Friday, August 29, 2014

Light in a Dingy World

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 

As recorded in John, Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees in the Temple, … saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12. Here He says that His followers, you and me, are the light of the world…and to let our light shine. The “light” is the same word translated from Greek in  these verses.

I think that this light that we have is merely a reflection of His light. In order for us to “shine” we must keep focused on Him, read His word daily, and be obedient…to Him and to the Father. In doing that we will honor, praise and glorify our Heavenly Father. Light shines through the darkness…and light illuminates our path, casting out doubts and fears. Just like He said…if we follow Jesus we will have the Light of life—eternal life. So don’t stumble around in the darkness…seek Jesus and you will find Him. Where should you look? Read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament of the Bible. Then reading other New Testament books will be enhanced by an understanding of Jesus and His teachings. Examples of this, related to “light,” are found in Paul’s book to the church at Ephesus. …for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light ... But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:8, 13. Are you reflecting Jesus’ light or are you in a shadowy darkness? 

RSVP:  The light shining from Jesus is bright, illuminating, inspiring and inviting. Are you reflecting His light? Does your light shine so that others are drawn to Jesus? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ God said, "Light shall shine out of darkness…." Jesus You are the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:6. I praise You and Thank You—for You shine brightly in this dingy world—where fear, depression and loneliness pervade life—even of some Christians. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
Let your light shine! How about a bright, sassy lemon curd to spread on scones, cake, gingerbread or even on toast?  

Lemon Curd
6 whole eggs, beaten
2 cups granulated sugar
1 stick of butter (½ cup) cut up into tablespoon sections
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Rind of 2 lemons, finely grated 

Use a double boiler. Mix the eggs, lemon juice, lemon rind and sugar, stirring until slightly thickened. Add the butter and stir over hot water until curd thickens. This will take about 25 minutes—just have patience and listen to some good music while you stir frequently. Immediately transfer to a bowl or individual glass jars (2-4). Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 8 hours. This will keep for weeks in the refrigerator.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

No comments: