Section 1: The Light of the World
I know it’s finally Christmas when I see my children’s faces bathed in candlelight. Every year, we pull out wooly, red sweaters and sparkly dresses and head to our church’s Christmas Eve service. Babies cry through the carols. Toddlers fidget through the formalities. Mommas “shush” their way through the sermon, but then there is a sacred moment of unfiltered Christmas spirit. The lights go out and my pastor says his final words by the soft glow of a single, white taper. Quiet wonder wraps around us like a warm, fuzzy blanket. We hold our breath knowing the best part is about to begin. Soon enough my pastor starts singing and tilts his candle toward someone on the front row. One light becomes two, becomes ten, becomes hundreds and where there was only darkness, there is now a room full of light. Jesus feels as close as the wax and flames we hold in our hands.
Isn’t this what God has been doing since the beginning? Pushing back the darkness with His brilliant presence. Giving His light to His image bearers and nudging us to pass it on.
God entrusted Abraham with the light of truth and promised to use him to pass that light to all people. His was not a calling of hoarding or hiding. That pinpoint of light expanded. God commissioned Abraham’s promised descendents, the nation of Israel, to continue this mission of being “a light to the nations,” to illuminate the path out of the darkest corners (Isaiah 42:6).
Sit in the prophet’s words for a moment. Feel fresh wonder at the gospel implications:
“I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people
and a light to the nations,
in order to open blind eyes,
to bring out prisoners from the dungeon,
and those sitting in darkness from the prison house” (vv. 6–7).
And the beam of God’s light extended forward still. In His most famous sermon, Jesus called us, His followers, to live like a city on a hill, like a lamp held high for all to see (Matthew 5:14–16).
We have no light to give on our own. We are a people walking in the darkness of our own making. Yet every twinkly light, every candlelit table, is telling the gospel story. This season is a reminder that we have been rescued from the dungeon of sin. There is a Light. His name is Jesus.
We are not the keepers of Christ’s light. This Christmas, and every moment until He comes again, we are called to be givers-away. May we enjoy the light of His goodness today and be part of pushing back the darkness with the hope only He can give.
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120 thoughts on "A Light to All Nations"
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Amen!
We are the light of the world
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“Be givers-away of his light”!!
Rescued from the dungeon of sin! Amen Amen
Rescued fro
My prayer for today and every moment forward: Lord, show me how to be a giver-away of Christ’s light.
Being the giver away this season when there is such focus on gift giving… this is a reminder of what gifts we can truly be giving.
Amen!
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This gave me an image of being a candle (or light) in a dark world. We can share our light that was sparked by Jesus to others with their candle waiting to be lit. We can light up this whole world if we keep sharing the light that lives within us
We have no light to give on our own!
I am loving this theme of “light” – it makes us look at light in a whole new way! Candlelight services are one of my favorite memories of Christmas growing up. To give the light to others was the best part. Let us be light givers for the kingdom of God!
Me too! So lovely!
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Yes!!!!
I have this verse on my fridge. Every time I read it, it takes my breath away! “God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. “ Romans 4:17b
Blessed to be a blessing this is my fav scripture I love by but wow never thought about it in context of faith how exciting and makes so much sense. ❤️❤️
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We are not to be hoarders or hiders. Good things to remember. We are to share the light.
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I think it’s so easy today tk want to just blend in. Have people like me and want to not be weird or different. Yet I was really moved by the verse that we are to be a city on a hill! We are meant to be seen, to show the light of Christ, in essence, to be different. I feel really encouraged by that rather than afraid. I’m not meant to be like the world but to being the light of Christ in.
I am all in Tina.
I love the visual of one candle lighting a whole room one by one. I never even thought of that symbolism until this morning. Powerful and beautiful
Adrienne, sending prayers for you and your husband. I know that feeling of disconnection and living in a place that’s foreign. May Jesus’ light warm you in this cold season.
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TINA, I have been with SRT since the beginning and know your testimony. Every time a fellow sister is walking the same path, you are quick to come alongside and offer a shoulder, encouragement, and words of wisdom. Thank you for using your story the way that God intended. You are such an amazing example to me in my own walk❤️
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today’s devo reminded me of this old kari jobe song “We Are” (Acoustic Live).
