The Light of Jesus

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, shine your light before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 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 5:14-16, ERV)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” – (Matthew 5:14-16, MSG)

All who know Jesus have His light within. The light within us is meant to be shared wherever we go, for where there is light, darkness disappears. What this means for us is that we are to live in such a way that God is glorified, and that those around us recognize He who is in us by our love. The more that we choose love in all that we do, the more clearly Christ’s love is shown. As we love like Jesus, His goodness is made known and God is given the glory. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to be His light-bearers wherever we go and through all that we do.

Christ is the true light,

That shines from within;

Chasing the darkness,

As we walk with Him.

He leads us with love,

So that we may shine;

Be light in darkness,

And love all the time.

This is our calling,

To let His light shine;

May we love like Him,

As our hearts align.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call and equip us to shine the light of Your love wherever we go. Thank You that this is not something that we somehow muster up, but rather as we walk with You and spend time with You, Your light shines through us. Forgive us for the times that we have hidden Your light. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may shine brightly on Your behalf in all things and at all times. Show us how to love like You throughout all our days. May many come into a lasting relationship with You and walk in Your ways. Be glorified O God, as we are intentional to spend time with You and give You room to refine and align our hearts to clearly reflect Your goodness and love. Amen.

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

You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. – 2 Samuel 22:29

The Fruit of True Light

For the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. – (Ephesians 5:9, HCSB)

This light produces every kind of goodness, right living, and truth. – (Ephesians 5:9, ERV)

For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. – (Ephesians 5:9, VOICE)

The light to which this verse is referring is the light of Christ. When we are saturated in His light, goodness, righteousness and truth follow. He leads us and guides us to shine His light before all others, as evidenced by every kind of goodness, right living and truth. It is not something we can merely muster, but rather we must seek the Lord to lead and guide us in all of His ways. Some days, it feels as if He is directing each step, yet other days, our own ugly humanity gets in the way. We need Jesus to be light in our homes and communities. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His light, so that the fruit of His heart within us shines brightly.

To shine with purpose,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

We must seek the Lord;

For He is the light,

That can’t be ignored.

All of His goodness,

Righteousness and truth;

Shine when we trust Him,

To lead us in truth.

Ever He’s faithful,

When we choose seek Him;

His love overflows,

Brings light where it’s dim.

So, invest in God,

Choose call on His Name;

For as we do this,

His love is proclaimed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You call us to seek You so that You can produce good fruit in us. Thank You that Your fruit made evident in our lives displays goodness, righteousness and truth. Forgive us for the times that we have relied on ourselves instead of You. Teach us to ever trust in You and Your leading, so that we may be beacons of Your pure light. Lead us to love those around us with every goodness, right decision and truth that You show us to do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your light and love. Amen.

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

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. – James 3:17

Guided By Love

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)

So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give praise to your Father in heaven. – (Matthew 5:16, TPT)

This aligns with one of my favorite quotes: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi) Our charge is not to simply speak of our faith, but rather it is to live it out. If people see Christ in us through how we live and care for others, they will ask questions and provide opportunities for us to use words. However, if there is nothing that separates us from anyone else then anything we say will fall on deaf ears. This does not mean that we have to be perfect, or that we have to fear our human flaws, but rather it frees us to walk in God’s grace and choose to love big. When all that we do is guided and steeped in love, His light shines through us and is made known. May we ever seek the Lord to grow us in His love so that we may shine brightly before all.

O Lord help Your light,

Shine brightly through us;

As we grow and learn,

To love like Jesus.

Let all that we do,

Be guided by love;

So others may know,

It’s from You, above.

Thank You for Your grace,

For the times we fail;

Love that leads us on,

So Your love prevails.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your son to show us what it is to lead a life of love. Thank You that as we invest in our relationship with You, You increase our capacity to love well and live out a life in You. Forgive us for our faults and failures, the words and actions that have been lacking Your love. Show us how to love all people in all circumstances, and to live a life according to Your loving plan. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest our hearts and lives into knowing more of You so that we may be a reflection of Your love. Amen.

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

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Called to Be Light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – (Matthew 5:14-15, NIV)

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lamp stand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house.” – (Matthew 5:14-15, ERV)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine!” – (Matthew 5:14-15, MSG)

 

When we come into a relationship with Jesus, we discover that we are called and created to be His light in the world. The love that He deposits in us is meant to be shared as it illuminates through us. As we allow God room to move and transform, the more clearly His heart can be made known through our words, deeds and existence. Not one of us was created to live in isolation, but rather to be invested in a community where we can live and love in such a way, that His heart is shared and He is glorified through how we live. I imagine we all can think of examples of those who shine so brightly, that others cannot help but be drawn to the loving light that they exude wherever they go. May we walk so closely with God that His love within us, shines through us, as we live and love each day that we draw breath.

