2014: The Light ... At Home

‘… and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ Acts 1:8

Many are well familiar with the commissioning declaration in Acts 1:8. However, in verse four of that same chapter, we find the disciples being commanded to not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father – The Holy Spirit.

Jesus told them that they would be His witnesses,

And that it would begin right where they were … at home

Yet all too often, it is the home which suffers the most – even among those who have dedicated themselves to being the light in their church, in their workplace and in their communities. Know that you cannot effectively and credibly export what is not first cultivated and established at home.

Noted humanitarian Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying, ‘We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.'

I Timothy 5:8 tells us [when speaking of families caring for widows] that anyone who does not provide for his own household is worse than an infidel.

We must understand – whether physical needs, spiritual needs or emotional needs – the light which emanates from one’s life should first be impacting the ones closest to them. My children would have a tremendously difficult time understanding all the giving that has taken place over the years if I only concentrated my attentions outward. However, my aim has always been to convey – by my words, my actions, my life – that they are my number one priority. So I ask …

• Do our families get the best part of us or what is left over after work and other obligations?
• Do they get quality and quantity time?
• Do they know they are loved?
• Do we speak the truth in love?
• Does our commitment to quality and respectful communication extend to the family – or do we raise our voices and use sarcasm?
• Do we actively strive to block the day’s frustrations from entering our home?
• Is there an overwhelming feeling of peace in the home?
• Is dinner special every night or only when there are guests?
• Are we able to laugh and have fun?
• Do they know they are loved unconditionally?
• Do we pray and demonstrate and unyielding and unwavering commitment to the LORD?
• Do the fruits of the spirit permeate the atmosphere - love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
• If our family members were asked to describe us, what words would they use?

Understand, no one will hit the mark every day, in every instance – not at home or anywhere else. However, our heart desire should be to want to give our very best to our loved ones, to be our very best – in Christ – for our loved ones. 

I fail often. Yet I will quickly acknowledge my faults, apologize and work to remedy the situation. It is not a matter of being a perfect, excellent, shining example in every interaction with family. It is, however, a matter of striving for excellence in every interaction.

Ultimately, as we tend to the light in our hearts and in our homes, we will realize that the task of shining a light for others is significantly eased. Rather than searching for opportunities to shine the light of Christ, we will find people curiously drawn to the light of love which floods every area of our lives.

2014: The Light … keep it shining … start at home

May God Bless You Abundantly … Have a Great Week!

2014: The Light ... The Need

Good Morning! 

Praying you all had a wonderful week. I set my mind to thoroughly enjoy this last week of winter break. And, alas – after a full month off, school starts back Monday. I am excited though … this semester will be much more manageable than the last. I had a great coffee night with my best friend yesterday and I am ready to hit the ground running. With that in mind, here is the second of our 2014: The Light posts. 

And the focus for today? The Need …

‘… the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.’ John 3:19

Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil –

One of the things I love about the Bible is its unchanging relevance. No matter the culture, despite socio-economic status, regardless of race or gender and transcending boundaries of time and space – the Bible is every bit as applicable today as it was the day it was written.

‘The entirety of Your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.’ Psalm 119:160

The whole of His Word is true and accurate –

We need only look at some of the topics that generated headlines for the first two weeks of this year to realize the desperate conditions of our generation: legalization of marijuana, child endangerment, random violence, murder, government scandal, sexual assaults, data-integrity breaches, persecution and martyrdom - just to name a few.

There is a true need for light in this world

However, we do not have to look to the headlines to identify this need

We need simply to examine our own lives

Luke 6:42 asks a pointed question and offers unfiltered commentary and rebuke: ‘Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.’

You see, the first step in being able to shine a light –

Is combating the darkness in our own lives

‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ Rom. 3:23

Further –

‘the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.' Galatians 5:19-21

Of course, there are some who will look at that list and self-righteously declare: ‘I do not engage in any of those practices!’

