I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
An Illuminating Light
Imagine trekking through the woods on a pitch-black night with only a lantern or flashlight to guide you. How would you stay on the trail? How would you know where to go? How would you keep from getting lost?
The author of Psalm 119 shares some insight:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105 NIV
The word of God refers to the written or spoken message of God, as well as the message of God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, often called the Word.
God is real. He created you on purpose, and He designed this world with you in mind. So, how can you know who He is, what He’s like, and what He desires from and for you?
You can know God, better understand who He’s created you to be, and navigate this increasingly dark world by the light of His Word.
The word of God is like a light in your hand, illuminating truths about the story of God, the character of God, and the ways of God. It helps us understand His creation and answer difficult questions or make hard choices.
The guidance found in God’s Word is perfect. His story is true. His instructions are trustworthy. His promises will stand. His commands are like beams of light pointing us back to Himself.
Now, notice what this verse doesn’t say. It doesn’t say that God’s word is a spotlight exposing to everyone every single thing about your past, present, or future.
No, God’s Word is a lamp for your feet and a light on your path. And as you walk with Him, step by step, He will lead you to life.
Undeserved Mercies
When someone hurts you or, worse, hurts somebody that you love, revenge can seem appealing. After all…
They were mean.
They were selfish.
They talked behind your back.
They broke a vital promise.
They lied about you.
They criticized you.
They ignored you.
They did the unthinkable.
They walked away.
They deserve to be punished, right? To feel some of that same pain? They deserve a consequence that will not only help them learn, but will be just as severe as the inflicted wounds.
And yet—because God sees things differently, both His standards and tactics can be surprising. And that’s why the apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Thessaloniki, said:
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT
Paul’s words sound a lot like Jesus’ words—to love your neighbor as yourself; to do to others what you’d like them to do to you. (See: Matthew 22:38-40)
God’s ways ...