(some lyrics)
We are called to spread the news
Tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save
There’s freedom in his name
We are the light of the world
We are the city on the hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta
We gotta let the light shine
today’s devo reminded me of this old kari jobe song “We Are” (Acoustic Live).
We are called to spread the news
Tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save
There’s freedom in his name
We are the light of the world
We are the city on the hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta
We gotta let the light shine
today’s devo reminded me of this old kari jobe song “We Are” (Acoustic Live). We are called to spread the news
Tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save
There’s freedom in his name
Help me to be a blessing to others!
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@Tammy “fully convinced”….that’s a whole sermon right there!
Lord I pray that you make me a better steward of this precious gift of being light, a witness….I want to be a living testimony of your peace, mercy, love and forgiveness. Thank you Jesus. Amen
“fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
TRACI GENDRON With you in spirit, and praying today’s celebration of Tanners life is just that.. a celebration of one who lived, was loved and brought joy to those who knew him. I know it will be a hard day, especially as I have seen the list of hymns and songs chosen.. Know God’s peace, be you, let the tears roll, because there was great love between you, they will be collected and stored by God. (Psalm 56:8)
Praying as I write, as I am not sure what time it is with you..
I send you and yours love dear heart.. wrapped so tightly in prayers… God be with you..❤
Hello Dear Sisters!
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great: and thou shalt be a blessing.”
This got me thinking a lot on how we like to take our own achievements and say that “I did it all.” This isn’t true though. All of our achievements, belong to God, always. It is not by our hand, but God’s alone.
Also, dear sisters, I suggest that you get a wonder Bible! I got mine tonight and followed along in my bible while I had it on. I love it so much
Hugs and kisses
xoxoxoxo ❤️
Thank uti for sharing that Churchmouse. You are right. We are not alone in living in a dark world. It’s been going on since the first sin in Eden. But God…He gives us the light to shine through the darkness. And, with other like-minded believers we surely can shine bright.
Our righteousness comes by faith.
Traci, my thoughts are with you. I pray for Gods light to shine in your heart as you endure this sad time. I think Scars in Heaven is one of the most profound and comforting songs I’ve ever heard. I heard it for the first time shortly after my mother died from Covid. I was so comforted to know that the only scars in heaven are on the hands that hold her now. Just as those same hands hold Tanner. God bless you.
Hi Dorothy! I think what the book is asking is for us to reflect on how God’s promise to Abraham that He will bless ALL nations through him is the ultimate promise that He will send Jesus, a future descendant of Abraham, to bless not just the Israelites, but people from ALL tribes and tongues. Abraham is the covenant bearer, and it will be passed down through those to follow (Isaac, Jacob, Judah, etc.) until the Messiah gives us a new covenant. I hope this helps!
God has blessed me with peace and strength. Tonight will be hard, but it will also be so good. Our pastor will talk about giving your life over to God. He did it beautifully at our service for Tanner in Colorado. There will be many unbelievers there.
Our first song will be Scars in Heaven. If you haven’t heard it, please take a listen. It is perfect. That song is for Tanner. For me I chose Heaven Help Me. They are both so beautiful. What will bring me to my knees will be the bagpipes. Tanner was so happy to be Irish and it is very fitting. Amazing Grace and Danny Boy….oh goodness. Thank you for all your kind words and prayers. I believe those prayers have held me up! Oh BUT GOD…
Traci- my thoughts and prayers are with you <3 I recently lost my grandfather (another proud Irishman). Those songs have stuck out to me as well. It was comforting how much love can surround you in such a difficult time from believers and nonbelievers. We also had Amazing Grace and Danny Boy played on bagpipes. It sounds like your Tanner and my grandfather both had celebrations of life they would have loved.
That’s a great thought Churchmouse! We missed you so much while you were gone! Your many insights and wisdom is something we all look to!
DOROTHY – “How was the promise of the Messiah good news for Abram in today’s reading?”
My take would be that it was good news because it came by faith and not the law (See the Romans passage)
Hope you feel beeter slam; it with vitamin C
Such a great reminder that anywhere you see a candle is a great reminder of the salvation story!!
This one spoke to me also. Do you remember the reference?
Oh @churchmouse, I’m glad you came back and reposted! You so eloquently stated what is on my heart after today’s reading.
I posted my thoughts at 5am but it apparently did not actually post so I’ll try again:
We live in a very dark world, much as did the patriarchs of our faith.
