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"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (Amp)

Let, not prevent or forbid, but allow your light to shine. 
 
When it becomes dark we need light.  The action of turning on “the light” or light switch has become ingrained in our modern day life. When the Sun goes down and the sunlight begins to fade…on goes the light switch or light sensitive lights are activated automatically.

We are encouraged, in Scripture, to let our lights shine.  Unlike light sensitive bulbs, however, our lights may not come on automatically when dark situations descend on us.   

Dark situations take on so many different forms.  Dark, defined as the absence of light in a place, is used here as a metaphor for challenges and difficulty.  Daunting and merciless difficulty usually comes when we are  least prepared for it.  Unexpected tragedy, wars, loss of life and outright evil mindedness…

How do we shine in such darkness?  

Deliberately and without qualms.  We are to LET our light shine, to give way for light to burst free.  Let suggests choice and also provision.  Light is available to us, however, we need to allow it to shine.  Just as darkness can fall upon us, our light has the potential to suppress the dark.   

When we light a candle in the dark, darkness is suppressed.  In the same way, light representing hope, holiness, God-likeness, happiness, joy, justice and peace has great potential to be supreme.  As a human race we have great potential to let this type of light shine.

I share this to encourage someone…and myself.   Light overcomes the dark.  We must LET our light shine today.

​Transition
: a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another
: a period or phase in which such a change or shift is happening
: something that links one state, subject, place, etc. to another : a connecting part or piece
: a passage linking two sections of a piece of music : BRIDGE



 
Transition in the elementary school setting is critical.  Children in the early stages of human development can be very egocentric and alarmed by change.  It is hard for them to disengage from a current activity. A type of inertia or unwillingness to move or change often takes hold of them. 
 
Transition, a change from one state of being to another can be a welcome shift or a disturbing interruption. Transition can be used to describe the internal reaction to outward change.
 
 
Transition is also connection:
 “...connect one distinct state, subject or place to another.” (Merriam Webster).
 
This type of change is experienced quite succinctly in music.  A specific melody is used to link two different musical parts with what is often called a bridge.
 
In Scripture, transition is highlighted through many different circumstances.  Some of the most distinct are Adam and Eve’s transition from original state to “fallen” state. The time of Noah when the flood took place, Abram and Sarai transition to Abraham the father of faith and Sarah his wife and mother of “distinguished” nations.  Transition from the first King of Israel, King Saul to King David and so much more.
 
The current state of the human race is in a time of transition. Trauma and challenge experienced through, what has been described as, a world-wide pandemic, the effects of climate change on weather patterns and other ensuing environmental disasters. There are wars and rumors of wars.   Ever changing technology and hence change in apparatus for communication, the modes for travel are shifting, for example, gas to electric cars.
 
Most significantly, in Christianity, various structures for corporate worship and fundamental cores in the religious Christian belief systems are being shaken and reevaluated.  Yet Scripture remains steadfast and includes prophecy regarding this very time.
 
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams… And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  Acts 2:17
 
A peaceful transition can take place in our lives as we seek and find the meaning of life through our Creator, God.  When we sincerely seek God, pray, and ask Him to forgive us and become Lord of our lives, transition will take place. 
 
Faith, an ongoing state of being, can bring us into a relationship with God. Salvation, a gift for all who recognize the gift of Jesus Christ to all,  can take place once and for all time when prayed for sincerely.
 
 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
 
There is a transition available through salvation.  Shift or go deeper into the purpose driven life you have been created to live!
 
 
 
 

re·demp·tion
/rəˈdem(p)SHən/
noun

1. the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
   "God's plans for the redemption of his world"
   synonyms: saving, saving/freeing from sin, vindication, absolution
2. the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.
   

Oxford Dictionaries


THE TEST

The testing of Jesus the Christ in the wilderness is remembered in this season by many Christians.  Before his ministry begins, testing or temptation is allowed in the wilderness by the enemy.  This is the beginning of Jesus' ministry and the awesome plan of God for the redemption of humankind.

Jesus' actions are examples for us on our journey of faith.  Preparation for spiritual warfare, living as the Spirit of God leads us and much more are exemplified through the person of Jesus Christ our Lord:

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
​Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’' Matthew 4. verses 1-4.

