Signs of Life

Note to readers: It occurred to me yesterday that I was quoting quite a bit out of this book and felt a twinge of conviction. The proceeds from this book fund Dr. Jeremiah’s ministries and I wouldn’t want anyone to think they can read my blog and not be bothered to purchase it. It’s a great book and I’m truly not revealing all that is in there. However, I felt the need to write and seek permission to quote as much as I am. So until I hear back, my posts will be more generalized and I will be sharing only the biblical verses that apply. If you wish to purchase the book, click here. I will also provide a link down to the right to access his website as well.

Day 3

Today’s devotional was all about the darkness in the world and the light of Jesus Christ.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5.14-16

As I was reading this chapter, I recalled a conversation I had with my (previous) boss back in 2003. I’m very happy to say that he and his wife are now cherished friends. It was he that answered a million of my questions when I finally discovered that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus (very patiently, I might add). He always had an open door policy with his employees, so anytime I had a question about Jesus or something I read in my bible, he was right there and ready to answer them for me. It helped that we spent 8 hours a day working together! We were talking one day and he was explaining to me just what Dr. Jeremiah is talking about in this chapter.

We need to be a reflection of Jesus and shine His light into a very dark world.

This world lives in darkness. It seems every time we turn on the news we are faced with some kind of catastrophe, or an angry mob rebelling, crimes being committed, and heartache. People seek satisfaction from drugs and alcohol, they seek happiness in money and “things,” and there never seems to be enough. Everyone wants to be right, so you see our politicians arguing with each other instead of working together.

It’s overwhelming when you look at it this way and we wonder, what can we do? This is too big for us. Yes, the problems of the world may be too big for us. But the problems in our own little part of the world truly aren’t.

We can make a difference one day at a time, one person at a time. We have the opportunity in our everyday activities to shine the light of Jesus…and very brightly…as we walk down the street or even as we do something as mundane as grocery shopping.

I had to do that last night, grocery shopping that is. As I was shopping, I purposed to smile at everyone and take my time, no matter what. Right off the bat, I encountered a situation at the deli counter. Nothing major. It appeared they were out of the sandwich meat I wanted (it was on sale, a really good deal!). I smiled at the young man behind the counter and commented that it would take “a minute for me to figure out what other kind of yummy meat I could purchase, as there is so much to choose from.” In those few seconds of hesitation, he smiled back at me and while I perused the choices of meat, he took the time to go and look further. Lo and behold, he found the meat I originally wanted. And my, was it good!!! (herb roasted turkey breast)

A few minutes later, I found myself in a pretty crowded aisle. People were trying to get around those of us that were lingering in front of shelves. I was one of those lingering, trying to find the creamed corn (it was not my normal store). As I was standing there trying to not be in the way, I heard a small voice to my right say “excuse me?” Sweet lady, in one of those electric chair carts trying to get my attention. She need me to get something off the top shelf. I’m glad I lingered and had my listening ears on. I happily got what she needed and she was on her way.

I smiled at everyone. I got many smiles back. I also got some looks from others that said “are you crazy?” Maybe I was smiling too much? LOL!

Our everyday lives can affect just one person in a good way…or a bad way. It all depends on whether we have our light out on the nightstand or under the basket. Think about lighting a candle or turning on a flashlight in the pitch black. That candle or flashlight can instantly illuminate a large room, it is that bright. That’s what we need to be, a bright light.

But we also need to go beyond our everyday lives. Where would we not normally go? A nursing home? A prison? A homeless shelter? The streets?

(just one quote from the good Dr.)

“God has graciously given His children the capacity to meet human need in the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we do so, to be His light in a dark world. That is our very identity.”

Praying for all of us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, Who will empower us to meet the needs of others around us. If we all did something to spread the light of Jesus in our own little part of the world, perhaps it would have a bigger effect on the world at large.

God bless!

PS.  It's Friday, so I will not be posting again until Monday.  I'm going to work on my computer at home this weekend though, so maybe I'll get it up and running so I can post.