"Lord's Illuminating Guidance Helps Throughout! (L.I.G.H.T)"/'How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?' By Ramesh C. Reddy

Updated on Mon, July 30, 2012 at 08:24 a.m. (EST) & 05:54 p.m. (IST), JULY 2012 Edition

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“Lord's Illuminating Guidance Helps Throughout! (L.I.G.H.T)”

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12, NIV)

Observations:

I asked myself, what claim does Jesus make?
Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world?"

Observations/Interpretation:
I asked myself what 'If-Then' statement do I see here?
If you follow me, you will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life!

Observations/Interpretations
I asked myself what comparison/contrasts do I see here?
Two comparisons and contrasts were found:
1. Light vs Darkness
2. Followers of Jesus vs Followers of self

I asked myself what connections do I see here?
1. Followers of Jesus will have Light.
2. Followers of self will have darkness.

I asked myself in what context does Jesus claim Himself to be the Light of the world?

I realized Jesus is speaking this verse to the Pharisees and Scribes who originally brought to Jesus a woman accused of adultery. Jesus addresses that situation at hand and now personally addresses them.

Interpretations:
I asked myself why would Jesus refer to Himself as "I Am the light of the world" to the Pharisees and Scribes?

It occurred to me that they would be well versed in the law and the Books of the Torah. It is very possible they had head knowledge without practical application of Scripture.

With that head knowledge, they could recall that Jehovah addressed Himself as "I AM" to Moses, so Jesus utilizes that!

Now Jesus goes a step further and says that He is the "I AM" that they are supposed to know from the Torah. Jesus does not stop there but lets them know, "I AM the Light of the world."

I asked myself what's the significance of Jesus' claim to be the Light of the world?

To know the significance, first I thought about the functions of light. What came to my mind is visibility, pathway, and direction. This is what Jesus is telling them that He can be in their lives.

I believed Jesus wants them to connect the fact that He is the One that was with Moses helping him to bring deliverance to the Israelites. During the Israelites escape from Egypt, it is the Lord that provided VISIBILITY, PATHWAY, and DIRECTION which played a crucial role for the Israelites deliverance.

Guess in the form of what?

The Lord intervened in a pillar of fire to give them visibility, pathway, and direction so they can have light in the night to travel. This is evidenced by a verse in the Torah that the Pharisees and Scribes should have known:

"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."(Exodus 13:21-22, NIV)

The Lord was ahead of them and all they needed to do was to follow Him. If they follow, they would have visibility, pathway, or direction. If they did not follow, they would have continued to be lost in the darkness. If that continued, they would have become prisoners again to Pharaoh because they chose the darkness over the light being trapped without visibility, pathway, and direction.

Now Jesus is making a profound statement to them by claiming, "I AM the Light of the world."

They have a choice to follow Jesus and experience the light of life or continue to follow their own ways and eventually find themselves in the darkness of death.

Implications:
I asked myself what are the implications for my own life?
Just as God revealed Himself to the Israelites as "I AM" and later went ahead of them to give them light so they can be delivered from the bondage of slavery from the Egyptians as long as they followed Him, Jesus has revealed Himself to me as "I AM" + the "Light of the world" revealing His characteristics of divinity to me asking me to follow Him.

As long as I follow Jesus in this world, walking before Him, I will have visibility, pathway, and direction, for He will be leading me in His Light. This means I will not me stuck walking in the darkness, becoming a prisoner to the bondage of sin.

Majority of the time sin manifests itself in the darkness but Light exposes it.

Jesus wants to be my Light so I can have the light of life when I follow Him and be delivered from darkness in this world. It starts with following Jesus and His ways. Jesus is the captain who gives the visibility, pathway, and direction for my life. That is so exciting to know!

As the stars light up the sky they become really bright as you draw closer to them. The closer you draw near to them, they shine more. Yet, far away too you can see their radiance.

In the same way, as people inspect my life closely, I want them to see that I shine brightly as a light because I choose to live for the Light of the World. And that my light comes from the Light of the World.

Even far away if people hear about me what I want them to know is it is Jesus that lights up my life as I seek Him daily for visibility, pathway, and direction.

If they know about me, I want to use that opportunity to help them know about Jesus Christ so as He works in their lives, they can come to know Him personally as their Lord and personal Savior too!

Light covers over the darkness and helps people find the right pathway. Jesus can be that Light for you too friend.

It is the Light of Christ that has held my loving wife Chandra and my marriage together for 2 years as we celebrate our 2nd year anniversary today. It is a joyous time to reflect back on how the Light of the world has been working in our lives giving us visibility, pathway, and direction for our life. Thank you Jesus.