This is a season that can be used to go deeper into reflection, prayer and fasting, meditation and other spiritual disciplines.  Connection with other like minded individuals, in community, can be a helpful and beneficial choice at this time. 

Let's seek God and go deeper into a meaningful relationship with Him. ​

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Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/K. Gordon (University of Arizona) & S. Willner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)




Advent:
the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY:  
​the coming or second coming of Christ
Oxford Language Dictionary




A lot happened before Jesus, the Christ, was laid in a manger.  The advent or arrival of a notable person or event in the earth realm was momentous! The second coming of Christ also promises to be illuminating!

“Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”  (Matthew 1:18-19).

Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Her husband, whom one can  sympathize with,  planned to divorce her without making any fuss or demands, however, an angel advised him not to reject Mary.

Fear of infidelity, pregnancy, thoughts about divorce, distrust, disappointment, pain, humiliation. The latter was experienced, in significant ways by Mary and Joseph. 

After supernatural intervention, Joseph and Mary committed to each other as husband and wife.  There are situations that may seem insurmountable, however, with God all things are possible.  Mary and Joseph were selected to support and facilitate the birth and growth of the person of Jesus Christ who is Holy God manifested in the flesh.  God Head - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Three in One.  

Like Joseph, our Father in heaven is committed to us, His Creation.  Our infidelities and imperfections do not nullify the grace the Lord has for us.  We have been given choice and there are consequences.  Scripture also highlights a time the Lord will come back for a church "without spot or wrinkle."


Soon after Jesus’ birth they had to escape to Egypt in Africa.   In an attempt to kill King Jesus, who the wisemen had sought and found, Herod ordered all boys from birth to two years old to be murdered.   It is hard to fathom the senseless slaughter of new born babies and children.


“A voice is heard in Ramah weeping and great mourning…”  Matthew 2:18


In the book of Matthew it is recorded that dreams, visions and divine visitations were used to inform Joseph and Mary and all those who were witnesses before, during and after the birth of Jesus, the Christ.  One of the most significant visitations is recorded in the book of Luke:


“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  (Luke 2:14).


Signs and glorious wonders were an integral part of the birth of Jesus.  What signs are we seeing today?   The covenant word, the Bible, highlights the promise that Jesus will return. 

During this advent season we can use this time, in faith, to rejoice in the birth of Christ Jesus, and also prepare for His return.

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”  Hebrews 9:27-28


Look up! for the promised advent of Jesus the Christ.





​© 2018-2025  Annette O. Brown Creations, Media. All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured by the author.

A weed - a plant that  is not valued  where it is growing and usually vigorous growth. especially one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants.  (merriam-webster.com


   "The Secret Garden”, a classic children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnette, is one of my favorite childhood literary experiences.  The imagery is vivid and inspiring.  Currently, I am attempting to master the art of gardening. Gardens encompass rich lessons and insights regarding most aspects of the human spiritual journey.
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    Weeds are an interesting specimen.  Weeds are an absolute enemy to a healthy and flourishing garden.  Once I begin the satisfying pluck of one weed I continue until all, in my power, are eliminated.  I’m amazed at the audacity of these plants popping up and weaving their way into the earth and amongst healthy flowers and plants.

   Weeds are often hard to distinguish from the primary plants you are nurturing, however, when detected, it is obvious they are not “the real item.”  There are products that have been created to destroy specific weeds, however, the ongoing war can be disturbing and disruptive.

    “ Let them both grow together until the harvest..”  Matthew 13:30.

In the Book of Matthew, this disciple shares the delivery of some parables that Jesus the Christ shares with his followers and his disciples.  Later, at the appeal of the disciples, clarity is given to this parable.

    The weeds were sown by the enemy but when the servants asked if they should remove them the owner prevents them from doing so.

      In this world there are many things that the average person would like to remove or uproot.  There are so many things that are harmful or have the potential to be harmful, yet there is a divine time and a divine plan and ongoing grace is given by our Creator God.  

      We need to give grace to each other as we recognize that God gives grace to us all. Christians look forward to a time of harvest for everyone’s soul.  A time where the wheat will be gathered and the tare will ultimately be destroyed. 

     In the garden of our lives we will not enjoy perfection, however, we can, by faith, anticipate a time of complete release and breakthrough in this life and/or in our eternal spiritual life with the Lord.

