Shine like Stars

Philippians 2:14-16a
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Sparkle like stars.

Each year I pray about a word to focus on for the year. In 2021, I considered the word gratitude and how much I had to be thankful for. That will stay with me in 2022, even as God brings the word light to my mind. For me, light brings so many pictures: the sun, the moon, the stars, a lighthouse, a candle, a lantern, twinkling lights, but most of all Jesus, who is the bright light in the dark.

Tim and I visited Carter Caves many years ago. In one of the caves the guide turned off his lantern, and we couldn't see our hands in front of our faces. Darkness blanketed the cave until the guide lit the lantern again. I don't know about you, but I didn't like the veil of darkness. It unnerved me, but the light from the lamp brought comfort and hope.

Too often the world seems dark—shadowed by evil, fear, grief, and sadness. Many folks fight through addiction, anxiety, and depression. Jesus calls me to be the light in a dark world, to shine hope and love on the people around me. How do I do that? I pour out the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

To shine like stars, I need to glow brighter than the darkness that shrouds our world. To shine like stars, I need to shine like Jesus and show the hope he offers to everyone I meet. I admit, I'm not always good at shining like a star. Because I'm an introvert, sometimes I have to climb out of my protective shell, consider the needs of others, put a smile on my face, and offer hope. I pray God helps me to light the way to Him.

This year, I want to shine like the stars.

Be the light and seek the Light in this new year.

Shine Brightly

In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches about being a light to the world.

"...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds

 and glorify your Father in heaven."

Our acts of kindness, generosity, and love should shine the light on Jesus 

and spill over on others--

so the glory of God will illuminate the world.

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth, shine a light that draws others to Him through kindness, love, giving, and caring.

 

Be His Light

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

For the first time in ten days, the sun's rays broke through the clouds and warmed the earth.

When the yellow dwarf star at the center of our universe hides behind the clouds, people notice. In southwest Ohio, we've experienced a cloudy, gray January. Darkness infiltrates the morning and dusk arrives early. But oh how the absence of light makes Ohioans grateful for the dazzling sun.

Dark days cause rejoicing when the brilliant rays brighten the sky.

As I read the news and listen to family and friends, I'm reminded of the darkness surrounding our lives. Between the COVID-19 virus and the political climate, it's difficult to feel anything but doom and gloom. But, there is a light which outshines any darkness.

No matter the situation, no matter the sorrow, the worries, the fear—Jesus light shines brighter.

I read posts on social media which disturb me. Family and friends fighting over what they believe to be true. It's time to stop arguing and embrace God's call to be the light. In professing to follow Christ, I promised to obey his word. In Galatians 5 I read, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I'm not asked to shout my opinions out loud. Instead I'm asked to illuminate the radiant fruit God wants me to share and offer the fruit of the Spirit through my actions and words.

God calls his followers to be the light—the ones who shine brighter than the evil and distress of the world. Is it easy? Not always. Is it necessary? Yes!

Let the beam of God's goodness overpower the fear and darkness.

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Jesus Light