesus because others criticize or throw hatred towards us. But we are commanded to be the light. Don’t be afraid to let your light (through Christ) shine in the darkness, no matter how much hatred you receive.
From HRT: God has saved us from the darkness, but the command to live as children of the light calls us to shine the light of Christ in a dark world.
Yes! Isn’t it true? It can be so difficult sometimes, but even our little light can make a difference to someone.
Happy Friday sweet She’s! Had written a long comment but got erased! Oh well……
Bailey’s last sentence is exactly what I needed to hear this morning.
Today’s devotional reminded me of two songs. I’ll post them in separate comments.
The first is Wake Up Sleeper from Austin French:
Thank God for the daylight
I spent a long time in the dark
Felt good saying goodbye
Waking up to a brand new heart
And if you’re sleeping like I used to be
In a grave that holds you tight
There’s a Savior calling
Promising a brand new life
He’s saying
Wake up sleeper
Open your eyes
Oh sinner, arise
Leave your past at the door
Wake up sleeper
Come to the light
Christ is alive
Death don’t live here anymore
Death don’t live here anymore
I bet you like that freedom
I bet you like your new name
Oh, welcome to the kingdom
Yeah, we all feel that way
So if you see somebody sleeping like
The way you used to be
Tell ’em ’bout the Savior
And a little thing called free
Go ahead and say
Wake up sleeper
Open your eyes
Oh sinner, arise
Leave your past at the door
Wake up sleeper
Come to the light
Christ is alive
Death don’t live here anymore
Rise up and come out of that grave
Rise up in that amazing grace
Oh sleeper, won’t you come awake
Come awake
Rise up and come out of that grave
Rise up in that amazing grace
Oh sleeper, won’t you come awake
Come awake
Wake up sleeper
Open your eyes
Oh sinner, arise
Leave your past at the door
Wake up sleeper
Come to the light
Christ is alive
Death don’t live here anymore
Rise up and come out of that grave
Rise up in that amazing grace
Oh sleeper, won’t you come awake
Come awake
Rise up and come out of that grave
Rise up in that amazing grace
Oh sleeper, won’t you come awake
Come awake
A much needed reminder to walk in the light of Christ. We can never be reminded enough.
————————
Search me O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
————————-
It is so humbling, yet comforting to know that God knows the depths of my heart, yet He loves me the same.
—————————
Continued prayers please for Jeff’s treatments. They have been going well but this week the office canceled on him 2 times because the machine was down.
—————————
Saw the production “Daniel” last night at Sight & Sound – it was amazing! …now I’m inspired to not only read Daniel, but also Jeremiah & Ezekiel!!
————————-
Praying for all your requests. Have a blessed day sweet sisters, May we all walk in the love I light of Jesus today! ❤️
Praying for Jeff, Sharon!
Praying for Jeff
Hugs to you
Praying for new or repaired equipment to get things rolling fir Jeff and patience for you both as you wait! ❤
I need some help with discernment friends. I have a patient whose house is horribly unsanitary, to the point where me and the other therapist have considered discharging for our own safety. I have felt this nudge to help her, but it’s too big of a job for me and if I’m honest I was only considering cleaning the two hard wood floor rooms that we are in mostly. She was going out for surgery this week and I was planning on doing it then. It has been a deep fight in my spirit where I don’t want to do it but I feel disobedience towards God. I was praying through this guilt right before she left and that day she told me her friends had gotten together and were going to split for a house cleaner while she was gone. It was like I felt God say see I don’t NEED you to do anything. I can get it done with or without you ( in a very compassionate way, hard to explain) so I felt totally at peace, but now it has been two weeks and it still hasn’t been cleaned..cleaners have come out and quoted but it seems either they are too expensive or just saying no. I started to feel very guilty again and I made God a deal, if it wasn’t clean Tuesday I would come back and do it, well on Tuesday it wasn’t clean but another company came out and “looked at it” while I was there with her husband. The other therapist was there yesterday and said no one had come still. The patient should be back this weekend, and I just feel in such turmoil about it. Help…
Lanie, I would say that if you feel the Holy Spirit leading you – then do it! It seems like He keeps giving you one more opportunity. Could you possibly ask some ladies from your church to help you? …also to consider, do you think this woman would be upset if you brought anyone else in, and would it put your job in danger in anyway? …praying for wisdom & discernment. ❤️
Yes, I think you’re getting that nudge from the Holy Spirit. No one else seems likely to step up. I would try to get help from others if you can because it sounds like a pretty big job. Prayers for you in this decision.
