Be the Light

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ~ Philippians 2:14,15 

What is there about candlelight that draws me to it?

Perhaps it's the ambiance it creates. 

• It never grumbles or complains
• It burns brighter and brighter
• It dances with the flickers of light
• It reflects that dance on the walls
• It comforts with warmth
• It opens up the vision 
• It draws others to it

The longer it burns the shorter it grows, but it never goes out as long as there is wick to burn.

So when I grumble and complain am I drawing others to Christ? Will others listen when I try to witness? Who would want to be a part of something or someone who promotes sadness and makes others around them unhappy or depressed? No one. 

How can I create an ambiance of joy, peace, happiness, love? 

Perhaps by leaving the grumbling and complaining behind, giving it all to Christ.

No matter the situation, He is working things out for His purposes and our good.

Perhaps by living a blameless and harmless lifestyle.

Demonstrating love and kindness to all people goes a long way in the midst of a divided and hopeless people.

Perhaps by shining as lights in the world, creating an ambiance of joy, of peace. People must first know we care before they will listen to the message of salvation. 

Heavenly Father, help me be your light. Help me create that ambiance of peace and comfort, of joy and dancing. Thank you for the privilege to shine for you even to my waning days. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Have you had the privilege to have candlelight this Christmas? Was there a fireplace or woodstove to watch? How did it make you feel? 

Perhaps you could draw a picture of your smile or write a poem or short story about your feelings of peace. Jesus is our peace, our joy. How can you reflect Him in your life?

Real Men Wear Pink

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Luke 9:49,50 

There is always some sort of controversy going on in the church. When I was growing up it was the length of a guy's hair. Later it was whether women could wear pants. Music is still controversial and now I'm seeing things pop up about wearing our best. I'd like for you to think back a little to the time of our grandparents. Let's say the 1920's. 

Once in a Lifetime

 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1:6

Earlier this week I had a birthday that made me a member of the Medicare Club, but more importantly, the first few verses of Luke were my part of my devotions that day. Like me, Zacharias and Elisabeth were older folks. They went about their daily routines not thinking much about how many things happen in the course of the day that are once in a lifetime events.

Zacharias was taking his turn serving in the temple. It's my understanding most men didn't get to do that but once in a lifetime because of the number of men available. While he was serving an angel appeared to him. Now that seems like it should stand out as a once in a lifetime event. The angel came with a message from God but Zacharias doubted the message. His doubt caused God to shut his mouth for a time but it didn't stop God from fulfilling His purpose. 

Then there was Elisabeth who was never able to have a child but found herself pregnant after her husband returned home. Remember she was old too. She hid herself until she was showing, maybe because the other women would accuse her of being crazy. 

I just got to thinking a birthday is a once in a lifetime event. I'll never be this age again. Then I thought the things that happen this day will never happen again. Am I missing something that God wants to use to fulfill His purpose? Does God try to tell me the special plan He has for me?  Am I doubting His purpose in my life? Do I expect God to use me? 

I spent that day celebrating that my birthday was a once in a lifetime event that God would use for His glory and my good if I paid attention. I entered that day looking for what God was doing. Can I put my finger on something special that occurred? No, but that doesn't mean I won't see it in the future. Maybe the something special was that I was recognizing that every day is a once in a lifetime event that I shouldn't waste. 

I came across a quote that sums it all up very well. 

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. - John Wesley

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be participate in Your great plan every day. 

Blessing in this Christmas Season,

Gail