Let It Shine

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

In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, ERV)

You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. – (Matthew 5:16, VOICE)

 

What we do and how we live speak volumes about God. Our choices either point to Him in a positive light, or one that is less than edifying. For some, our light, life, and approach in what we do, is the only exposure to Christ that exists in their lives. How we choose to live, matters. As we invest in our relationship with Christ, our lives are transformed to more clearly reflect His light through how we choose to live. May we ever invest in the Light of the World, for He grows the good within us that fans the flame of our light to shine ever brighter before those around us.

As for Mom, she is happily back in the routine of life with my sister and her family. It is a joy to receive texts and sneak in quick phone calls, as we lovingly laugh about the fun we had shopping with the driving carts and checking in with one another. She continues to build confidence with using her cane, as there has been no looking back. Yesterday marked one whole week of only using a cane as a walking aid! We are celebrating and praising God, as this is remarkable progress in this healing process Mom is walking through. Please continue to pray for strength to return to her right arm and pathways to be made. She is able to move her right arm when it is unweighted in a hydraulic contraption at physical therapy, but she does not yet have the strength to move the weight of her arm on its own. Again, the capacity to move is there, she now needs the strength to be built up and returned to make it all work together. Mom’s positivity and perseverance shine brightly wherever she goes.

 

We are all equipped,

To rise up and shine;

Embrace all God gives,

Love as we’re designed.

For how we choose live,

Determines the light;

That shines to others,

Through both day and night.

As we choose give good,

God’s love light’s made known;

Darkness fades away,

As kindness is shown.

Let us choose to love,

To live in God’s light;

Extend love and grace,

And do what is right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be light wherever we go. Thank You that it is not something that we do on our own, but rather it is Your light within us that shines through us, as we trust and follow after You. Forgive us for neglecting to listen to Your leading and doing what serves us best, rather than seeking the good of others. Show us how to be Your light wherever we go. Teach us to love all those around us as Your do. Help us to do the practical and tangible good that blesses hearts and soothes minds. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue the path that You make plain before us so that we may shine Your light before those around us through doing good. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you. – Luke 11:36

His Beauty Shines

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body is also full of darkness. – (Luke 11:34, NIV)

 

The only source of light for the body is the eye. When you look at people and want to help them, you are full of light. But when you look at people in a selfish way, you are full of darkness. – (Luke 11:34, ERV)

 

Jesus modeled light and life unto the world. Everywhere He went, His light shone brightly before all mankind. He touched the hurting, healed the sick, spoke to the forgotten, and loved those deemed unloveable by society. Christ was not afraid to associate with sinners, in fact, that is the very reason He came. We live in a world where darkness dwells, yet with Christ in us, His light still shines. “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” – Francis Bacon. We are more glaringly aware of just how brilliantly Christ’s light shines, when we recognize both the darkness in and around us. If we allow His light in, no darkness can remain. For where there is light, darkness disappears. May we allow the light of Christ to so consume us, that we cannot help but reflect His light to the world.

 

The eyes of our heart,

reflect to the world;

Kari Jobe shining for Christ. 🙂

darkness and dismay,

or freedom unfurled.

In one we are trapped,

stuck still in our sin;

the other, by grace,

we’ve let Jesus in.

As Christ dwells in us,

His beauty shall shine;

we can’t help but change,

when touched by Divine.

Through Him there is light,

for eternity;

all darkness dispels,

and we become free.

Free from the darkness,

unchained from despair;

bathed in His glory,

light and life to share.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we come to You in darkness, You willingly and lovingly shine Your light in. Thank You that where Your light shines, no darkness remains. Forgive us for allowing the darkness that surrounds us to block the view of Your light that dwells within us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will shine brightly before all, regardless of situations or circumstances, and trust that You are in control. May Your love and light be what is seen through us, and may many come to trust in You for themselves as a result. Be glorified, Lord God, as we reflect Your radiance before mankind. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21