[FEBRUARY 12] Send the Light

Read: Philippians 2:12-18

 

"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 2:15

American businessman Mark Bent has spent $250,000 to develop and manufacture an affordable solar-powered flashlight. Thousands have been distributed free or at low cost to people living in African refugee camps. One daily solar charge provides 7 hours of life-giving illumination for people in homes, schools, and medical clinics where darkness had encouraged crime and violence.

The contrast between darkness and light is a prominent image in the Bible’s presentation of Jesus the Messiah. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isa. 9:2). “In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:4-5).

It’s our privilege as followers of Jesus to be His light-bearers today. Paul urged the Christians in Philippi to 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” (Phil. 2:15).

Instead of being afraid or oppressed by the spiritual darkness around us, we can rely on the grace that God gives His children to shine for Him. --David McCasland

Lord, may I be a shining light

For all the world to see
You goodness and Your love displayed
As You reach out through me. --Sper

REFLECT ON THIS:

Jesus came to give light to a dark world.

[FEBRUARY 6] Be the Light!

Read: Ephesians 5:8-14

"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light"
--Ephesians 5:8

A friend of mine has the opportunity each winter to attend the Super Bowl as a journalist. His job is to garner interviews with Christian athletes and National Football League personnel for a faith-based radio program.

When he first started covering the big game a few years ago, he grew disillusioned with the self-serving, pleasure-seeking atmosphere during Super Bowl week. “I found it to be a very dark place,” he says.

One day he told a former NFL player, a Christian, how he was feeling. The athlete looked at my friend and said, “Brother, you are being light in this dark place.” That comment reminded my friend why he was there, and it helped renew his excitement for serving God in a place where the light of the gospel is needed. It spurred him to shine his light.

Perhaps you work in a setting where God is not acknowledged, faith is mocked, and godless living is applauded. Maybe you feel that you are going into “a very dark place.”

Why not be a light (Eph. 5:8)—through your smiles, kind words and deeds, and diligent work. Ask God to bring opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. You may be the only light a co-worker sees today. --Dave Branon

God put us in this darkened world

To shine as sons of light;

So, help us Lord, to spread Your Word

And keep our witness bright. --D. De Haan

REFLECT ON THIS:

Our witness for Christ is a light in a dark world.

[JANUARY 31] Charlie's Walk on the Moon

Read: Genesis 5:21-32

"Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."

--Genesis 5:24

The documentary In the Shadow of the Moon includes the story of Charlie Duke, one of the Apollo 16 astronauts launched to the moon in 1972. While the command ship orbited the moon, Duke and another astronaut landed the lunar module Orion on the moon's surface. After 3 days pf running experiments and collecting lunar rocks,the Apollo 16 crew safely returned to earth.

Later, Charlie has a spiritual transformation. He said it began when his friend invited him to a Bible study. After the meeting, Charlie prayed to Christ, "I give You my life, and if You're real come into my life." He then experienced an indescribable peace. It was so profound that he began to share his story with others. Charlie told them, "My walk with god lasts forever."

The Bible tells us of another man who walked with god. "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." (Gen. 5:24). His spiritual walk with God was so close that God took him directly into eternity (see Heb.11:5)

We can learn a lesson from Charlie and Enoch. For believers, no matter where our journey leads, our walk with God will last eternity! --Dennis Fisher

Let me walk with You, dear Savior;

Side by side and hand in hand;

Keep me clean and pure and faithful

Till I reach the heavenly land. --Hess

REFLECT ON THIS:

Keep eternity's goal in sight by walking daily in God's light.