Sunrise in the Smoky Mountains

Sunrise in the Smoky Mountains
Author: Jean Ampt, Aurora, IN

The night was dark and the mountains almost invisible except for a few stars sparkling against the clear black sky. Silently a hint of light in the eastern sky began to transform the mountain horizon from black to gray and revealed dark clouds whose presence was previously undetected. The gray sky became soft pink, then purple, as clouds, evolving with the hues of the sky, became pink then purple, peach changed to yellow, soft white to brilliant white as the sun burst over the mountains and revealed itself as the transforming power behind this breathtakingly beautiful, constantly changing, masterpiece. Mountain mist became iridescent with the sun's rays as it rose from the valleys as if to welcome this new day that had just been born. Embraced by the light, autumn trees on the mountainside became a kaleidoscope of color. As I stood intoxicated by the beauty surrounding me, I was reminded that our Heavenly Father is the Master painter and creator of each brand new, unique day which He so graciously provides without fail...and His word assures us that His mercies are new every morning. So, although yesterday, I used every ounce of undeserved mercy which was allocated to me, in comes a brand new morning with new mercies. What an awesome, gracious, loving and faithful God we have. Author: Jean Ampt, Aurora, IN

Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day."
Lamentations 3:23

Photo provided by James Rice, Seymour, TN (865) 609-9533
"Rays of Hope" Photo by James Rice, Seymour, TN
Visit his website at http://www.scenesofcreation.com.

You Speak Through Sonshine

Lord, help me to have faith, wisdom, determination and courage to take a stand for truth. In my daily struggles with spiritual forces of darkness which oppose me at every turn, help me remember that struggles are like the clouds which seek to hold back the sunrise. Even as clouds hide the sun, it’s rays continue to shine ever brighter as the sun continues reaching upward. Remind me that it becomes even more brilliant when contrasted against the dark clouds. As it reaches it's peak, all may behold it’s magnificence and be warmed by it’s radiance. Even on those cloudy days there is light! Although the shape of the sun is obscured, the light (His light) is there in the background always penetrating the clouds so that we do not walk in the darkness.

Help me to be as faithful as the sun (Son); never forgetting that my reason for being is to serve You and that my primary purpose is to shine and reflect the Master’s light to all around me. May I never forget when I am tempted to give up, "My struggles are not with flesh and blood, but with spirits and powers of darkness in the unseen world" (Ephesians 6:12) and that I am to take heart because "You have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

Hold my feet firmly to the path You daily set before me. Keep my eyes focused squarely on You so that, like the sun (Son), I may ever reach upward remembering that You, not I, created this beautiful new day and that it has unfolded through Your grace and love.

I commit this day to You. I will fit into Your plan and share Your light, warmth and love with those I meet who may have no other opportunity to know you except as You are revealed through me. Thank You for this grand new opportunity that You daily freely and generously give me!

As I go through my tasks, remind me that when you awakened me to this day, You commissioned me to introduce others to you.

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see."
(Matthew 5:13-14)

"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Help me to be a mirror which brightly reflects Your glory!
Jean Ampt, Aurora, IN (March 27, 2004)