Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 2-28-24, Luke 1:79- "To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death , To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Zacharias, John the Baptist's father, prophesied over him on the day of his circumcision and naming. He was to go before the coming Messiah, preparing the way for Him. The prophecy ends with words about the Messiah, Himself. He will be our "Sunrise from on high." He will "shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death." And, He, Messiah, "will guide our feet into the way of peace." Do you know peace? Do you experience peace in the center of your being? Here at the very beginning of Jesus' narrative in Luke, we are promised light in the darkness and peace along the way. Only those who are in a real, personal, relationship with Jesus, through salvation and forgiveness, may enter the Light and experience the Way of peace. The mistake comes when we believe this is a ticket out of problems. It is not. This is a promise of God to be with you, in the problems. Some of life's disasters can be avoided by following close to Christ; but, many are unavoidable. They just come with living and breathing. However, when Jesus, the Light of the world, enters your life, enters into you, as the Holy Spirit, He changes perceptions, coping skills, and your heart. He is the ultimate changer of life. He forfeited His life so that we might experience His life in our lives. He guides each step to accomplish the very best purpose; but, only if we will allow it. If only we will step where He directs, stop when He says stop, speak when He says speak, we find light and an inner peace that passes all understanding. Are you watching, listening, and obeying? He promises to lead you in the way of peace if you will. Numbers 6:24-26- "The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’"