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intro
The Light of the morning
Have you experienced “The Light of the Morning” – ‘first light of the daybreak on a morning without clouds in the sky, glistening upon the tender grass that springs from the earth after the rain!’ 2 Samuel 23:4
Breaking the darkness, it rejuvenates the heart and soul of the one who experiences it, embracing them with peace, joy and hope of a new beginning!
This blog comes out of my innermost desire, the seed sown in my heart six years back, but I delayed this out of hesitation, overthinking, laziness and perhaps perfectionism. But better late than never!… I finally decided that rather than trying to be perfect, let me share the goodness I experienced and grow along in my journey.
I was always intrigued by the young adults and teens of the present generation. Their mind is filled with lots of questions about life, religion and God, arising out of the immense exposure to media, friends from various backgrounds and witnessing the contradictory lifestyle of adults around them.
This lifestyle blog is for all the curious minds of all ages with lots of why’s, who want to pursue Truth, not just by reading and hearing but want to experience it.
We come into this beautiful world on our ‘Journey of Life’ with an invaluable gift from God – the power of choice – free will given only to mankind.
Our memories of past experiences, the present environment and our knowledge acquired through studies and other inputs, the feelings and emotions we store in our mind influences the choice we make. The choices we make, opportunities missed or used, our priorities and our values shape our life.
This beautiful journey is unique to each one of us with its own ups and downs!
Do we have to navigate this journey alone with our own intelligence and resources?
Many in their own busyness of handling their journey forget to look unto a sovereign companion – our creator and keeper.
Can He show up real to us in this journey?
Do we have to strive hard alone on our unique journey?How wonderful it will be if young adults and teens set out on this beautiful journey along with an everlasting companion who is real to them listening to their heart, answering their why’s, sharing their loads, strengthening them from within, working for them from behind, guiding them in their crossroads and encouraging them to move forward in their journey !
I desire that this small effort will help you experience all the goodness of ‘the Light of the morning’, and rejunevate you to move forward in your journey with Peace, Joy and Hope…
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the LIGHT of the morning!
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Prayers for our Journey – 💫 1. ‘WORD! become Flesh and dwell with me !’
Prayer : ‘WORD ! become Flesh and dwell with me !‘
Word of God – You know Father’s desires;
By your Spoken Word ;
Along with the Spirit of God ;
You accomplished Father’s desires!
By your spoken Word,“Let there be Light”, light came in and darkness flee ; 1
When you breathed into us the ‘breath of life’, man became a living soul ;2
When you spoke your Word, Spirit of God moved into disorder and brought order .3
Word ! Come in as flesh (real) into my life ;
Be with me as Jehovah Shammah.4
When your light comes into my life, every darkness is removed !
When you breath in, the exhausted and lifeless turn to life; dead situations become living ; the ignorant gets life !
When you move into my life, the disorder is changed to order, perfection!‘So, Jesus come and dwell with me ; Assure your presence with me !
What is my part for you to dwell with me ; to feel your presence ?
1. ‘The Word’ that I have in my hand,
When I consistently seek it,
You make me feel the life, you quicken me and give me understanding ;
You make me see the light, while I see darkness vanishing ;
You make me experience, disorder turning to order!
2. You long to see if I run to you or away from you in my happy moments and blows;
You long to hear my heart calling you in my times of need ;
You long to see my heart thanking you in times of blessings ;
You long to see my heart trusting you in times of trials ;
You long to see me walk with integrity even when none sees me ;
How you long to come and dwell with me !
WORD ! become Flesh and dwell with me! 5
When I seek ; I shall find you! 6
thelightofthemorning.com -
Psalm 23 – Jesus, Lover of my Soul ! ❤️
1. Jesus - Lover of our soul !
Shepherd our soul, Jesus ; never ever leave us !
When you are our shepherd, we will not lack !
2. Shepherd our soul in green pastures and besides calm waters !
You will never fail to nourish, satisfy and lead us in peace !
in our victories and in our turmoils !
