Newness of Life With The Lights On.

   "We'll leave the light on for you." Not just a slogan for a hotel chain, this saying is a message that lets you know you are welcome and provides you some guidance in the night.  Streetlights, first introduced in America in 1757 in Philadelphia, PA, also provide a welcome and direction, as well as a level of safety.  As I stroll under these streetlights at night in the vast city I dwell in, I am thankful for how they remind me of God's illumination into the life He has for me. 
  His light provides me with so much, but sometimes I take for granted the amazing benefits He gives when I choose to spend time with Him, especially in reading and treasuring His Word. 
 
  "Your Word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path" - Psalm 119:105

  In choosing to dive into the Truth of Scripture, we are exposed to the blessings of illumination, guidance for living, and safety in His care in an increasingly dark world.
  When He says His Word is a lamp to my feet, He is showing me with a spotlight where I stand, where I am, what I am doing this very moment in time.  We need this illumination, this spotlight to help us find out if we are on the right track in life, if we are doing what we should or could in obeying His commands and trusting Him in our hearts. 
  "We would not know the way or how to walk in it if the Scripture, like a blazing torch, did not reveal it.  One of the most practical benefits of the Bible is guidance in the acts of daily life.  Scripture is not sent to astound us with its brilliance, but to guide us by its instruction.  Happy is the one who personally appropriates God's Word and practically uses it as comfort and counsel, as a lamp to the feet." - Charles Spurgeon
  As God says that His Word is a light to our paths, it is also like a flashlight showing us which way to go, guidance for living and choosing wise paths of following Him to being a devoted disciple, becoming more like Christ in our walk and talk.  And it leads to decision and determination to resolve the questions of our hearts brought upon by stressors and circumstances of life.
  As you look into the Scriptures, ask the LORD:
   Would You show me Your truth and reaffirm truth You have previously taught me?
  Would You give me natural opportunities to share this truth and Your love with someone today?
  In applying this truth, will You help me to reorient my steps toward where You would have me go and to doing what pleases You most?
 
  And with this light from Him from His Word, as we know Him more, we know His safety and can experience restfulness in our hearts to encourage us in walking in newness of life every single day.

A prayer:
  Dear Father, please help me to develop a hunger for righteousness and reading and studying the priceless gift of your revealed Word.  And please also help me to share with others what You are teaching me.  I pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.