I was going to mention getting some church volunteers as well. One of the nurses who helped with my sister washed clothes and mopped the areas she worked in. My brother in law kept the house pretty well, but that was a big help for him. Your organization may have rules against that, but just thought I would mention it. Praying for a ‘beyond the shadow of a doubt’ answer! One more note: she will probably be greatly disappointed to come home to a mess when she was told that it would be clean! ❤
Lanie, I can understand. I deliver for Meals on Wheels two days a week and some of the homes definitely could use a cleaning. I often wonder if their loved ones ever offer. My sister and I do one on a Thursday and it’s someone who is almost blind and has a difficult time moving around. We worry about him falling or tripping over things. Although not terribly dirty, it definitely could use a good cleaning. We’ve both wondered if we could offer and whether the agency would allow it. Something we need to look into. So many have no family near or who rarely check on them. I think the Holy Spirit is leading you and thank you for caring that much. God bless you.
Thank you gals for your wisdom! I continued to pray throughout the day and I kept hearing, “I just need you to take the next right step”. The more I chewed on it, the more I realized the reason why I feel so overwhelmed, and don’t do the thing, is all the things I want to do are really too big for just me. Like many of you said ask a couple ladies from church. Which I don’t have because I haven’t participated and plugged in. And then I remembered, our “next steps class” is tomorrow that I have been meaning to sign up for, but haven’t. And so I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my next right step, is the next steps class, lol. I just texted the church secretary and I’m in!
Lanie!!!!! I am so excited for you and looking forward to what God is going to do through this decision. Please keep us posted! Praying for you and the class. ❤
I am using today as a catch-up day on SRT as I have not been able to read for the last few days. This comment is for ALEIDA from yesterday. I feel so much connection with you, dear sister, as we have been walking very similar paths in many ways. I feel like I can relate so deeply with what you are feeling right now, and so I wanted to write to you. I understand the fear and apprehension you feel right now. And while I agree with the comments that were made to you yesterday, I wanted to add my perspective as well. Our daughter also came home at one point many years ago, and we rejoiced and forgave and showed boundless mercy to her. Sadly, we soon realized that she had come home out of necessity and not heart change. As my husband put it, “she was tired of eating the pig slop.” She was the prodigal that didn’t want to live like a beggar anymore, but didn’t want to repent and own up to her need for change either. I am certainly not saying this to discourage you in any way. I am saying it only to say that I will be specifically praying for heart change in Victor. It is the only way that true repentance and change can happen. I have had to pray for it for my oldest daughter too, as she was very bitter toward her sister. We are seeing some of these changes in our own daughter as she rejoins our family. It is still a process that we are walking gingerly with the Lord’s leading. I pray the same for you and your husband. I praise God for the movement that Victor is making towards you and I will be praying that God softens and changes his heart to not only want to be with his family, but ultimately want a relationship with Jesus. I will pray for wisdom and strength for you, dearest Aleida and for softness and mercy for your husband. May you feel God’s presence as you love your son while setting appropriate boundaries to bring about reconciliation.
I confess my biases against kids with behavior issues. Forgive me, Lord, and give me a heart to love them as You love them.
Yesterday, in response to the tragedy in Georgia, our local police chief sent extra patrol men to our junior high. One of my “extra duties as assigned” is to greet students outside before the doors open. Many were curious about the increased police presence. I’m sure they didn’t even know about what had happened the day before just a few states away. I simply stated that it was an added safety measure, and they were happy with that reply.
“What darkness in my own life needs to be exposed so that I’m free to bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and love in Christ?” Thank you, BAILEY GILLESPIE ❤️
—
Today’s culture puts so much emphasis on individualism and self-development that I easily overlook the pride and self-centeredness in them. Or maybe they are of all cultures and times, as Ephesians 4:17-19 lists many variations: futile thoughts, hard hearts, unsatisfied desires. How much time do I spend thinking about myself? About what I want? What did I do well today? What do I worry about? In other words: How am I trying to control my life…?
—
Pride makes our hearts smaller. All space is taken up by ourselves, leaving less room (or none at all) for others.
Pride makes our hearts harder. We build big walls in order to protect our own desires and freedom, closing the way to God.
Pride makes our hearts darker. We use our “light” to shine for ourselves only, failing to see the darkness of sin within us.
—
But Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to the Father, saying “Thy will be done”. As The Message says in Ephesians 5:2, His love for us is “not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us”.