3. When we fail, fall, or stray away ; when we are attacked or get lost ;
When our soul feels crushed ; You restore our soul !
When we have to make a choice in this world - in our emotions, responses and decisions ;
Lead us our shepherd, to choose the path of righteousness for your name's sake !
(though we are not qualified enough but in your name's sake you will do this for us )
4. We may pass through the valley of trials and shadow of death may fall on us ;
for our shepherd is with us, our heart will not fear evil, but walk in Hope !
Your rod and staff - guidance, lessons, protection will comfort and keep us !
5. When we walk with you, our shepherd ;
You will take us to a feast and anoint us with your divine power !
It shall not be in secret but for others to see !
(Your anointing makes us accomplish Father's desires / will ! )
6. We receive from you Goodness and Mercy ! and we display the same to others on our journey !
We strive to make our dwelling place on earth, your dwelling place !
and when we come to you after our journey, Delight in us Jesus and take us to your dwelling place !
thelightofthemorning.comNote: Try reading this with replacing our, us, we with my, me and I !
Ref : Psalm 23 -
In Awe of nature ! – #2 Cotton clouds!
Who scattered these cotton in the blue sky ?!
Location : DSO, UAE
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Perfect Love ! ❤️
'Perfect Love' Casts out 'Fear' ;
God is 'Perfect Love' ! 1
When God's Love embraces us,
He resets our mind removing all Fear,
(i.e) questions of How? When? What? Where? Who?
Because, His Love reminds us of times ;
- when we walked through rivers, and it could not harm us !
- when we walked through fire, and it could not burn us ! 2
Because His Love never let us be consumed ; 3
- even when we were ignorant !
- even in times when we were in rebellion !
Because His Love assures us ;
- that only what He permits can come near us ! 4
- that He supplies Counsel and Strength to handle that comes near us !
His Love nudges us and leads us ;
- to take a step of faith, though we cannot see the complete !
- for He opens and closes doors for us and directs our path !
Spirit of Love comes along with Power and Clarity of mind to cast out fear ; 5
Clarity ! - to see beyond the situation and to give Understanding of the real !
- to distinguish between the worthy and vanity ; the real and temporary !
Power ! - to travel this journey of ours through the world's power, chaos and loads!
Because of His perfect Love for us ;
we know that the one who carried us thus far, will carry us all the way through !
thelightofthemorning.comRef: 1 John 4:18 ; 1 John 4: 16-17 ; Isaiah 43:2 ; Lam 3:22 ; Psalms 17:8 ; 2 Timothy 1:7
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On the Cross ! – #3 Crown of Thorns !
Thoughts become our words; Words become our actions; Actions become our habits; Habits become our character; and Character, becomes our destiny.
A familiar quote! and we all know the importance of positive thinking to handle this life. But, yet we also know that controlling our thoughts is the most difficult task !Many may claim to be positive thinkers, until
an upset in our planned events and schedules or
a set back in our plans, expectations and disappointments or
our own limitations, failures or
the behavior of people around us -their actions, words, or
experiencing deceit and undeserved or
anxiety of future and fear,
influences our thoughts and then our moods.
When we experience the above, our positive and happy thoughts, changes to the negative and according to each one’s scenario even without us realizing it.
We may carry within us,
irritable thoughts – anxious thoughts – selfish thoughts – insufficient and limitative thoughts – self depreciating thoughts – ignorant thoughts – intrusive thoughts – lethargic thoughts -thoughts of fear – bitter and angry thoughts – thoughts of vengeance – self righteous thoughts – wicked thoughts.Many are able to bounce back after a while, yet there are many who indulge in these negative thoughts and fall into a deeper rut, unable to handle their tasks or even the basic duties of the day.
But still for everyone, our thoughts influences our words, actions and create our character and determine how we live this life !
What does God’s word say about these thoughts?
Last article we saw about ‘the Exchange’ that happens at the cross.
