When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

The true light (Christ) that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

I love the ideas expressed in this song!

• Jesus is the light of the world, without Him in our hearts we have no light of our own.
  
• Jesus provides life and warmth, without Him our hearts are like a dark cold stone.
  
• When we know Jesus we can reflect His light, but in order to reflect His light, we've got to turn our faces to Him.
  
• With our faces (and hearts) turned towards the light of Christ, we like the moon can be lights to the world in the cold dark night.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Thank You Lord for Your Son Jesus Christ who is the light of the world. Help us each turn our faces towards Christ and let His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Thank You that as we do this we'll be transformed to reflect the light of Christ in the world. Let our lights shine that others may see and know Jesus Christ, that we all may praise You, our Father in heaven.

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

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Oct 25, 2005
The True Christ

... His sheep follow him because they know his voice.
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.

In our present day there are alot of lies, deceptions, false religions and doctrines. So how do we keep from being deceived?

One might think that studying the deception is the answer. At first glance this seems logical. But then think about the difference between a lie and a deception. A lie is easier to deal with because to recognize a lie implies that the truth is known. A deception is more subtle, this implies that the truth is not known. The answer is not studying the deception. Here is a practical example to keep in mind. The U.S. Treasury dept. in order to equip their agents to recognize counterfeit money, do not have them study the counterfeit, they study and come to know the REAL THING.

Jesus said that He is the Good shepherd, He takes the time to know His sheep. He Knows each one. He enters into a personal relationship with each one. To have a right relationship with another person they must participate also. Jesus said, " I know my own sheep, and they know me". So we must come to know Jesus, not just know about Him or about the things of Him but know the person of Christ. Then when deception comes to entangle us we will hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, the Spirit of truth say," don't go that way, it leads to trouble, come, follow me." The counterfiets will be so good that if we rely on ourselves, our own understanding, our own knowledge - we will be deceived.

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.

If we know and listen for the Spirit of truth - we will be led into all truth - away from deception.

The more time we spend with Jesus, the closer we get to Jesus, the more we recognize His voice. The more we study His word, the more we learn of His ways. The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit will never contradict what He says in His word. The closer we walk with Jesus and obey the Spirit of truth, the more we'll experience the fruits of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

       'S' Tests - Reveal the True Christ

1. The Source test - Does the teaching use the Word of God as it's source, does it point people to God's word or draw them away?
   
2. The Saviour test - What does the teaching say about the Lord Jesus Christ? Son of God, the Virgin birth, resurrection etc., does it point to Jesus Christ as saviour?
   
3. The Subject test - What is the subject of the teaching. The Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is it a saving message or is it condemning?
   
4. The Salvation test - How does it say that you are saved? Do you have to send money? By works? Or by trusting Jesus Christ alone?
   
5. The Sanctification test - Does the teaching lead people to live a holy life and teach others to do so?

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Lord, help us each to know Jesus Christ as our Lord, to recognize and follow His voice alone. Thank You Lord that as we keep in step with the Spirit we'll experience the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Help each heart to keep in step. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit of truth has greater power to lead into all truth than the enemy has to deceive!

___________

Know Christ Personally
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Oct 21, 2005
Encouragement for Midst of Battle

The LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.

Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed!

If you are christian, you will find yourself in the midst of a battle or crisis at some point. Some battles are spiritual, others are financial, health related or relationship related. There are many types of battles and none of them are pleasant. I found encouragement in the following ideas.

Praise!

Praise is an important weapon for battle. When we praise, we are focused on the victory.

Just like Jehoshaphat who triumphed in battle thru singing the song that the Lord gave. ()

Or like Paul and Silas in prison () who praised in the midst of a very unpleasanr situation, so can we. As a result of their praise focus, all the prison doors opened and everyone's chains fell off. Glory be to God!

Many times in a crisis, we tend to think on negative things. In (), we are taught to rejoice in the Lord always (especially in the midst of battle or crisis) and to keep our mind focused on positive things.

Expect a Testimony!

For every attack, there is a victory, which will bring forth a testimony for the Lord's glory and honor. Expect a great testimony.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Give God the Glory!

When your victory comes, don't forget to give God the glory and offer thanksgiving to Him. Too often, like the ten lepers who got cleansed and only one returned to thank the Lord (), we likewise forget. All glory, honor, power and wisdom belong to Him!

The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!

