Light: 1 John: Prayers and Poetry

                Light

                Constant protection

                His gift in all

                circumstances every day

                yet too often

                our weakness leans into

                yielding to fears.

                Constant light from

                His heart never falters

                covers us in His mercy.

Psalm 27:5: "For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock."

                 

Bird Struck! Kestrel

Family Devotional

Day Twelve                                               

           

“I am the Light of the world.” John 8:12

Although a kestrel is often called a sparrow hawk, it is actually a small falcon. They have a harsh cry “to rattle” or to sound like a “ringing voice.”

Often in the Middle Ages they were kept near to the dovecotes as protection from hawks because their cries would keep the predators away.

But another characteristic of the kestrels has been identified by modern means. Due to cones in their eyes they can detect ultraviolet light which enables them to catch prey they otherwise would not see.

The Bible tells us: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5).

Sometimes we can’t see the danger around us because harmful things can disguise themselves as fun at first. What at first might seem like a silly prank becomes dangerous if someone gets hurt.

“Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity” (1Cor 13:12).

We need to examine suggestions and ask Jesus for His light to give us wisdom when we’re not sure if it’s safe. When we ask, He will sound an alarm in our thoughts and feelings if we need a warning.

Sometimes it’s as if we have ultraviolet sight too when He gives us guidance to recognize danger.

Action

1. What do you wish you could see with ultraviolet light? Why? What else might help you see clearly?

2. Write down some verses about wisdom and choose one to think about each day for a week. Does your opinion about some things change?

3. Do you know someone who is danger of making a bad decision? What information can you share to help them see the possible results?

Read More

1Cor 13:12-13

John 3:19-21

Hope: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:25-26

“For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.’”

Peter shifts his audience’s knowledge once again to remember history—to remember prophecy fulfilled in David, by God’s hand.

Despite the battles—the betrayal—the barriers David faced throughout his life he never doubted God’s word.

“I will not be shaken,” he said. Despite his own sin, his family torn apart, political power struggles, lies, jealousies and much more, David chose life and faith and hope.

“To live in hope,” he had continued. How under the grueling wars he waged did he claim gladness of heart?

I wish I could say that even when I’m holding tightly to my beliefs I maintain gladness of heart and am not shaken, but I cannot. Even when I cling to hope my emotions still ricochet all over the place at times. I think because I keep looking at the darkness resignation enters and courage weakens.

But David looked at the Lord at his right hand. His sight kept focus on God’s promises and power. A power that overcame Jesus’ death.

Lord, help us to see Your light and live in it—regardless of our sin and our circumstances. Let us see the gladness of Your timeless Presence in the midst of our own history and respond with a thanksgiving that cannot be ignored or silenced.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:24

“And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so.”

Glorious: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

                                   

                                   Glorious

Sun and moon created for light

brought into creation on fourth day

brought herald new of Messiah’s birth.

Show obedience only to God,

once again will announce events

of eternal significance.

Grasp darkness

begin battle

bring judgment and redemption.

Glorious day of Presence.

Fire: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:3

“Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.”

Flames falling down upon them that did not burn.  Did they think of Moses at the burning bush or were they too frozen in astonishment to process any thoughts?

Feelings, though, we might guess could include shock—amazement—fear—trembling—questions.  Like we do when God suddenly answers a prayer for us or steps in as Protector—Provider—Healer—Lord—Savior.

Don’t we sometimes pray and wait in trust—in faith—and yet are still stunned when the answer comes? Humbled?

Do we recognize holy fear as Isaiah did and realize the extent of our sin? An angel brought a burning coal to the prophet to forgive him. A burning coal from the heavenly altar that he had to carry by tongs—not touch.

“The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.” Matt 4:16

Jesus spoke these words at the beginning of His ministry and then said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Lord, help us to not become complacent or hesitant as believers, but strengthen us to daily walk in the power of Your fire and live Your words of hope. To be willing to answer Your call.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:3

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light.”

Promises: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Promises

Words sworn

many years ago

kept in full

kept in faith

many despaired

wondered if truly able.

