Saturday, December 29th, 2012
John 12: 44-50
How will asking for more of the Light of the world impact our lives? We can see the powerful parallel this topic has in the natural. Homes in our neighborhood that have no inviting outdoor lights look simply drab as we drive by. But those that have invested in motion lights or LED lamps to outline their porches and driveways are more interesting to look at. This concept can especially be applied to the Christmas season. Even those who claim not to want anything to do with Jesus are fascinated with the idea of lighting up their homes and yards during this time of year. And those people that go the extra mile are rewarded with the pleasure of being the source of joy for those who slow down to enjoy their creativity.
One gentleman in particular started the tradition of putting up lights of all kinds in Bostwick many years ago for the holidays. As time went on, it turned into an actual ministry event because he realized that people were passing on the word about how special and inspiring his lights were. At various locations in his yard, he had taken the time to display biblical events such as Jesus walking on the water, Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, and of course the most awesome event of all -- the birth of the Christ. Now, people in the surrounding areas look forward to including his house on their list of things to do during the holidays. Is it a lot of work and expense for him to keep this up? Certainly. I'm sure his electric bill in January is five times what he pays all year round. But there's something about spreading the joy of the good news that is simply priceless.
When Jesus gives us the invitation to ask Him to be the light in our lives, and when He promises that we will never have to walk in darkness as long as He lives in us, He's not just saying we'll illuminate our lives -- which is great. He's saying He'll use us to do exactly what those illuminated houses and yards do for others. Through us, He'll shine brightly His message of love, hope, peace, joy, and deliverance. We'll be billboards that advertise His love to the world without our having to use words, which sometimes turn people AWAY from the cross rather than TO it.
So how will asking for more of Jesus, the Light of the World, impact our lives? It will shine in the dark places that we weren't aware of before so that WE can shine more brightly for Him. It will bring wisdom to areas that were not functioning properly so that our witness cannot be compromised in any way. It will allow us to see the value in what we ALREADY have so that we don't waste precious time worrying about unnecessary things rather than accomplishing the will of the Father. Today, take a moment to just ask for more of Jesus manifested as the Light in your life. Will it require more faith and dedication on your part? Yes. But the rewards can't be found anywhere else. Watch Him come and illuminate your heart, soul and spirit. Then watch EVERYTHING change.
John 12: 44-50
How will asking for more of the Light of the world impact our lives? We can see the powerful parallel this topic has in the natural. Homes in our neighborhood that have no inviting outdoor lights look simply drab as we drive by. But those that have invested in motion lights or LED lamps to outline their porches and driveways are more interesting to look at. This concept can especially be applied to the Christmas season. Even those who claim not to want anything to do with Jesus are fascinated with the idea of lighting up their homes and yards during this time of year. And those people that go the extra mile are rewarded with the pleasure of being the source of joy for those who slow down to enjoy their creativity.
One gentleman in particular started the tradition of putting up lights of all kinds in Bostwick many years ago for the holidays. As time went on, it turned into an actual ministry event because he realized that people were passing on the word about how special and inspiring his lights were. At various locations in his yard, he had taken the time to display biblical events such as Jesus walking on the water, Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, and of course the most awesome event of all -- the birth of the Christ. Now, people in the surrounding areas look forward to including his house on their list of things to do during the holidays. Is it a lot of work and expense for him to keep this up? Certainly. I'm sure his electric bill in January is five times what he pays all year round. But there's something about spreading the joy of the good news that is simply priceless.
When Jesus gives us the invitation to ask Him to be the light in our lives, and when He promises that we will never have to walk in darkness as long as He lives in us, He's not just saying we'll illuminate our lives -- which is great. He's saying He'll use us to do exactly what those illuminated houses and yards do for others. Through us, He'll shine brightly His message of love, hope, peace, joy, and deliverance. We'll be billboards that advertise His love to the world without our having to use words, which sometimes turn people AWAY from the cross rather than TO it.
So how will asking for more of Jesus, the Light of the World, impact our lives? It will shine in the dark places that we weren't aware of before so that WE can shine more brightly for Him. It will bring wisdom to areas that were not functioning properly so that our witness cannot be compromised in any way. It will allow us to see the value in what we ALREADY have so that we don't waste precious time worrying about unnecessary things rather than accomplishing the will of the Father. Today, take a moment to just ask for more of Jesus manifested as the Light in your life. Will it require more faith and dedication on your part? Yes. But the rewards can't be found anywhere else. Watch Him come and illuminate your heart, soul and spirit. Then watch EVERYTHING change.
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