I ask you now dear friend, how can the Light impact your life?
Dear friend, wherever you are the Light of Christ wants to infuse you with His radiance but that cannot happen until you yield your life to the One who loves you so much and wants to guide you with visibility, pathway, and direction for your life. Yes, He does friend! You can experience that when you turn to the Word of God and allow Jesus to work in and through you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you so much Jesus. Jesus wants to do that for you friend. Yes, He does!

It is His Light that gave Chandra and me visibility, pathway, and direction for our marriage two years ago as we reflected on the will of Christ. It is His Light that has brought us through two years of marriage and it is His light that will guide us through this century of marriage.

Wherever you need the Light, turn to the One who is the Light. You are never out of His love and never out of His reach. Come as you are and allow His Light to work in you guiding you, leading you, and empowering you to do His will. You never have to walk in spiritual darkness anymore when you have Jesus to transform your life. That is exciting to know! Thank you Jesus!

As you walk these uncertain times, don't walk alone but let the Light of life guide you and lead you for the Light can give you visibility, pathway, and direction. I cannot emphasize this enough! Jesus claims to be that Light for He is the Light of the world and promises that if we follow Him we will not stumble in the darkness but living light will flood our path.

Don't wait for some other time to come to the Light. Come as you are and give Jesus your life to be the true Light in your life. Allow Him to work in you and don't feel you have to take the burden on your own. Jesus is there to take your burden. Yes, He is friend! Sometimes it happens overnight miraculously and at other times, it is a process but do not give up! The God of the Universe wants to be your Light forever for He is the 'I AM the Light of the world!'. Yes, He is friend! So come as you are and find the Light in your darkness.

For all of us live in darkness without the Light but the Good News is Jesus wants to deliver you from the darkness of the soul to light up your life with His presence. When you walk in His presence giving your life over to Him no matter where you are or where you have been, you will find the visibility, pathway, and direction that has been eluding you. Yes, you will friend for God will be your guide! He is the 'I AM' for you and me. Yes, He is friend!

If the Israelites did not follow the Light that God gave, they would have gone back to be captive to Pharoah. In the same way, if we do not follow the Light of the world, we will be held captive to sin that captivates. I don't want that for you and me.

Whatever captivity you are facing, you do not have to face it on your own in darkness. You can bring it to the Light and the Light will shine in the darkness and the darkness will not be able to extinguish it. This is exciting to know. Yes, friend so come as you are and be illuminated by Jesus Christ in your life. Wait on Him for He is the Hope of the Nations.

The best thing Satan would want is to discourage you and make you feel that you are not fit to be in the Kingdom of God, but Jesus came for those who are weak and struggle, not for those who think they are righteous. So hold on to Jesus and you will be holding on to hope! That can happen in your life too friend. Jesus wants to be your Light. He loves you so much and wants to go ahead of you and wants you to follow Him. He wants to deliver you from whatever you are faced with that is making you a prisoner in the darkness. Yes, He does!!! He loves you and offers Himself to you.

Won't you take the only Light that matters?

Allow the Light of Jesus to permeate your life and allow Him to be in your life for He wants to! He will bring change and transformation in your life. That is exciting to know!

Ask the Lord Jesus to light the fire in your heart. He will friend, yes He will. He loves you so much. No matter what we go through, He is there even through the trials and tribulations. If you don't know Him, come as you are and let Him help you overcome your sins and set you free by His Light. For He waits for you!

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcomeit." (John 1:1-5, NIV)

"Lord's Illuminating Guidance Helps Throughout! (L.I.G.H.T)"/'How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?'

Make this your prayer if you need Jesus to be the Light in your life:
Jesus, it is so exciting to claim your promise for what you have claimed. You are the Light of the world and if we follow you, we will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of Life! Thank you Jesus for offering your light to me! Jesus I want to have your Light in my life as you go ahead of me so I can have visibility, pathway, and direction in my life. Help me Jesus. From darkness and the bondage of sin you deliver. Thank you Lord! I cannot deliver myself without following you for you are the initiator to deliver and I want to follow. So right now, I say I am so sorry for my sins. I repent of my sins and confess of them. Please forgive me and help me to turn from them. Thank you for wanting to be my Light. This means a lot to me. I accept you Jesus into my heart so please make my heart your home. Live in me Jesus and as you help me, I will live for you. Please come in Jesus and Light the darkness of my heart with your blazing light. Light the fire in me, purifying me by your Holy Spirit that you promise to dwell in me. Thank you so much Jesus! Now, I can live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life as I accept your cleansing blood to purify me of all my sin. I acknowledge you Jesus as my Lord and personal Savior. Please be my Lord and Personal Savior. Thank you for being my Lord and Personal Savior! Thank you that you have heard my prayers and answered me. Thank you that I belong to you now and you have welcomed me into your Kingdom! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

Lord Jesus, You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, Holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”)

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help by His grace alone. May the Lord Jesus guide you in His love leading you! Amen!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

2012 DEVOTIONALS:

Matthew 25:14-30: "What are you doing with the T.A.L.E.N.T the Lord Jesus has given you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 28, 12, 10:38 a.m.)