Can these thoughts that destroy our journey, be exchanged at the Cross ?Thorns !
These negative thoughts arising from our anxieties and worries of the world are like ‘thorns’ that choke our soul and does not allow us to grow and give fruit as we are supposed to. (Luke 8:14)
Crown of thorns !
Imagine yourself collecting all the thorns (negative thoughts),
Lifting it up to the cross and placing it on Jesus as a ‘Crown of thorns’ – (we know we are hurting him but have no other go).
We hurt him but The blood of Jesus because of our thorns, falls on us and the ‘Exchange‘ takes place.
The Exchange at the Cross !
1* He replaces our negative thoughts with HIS thoughts for us !
“For I know the thoughts that I think concerning you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you the end that you wait for.” Jeremiah 29:11
If we identify that negative thought in us and look up to God for help; unknowingly, He fills our mind with thoughts of peace and goodness ! He inspires us with His Goodness and Mercy already prepared for us and inspires us to run in that journey eliminating these disruptive thoughts !
2* He replaces our negative thoughts with HIS vision !
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; …. your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” Joel 2:28
The Lord shall fill the young one’s mind with a vision and give them the inspiration, wisdom, strength to go towards it. The old one’s dreams He will rekindle and open doors for them and they shall see it come to pass !All we have to do is to,
* Capture our thoughts when it is against God’s promises and His desires (2 cor 10:5) and place it on Him.
* ‘Train our mind to think of whatever is true – noble – right – pure – lovely – admirable – excellent or praiseworthy…. And the God of peace will be with you.’ Philippians 4:8,9
It is not easy. But if we desire and take efforts to do this and start small, God will help us to accomplish this – not by our might but by His Spirit!
* Whenever a repetitive thought about a past experience comes to your mind, ask yourself a question, ” Am I meditating on God’s deeds OR a deed of a person? “So next time, when your thoughts are deviating from the positive,
Remember to collect these thorns and
Go to Jesus on the cross and place it on him as a ‘Crown of thorns’.
In the place of the negative and disruptive, you will experience ‘thoughts of Peace’ and your mind will be filled with ‘His vision for us’ inspiring us to go forward in our journey joyfully, to experience all the ‘Goodness and Mercy’ He has prepared for us ! -
On the Cross ! – #2 What happened at the Cross ? – the Exchange!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.“
John 3:16 is a very familiar verse which says that we have to believe in Jesus Christ to receive eternal life.
But what should we believe about Jesus Christ ?
The previous 2 verses, John 3:14,15 clearly explains on what we should believe about him. ‘whoever believes that the Son of Man, Jesus Christ was lifted up on the cross as the serpent was lifted up by Moses, shall have eternal life.‘How can we compare Jesus Christ to the serpent, whom we always associate with evil, deceit and harmful poison???
In Mount Nebo, Jordan, where God showed Prophet Moses the Promised land, there is a symbolic sculpture of a brass snake on a cross.
I have always wondered how we could compare an idol like serpent to Jesus Christ ?…
To understand this we have to read Numbers 21:4-10.
The hardship of the journey made people murmur against the Lord and rebel against Moses. Then, they had to face serpents which bit them and many were dying. This calamity made people repent of what they had spoken and they came to Moses for help. When he prayed to God, God instructed him, “Make a brass serpent and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” Numbers 21:8. And people did so – lifted up the serpent that killed them and as they looked upon God for help, effect of poison was broken, nullified and it could not harm them any more and they were healed and they lived.
Verse 10 says, “and the children of Israel set forward….”Like wise, when Jesus was lifted upon the cross, it was not just Jesus Christ hanging there, but it was Jesus Christ, who carried whatever, whatever that could harm us, numb us, destroy and kill us in our journey – all our pains, shame, hurts, sickness, inabilities, lacks, burdens, setbacks, disasters, negative thoughts, iniquities, rebellion, evil thoughts-deeds, sins. All of it, he took upon himself … all that destroys us, that brings our soul to death. He took all the curse upon himself.
