TODAY’S VERSE
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:14-15
TODAY’S THOUGHT
This past Saturday night, we took our grandson on a mini-trip to see all the local Christmas lights. Being only two years old, he was enamored with all the lights and displays. "Lights, lights, lights!" he'd cry out and point to the ones that really caught his interest. It's interesting to watch a child and their fascination with lights.
As Christians, we are the light for the world. We are the illumination on the path that leads through the wilderness along the dangerous ravine. Jesus reminds us that we must not hide the light but instead should put it where everyone can see by it brightness. He concludes with this command, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Today you have a choice. You can contribute to the darkness of those around you or you can be the light. There is no neutral ground. When God give us opportunity today, might we shine with the Love of Christ that God will get the praise and glory.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I pray that today you would shine your light through me as you guide me to the darkness that you want me to shine upon. Help me see the needs around me and respond with your love and compassion so others will praise you. ~Amen
Oh, this really spoke to my heart. Especially the part about either being a part of the light or contributing to the darkness. Even in my everyday life I see hurdles to mount, and really they shouldn't be hurdles at all, but I seem to make mountains out of molehills.
ReplyDeleteJust today I was upset with my grandson, and he apologized to me and I said very curtly, "Fine!" and even though he's only four he sensed that it wasn't fine and after walking another block in silence he said to me, "Can you forgive me please?"
I just wanted to cry, and I thought, 'What's the matter with me?'
How could I let him go even one second thinking that I didn't forgive him?!
So I hugged him to me and I told him of course I forgive him and I asked him to forgive me.
But that still doesn't take back those moments that he felt bad because of my actions. So right there was an opportunity that I once again let slip away for no reason at all.
Oh, to remember to be a light to at least those closest to my heart! Should that really be so hard?
Thank you for another timely post.
All the best,
Eileen
Tamra...Thank you once again for your devotion to your blog.
ReplyDeleteI remember "This Little Light of Mine...I'm gonna let it shine..This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine.."
I remember singing that as a child...and it's so true today.
I also got tears in my eyes reading Eileen's comment...and how her grandson was upset because he thought she hadn't 'forgiven' him.
May all your days be bright...
Much love to you.
Jackie
P.S. I was wondering how old your grandson is...saying 'light'....
That's one of the first few words my son said (He's 33 now..)but I remember his saying "light"...and the "t" at the end soooo distinctive... Don't we just love our grands...!!
Oh Eileen! I so emphathize with you and your grandson! His asking you to forgive him... please? Isn't that just like our God? Reminding us that we need to be like children and to come to Him for forgiveness. Even more wonderful, your grandson's memory will be alot like God the Father's too. It will be forgiven and forgotten. I just know it! Remind him at his high school graduation and see if he still remembers the incident.
ReplyDeleteJackie - our grandson Zachary is two years old. And yes - grands are wonderful!
Hugs and love to you both,
Tamara