Believing the Promises of God - in His Word

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ~ Romans 4 [selected 18-21]



Sunday, January 3, 2010

A LIGHT-HEARTED REFLECTION


Numbers 8:2-3

2 “Give Aaron the following instructions: When you set up the seven lamps in the lampstand, place them so their light shines forward in front of the lampstand.” 3 So Aaron did this. He set up the seven lamps so they reflected their light forward, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
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John 1:4-5
In Him was Life; and the Life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [emphasis added]
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"Shine your light and... let the whole world sing...for the glo-ry... of the Ri-sen King!"

These words from the song, Mighty to Save, done by Hillsong, have been playing over and over as I have been asking the LORD where HE wants this post to go. It's that "LIGHT" theme again!


But today, the word "REFLECTION" kept coming up in everything I was listening to or reading or pondering. And I began pondering ... questions like:
  • What can we reflect upon from the outgoing year that will give us insight into the new year - and the choices that will be before us?

  • How does reflecting back - give us wisdom for the 'next season' of our lives?

  • What does light have to do with reflection?

This post - so I thought - was supposed to be about reflecting over the past year - taking a deep reflection of our lives - to evaluate what we've learned - in order to assess the good choices and the not so good choices - and how that reflection would bring value to our future. Yes, I know that was a mouthful of thoughts all by itself! [Remember this is a Light-Hearted Reflection?]Before I lose you ;-) and me both [here] I want to pause and ponder that last question.

First, let me say that "LIGHT" seems to keep coming up so much because on my prayer list this past year one person along the way had asked me to "pray over her family situation that God would shine his light into the deep corners of their home and expose the TRUTH" - and she added - "no matter what it reveals."

As I began praying that over her family - God did exactly that. She shared with me that He also shone the light in her own life which revealed deep and hidden things that she did not even know where there -festering and keeping her in the bondage of sin. As the year progressed I began praying that over my own life and over many lives that I knew were struggling. Now I pray in a much simpler TRUTH:

"That we would walk in the light of Your Truth, Lord!"

Now glance back at the photo of the lamp reflected in the mirror. The light itself is what allows the photo to be taken - allows for the reflection at all. If there were no light - to reveal the objects - there would be no exposure, only darkness. No light ... no REFLECTION.

Yes, there are different meanings of 'reflect' or 'reflection':

  • To look back and ponder; to think carefully
  • Return, as images, light or sound; a mirror image in a different light

Both are significant here. What are your thoughts as you REFLECT the power of LIGHT in this post? What has God spoken to you about LIGHT recently?

May we seek to shine His Light forward - like the lampstands!

Choosing JOY, Stephanie

JESUS ONLY in 2010

11 comments:

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

I love to think about walking in the light of Christ b/c God is in the light. I love 1John1:5-7... God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But, if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowhip with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all in.

And I think of Psalm 119:105... Your word is a lamp to my feet & a light for my path.

When we stay in God's word, it lights the steps to our path to Godly {Koinonia} fellowship. He is in the light & joy comes from that fellowship. It makes our joy complete!

A good word to ponder Stephanie! Choosing light & joy with you!
Wylie

B His Girl said...

I have been thinking about light, shining, and today I was talking about reflecting His light in Sunday School. A mirror can only reflect what it sees. We can ONLY reflect the Light of the world if we are looking unto Him. This post may be light hearted but it is deep Stephanie. Have you seen a pic of my mirrored cross? B

Yolanda said...

I think about what I've learned from studying Ruth during the month of December. Am I willing to be willing? And if I am, then I am reflecting the LIGHT of Christ, because it is His will, that I must be willing to be willing. I stepped up to the plate on New Year's day, and it was an amazing time when just a few short days prior was hurt and darkness.

Love to you!
Seeking as we choose JOY,
Yolanda

Beth Herring said...

The scripture that my mind went to was:

"I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness"
(John 12:46)

OH, to be that shining light directed at Him in all I do and say!

Love to you my friend,
Beth

Debra@CommonGround said...

Great post, Stephanie, loved hearing all your thoughts on "reflection". Perfect for a New Years post!
Debra

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

Your comments always make my day! Yor JOY is infecious Stephanie! I love it!!!
Wylie

Unknown said...

God has been shining light for me about choices. Faith sometimes means saying "no" to good things. Wisdom is light... thank YOU LORD for YOUR wisdom in making choices...

LisaShaw said...

From the Title, to the photo to every WORD and your heart sharing I was blessed! May we shine HIS LIGHT, the LIGHT of JESUS always.

Love you dear sister and your heart for JESUS!!

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

I know you sent me your email, but I can't find it. I know about the women of joy conference & our women's ministry team talked about going, but the plans have kind of fallen apart. Are you going? How awesome!!!
Wylie

Here's email for me by the way...
shoutajoyfulnoise@comcast.net

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The light that brings the reflection... indeed.

Light giving forward direction and guidance. How I pray to be found standing in that light where I can best see.

peace~elaine

Patrinas Pencil said...

Light belongs in darkness. Light chases the darkness away. It cannot remain in the presence of Light. When we mirror Christ, His light in us reflects upon our path and illuminates not only our journey but reflects onto the path of those who may be following close behind.

Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Stephanie

Patrina <')>><