When we believe in this, and transfer all that destroys us to Jesus on the cross and look to God for help, just like how the poison of the snake was nullified and could not hurt the Israelites any more, the blood of Jesus nullifies all the powers that destroys us. We are freed of its consequences and receive the energy, life and light needed for our journey.
There is an exchange happening at the cross !
‘beauty for ashes; comfort, joy for mourning; praise in place of heaviness, despair.’ Isaiah 61:3
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mathew 11:28Numbers 21:4 says, "and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."
Do you have anything that is discouraging your soul ?
that is hindering you in your journey ?
Remember the exchange that happened at the Cross !
Lift up your burden to Jesus, and behold him to remove the hindrances and destructions and Receive the life and light needed for your journey.
and as in Numbers 21:10 "Set forward in your journey."more references:
made him to be sin : 2 Corinthians 5:21
new creature : 2 corinthians 5:17
propotiation of our sins : 1 John 2:2
chastisement of our peace : Isaiah 53:5 -
In Awe of nature ! – #1 God’s handiwork !
Canvas - Sand !
Paint brush - Wind !
Artist - God !Location : Mleiha Desert , Sharjah, UAE
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On the Cross ! – #1 The Grace for this journey we receive through Jesus Christ on the cross !
'HOPE' is with which all of us embark on our journey.
But midway lot of things can happen and tire us. However mighty and wise we think we are, as humans, we tend to deviate, slip and have our limitations. To get back on track when faltered; and to lead our journey with hope and abundance - we need faith.
Faith on the Grace, we receive through Jesus Christ on the cross - the victory we get through his blood.
So, what did he do for us on the cross, for this journey ?
# 1. Getting back the spoils lost !
” Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong ; because he hath poured out his soul unto death:….” Isaiah 53:12
By pouring his soul unto death on the cross, he received the authority to get back for us, all the spoils that we lost to the strongman (Mathew 12:29)
‘The spoils’ – all that was given to us in stewardship and we regret losing because of our… may be ignorance, rebellion, iniquities or having been deceived or negligence ! …. whatever it may be – time, talents, treasure of relationships and most importantly the souls. [Psalm 107:14] 1
“…that with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8# 2. To restore God’s will in our life !
” Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, ………… the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand..” Isaiah 53:12
We might have deviated from God’s will in a certain area in our life – again because of our ignorance, rebellion, iniquities or having been deceived or negligence. We might have allowed the world or even our flesh’s desires and emotions to take control. We might have allowed darkness and helplessness take charge in that area.
If we realize what we have done and believe in his restoring power, and ask for his help – having made him as a guilt offering for us on the cross, he can restore back God’s will in our life.
The handwriting of the dark powers which we ourselves allowed to be written, the blood of Jesus Christ erases it. [Colossians 2:14] 2
He will prosper God’s will our life – in his own way, but that which delights us. “Beloved, I wish that thou be prospered in all things and be sound, even as thy soul prospers.”
3 John 1:2# 3. Making us in right standing (righteous) with God !
” Out of the anguish of his soul ……… make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:12
Our iniquities deprives us of rights with God – (as between a Father and a child). By transferring and bearing our iniquities and anguishing his soul in place of us, he gives us a right standing with God !
A right standing (righteousness) that takes us to the secret place of the Most High and gives us all its benefits –
all the protection mentioned in Psalm 91 and also the experience of his glory. [Ephesians 2: 6,7] 3The Grace for this journey, we receive through Jesus Christ on the cross is the victory we get through his blood –
* Victory in getting back the spoils lost !
* Victory in restoring God’s will in our life !
* Victory in right standing (righteous) with God to experience all its benefits.This faith is not just motivational, but that which gives us the experience of a companion along with us guiding us with wisdom and working with us, on behalf of us and making the seemingly impossible tasks near and far, possible !
Have you placed your faith on the right source ?