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FIVE DEVOTIONALS  -  IT IS WRITTEN

The following are five devotionals written for prayer and meditation and aligned to Scripture.
- Annette Olivia Brown, author. 



Day 1:  Who does God call righteous? 
  
Read: Genesis 15:6

Where does our journey of discipleship begin?  I believe that the Lord blesses us all to have  spiritual encounters with Him.  These meetings are unique to each person, even when it is in a corporate or group setting.  It is the Lord’s desire that all shall be saved. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness, Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

The journey of discipleship begins with our own salvation.  When we agree and accept the Lord, we position ourselves to benefit from His covenant word.  We also, significantly, invite God’s Holy Spirit to lead and to guide us into all truth.  “All believers are justified as Abram was, and it was his faith that was counted to him for righteousness.”  (Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 15:6).

Have you accepted Jesus the Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?
Romans 10:9-10 are some of the scriptures in the Bible that we can use for our own prayer and also for prayer with others.  Let us use this time to seek God about our personal relationship with Him.




Day 2: Encounters with God

Read: Exodus 3 2-3
  
The Lord used a supernatural phenomenon to gain Moses’ attention.  How has or is the Lord getting your attention? Some of us experience the supernatural, however, perhaps not a burning bush.  For most of us, the Lord is communicating with us through our everyday experiences.  We should pause, like Moses, and closely regard some of the situations we are presented with…   

The burning bush was not consumed by the fire.  Sometimes the Lord will allow us to go through situations that we certainly could not have survived without Him.  For example, we may look back and know that we made it through extreme pressures and challenges of a situation because of God.  These experiences are our supernatural testimonies and we should share these truths with others. 

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;”  Revelations 12:11.




Day 3: God has a plan

Read: Exodus 19:6
The Lord has a plan, this plan has been consistent since the beginning of time.  In the Bible, the book of God's covenant word, this plan is evident and prophecy has and is being fulfilled.  Moses was told that the Israelites had been called to be a Holy nation, consecrated to God.  They were not selected because of their good works or anything significant they had done as a nation.  

“You [Samaritans] do not know what you are worshiping [you worship what you do not comprehend]. We do know what we are worshiping [we worship what we have knowledge of and understand], for [after all] salvation comes from [among] the Jews. (John 4:  Biblegateway.com)

 Jesus the Christ, was born incarnate,  through the Holy Spirit and a supernatural connection with humanity. (Galatians 4:4).  All nations have access to salvation and a passage to a right relationship with our Creator God through Jesus the Christ. In addition, all who are saved have a purpose to fulfill for the Kingdom of God here on earth.

If you are part of a kingdom of priests, how can or do you activate and use this role in your everyday life?





Day 4: Live! on every word of God

Read: Matthew 4:4
The Temptation of Jesus, recorded in the book of Matthew, is a very significant.  Soon after the Lord announced His pleasure in His Son Jesus, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  Jesus acknowledges the importance of bread for food and sustenance.  Then He very quickly states that every word spoken by God is what man must also live by.
  The Lord has provided Scripture.  God’s Holy Spirit, however, is also purposefully provided to us for revelation and understanding.  We need access to both as we seek God and God communicates with us by His Holy Spirit in our minds and in our hearts. Yes, God’s covenant word is written and the promised gift of the Holy Spirit has been sent to empower us.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together as one. 

It is written, Scripture has been provided to us by the inspiration of the Lord.  How can you be the word, through witness, to someone today?
     



Day 5: Signs

Read: Matthew 24:4-8

The disciples asked Jesus what the signs would be at the Jesus’ coming and the end of this age…We are witnessing much of what is described in this passage.  What should our response be as believers? 


Jesus said “See that you are not alarmed”…I believe this was said for several reasons.  First, It doesn’t mean that we will not have different and real emotions about each event, however, we should not be completely surprised.  Prophecy is provided for many reasons.  Prophecy informs us that God is not surprised, He has predicted everything that comes to pass.  

In addition, prophetic information reminds us that God is in control and we have a hope that nothing can remove.   We have the promise of everlasting life in Christ Jesus!  

God has informed us that ”Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”


“How can we acquire or maintain God’s Peace in the midst of deception, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes?”

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