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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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Day 11: Good tidings of Great Joy –’the WORD’ became flesh!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 11 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'the WORD' became flesh to dwell with us.”"1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, ....." John 1:1-3, 14The Word we read about in the first chapter of Genesis,
who commands and creates
light in darkness !
order in disorder !
The Word, when spoken,
was accomplished by the Holyspirit.God the Father desires !
The Word speaks Father’s desire (will) !
Holyspirit accomplishes !* The Word became Flesh (as Jesus) and came to dwell with us in the world,
* The Word came in flesh, Son of Man - a human just like us.
to show us how we too can lead an abundant journey in this world,
with help of God,
inspite of our human weakness and limitations,
amidst its trials and temptations,
* 'not by our might or power but with the help of the Holy spirit.' zech 4:1
Jesus did his father's will in the world
and when he commanded,
it was accomplished !
Even now, We have 'the Word' with us.
The 'spoken word' received, accomplishes what is spoken.Reading the Word of God is not just of compulsion or a daily habit to be ticked off,
'The word of God' has treasures within it ! (Psalm 119:162)
Those who seek will find them !1
you can find, solutions to many problems we face in our journey !
it reveals to us God and his desires ( will ) !
it gives wisdom to chose our path !
it gives us acceptance of the past !
assurance amidst present turmoil !
and hope for the future !When we are hindered or entangled in our journey or when feeling insufficient with a weary heart to move further, (Hebrews 12:1-3)
* look into word of God;
* look into how people handled such situations before;
* look into the power of God in such situations;
* and Receive his ‘spoken word’ for that situation;
* Keep thinking about that word and believe its power;
* ‘the Word’ carries Father’s will in that situation and Holyspirit, our accomplisher establishes it.The Word who was in the beginning, commanded and accomplished !
The Word who came to the world as Jesus, commanded and accomplished !
Even now, The Word with us when spoken, accomplishes what is spoken !Ponder over if at any time you felt assurance and hope through the word
and
Celebrate the season for we have 'The Word' with us -
when spoken, it accomplishes what is spoken!------------------------------------------------------
- “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find” Mathew 7:7 ↩︎
https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/day-12-life-that-lights-our-spirit/
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Day 10: Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘LORD’ who helps, exalts!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 10 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'Lord' who helps our troubled hearts and exalts !" You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am" John 13:13
The one born to dwell with us is the 'Lord' in his own words to the Disciples !
The King, Master - Wise men knew this !!!
"When they saw the child with his mother Mary,
they bowed down and worshiped him." (Mathew 2:11)
He is worthy of our best gifts !
In our journey, we come across many things that trouble our hearts, worry us.
It may be a future anxiety, a past memory,
a present situation, career, a particular person, a habit we cannot overcome, sickness or some infirmity.
They numb us or slow us down or deviate us or halt us.
How do we handle this worry - anxiety - the troubled heart ?
The Word gives the answer.
'Be anxious for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God and
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
The above verse says,
Worry is replaced with Peace and Calmness by doing two things !!
1. Prayer,
2. - Supplication with thanksgivingSupplication is an act humbling oneself and make a request.
In Psalm 95, King David says,
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!"
It is recognizing his Lordship, kneeling down, humbling oneself.
It is not just a physical act of kneeling down, but kneeling down in your spirit before the Lord.When your heart is anxious or troubled,
make Supplication with thanksgiving !
i.e, *Recognize his Lordship on the things you worry about !
Many of us accept his Sovereignty. But, when anxiety or fear takes over, do we recognize his lordship on that particular situation.
* Kneel down in your spirit and humble and analyze yourself !
* Tell of your worry / fear and ask for his counsel in what you should do !
* Thank him for his Lordship on the thing you worry about and that he is in control
* and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds.
* and he will show you a way through that problem – knowingly or unknowingly !We can read in 'the Word' of many who called him as the Lord
('Aandavarae' in Tamil)
were - healed - saved - freed - helped - exalted !
Luke 1:38, Psalm 116:16, Mathew 8:2, 8:6, Luke 18:41
Miracles happened !
His Glory (working of his Power) was displayed through them !
Their life changed for the better and were exalted in the society they lived in !Ponder over his Lordship, Kneel down in your spirit, tell of your anxieties
and
Celebrate the season for we can call on
‘the Lord ‘ who helps our troubled heart and exalts us !-----------------------------------------------
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Day 9: Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘Immanuel’ with us in our journey!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 9 of 12 : 12 reasons for the Celebration !
'Immanuel' with us in our journey!"..... and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Mathew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14 kjv
'Immanuel ' meaning 'God with us' -
came down to dwell with us!
Mathew remembers the prophecy of Isaiah in his gospel.
Each day the Task ahead varies, our needs vary, emotions vary and our strength varies.
As you get up,
call on him to come beside you for today’s journey!
Call on his name!
* You may be waiting for a miracle to change your circumstances? …
Call on him as ‘the Wonderful one’ today !
* You may need advice to handle people/ situations or going to take a major decision today ? …
Call on him as ‘the Counsellor’ to come beside you !
* Something/ someone may seem daunting to you or you are exhausted to carry on ? …
Call on him as ‘the Mighty one’ to reveal his Power !
* You may long for love and faithfulness? …
Call on him as an ‘Everlasting father’ to shower you with love and grace !
* Your heart may be troubled today worrying about if’s, when’s and how’s or wounded by someone? …
Call on him as ‘the Prince of Peace’ !
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.“
Proverbs 18:10Call on his name as your need of the day!
‘Immanuel’ – ‘God with us’ is beside us in our journey !
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth”. Psalm 145:18Ponder over your need of the day and call on his name
and
Celebrate the season for we aren't alone,
have 'Immanuel' with us in our journey!-----------------------------------------------
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Day 8: Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘The Prince of Peace’ with authority!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me?!
DAY 8 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'The Prince of Peace' with authority !"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, .... his name shall be called ... The Prince of Peace ..." Isaiah 9:6
The Prince of Peace has the authority
to give us Peace.
The Prince with authority over all circumstances in our journey
- all that brings chaos, hurdles, anxiety,
fear, guilt, loss, shame, weakness,
sickness, darkness, rejection.
When heart is troubled with worry or hurt,
when the mind keeps repeating those thoughts,
The Prince of Peace replaces it with Peace. (John 14:27)
and helps us to not be stuck, but move forward in our journey!
Situations may or may not change, but,
He gives clarity in our mind to see the situation in the right perspective,
provides peace that surpasses all understanding in our heart,
(philippians 4:7)
and provides wisdom, power and help to take the next step !
When dark clouds, storm overwhelm us,
and mind turns to a rough sea,
Trust his authority over the source of that dark cloud and storm
and turn to him,
the Prince of Peace takes authority over that stormy situation;
no storm can destroy nor alter our journey
He speaks to our mind to be at peace – ‘Peace, Be still’
and then Calm prevails!
and with Peace we continue our journey !
The Peace we receive from people, things, pleasures may drift away over
time and circumstances.
but, the Peace we receive from Jesus - the Prince of Peace is everlasting,
The Perfect Peace ! - Isaiah 26:3
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
Ponder over the times you felt worry or hurt replaced with Peace
or if you are in search of Perfect Peace
and
Celebrate the season for we have with us the one with authority
'The Prince of Peace !------------------------------------------------
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Day 7: Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘The Everlasting Father’s presence!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 7 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'The Everlasting Father's presence!"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, .... his name shall be called ... The everlasting Father ..." Isaiah 9:6
He is not only the father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. but, also the everlasting father of our generations - our parents, grand parents, great grand parents ... !
He remembers their heart's intents, their deeds and the prayers they took for their children and generations ...
and is gracious to us...
He is watching our intents, deeds and will remember our prayers for our generations too !
The nature of the Everlasting Father does not change.
Just as before, even now, He is waiting
to reveal himself to the generations
and become real in our life.
The one who spoke with his people
is the still the same !
The one who longs to hear us call him Abba, Father is still the same !
The one who desires everlasting peace
for his children is still the same !
The one who was with our previous generations, will be with us too !
Just as a young child wants his/her Father’s proximity,
Take effort to be in his Shadow (Ps 91:1)
Run to him for Shelter when in trouble (Ps 91:4)
Inspite of all our flaws, He will cover you under his wings
and there you shall find safety, rest and peace for the journey !His presence with us is everlasting through our journey,
and He is faithful to his promises,
unlike any other source we depend on !As a young child trusts his earthly father,
Trust the Everlasting Father,
and
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" Psalms 34:8Isn't it interesting to note that Jesus Christ is mentioned as the Everlasting Father !
Ponder over the times you experienced his love and faithfulness
and
Celebrate the season for 'The Everlasting Father' is with us throughout our journey !--------------------------------------------
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Day 6: Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘The Mighty One’ beside us!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 6 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'The Mighty one' beside us !"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, .... his name shall be called ... The Mighty one ..." Isaiah 9:6
The one born to dwell with us -
'the Counsellor' is also 'the Mighty one'.
He just doesn't stop with counsel,
but along with Counsel,
He also provides Might to us.
(Isaiah 11:2, Job 12:13).
His sovereignty rules over all, but respecting the free will given to us,
He lets us, chose or not, his help !When we accept his sovereignty,
Desire to do our journey along with him and
make a conscious choice and effort to have the mighty one beside us in our journey (Psalm 91:1),
He provides his counsel and might and we put in our best efforts and hard work.My hand will sustain him;
surely my arm will strengthen him.
(Psalms 89:21)
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)* His protecting mighty arm covers us when all around us is chaos, against us !
* His powerful hands strengthens us and upholds us, that we don't succumb in tough situations that overwhelms us !
* The mighty one, goes before us, breaking down the barriers and moves us forward in our journey !
* With his righteous hand he leads us in righteous path, though tough to go !
* With his mighty and loving arm he tries to pull us close to him when we try to walk further away from him !
* When in doubt, he lets us experience the accepting embrace of his mighty and righteous arm !Ponder over the times you experienced his mighty arm on you
and
Celebrate the season for 'The Mighty one' is waiting beside you to just desire him !------------------------------------------------
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Day 5: Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘The Counsellor’ dependable!