 

We’re called to be light,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

To make God’s love known;

Through our words and deeds,

May His light be shown.

The more that we soak,

In God’s holy space;

The more we reflect,

His love and His grace.

Choose walk with the Lord,

Seek His face to shine;

Reach out and love well,

Intended design.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be Your light unto the world. Thank You that You do not desire for any of us to live hidden or in isolation, but to be present and illuminate Your love to those around us. Thank You that Your love within us is greater than the darkness around us. Forgive us for attempting to be hidden or to isolate ourselves when You call us to be invested and present. Teach us to trust the power of Your love to light our way. Show us how to love like You, so that we may shine brightly wherever we go and bless all those whom we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we allow Your light to shine through our lives. Amen.

 

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

 

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” – John 12:46

Seek Not Approval of Men

One of my least favorite parts of being an educator is the process of being observed and evaluated. I know the intent is good, and it is a way to identify strengths and areas to improve, yet, for me, as one who desires to please, and do things well, it is a painful process, regardless of the kindness of the observer. My own microscope of my craft is far more critical than that by which anyone else may utilize. Each day, my responsibility to God, not men, is to do my best for the kids in my care. This morning, I will be observed as I teach. As I was reading my devotions, the following passage may as well have been the only passage on the page, as it served as a neon sign, reminding me of what matters most. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. – (Galatians 1:10)

 

Though these words were Paul’s to the Galatians in regards to works verses grace, they serve as an excellent reminder for me this morning. It takes courage to remember that my priority is to please God, not men. If I am serving and honoring God by doing the job that He has called me to do to the best of my ability, then that will be enough. It is not about me, but rather Christ in me, that will be evident anyway. May we each go forth this day in courage, allowing His light to shine brightly before all men, seeking God’s approval, not man’s.

 

Seek not approval,

from our fellow man;

but rather seek God,

to do what we can.

Look to honor Christ,

in all that we do;

give glory to God,

and point to the truth.

Let our hearts be set,

on pleasing the Lord;

not allowing truth,

set aside, ignored.

May we all rise up,

as servants of God;

remaining steadfast,

inspired and awed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not seek the approval of men, but rather we need only seek to serve You. Thank You that Your grace is enough. Thank You that as we come to You and trust in You, You meet us where we are and do the miraculous through our willing hearts. Forgive us for trying to please men, and help us to fix our eyes on You alone. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may do all things as unto You. May many see our heart for You as light and life and love that they have not known before. Let many be led unto You as we seek to honor You in all that we do. Be glorified, O God, as we serve You with our lives. Amen.

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

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Made to Shine

When Jesus was teaching the disciples the meaning of a parable He had told, Jesus went on to ask them a few questions to reveal to the disciples the importance of their position as they were to go forth to share the truth. He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?” – (Mark 4:21, NIV) Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that if others could not see His light in them, it would be useless.

 

We are created and called to shine before all; not to hole up in our tidy little Christian circles, never to get out of the church’s four walls. He calls us to be a light wherever we are. Are there “bowls” in our hearts that keep us from shining? If so, how might we get out from under them, so that Christ can again shine brightly through us, wherever we go? May we seek Him, keeping short accounts, so that as we go forth, His light in us shines bright before all whom we encounter.

 

He grants us His word,

so that we shall know;

the hope of His truth,

peace that makes us grow.

In our very hearts,

His Spirit resides;

to shine before men,

truth can’t be denied.

Let nothing cover,

what shines from within;

for His light is life,

to all steeped in sin.

Use us Lord, Jesus,

so many will know;

the hope we now hold,

let Your freedom flow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we come to You and give You our hearts and our lives, You use us to shine brightly before others. Thank You that it is nothing that we do in our own strength, but rather it is Your Spirit dwelling in us that others may see. Forgive us for anything in us that has caused Your light to grow dim in us, and help us to remove the “bowls” so that Your light is clearly seen. Lead us to love generously and shine brightly, just as You so do unto us. May many come to know You as Lord and King as a result. Be glorified, O God, as Your light shines through us, unhindered and in plain view. Amen.