Matthew 22:36-40: "How are the dimensions of L.O.V.E in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 27, 12, 09:13 a.m.)

Matthew 18:12-14: "What hope is there for the L.O.S.T in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 26, 12, 09:50 a.m.)

Mark 4:22-23: "What happens to a sin you C.O.N.C.E.A.L in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 25, 12, 07:23 a.m.)

John 15:18-21: 'Is it better for you to experience H.A.T.E or love, why or why not?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 24, 12, 01:01 p.m.)

John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 19, 12, 06:03 a.m.)

John 15:10-14: "What does it mean to remain in the V.I.N.E always?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 18, 12, 10:13 a.m.)

Matthew 18:21-22: "What stipulation do you put to F.O.R.G.I.V.E. someone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 17, 12, 09:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:20-23: "How do you see F.A.T.H.E.R in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 13, 12, 07:39 a.m.)

Philippians 4:19: "What are your N.E.E.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 12, 12, 08:51 a.m.)

Philippians 4:15-18: "Who will you F.I.N.A.N.C.E in ministry?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 11, 12, 05:42 a.m.)

Philippians 4:14: "How do you S.H.A.R.E in others troubles?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 10, 12, 08:30 a.m.)

Philippians 4:12-13: "Where do you need S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 09, 12, 08:59 a.m.)

Mark 5:24b-29: "Where do you need F.R.E.E.D.O.M to move on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 07, 12, 10:43 a.m.)

Philippians 4:10: "Why show C.O.N.C.E.R.N for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 03, 12, 09:18 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9b: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 02, 12, 08:33 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9a: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 30, 12, 09:58 a.m.)

Philippians 4:8: What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 30, 12, 09:56 a.m.)

Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 28, 12, 08:05 a.m.)

Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 27, 12, 08:57 a.m.)

Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 26, 12, 09:26 a.m.)

Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 25, 12, 08:58 a.m.)

Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 23, 12, 10:45 a.m.)

Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 23, 12, 10:40 a.m.)

Philippians 3:20-21: "What C.I.T.I.Z.E.N.S.H.I.P should you desire the most?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 12, 07:28 a.m.)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed T.E.A.R.S for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 20, 12, 08:37 a.m.)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who or what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19, 12, 07:30 a.m.)

Philippians 3:12-14: "How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 18, 12, 11:43 a.m.)

Philippians 3:1-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N do you need the transaction of the cross?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 16, 12, 8:57 a.m.)

Philippians 2:25-30: "When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 15, 12, 6:43 a.m.)

Philippians 2:19-24: "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 12, 8:18 a.m.)

Philippians 2:17-18: "How do you live out your F.A.I.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 12, 6:58 a.m.)

Philippians 2:14-16: "How is your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R. in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 12, 12, 8:15 a.m.)

Philippians 2:13: "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 12, 8:36 a.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13:"What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 09, 7:50 a.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13: "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 7:51 a.m.)

Philippians 2:9-11:"How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 7:47 a.m.)

Philippians 2:8: "Why should you make a C.R.O.S.S transaction in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 06, 7:26 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:5-7: "How do match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 9:09 a.m.)

Philippians 2:3-4: "How do you respond to C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 6:19 a.m.)

Philippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 02, 6:52 a.m.)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June, 01, 6:52 a.m.)

Philippians 1:27-28:"How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 12, 7:32 a.m.)

Philippians 1:22-26: What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 12, 6:27 a.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29, 12, 4:59 a.m.)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 25, 12, 8:08 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19:"Who do you C.A.L.L often in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 24, 12, 8:32 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 22, 12, 8:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 22, 12, 8:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:13-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 21, 12, 9:04 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12: "How can you feel so S.P.E.C.I.A.L when things are going so wrong in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 18, 12, 8:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response in life based on?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 18, 12, 8:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 17, 12, 6:32 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7: "Why cannot you be saved by G.R.A.C.E. alone?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 16, 12, 9:55 a.m.)

Philippians 1:6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 15, 12, 10:54 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 14, 12, 08:38 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" (May 11, 12, 09:53 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" (May 09, 12, 7:30 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" (May 10, 12, 9:01 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of being a sinner?" (May 08, 12, 8:05 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life? (May 07, 12, 7:06 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

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