This Faith comes by hearing. If we have the desire to taste this victory through his works, Jesus, the author of faith will initiate this faith in our heart.
This is the Grace we receive for our journey here, through Jesus Christ on the cross that helps us to lead our journey through its hills and valleys with abundance of Joy and Contentment !- “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.” Psalm 107:14 ↩︎
- “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:14 ↩︎
- ” and has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2: 6,7 ↩︎
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Good tidings of Great Joy – overview !
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!? - overview
12 reasons for Celebration !" Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Luke 2:10
In this 12 day series, we ponder over,
* The good tidings of great joy announced to us !
* The Promises and Hope we received !
* Have I experienced in 'Real',
any goodness of these promises?
* Does 'Hope' bloom in my heart
because of the one born to dwell with me ?!
* Are these promises relevant in my day-to-day life ?!
* How can I identify his presence with me
in my day-to-day life ?
* Is there any difference or Power
because of his presence in my life ?
* "is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me !?"Here is the link to the articles.
Do share with young and curious ones you are reminded of..
Good tidings of Great Joy :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/13/good-tidings-of-great-joy-12-days-and-12-promises/
1. 'The Anointed one' is born :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/13/day-1-anointed-one/
2. LOVE came down :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/16/day-2-love/
3. LIGHT and GLORY for us to Arise and Shine :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/16/day-3-light-and-glory/
4. 'The Wonderful one' - Miracle maker :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/20/day-4-wonderful-one/
5. 'The Counsellor' - dependable :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/21/day-5-counsellor/
6. 'The Mighty one' beside us :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/23/day-6-mighty-one/
7. 'The Everlasting Father's presence : https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/24/day-7-everlasting-father/
8. 'The Prince of Peace' with authority :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/26/day-8-prince-of-peace/
9. 'Immanuel' with us in our Journey : https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/26/day-9-immanuel/
10. 'Lord' who helps and exalts us in our Journey :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/26/day-10-lord/
11. 'The Word became flesh' and dwells with us :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/day-11-word/
12. 'Life' that lights our spirit :
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/day-12-life-that-lights-our-spirit/ -
Day 12: Good tidings of Great Joy–’LIFE’ that lights our spirit!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 12 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'Life’ that lights our spirit !" 1 In the beginning was the Word, ..........
4 In him was life,
and that life was the light of all mankind." John 1:1,4The Word is not just about its accomplishing power as we saw the previous article;
but also, In the word is life and that 'life' is the 'light' that lights our spirit.’There are treasures inside the word to help us lead our journey.
* The most important is that not only do we get these treasures in ‘theory’,
but the Holy spirit works in us and gives us,
life to our soul !
light to our spirit !
clarity in our thoughts !
They say,
“We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us”
Since it is so easily available at hand, we ignore 'the Word'
and go in search, to uplift our soul and spirit,
seeking outside in the world, its people,
losing our time, energy, paying for it,
only to find out in the end that all the
wisdom, motivation, solutions, hope and the calm we sought for our soul
was right in our hands!
The Life to our soul and Light to our spirit was just beside us all the while !Just a true desire,
* small consistent efforts of commitment to show our search,
* a desire to find the treasures in the word,
* and he becomes real to us in our journey -
A companion, counsellor, protector, all that we seek in this world !
bringing assurance and calm in our journey !
Drops of water everyday, from a leaking tap in the garden
makes the soil near it, good enough for a plant to bud, a flower to bloom!
Likewise, a consistent intake of the word by reading and hearing,
even without our understanding initially, of what's happening inside,
will bring life to our soul ! light to our spirit ! clarity in our thoughts !Ponder over and get the invaluable treasures of 'the word' -
with 'consistent' efforts of commitment
and
Celebrate the season for we have 'The Word' with us now, that is life,
and that life is the light of all mankind !-----------------------------------------------------
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/day-11-word/
the LIGHT of the morning
When your mind questions, you are led to find answers!
the LIGHT of the morning 