Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Reflection:
Such a wonderful truth to remember, as I embark on my spring book tour. I am so excited to hear your stories, to be encouraged and sharpened by you in my life and writing, and to hopefully do the same for you. It always is such a blessing to meet all my reader-friends. Please check out my tour schedule for opportunities for when you might stop by and say hello.
May you find many great people in your life who help you grow closer to Christ.
Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That's why it says: "Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." ~ Ephesians 5:13-14 (God's Word)
Reflection:
God's light radiates our lives, as believers. Because Jesus broke the powers of darkness when He burst forth from the clutches of the grave, we, too, can live our lives to the fullest--and embrace this Light!
This is the month we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, the most jubilant season of the entire church year. The greatest gift of joy we can offer those who do not know Jesus is this Blessed Truth.
I remember singing a tender song when I was a small child: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." Perhaps, you sang it, too. What I didn't realize then was the power of that song is the reference to the the light of God's amazing love and great grace, shining out of our hearts into the darkness of our world. (Matthew 5:16)
As we look toward the Cross and what Jesus accomplished there on Good Friday, and anticipate Easter Sunday's splendor of Hope and glorious Blessing, let's allow our souls to "wake up" with the reception of that Light...and Love.
"Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon." ~ James 1:17 (God's Word)
Reflection:
There are many tangible expressions of love during the "Valentine month"--elaborate heart-shaped boxes of delicious chocolates, long-stemmed red roses, special trips for two, and sentimental Hallmark cards.
But human love is fickle when it comes to gift-giving and staying power. Only One is the true lover of our hearts--our heavenly Father. He is faithful and ever-present, never leaving us or abandoning us. And always giving the life-gifts we need each day for our bodies, minds, and spirits. God's ultimate present to His beloved children is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I attempt to wrap my mind (and heart and soul) around this precious and thoroughly amazing concept--that the God of the universe absolutely cherishes us enough to give up His only Son. He is our one true constant in this life of continual change. His presence in our lives makes all the difference, dear reader-friends!
How precious are your thoughts concerning me, O God. How vast in number they are! If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.
—Psalm 139:17-18 (God's Word)
Just think, the Creator of the universe is thinking constantly of us.....loving us, guiding us, and drawing us closer to Him.
This New Year, as I contemplate David's rejoicing, and of singing this amazing worshipful song, I realize that I, too, can never measure God's consideration of us. We, as parents and grandparents, often think of giving quality time and undivided attention to our families, but we cannot begin to match the never-ending, unfathomable love of our heavenly Father.
Let this reality pour over you today, and all the rest of this year, dear reader-friend. God is here with us...with you, to be your guide, your protector, and your dearest friend. He is walking right beside you, extending His arm like a tender shepherd.
May this New Year 2013 bring you closer than ever before to our great and glorious Lord.