Dear Precious Friends,
What a great way to start our Thursday by remembering who we are and what we are to do in this dark world that seems to be getting darker all the time. Who are we?
Our Pastor just finished a series that I will never forget... It started with If you know you you are, You will know what to do... WOW!!! SUCH TRUTH!
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
As 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts" (NIV).
So, how do we live this out when everything in the world seems to be opposite right now. Good is evil... Evil is good. So many disappointing stories in the headlines and FEAR is what is stalking at every turn. There is a way we can shine in this darkness and be the light, however...
trying to shine on our own can be exhausting. Instead, we're simply called to be closely connected to God and remain in Him. When we do, His light pours forth through us in powerful, brilliant ways that change the world. The ways we shine might not make the news, but they make even more of a difference than we can see.
Lord, thank You for being the light within us so we can shine brightly for the world around us. When it seems darkness is crowding in, use us to make a difference. We ask that You will help us share Your love, joy and peace - especially this time of year. You are the hope we need and the One light that will never burn out, be overcome or fade away. Help us remember to stay connected to you... our light source through your word, prayer and time spent with you!!! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