Lord gave

promises

not one failed

all delivered

all complete

none withheld

power His alone.

Light of life.

Complete: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Complete

From the first

glimpse of possibility

light gave a promise.

From dawn to dusk

variated shades

mark days with hope.

At the beginning

life.

At the finish

eternity.

Alpha and Omega complete

finished Word.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11: 1

Thank you for walking this faith journey over these past several months. Please join me for a new series of reflections beginning next week.

Author: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 12: 2, “looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,”

Another translation says that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He writes His words for us to follow. He writes them to shape us individually. He has a completed ending in mind.

If we keep reading. If we keep looking for those story nuggets and not become overwhelmed by the obstacles. How amazing that we each have a unique role to play in our own stories and also the privilege of interacting with others as they read their plot lines, and dialogue, and themes.

More often we are disappointed by how many times we miss faith opportunities. Perhaps we didn’t understand the directions, or were too busy looking at someone else’s pages, or completely turned around.

Like characters in a novel we hit barrier after barrier. Yet the author writes us each a new chapter. Despite defeat another possibility arises, and, bit-by-bit, we begin to collect the words that strengthen our journey, our quest, and resist the stumbling stones that break off pieces of trust. Our faith deepens with each step.

And now we can become fully engaged, fully alert, running with anticipation at what the next scene will unfold. Trusting in the end. Knowing that He has written an ending with His love and His victory. A perfect ending. His way.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:105

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet,

And a light to my path”

Promise: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Promise

Stumbling with exhaustion

decisions loom alongside

shadows—no end in sight,

no sign of respite.

Fear nibbles into soul

challenging, mocking.

Suddenly a light

breeze kisses a cheek,

 a caress at neck’s

stiffness, a hint of

song lifts body onward

as surrounding witnesses

pray.

Alive: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Alive

Living hope

exclaimed

continuously

as each new birth

unfolds the magnificence

of frailty surviving

dark passage into

Light

eyes blinking

at brilliance

startled sensory

overload calms

with trusted

touch.

Love’s caress

embraces.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1: 5

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How do we manage to confine ourselves by darkness, instead of letting God’s word speak?

2.     Why do we sometimes not recognize when darkness has crept into our souls?

3.     Do we really trust that when God speaks—light follows?

4.     What are some ways we can accept His light for ourselves or for others?

Share: How has God spoken light into your day, today?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Genesis 1:3, “Then God said, ‘let there be light,’ and there was light.”

As I stood silent in the lava cave with my flashlight off I could hear a drip of water just overhead to my right, but I could not see it. I could smell the damp cold air, but I could not see the puffs of my breath. I felt a brief surge of air upon my legs sent by a sightless breeze. I put my hand directly in front of my eyes, and I could not see it.

Total, complete, darkness.

A few minutes later I heard voices coming down the tunnel ahead. As they approached a curve leading to the area where I stood a faint gray shadow edged into my vision. Although I could still see nothing at all the blackness had eased its degree. The closer the light came down the passage the more gray my sight recognized, however, I had no clarity until I turned my own flashlight back on.

Total, complete, light.

As I stood silent surrounded by its brightness the cave reflected back moving shadows. Eerie shapes and forms reverberated off the rock floor and walls and ceiling. But I stood in a pool of brightness and I could see everything around me clearly.

Total, complete, clarity.

A word spoken by scripture. A verse sung in a hymn. A prayer voiced in compassion. A long dormant idea illumined. A puzzling incident revealed. God’s light seeps in, gradually, just around the edges, or sometimes as a flash of inspiration. But when He speaks we receive when we watch.

Total, complete, insight.

Lord, please speak Your light into our hearts fresh each morning as a Son rise—You Lord in us each morning, just as You bring in the dawn.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”

Refining Words

DRAINED

Inner pulse of recognition

leads wanderer home

like animal instincts follow

homing design woven in creation.

For each creation a thread,

a hope, a light

capable of ignition

when faced with truth.

Unless drained of honesty,

empty-incapable of restoration

devoid of power

except lies.

