By Brenda Black
From the beginning, God had a plan for our good; for beauty, perfection and paradise. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...” (Genesis 1:1) His plan filled the universe with light and life. “And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:3-4) The plan has not changed. God still wills light and life into each new day and every new year that the earth stays in orbit. He interjects Himself into all of creation, including humanity. And we are called to reflect that radiance in our actions and proclaim His residence within our hearts. We were chosen for glory! So lighten up!
This marvelous beginning begins with you. It starts the moment you choose the life and light the Lord made ready eons ago. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1:3-6)
The Father of all creation determined from the beginning to make a way to make you His own, then He gave you a choice. The first day you commit to Christ, your destiny is illuminated. As a new year approaches, what will you choose? Light or darkness? I suggest you start it enlightened. Be filled with the Light of the World by serving Jesus as Lord and Savior.
“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God --” (John 1:9-12) You have the right to live righteously if you choose wisely. That's a pretty good New Year's resolution.
Once the Lord is inside of you, let His light shine out of you! Be a beacon of help and hope in a dark and needy world. God separated the light from the darkness not only in the heavenly realms, but right here on earth, where those who walk in light make a brilliant difference. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Finally, live lightly. “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength...” (Psalm 89:15-17a)
He came as light. We are called to be light – every day... every year... until He comes again. “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.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Lighten Up in 2012! You just might see a gleaming difference!
copyright 2011-2012 the Word's Out - Brenda Black