Thank You Lord that You lead us to victory. Help us each remember to focus on the that victory - especially in the midst of a battle or crisis. We give You all praise, honor and glory! Continue leading each of us in triumphal procession in Christ.
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Oct 19, 2005
Heart Ties
Ideas from: http://www.rbc.org/odb/togo/odb-10-19-05.html

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

___________

The following ideas were in today's Daily Bread.

Why is it we always seem to seek guidance or direction rather than the 'guide'? I know I find myself doing this. When our sight is dim and our way is dark, don't we a guide need more than guidance or good advice? What we really need is the Good Shepherd to lead us - to be with us every step of the way. All we really need is stay close and follow His lead.

___________

They (the Lord's servants) shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Abide in me, and I will abide in you.

Lord, tie ours hearts tightly to Yours. Help us each follow and stay close to You, our Good Shepherd, our loving Father.
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Oct 18, 2005
He Knows My Name

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love Him ...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

... God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Thank You Lord that You know each name, each life. Help these truthes sink deep into each heart. Thank You that You will never leave or forsake us. Let this touch each heart with Your courage and boldness. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Oct 17, 2005
Called By Name
From: http://careycollege.com/devotions/?id=274

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

When you look up at the stars at night it's easy to think that God scattered a vast handful of stars somewhat randomly around the universe. Nothing could be further from the truth.

When Galileo first saw through a primitive telescope a myriad of hitherto unknown stars, he is reported to have said, “God … has shaken them from His hand as if by chance in wealth and profusion incredible.” But the above verses teach that each star is a particular creation, known to God by the name He has given it, and set in its unique orbit by His power. There is nothing accidental, random or by chance here.

Who, apart from God can even comprehend the vast expanse of the universe? Perhaps it is not surprising we think the stars are scattered just as randomly as the seas scatter the grains of sand with each wave. But even that analogy is wrong: God sustains His creation in its vastness and in its detail. Every grain of sand obeys His imminent command, and no wave moves a single grain but at the command of God.

Galileo did better when he exclaimed “Being infinitely amazed, so do I give infinite thanks to God, who has been pleased to make me the first observer of marvellous things, unrevealed to bygone ages.”

Truly,    Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.
and    Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.

This is the same God that knows every detail about us and He also calls us by name!

1     O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2     You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3     You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4     Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5     You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
13     For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14     I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Thank You Lord for Your care and Your attention to detail. Next time each of us gaze at the night stars, help us remember that You have named each one, just as You have named each of us. Fill us with awe anew at this thought. Help us each listen for our names being called on Your lips.

___________

Click below to see neat picture from the Hubble telescope!
http://www.inspi.net/best-of-hubble-telescope/slides/2004-10.html

Starry Night
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/karentrustin?p=126
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Oct 14, 2005
Come and See

John 1:29 ... Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

This is the first invitation to 'come and see' Jesus in the first chapter of John. It's interesting to see what happens to 2 disciples when John extends this invitation again.

John 1:35-42 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

After the invitation by John, the two disciples heard Jesus speak and followed Him. Jesus noticed this and makes a personal invitation 'Come and See'. After spending time with Jesus it's decided that they have found the Messiah. It's neat to look in this first chapetr of John and see what is seen after people accept the invitation to 'Come and See'.

Come and See
Title	Meaning	Personal
Word of God (vs1)	all things created by	My Creator
True Light (vs9)	revealation	My Light
Only Begotten Son (vs14)	unique	My One and Only
Jesus Christ(vs17)	provides grace and truth	My Grace, My Truth
Lamb of God (vs29)	sacrifice	My Salvation
Son of God (vs34)	authority	My Master
Rabbi (vs38)	instruction	My Teacher
Messiah (vs41)	provided to save	My Savior
Jesus of Nazareth (vs45)	humility	My Servant
King of Israel (vs49)	royalty	My King
Son of Man (vs51)	humanity	My Kinsman

Lord, please keep our hearts and minds open to hear Your invitation to 'come and see'. Thank You for all that the Lord Jesus Christ is to us. Help us each to keep growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

__________________________________
Poem: Come and See

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Oct 12, 2005
Though We Stumble

If the LORD delights in a man's way,     He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall,     for the LORD upholds him with His hand.

We all stumble, and from time to time we all feel like we are going to fall or slip at any time. Psalm 37 gives us great hope and comfort when we feel like this. Look at the above verse - even though the righteous man stumbles - he won't fall - the Lord will help him up with His hand. As long as we keep turning to the Lord and try to keep His word - He will uphold us.