Layer by layer

deadened in void

until connected to one

incapable of deception.

Holds a burning wick.

John 8

Kingdom Manna

Tasks

Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.”

Several ancient cities built to impress. They built tall, built wide, built elaborate, built high on hills. As a symbol of success and influence. As a sign of power. A visual emblem. Had electricity been available then, their cities would have been ablaze. No hesitation, no reluctance to advertise themselves.

Dawn’s light breaks night’s darkness. A lighthouse beacon signals danger. Candlelight welcomes delayed arrivals. All kinds of light from soft, muted, bright, glaring, and fiery give purpose and vision.

Scrolls lost, buried, forgotten and neglected removed the words of the Torah from Israel. They became a captive people to their enemies and to their ignorance. Retrieval of God’s word repeatedly through their history brought restoration.

Designated witnesses are meant to share—to speak—to shine with their declarations. We are given the words to pass along. To our families—to our friends. To the foreigner in our midst.

Send us Lord, to Your source of true light, to Jesus. Set us so deeply in His holiness that as Your church we burn brightly building Your city that all may see it.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 43:3

O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;

let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.

Kingdom Manna

Found

Luke 21:31, “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”

We all try to live by our convictions. They resonate within us—who we are—why certain choices—how we react. They are the fuel that burns within us. Without them we can shrivel, become robots, empty.

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness.”

What do I see, Lord? Do I see You at work in my life? In Your world? Or is my vision clouded by bias or ignorance or self-centeredness? Am I blind to Your touches of grace and mercy that soften rough edges? Without recognizing them I can become bitter, close-minded, narrow.

Your light transfuses our senses. It spreads out in rainbows, scatters in prisms, shatters in diamonds. Sear Your light into my heart and will and vision, Lord.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 36:9

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Kingdom Manna

Hour

Matthew 25:1, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.”

Procession of light and laughter waiting to lead the bridegroom to his bride. A special task. The bridesmaids either had to time their welcome to the burn of their torches or bring extra oil should he be delayed. They could only bring enough extra for each torch. To share meant the torches wouldn't last the return trip and the groom would greet his wife in a diminished ceremony. And the bridesmaids, not alert, not ready, would miss the feast, closed off from the celebration.

Missed sharing. Missed joy. Missed faith. For lack of oil. For lack of preparation.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Prepared for us. Ahead of our time, above our understanding. A light that cannot be extinguished, a lamp that burns continuously. And ceaseless oil.

Manifest Your kingdom to me, Lord, I pray. Keep me attune to Your world and Your ways so that I don’t grow weary and dull and forget to prepare for Your coming.

Bringing a heart of joy and gratitude to meet You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 132:17

There I will cause a horn to sprout up for David;

I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.

Tabernacle

Cloud of Glory

No darkness so thick

that God’s light cannot

penetrate to give His

counsel, show a clear

path through wilderness

confusion. Speaks

His presence,

prepares a path

for all.

Day and night

covered.

Exodus 13: 22, “He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

Tabernacle

Lampstand

Pure hammered gold

lampstand of

one piece shining

in the tabernacle.

Perfectly formed

petals, calyxes,

open to receive

spring’s word

working resurrection.

Power, majesty

beginning, middle, end

“I am the Light”

spoken.

John 1:5, “And the light shines in the darkness,…”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 34:35, “the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.”

Our faces blush. Turn crimson with anger. Purple with rage. The hotter the emotion the darker the tone.

Our faces pale. Faded by fatigue. Blue by illness. Gray by disease. The colder the emotion, the more colorless the shade.

Moses’ face shone. A glow so bright he had to dim it under a veil. A brilliance he could only share in communion with God.

“But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

Transformed into Christ’s likeness. We are invited to share Moses’ experience. We are invited to enter the Lord’s glow.

What would it mean, Lord, for Your people today to shine so brightly? What witness would we be? Multiplied beams of light, love, and laughter, bearers of Your Spirit?

How Lord, can I radiate You in my life today?

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:135

Make Thy face shine upon Thy servant,

And teach me Thy statutes.