Darkness

The Source of Illumination

03/21/2024

Our nation and world are going through what some call a dark time.

What can believers do?

We can shine brightly with the love, hope, and truth of our Lord, whom James 1:17 describes as the Father of Lights.

The prince of darkness, Satan, wants us to stumble in the darkness. But James points to our hope. “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

Commentary Charles Ryrie explains this reference to the Lord means “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.” 1

Rather than physically, intellectually, morally or spiritually stumble, we can pray with our heart, mind, soul, and spirit.

We can walk through our day in the light of the Father of Lights. We can spread His light to others. Will we?

FATHER OF LIGHTS, illumine our heart, mind, soul, and spirit with Your Light so we walk as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.

1 Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update (Chicago: Moody Press, 2008).

Want to learn more about living a victorious Christian life? Watch Debbie’s teaching on Acts 28 : The 7 Characteristics of People Who Are More than Conquerors

 

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The Source of Illumination

03/16/2022

Our nation and the world are going through what some would call a physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually difficult time.  What should we do in times like this? Shed God’s light, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness, Satan, would love nothing more than for us to stumble in darkness. But James points to our hope.  “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Charles Ryrie comments on this verse, saying, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumble physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually, we can pray with all our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits and walk day by day shedding the illumination of the FATHER OF LIGHTS.

Father of Lights, illumine our hearts, minds, souls, and spirit with Your Light so we walk as children of Light and spread Your Light to others. 

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The Source of Illumination

03/19/2021

Our nation and the world are going through what some would call a physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually difficult time.  What should we do in times like this? Shed God’s light, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness, Satan, would love nothing more than for us to stumble in darkness. But James points to our hope.  “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Charles Ryrie comments on this verse, saying, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumble physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually, we can pray with all our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits and walk day by day shedding the illumination of the FATHER OF LIGHTS.

Father of Lights, illumine our hearts, minds, souls, and spirit with Your Light so we walk as children of Light and spread Your Light to others. 

Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion Bible study coming soon. 

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Light in the Darkness

03/19/2020

Our nation and world are going through a difficult and what some would call a dark time physically, emotionally, and financially. What should we do in times like this? Turn to God, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness, Satan, would love nothing more than for us to stumble in fear. But James points to our hope.  “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Regarding this verse, Charles Ryrie notes, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumble in fear, walk by the FATHER OF LIGHTS’ illumination one day at a time.

Father of Lights, illumine our spirit with the Light of Your Spirit so we live as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.  

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Light in the Darkness

03/31/2019

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Are you going through a dark time physically, emotionally, or spiritually? It can happen to even the most dedicated follower of Christ.  What should we do in the midst of trials, temptations, and despair? Turn to God, whom James 1:17 describes as the FATHER OF LIGHTS. The prince of darkness would love nothing more than for us to stumble and fall in the darkness. But James points to our hope.  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the FATHER OF LIGHTS, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” Regarding this verse, Charles Ryrie notes, “God is the source of all light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual – and He does not change.”* Rather than stumbling in the shifting shadows of our culture’s ever-increasing darkness, believers can walk by the FATHER OF LIGHTS’ moral, physical, intellectual, and spiritual illumination.

Father of Lights, illumine our spirit with the Light of Your Spirit so we live as children of Light and spread Your Light to others.  

GIFT IT FORWARD HERE

Dear friends, God connected us through our 365 Days of Praise, Beyond Ourselves podcasts, Bible studies, and conferences. Now, we have 3 new venues for spreading God’s Word and Love: “Something to Think About” Instagram stories, UpLIFT radio, and a Prayer Wall. We’re excited to invite you to join us in what God is doing through your generous donation of any amount.

GIFT IT FORWARD – “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”

Instagram stories are reaching people in innovative ways. We’re dedicated to using it as a platform for Christ. “Something to Think About” are 60 second videos that invite people to think about Biblical truth as it relates to their daily life.

GIFT IT FORWARD – UpLIFT  RADIO

People listen to the radio in their cars and homes. Our new 60 second UpLIFT Radio spots being developed are designed to encourage and inspire listeners with Biblical truth and God’s love. With your gift, we’ll be able to expand our reach to new listeners.

GIFT IT FORWARD – PRAYER WALL

If there was ever a time people need prayer, it’s now. But not everyone is plugged into a prayer group or has someone they can call for prayer. Our new Prayer Wall that we want to add to our website will allow people to post a prayer and know that someone is praying for them.

Thank YOU for Helping us reach others

*Charles Ryrie, the Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition, New American Standard Bible 1995 Update, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, page 1969.

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LAMP

03/23/2013

“You are my lamp, O Lord;
And the Lord illumines my darkness.”

2 Samuel 22:29

If we hurriedly read David’s words in 2 Samuel 22:29, we might get the impression that he’s sailing through life with God as His lamp. But if we listen to David’s words in the context in which they’re written, we learn that he’s in the dark, battling an enemy, and has walls he needs to get over. (2 Samuel 22:30) Are you in the dark in some area of your life? Are you battling anything? Are there some walls you need to get over or through? God is your LAMP, too. 

Thank you, Lord, for being my LAMP and for showing me how to navigate through my day and this dark world!

Subscribe to 365 DAYS of PRAISE HERE.

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