Yet, as we discussed last week, II Timothy 3:1-5 tells us, ‘in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” [Italics and bold print, my emphasis]

This word is for everyone - those inside the church and those outside; saved and unsaved. Therefore we must all take the time to honestly evaluate our lives, our hearts, our intentions.

What do we pray for?

Who do we pray for?

Do we forgive … and how long does it take?

Do we think of others, at all?

Do we possess the same giving nature that God has?

Why do we do what we do?

What is our standard in life?

Do we read His Word … to examine ourselves?

‘God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before Him, and to Him we must explain the way we have lived.' Hebrews 4:12-13 NCV

Do we truly think about our own actions?

And, are we determined to become more and more like Him?

Take some time this week to pray and truly reflect on … you

Ask God to show you, through His Word, who you are … and who you need to become

We cannot shine an outward light if the inward light is not constantly attended to and blazing bright

Next week, we will be looking at some ways to focus on the light: individually, in your home and in your local church.

Praying you have an abundantly blessed week!

2014: The Light

Happy New Year again, this first weekend of 2014!

This year I am going to attempt to maintain a better balance between all of my responsibilities and interests. As part of that balance, I will be refocusing some of my attentions here. And the press on my heart for this year ... 2014: The Light

• The light Who is Jesus Christ
• The light which is so desperately needed in dark times
• The light that we as Christians have been called to be

When we look in Scripture, John 8:12, we see Jesus testifying of Himself, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

That is true encouragement for these dark times which have engulfed the earth. II Timothy 3:1-5 tells us, ‘in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.'

Yet, there is a comfort in knowing that we do not have to be consumed by the darkness. Rather, we have the ability to walk in the light and, to not just walk in the light but to carry that light within us and to others through the power of His Holy Spirit.

Matthew chapter five tells us that, “You are the light of the world”

The implication, is that we are to shine as beacons of light, like a lighthouse in the darkness shining the way for those who are navigating their way through the murky situations of life – doing our part to ensure they safely reach home.

There is a quote which so aptly captures the role of a believer as a lighthouse and beacon of hope. It notes, “I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve." - George Bernard Shaw

Likewise, we are built only to serve …

Only, we are not constructed by the hands of men. In Jeremiah 1:5, the LORD speaks and declares, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.  Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.'

The call to be the light is not a glamorous one. It is a selfless call, often lonely and long enduring. It is in many respects a thankless position and is frequently overlooked. However, it is incredibly important and its impact is far-reaching, adding value to the lives of those who benefit from it … even if they are unaware of how it is blessing them.

It is not a difficult job –

Yet, it is a job which will require your steadfast commitment. You may fulfill that call by rising early in the morning and praying for those that will never know of your care, concern and sacrifice. You may fulfill the call by being a dedicated and loving mom and wife or by leading your household in godliness. You may shine the light with your extended family, in your school or in your place of business. You may be able to answer the call for light on the game field or in the local coffee house. In every sector of life there exists opportunities to shine the light of Christ into dark situations and circumstances.

So remember –

‘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, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' Matthew 5:14-16. 

I am excited about this year!

I am expecting great things and am certain it will be a year of tremendous spiritual growth, opportunities to be a meaningful light in the world and unexpected blessing. Have a blessed day. Here is a great song by Josh Wilson to get your morning going … 

Pushing Back the Dark

New Year Greetings ...

Happy New Year!

Praying that blessings are already unfolding in your life

I have not written in quite some time…

2013 was not a kind year –

Not that I do not have many things to be thankful for …

Yet, there were tremendous challenges on nearly every front:

Spiritual, family, health, financial, relational, professional and educational

Even so, I focus my attentions today on the sentiments of the Apostle Paul:

“… forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians 3:13-14

2014 is going to be a great year!

Looking forward to all the amazing opportunities for growth,

Praying that you and yours will be abundantly blessed in every area.

Happy New Year and God Bless!