Aren’t we all called, in the likeness of Abraham, for such a time as this?
The ability to shine in this dark world involves adding kindling to the spark within each one of us.
“He believed…”
“He did not weaken in faith…”
“He was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do…”
This is why COMMUNITY (I’m looking at you, SRT) is so important. The darkness can seem all invasive until we look for the light emanating from every believer. We encourage one another with our testimonies, our victories and even in the honest sharing of our struggles. Each story adds more kindling. Together we build a bonfire. We believe. We do not weaken in faith. We remain fully convinced that what God has promised, he is also able to do. Yes, for such a time as this. Add your kindling to mine and to the kindling of all the other sisters who gather here. Watch the darkness flee. And watch the fire rise to the heavens! We are more than you think. And a great cloud of witnesses cheers us on!
A verse that stood out to me today from Isaiah: I am the Lord God. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand.
Be Well today and this weekend, everyone!
What a great example, it illuminates the reality of something I’ve had a hard time grasping. He’s the light that lights everyone up. Not me , it’s somewhat relieving and comforting. He’s the one to do it all !
Dear Jamie…December 3
As you look for devotionals & books to bring teens in your life closer to Our Creator, one resource to consider.
Follow link below to the “Going Beyond Ministries” led by Priscilla Shirer.
https://www.goingbeyond.com/product-category/childrens-resources/
I admire & applaud the God-ly work you’ve taken on. Passing the Light along, giving the gift you’ve received to others. Happy Christmas.
@jamie Look at the kids read truth books here in the she reads truth shop. Also, check out risen motherhood has some children/teen resources on their website & a gift guide on their recent blog post :)
Last night I saw the movie, “Christmas With the Chosen: The Messengers”. It was recommended to watch the original pilot for the series before seeing the movie, so I did. Something really struck a cord of my heart… The very last line of the show, spoken by a shepherd who came to the stable to see the baby has stuck in my mind. After seeing baby Jesus he said, “people need to know, people need to know.” Yes! People need to know that God sent His Son into the world so that we might have life everlasting! People need to know that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost! They need to know that He came to bind up the brokenhearted! They need to know He came to set the captives free! They need to know that Jesus is the light of the world and that God loves them! Oh that I might be a light that shines for Him. May we all be “givers-away” of the light and not just “light keepers”. Thank you SRT for reminding us that Jesus is the Everlasting Light!
@Traci – continuing to pray for you and your family and for the service. May God give you peace, comfort and strength.
@Melanie from Michigan – continuing to pray for your community, and for all those who are feeling the pain and loss, and that God would some how in His infinite wisdom, bring something good out of this terrible tragedy.
@my SRT sisters – praying for you all! Have a fabulous Friday!
Traci Gendron, I’m thinking of you and praying for you, on one of the hardest days of your life. Remember, God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are with you and so are your SRT sisters (in spirit).
Tina, I totally stand with you.
TINA_ standing with you, sister! And Googling ‘Jollof Rice’…
Any recommendations for devotionals and books for a girl 12-13 yrs who wants to learn more about Jesus? I would appreciate any help :)
I would like to start with a praise, my son notified me last night that he and his fiancé will be getting married on the 21st. I can’t wait.
In the study book they have the question, “How was the promise of the Messiah good news for Abram in today’s reading?” I’m not quite sure of what they are asking or how to answer this can someone please help me out?
I enjoyed how Erin described the service. I could picture myself there with them. It also brought to mind the song, “Pass It On”
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
Pray for me I’m starting to come down with a cold. I will spend the weekend resting and trying to get over it. Also, Monica — the mother of the little girl I take care of — has bronchitis.
Sisters, have a blessed weekend and pass that Light on.
Tina Amen!!! Can I have your recipe? My Nigerian mom doesn’t use one , she just “does it” and every year since I graduated school I try and make jollof rice to honor my Nigerian heritage :) ERB I have every one of those verses from Romans put up on my wall from when I was going through IVF. Adrienne I am praying for you and your husband. Traci praying for you especially today. Karli, I see from Foster Mama’s post about your miscarriage my heart aches for you. I went through that in April and it fundamentally changed me. God used it to bring me closer to Him but that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt more than I thought anything could. I am praying for you. God is our light even in the darkness of something so awful. It took me a little bit to see His light but thank God I did
Oh my goodness YES! Amen
Dear sisters, after the reading and comments today, I started googling music “Jesus and light”. Found this old (1875) hymn that I would like to share.