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

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Go Now, Rest Later

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” – (Revelation 14:13, NIV)

 

Then I heard a voice from heaven It said, “Write this: From now on there are great blessings for those who belong to the Lord when they die.” The Spirit says, “Yes, that is true. They will rest from their hard work. What they have done will stay with them.” – (Revelation 14:13, ERV)

 

What we do now, matters for all of eternity. Today’s investment in others through His strength, will have an eternal reward. Though our motivation ought to be our love and devotion for our Savior who first loved us, He sees and knows our hearts and deeds, and our care for others does not go unnoticed by Him. Our commitment to our relationship with Christ grants us firm footing for today, and certain hope for all of eternity. Investing in the work while we are in the world, is well worth the cost, as the outcome is our ultimate invitation to enter eternal rest in His perfect presence. To be counted among His blessed, is a beauty worth beholding. May we seek Him and serve Him with all that we are, as long as we draw breath.

 

In life and in death,

how blessed to be;

counted among those,

betrothed unto Thee.

For those who have sought,

surely too, have found;

new life in Your love,

where hope shall resound.

All faithful in life,

will enter Your rest;

You remember well,

things that we do best.

Grant us eyes to see,

others through Your lens;

so we will care well,

for strangers as friends.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that every moment invested in You and in loving people, is time well spent. Thank You that You see and know our hearts and deeds, and You remember how we choose to love. Thank You that as Your people, we are considered blessed, and that You are our hope forever. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to love others as You would have wanted us to love, and help us to see others through Your eyes, so that we cannot help but love as You love. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may faithfully step out to love and serve and care for those whom You place in our path. May many come to know the eternal hope that is held in You, as we go forth as Your hands and heart to the world. Let Your light shine brightly through us. Be glorified, O God, as we go forth. Amen.

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

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; …write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

To See God

The very concept of God and who He is can be a bit overwhelming. Believing in the unseen, yet knowing that He is who He says He is, can become a bit muddied if we are not firmly grounded in His word. Jesus speaks clearly in John as to how we are to know what God is like. Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in Me, he does not believe in Me only, but in the One who sent Me. When he looks at Me, he sees the One who sent Me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” – (John 12:44-46)

 

God’s word is full of light and life that illuminate exactly who God is, and who we are unto Him. When we believe in Him and invest our lives in following Christ, His light dwells in us, and He entrusts us with His truth. The more we invest in our relationship with Him, the more He reveals Himself to us. May we go forth this day, fully invested in Him, and shine brightly before all men.

 

As we believe,

the Holy Word;

He shows to us,

what our hearts have heard.

Though He’s unseen,

Lord God is known;

for by His Son,

His light has been shown.

Look to Jesus,

to understand;

for He and God,

are One unto man.

All that is dark,

shall fade away;

seek Jesus’ face,

for He’ll light our way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, so that we may see and know You. Thank You Jesus, for living and loving in such a way, that You are the light unto the world. Thank You for giving Your life so that we may have life forever in You. Forgive us for our confusion and doubts, and help us to see clearly who You are as we invest in seeking You with our whole hearts. Let Your light shine through us as we love with the love You have given us, and may many come into a lasting relationship with You as a result. Be glorified, O God, as we grow in our understanding of You and give You all of the glory. Amen.

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

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.

– Acts 2:28

Faithful Forever

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. – (Psalm 100:5, NIV)

 

The Lord is good! There is no end to His faithful love. We can trust Him forever and ever! – (Psalm 100:5, ERV)

 

As I sit here at the table, by an enormous window on the twenty-fifth floor of a hotel in the heart of Vancouver, Canada, watching the first hint of morning’s light begin to reveal the beauty of the scene that surrounds me, I cannot help but fix my eyes and heart on just how good God is. I had no idea what to expect when I agreed to attend a teaching conference in July. His goodness and faithfulness have provided the way for me to participate, and I am blessed to be in the company of colleagues whom I call friends.

 

Look to the Lord,

He always is good;

His love endures,

as nothing else could.

Faithful always,

loving forever;

there is no end,

He’ll leave us, never.

Trust in His word,

it’s faithful and true;

a guide for life,

shows us what to do.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good, and that Your love lasts forever. Thank You that Your faithfulness remains. Thank You that You are faithful, not because we deserve it, but because You love us, as Your created. Forgive us for not recognizing Your goodness and love poured out upon us, or for not trusting Your faithfulness. Help us to trust You completely, as You are faithful forever. May many come to know You, as we live and love as You call us to do. Let Your light shine brightly through us. Be exalted, Lord God, as we give thanks for all of the blessings You bestow upon us. Amen.

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

God has brought me laughter and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. – Genesis 21:6