Truth for Today: The Light of the World

"There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, 

so that through him all men might believe. 

He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 

The true light that gives light to every man 

was coming into the world." 

 (John 1:6-9, emphasis added)

^{How curious that John described Jesus as light. His birth was announced by a bright star, and the book of Revelation, the very end of the Biblical account, refers to Jesus as the bright Morning Star.}

<sup>Without light, we walk in darkness, we stumble and fall. Yet, the psalmist proclaims, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Logos, is also the light of the world.

What lights the way on your path?

In Him, 
Dr Mari

For the first article in this series, visit Truth for Today: Introducing a New Segment.</sup> 

Dr Mari's Health & Hope Corner - February 2012

In this month's Health & Hope Corner, Children: Our Hope for Tomorrow, I share about a nine year-old with a big heart. After a disappointing injury, he could have stayed home feeling sorry for himself. Instead, he chose to rise above it, finding ways to encourage others and learn during his recovery.

This young man's maturity, optimism, and positive attitude in facing adversity remind me of Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Visit Hope Matters for the full article.

Truth for Today: Introducing a New Segment

"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 men. 

The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." 

(John 1:1-5) 

Jesus: The Light of the World.

John the evangelist opened the Gospel he was inspired to write with these five verses. Referring to Jesus as the Logos, the Word made flesh, John reminds us that Jesus - the Son of God - the second Person of the Trinity, was present since the beginning of the world. "Without Him, nothing was made that has been made." Nothing. He further calls Jesus (or, more accurately, the life in Jesus) the light of men.

John refers to "the Word" as "He," the same One whose "Be still!" calmed the seas and the winds, and whose word brought the dead back to life. The Word is God's Christ;
His name is Jesus.

Over the coming weeks, I will post segments from this Gospel with short reflections to help keep us focused throughout the day. I will keep them short so that we can spend more time re-reading and meditating on God's Word.
May this Truth for Today bless you.

In Him,
Dr Mari

Inspiration from a 7 Year-Old

These beautiful words came straight from the heart and hand of a seven year-old who loves and serves the Lord. May they bless you as much as they've blessed me.

The Trees of the Lord's Fruit

"The Lord is saying today to us, 'I will come again for the dead and the sick, the blind, mute or deaf.'

He will help the weak. He will help the poor. The Lord is with us today right now. He has sent the Holy Ghost to our hearts. He has come to heal. The weak will be in front of the strong. The Lord is grace and righteousness. We don't see Him but He's near. He's guiding us to tell about Him. God is love! (1st John 4:8)

We should  love the Lord like Mary. We should be faithful and stand up for what's right like Jesus. We should do things that are good when not asked to. We shouldn't cheat, steal or hurt other people. We should help the poor like Jesus."

PEANUTS Humor for Rainy Days

In Memory of my Little Cousin

Lorenzo, 2001-2010

You will live in our hearts forever!

While listening to Lincoln Brewster sing Everlasting God, I thought of my little cousin Lorenzo, who went to be with the Lord way before his loved ones were ready to say goodbye. Yet, I rejoice in knowing the everlasting God who helps us stand during times of overwhelming sorrow. At 3:50, a child recites the hopeful words from Isaiah 40:28-31. I received them as coming from Lorenzo's innocent heart unto the hearts of those of us who continue to wait for the Lord - in hope and with great faith. Though we may feel faint in the waiting at times, the Rock we stand on never faints. Our God never grows weary, but is faithful to strengthen all who wait on Him.

We will continue to wait on You, Lord, and lean on You as our strength and our hope!

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and His understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."
(Isaiah 40:28-31)

Comparto esta canción en memoria de mi primito Lorenzo y para dar gracias a nuestro Dios eterno, quien nos mantiene firmes en momentos de gran dolor. En el minuto 3:50, un niño recita las palabras de Isaías 40:28-31. Las recibí como un mensaje del corazón inocente de Lorenzo a los corazones de quienes continuamos esperando y confiando en el Señor con esperanza y fe. Aunque a veces nos cansamos de esperar porque Dios actúe, nuestra Roca se mantiene firme. Dios nunca se cansa, mas fortalece al cansado y al débil.

Continuaremos esperando por Tí, Señor, aferrados a Ti, nuestra fortaleza y esperanza.

"¿Acaso no lo sabes? ¿Acaso no te has enterado?

El Señor es el Dios eterno, Creador de los confines de la tierra.

No se cansa ni se fatiga,

y Su inteligencia es insondable.

Él fortalece al cansado y acrecienta las fuerzas del débil.

Aun los jóvenes se cansan, se fatigan,

y los muchachos tropiezan y caen;

pero los que confían en el Señor renovarán sus fuerzas;

volarán como las águilas:

correrán y no se fatigarán,

caminarán y no se cansarán".
(Isaías 40:28-31)

“For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of His unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:4-5)

"La palabra del Señor es justa; fieles son todas Sus obras.

El Señor ama la justicia y el derecho;

llena está la tierra de Su amor". (Psalm 33:4-5)