A SHINING LIGHT

In my guest bedroom I have an antique, hand-painted lamp that I dearly treasure; it belonged to a good friend of my mother’s.  It doesn’t give out a whole lot of light, but its light is soft and welcoming.  That lamp sets a warm tone for our guest room.  Thinking about lamps, let me share this quote from June Masters Sacher,

   The world can be a dark, chilly place or it can be warmed by lamps of love.

Don’t you agree? Our world needs the warmth of love.

Luke 8:16 (NLT)
¹⁶ “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In these verses, the “lamp” is those of us who have been illuminated by our faith in Jesus; in other words, we reflect the light of Christ that lives in us.  Let me share a few “lamp” thoughts.

Our lamp is to be seen.  In a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity, we are to shine. We cannot let our light be so dim that our faith in Jesus is invisible to those around us.  One of our daily goals must be to seek ways to let our lights shine for unbelievers to see.

Our lamp is to honor the Father.  The light we shine (our actions – our good works – our kindness – our helpfulness) has one purpose and only one purpose: so that others will see God.  We are not shining so we look good, but so that others will see the Father and be drawn towards Him.  Our lives are what people see; through our actions we choose what we are going to spotlight - we choose who is going to be seen and honored.

Our lamp is to show our character. Christ said, "I am the Light of the world" (John 8:12; John 9:5). He also says that His followers are to be like Him—"the light of the world."  As we become like Christ more and more we are to shine brightly with the light of Jesus pouring through us to light the way for others. WOW – that is a challenging responsibility Jesus has given us; sure am glad we don’t have to do it in our own power!

For us to be bright, shining lamps in the world, we must live as Jesus lived – do what Jesus did – think as Jesus thought. Our lights shine when we surrender the power to the Everlasting Light Source.

Sing with me….

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out.
I’m gonna let it shine.
Won’t let Satan blow it out.
I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine til Jesus comes.
I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, no!
I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, no!
I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine over the whole wide world,
I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…

Choose to be a brilliant, beaming spotlight today not a dim, flickering stub of a candle!  SHINE GIRLS, SHINE!

Joyfully,

Yvonne