The law of his God is in his heart; (the righteous man's heart} his feet do not slip. Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you ...

It's thru the Lord's grace and mercy that we are upheld. He is our deliverer and refuge.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.

It's His faithfulness that is our shield & buckler.

___________

Psalm 91:4(NIV) He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4(Message) His huge outstretched arms protect you-- under them you're perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm.

Psalm 91:4(NLT) He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, Your grace, Your salvation. Thank You that You are there when we stumble. He us to remember this - help us to turn to You & Your word quickly when we stumble. Thank You for the assurance of Your forgiveness. Surround each of us with the assurance that You are right there with us, show each clearly the way in which we should walk. Thank You that as each walks in Your way - You will take delight and make our steps firm, though we stumble - we will not fall - for You the LORD will uphold us with Your mighty hand. Let each feel Your upholding hand today & always. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

___________

Assurance of Forgiveness
But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.
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Oct 11, 2005
Praise Adonai
From http://www.leadworship.com/resources/thoughts6.html

1 Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high ...

After looking at this song was on my heart. The writer Paul Baloche also makes this connection - these two passages were his inspiartion. He wrote this soon after trip to Israel where he had listened to hebrew prayers being prayed at the wailing wall. There he heard the Lord addressed over and over as Adonai. This is where the tilte for the song came from.

I love the question:
Who is like him? The Lion AND the Lamb seated on the throne. This is a great question to meditate and ponder - it's also a great reason to rejoice and praise the Lord!

Lord, fill us with wonder and awe at the answer to the question 'who is like Him?'. Let this cause our hearts to rejoice and praise the Lord.

Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore!
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Oct 10, 2005
The Lion of Judah

Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.

John is told that the Lion of Judah has triumphed. It is the lion that has been victorious. He can open the scroll. Then I saw ... what do you think John expected to see? - A lion. But that is not what he sees. He sees the lamb. The standing lamb - who is still alive - even though it was slain.

A similar thing happens in this Philippians passage.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Here is the lion of Judah, but that is not what we see. We see the slain lamb.

John sees that the lamb has seven horns and seven eyes. Seven is an image of perfection. In scripture horns are a symbol of power and authority, eyes are pictures of knowledge, wisdom and perception.

Christ, the Lamb of God, has perfect power and authority, knowledge and sight.

Jesus came the first time as a Sacrificial Lamb. When Christ returns it will be as the Lion of Judah to assume His kingly reign - then every knee will bow, every tongue confess -

that Jesus Christ is Lord.

___________

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Behold    the Lion of Judah       has triumphed    Come quickly       Lion of Judah

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Oct 6, 2005
The Higher Rock

1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Look at David's cry - when his heart is faint and he is sinking so low. His cry is lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Like us, David can not get to this Rock by himself - it's out of our reach. It's only thru God's power leading us that we can be set upon this Rock. This Rock is Christ. Those that are in Him are safe. By following God's lead we can be placed safely on this Rock - safe - higher than any trial - out of the reach of any trouble. Thru God's hand we can be safe.

... I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand ...

___________

Hear our cry, O Lord; listen to our prayers. Let us trust in Christ alone; lead us to the Rock and under the shadow of Your wings help us abide.
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Oct 4, 2005
I need to send praise to God... Just this week, I was very strapped and almost on disconnection with my utilities... we were low on food etc... well blessing 1 and 2 came in the form of Z dad came and stocked our house up with food and a local non-profit helped me with the utilities... and then the most amazing thing happened, I have been trying to start a home business to maybe bring in some extra cash, using a little here and there to "prepare" but it's taking forever... I have been bummed because I would miss the "Christmas season" which could mean some extra income for the household... well today I get a check in the mail that I was not expecting from a class action settlement (that I didn't really know about) for the EXACT amount needed to at least get my business off the ground and not having to miss the "Christmas rush" this is a HUGE blessing, and this is from GOD TOTALLY and I want to praise him and thank him, he has walked Z and I through this whole financial situation for over 4 years now while waiting for sect 8 and he has ALWAYS provided what I have needed and now I feel like he has given me his blessing on starting this business kind of like how a father does to his child when they are doing the right thing.
I was hoping the prayer group could praise him with me as loud as we can :)
Thanks Cindy

PRAISE THE LORD!

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.