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 5 of 12 : 12 reasons for Celebration !
'The Counsellor' dependable !"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, .... his name shall be called ... The Counsellor ..." Isaiah 9:6
The 'wise' king Solomon says, '....: but he that listens to counsel is wise.' Proverbs 12:15. The Presidents, Prime ministers and even large corporate organizations have an advisory board. They know that just their insight is not enough, so they get from these advisors, expert insights and critical thinking on the issue and guidance to take the right decisions. Also they know that these advisors have their best interest in mind, know their vision and want them to succeed in their goals.
We too tend to look for counsel at many crossroads in our life. It could be from a
close friend or family or may even search youtube or google for advice.
Who could be a better person than the one,
who came down to dwell with us with the name 'the Counsellor' ;
who has good plans for us in his mind ;
who has the all the insight, wisdom, and authority !
He is a Shepherd who will lead us in the right path in our journey !
His Word shall be a lamp for our feet !Share your plans with God, ask for his counsel,
Recognize the need for His insight,
Call on His name, - to come as a Counsellor,
He sends His spirit of counsel to instruct in our heart and
bring clarity in our mind!
He gives the understanding to see the situation with clarity!
He gives wisdom to make the right decisions! (Isaiah 28:29)
King David says, 'I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.' Psalm 16:7Are there days when you were confused but woke up with clarity and strength ?
Do you pat yourself and thank God for the wisdom to make the right decision ?
Are you thankful for some choices you did not make ?
Have you got the insight of God and say with Peace like king David's Psalm 16:7Ponder over the times you have enjoyed His counsel
and
Celebrate the season for 'The Counsellor' dependable is dwelling with us !------------------------------------------------------------------
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Day 4 : Good tidings of Great Joy – ‘The Wonderful One’ Miracle maker !
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 4 of 12 :12 reasons for Celebration!
'The Wonderful One'- Miracle maker!"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, ...... and his name shall be called The Wonderful One........." Isaiah 9:6
The people who lived around 30AD, had a firsthand experience of the wonders when the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah was fulfilled. Even now 'The Wonderful one' does miracles in our life and around us ! Many times, we fail to recognize the wonder working hand of God and take things for granted !
The wonderful creations of nature !
The minute details, the working of our body and all living creatures !!
The repetition of the same in all species of same kind !!!
... proclaim the Wonderful creator !Can you recall any incident in your life which till now you cannot understand,
how you got that favour or help !
Can you remember a messy situation in your life,
that seems trivial now and wonder how you got out of it !!Are you stuck in any situation or with people that you feel,
unless a miracle happens you will not see change ?
Are you waiting for a miracle to see an exaltation in your life ?For those who ask him and
Trust him enough to put a step forward into the unknown and fearsome,
He does miracles and
makes their heart rejoice ! (John 2:5)Ponder over the times you have seen His wonders in your life
and
Celebrate the season for we have 'The Wonderful One' - who has come
to lead us forward in our journey with Wonders !!!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------https://thelightofthemorning.wordpress.com/2023/12/13/good-tidings-of-great-joy-12-days-and-12-promises/
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DAY 3: Good tidings of Great Joy – LIGHT and GLORY – Arise and Shine !
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 3 of 12:12 reasons for Celebration!
LIGHT and GLORY - Arise and Shine!" A LIGHT to light everyone and a GLORY for God's people" Luke 2:32
Simeon who said this when he saw the baby knew,
that this baby will bring a ray of Light to all in darkness
and for those who come under his shelter leaving their
ego, pride and self righteousness,
He will be their Glory.
Have you ever seen this ray of Light showing a way out of a dark situation ?
Or even without your realization your inner self is uplifted and there is clarity ?
Have you felt this Light on you enabling you to do more than you thought you can ?
Have you ever felt His Glory (working of his Power) in your works ?Ponder over the times you have seen this Light and felt His Glory (Isaiah 60:1)
and
Celebrate the season for He came to shine on you His Light and His Glory!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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DAY 2: Good tidings of Great Joy – LOVE came down !
is it really Good tidings of Great Joy for me!?
DAY 2 of 12 :12 reasons for Celebration!
LOVE came down !" This is Love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins......" 1 John 4:10
God's Love came down to dwell with us with the birth of baby Jesus.
Father's love ! -
who always wants to be with us,
who yearns for our love, yet gave us the free will to make our choice,
who waits for us to call on Him,
who eagerly awaits to be our companion in our journey in all its ups and downs.- The only eternal love that can be with us through out our journey (not time bound) !
- The selfless love that accepts us and loves us as we are !
''... and to know this love that surpasses knowledge and to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.'' Ephesians 3 :19
- And this knowledge of God’s Love for us is one of the factors that drives out Fear.
- When this God’s love embraces us, it assures us and helps us to love others – not by our power but by His Grace.
Ponder over the times you have experienced this Love
and
Celebrate the season for Love came down to embrace and assure us!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the LIGHT of the morning
When your mind questions, you are led to find answers!
the LIGHT of the morning 