He left heaven to make room and prepare a place for us.
He tore down the walls we built so every one of us has access to Him: the only one who satisfies our deepest desires and sets us truly free.
In shining His light on us and putting His light in us, He gave us hope (the forgiveness of sins), joy (His Presence) and purpose (to be a light for the world and give glory to our Father in Heaven).
—
Ephesians 5:1 (MSG): “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us”.
❤️
Good morning beautiful She’s!! May each of you feel the Presence and Power of God and the HolySpirit today!! Let Him reveal Himself and minister to you!! He is with you, He hears you, He SEES you and is answering you!!! Lots of love, encouragement and prayers, along with a big (((hug))) xoxo
—
…Felt led to share my notes this morning:
—
1 John 1:1-10 FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
*Wow. SO convicting!!! Makes me realize even more, how important it is to have and keep God FIRST!! Also makes me realize how important and integral HONESTY is!!! When we aren’t being honest (even if it’s just little things), then we can’t have UNITY!!! This brings things to a whole new level, and highlights how absolutely & completely HOLY God is!! Wow and Yikes!!! May we treat and honor Him as He deserves!!! Let us choose Him and His Holy Way above everything else!!! Amen.
-6th
—
Mathew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
*yes, let it be so Lord!!
-6th
—
Ephesians 5:6-14
*Love the simplicity of God!! It all boils down to distractions, participation, choice… are we getting caught up in the things of this world or are we getting caught up with God? Tough question, and a LOT easier said than done!! But, WOW..such an IMPORTANT and much needed reminder!!! May we walk in the Light as You are in the Light Lord, and let us not be afraid of being exposed or exposing!! Break our paradigms and comfort zones. Set us FREE!! Lord let us be willing!! And let us ARISE, live in and speak forth Your truth and Life!!! Amen.
-6th
Amen, ERB! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. ❤️
Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Oof, this is a great devotional this morning. It is very important to remember to dig deep and pull out all that darkness so God can heal it and bring light in its place. I pray that mine is exposed so I can heal
Wow, Bailey! After recoiling a bit at “God’s Light Switch” that you flipped on… flooding my life with His Light… I realize, once again, that you have much work to do in my ♥️… if only I allow you to continue exposing the dark places in my ♥️ Thank you for faithfully presenting God’s Truth…! I repent of my complacency… and welcome Your light, Jesus…
❤️
Father forgive my sins. Help my heart to love as Yours, my eyes to see as Yours and the words of my mouth to align with Yours. In Jesus name, Amen
For me it’s pride that sneaks in. I want things done my way, and I get snappy and short-tempered with my family when that doesn’t happen! Who do I think I am that I get to decide how things should be done and hold everyone to my expectations? I am constantly praying to let go of that pride and control and recognize my way is not the best or only way to do things and sometimes loving others looks like being open to trying different things and letting them have the freedoms to do things the way that they prefer!
♥️
Oh! I get this. The older I get the more I like things a certain way. I get so frustrated when it’s done “wrong!” Lord, help to show grace and mercy to those I dearly love and care about. Lead me and guide me with your Holy Light!
Katie,
This so resonates with me. I am where you are in that I need to let go of the way I think things should be and let God’s will happen.
Praying for all requests and for letting God’s light shine in us.
Great question to seriously ponder today. It made me think about the difference in shadows during the day. When the sun is low, shadows are long, but when it is high, directly overhead, flooding everything with light, shadows are barely there. Now if I am also a source of light, my shadow would be totally gone.
.
That may not be true until heaven, but I’m joining with others in praying the Lord’s light floods my deep dark places and chases the shadows away.
.
EILEEN DOWD – praying things went well for your meeting yesterday.
.
THEBESTISYETTOCOME – praying for peace during the court hearing today.
.
MARGARET W. – so sorry for you and your community going through this tragedy. Praying the Lord brings healing on multiple levels.
Great observation Kelly!
❤️
TRICIA C asked – Are we so used to the darkness (of the world) that it doesn’t phase us?
–
Am I looking around and thinking, well … it’s not really THAT dark, is it? May I be reminded that dark is dark, any degree of sin is still sin.
–
When I read the Scriptures from 1 John – my first thoughts were that God knows all, so don’t lie to myself.
–
MIA FAITH – praying
THEBESTISYETTOCOME – praying for today’s court session
LYDIA HUTER – praying for you, sister, that you will be able to lay down the hurt and forgive as needed.
–
MARGARET W, NATALIE GA, WINDER community – sisters, my heart was broken to read about yet another school tragedy. Praying for healing for the injured, comfort for the grieving families, friends and community.
Amen Searching! Definitely need to due some “inside cleaning”, so I reflex more light. I’ve been thinking about that lately!
Truly a thought-provoking devotion today. Praying to see those hidden dark places and to walk in Christ’s light.
You know we can seem to get used to the darkness. We walk around our house to go to the bathroom at night and it’s no big deal. Do we do the same in this world? Are we so used to the darkness that it doesn’t phase us? We are told in 1 John 1:6 – “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” I certainly need to be reminded that I am not of this world, so walking with this world is walking in darkness. If I am walking in darkness, then I am not following God or His plan.
Lord, please show me when I have unconfessed and dark areas in my life. Please expose them to me so that I can be made clean and walk in the light with You.
I woke up at 2am. It is now 4:45am. There were numerous reasons I woke up, but I just wanted you Sisters to know that I was praying for you at that time. I felt the Lord was telling me that I needed to pray. SEARCHING I was praying for you then. I hope that you were able to get some rest.
Have a blessed Friday Sisters. Today will be a struggle for me because I have had very little sleep, but I know God will see me through.
Thank you so much, TRICIA. I’ve been awake since a little after 2, praying too. Yesterday was a whirlwind, and another procedure got scheduled for today. A special request for prayer tomorrow as I will be meeting with our elderly relative’s family members.
Praying for you today, that the small amount of rest you got will sustain you through the day. ❤️
TRICIA C and SEARCHING – that was me yesterday and hubby had planned a shopping trip for the day! I made it through and slept like a rock last night. Hope and pray you both sleep that well tonight! Love yku, sisters! SEARCHING – Praying for all ahead today and tomorrow!❤❤❤
❤️
Amen – Lots of darkness in this world and it becomes easy to ‘get used to’.
Father, protect us and keep us in the light!
Absolutely love and am blessed & encouraged by your thoughts Tricia!! Your analogy is spot on!! Lord, reveal all those dark and hidden places and help us never “get used to” this world but always desire and have You first!! Remind us that we are in this world but NOT of it!! Keep our eyes and hearts on You alone!! Amen.
Oh so true!
So true. It is so easy to let the darkness feel normal when we allow ourselves to be exposed to it repeatedly. It’s ok for everyone else, so why not me? Lord, expose the darkness I don’t even recognize as being darkness because I’ve gotten used to it!
Good illustration & good point made. May we never get used to the darkness but continue to shine the light of Jesus! ❤️
❤️ God bless you and Searching !
Some years ago, Francis Chan came to our church for a couple days to preach and teach the interns we had at the time.. it truly was a blessing to meet him.
On one of their teaching sessions I walked in as a ‘guinea pig’ or a case study for the students to try and listen for encouraging words as they prayed for me.. such a blessing to have 20+ students praying for me..
After some time, they were asked whether they had felt a prompting and what they had felt or seen.. one response that sticks and came to mind is..
This student and I had met but did not know each other well..
“As you walked in, I saw light all around you.. each step you took you left a light in your footprints until you reached the front…”
I do not boost, but that was pretty awesome I thought.. then, and as I am reminded, I also ask the question, What darkness in my own life needs to be exposed, so that I am free to bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness and love in Christ?
I’ll go one further, do I still leave Christ lit light in my footsteps and footprints wherever I go..
.
I ponder this today…
.
BUT GOD..
.
Thank you BAILEY for the nudge and beautifully written devotional today..
.
Happy Friday( I’m dancing!!) wrapped in celebratory love and hugs and covered in heartfelt prayers, requested and prompted to pray..
Much love,
Tina.❤️
Beautiful, TINA ❤️ That’s a lot to think about … do we leave the light of Christ as we walk life’s path?
Wow, how kind of God to give you a glimps of what He sees in you.
Love your testimony and the encouragement to the Body.. to listen, hear the voice of God and speak it out!! Discipleship and speaking Life over each other is such an important part of the Body!! May we do this more!! I also love the alignment that this brings in!!! Your questions are awesome!! Thank you for sharing, for your willingness and for your humility Tina!! Truly appreciate you and your heart for God!!
Amen, Tina ❤️
Beautiful Tina – as usual! You certainly shine your light here among us all! ❤️
Wow! That’s beautiful!
How beautiful!!! ❤
Ah, yes, Tina
At every pedestrian crosswalk, we are told to “walk with light”. Safe & secure in His Love!