The Light of the World is Jesus
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain: Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain (not going to retype)
Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain
No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Have a light filled weekend!
What an awesome reminder to shine our Jesus Light this season!
Good morning sweet SRT sisters! It’s Friday! My favorite day of the week! We are all feeling it at school. The students are ready and needing a break! I love my job and I love these little ones, there’s a few that I know of who have behavior issues but it’s not their fault! While-most of the grew up in a loving home, with both parents or even just with one parent there’s a few who weren’t.
These are the children, I want to give them a little extra TLC even when it’s hard, a little bit more grace and think about how Grace was extended to me. I love these little ones so much and it saddens my heart that there was no security and love in the first few years of life. I’m so grateful for the parents God has chosen for these sweet little ones through Adoption. And is it some thing? We, you and I, are God’s adopted children. Accepting us just as we are. As challenging as it can be at times we need to accept These sweet little ones. I truly love them very much. Life at work continues to be a little challenging because of my ankle. But I keep in mind that it’s only “temporary“ it’s only for a season. And I know I’m a burden on everyone so prayers are appreciated that I would heal completely so I’m not depending on others.
*deems infinitely better…
Good morning sweet SRT sisters! It’s Friday! My favorite day of the week! We are all feeling it at school. The students are ready and needing a break! I love my job and I love these little ones, there’s a few that I know of who have behavior issues but it’s not their fault! While-most of the grew up in a loving home, with both parents or even just with one parent there’s a few who weren’t.
KARLI – Welcome! Please know that you have joined a community of women who will love you hard — many of whom understand miscarriages, the loss of a child, God’s hand presenting itself (sometimes in the way your heart desires and sometimes in the way He seems infinitely better for each of us), and great TRIUMPHS!!
RACHEL – Woop woop!!! I pray you will remember this feeling always (as should those of us rejoicing with you)!
ALL in MICHIGAN, saw a bit more details re: the shooter and his parents and the deep impact reaching all those who were nowhere near the gun… praying for all those recovering and affected…Lord Jesus ❤️, hold each one.
Tina, I join you in wanting to share the “light”. I admit that some days my light does not shine so brightly. This I need to work on daily. Thank you Jesus for your light!
Beautiful imagery in today’s reflection. I see i am not alone in experiencing a glitch when posting. There is comfort in that :). The sentiments shared (even the duplicates) give testimony to the resilient steadfastness of women of Faith in this community. A precious gift!! I especially enjoyed reading the post about the song from eons ago. (I dare not scroll to address this sister by name, but from across the pond, I see you and I hear you!) Grace and blessings sisters as we journey through this season together, may your Advent shine bright
“We are not to be the keepers of the light but the givers-away.”
Such good stuff today, where to begin!! @ ERB- WE saw The Chosen Christmas special (in theaters!!) as well! It was so good! But like you, also touched my heart to see other believers there to see it with their Chosen apparel on. My husband went with even though he works super early. And I have been praying for our relationship and for an awakening in him to be more hungry for Jesus. He definitely came away saying it was incredible, which it was!! I encourage you all to go see it because it also supports the show being seen free all over the world!
I love the visual of one lighted candle in the darkness lighting the next, and so on! And I often have thought what you said @ Tina, about why don’t we SHARE on social like we do other things in our life!! When talking about my son, I often say the biggest proud mom moment was when he accepted Jesus, and when we got baptize together in 2014. And last night my husband said we should mark on fb that we were at the theater to see The Chosen, which kinda shocked me since like I said before, he is not real vocal in his belief. SO- Let’s Let our light shine for the bigger Light of the World! Even with decorating for Christmas, I make sure it’s known Jesus is the center of my holiday.
Love you guys! Prayers for you Traci Gendron, as you go through this hard day, of grief and celebration. I hope that Tanner’s light will bring forth a flicker in someone else’s heart that there is a choice to be made, their eternal future depends on it. Hugs dear friend.
Prayers for you Melanie, and all those families that were affected! It’s just hard to fathom how that can happen. That is the darkness of the world, thank God, we know of a Light.
Arienne, praying for you and your husband, I am right there with you. And welocme back.
Churchmouse I always look for your post as you share such Godly wisdom that is an encouragement for me.
Amen Tina! I stand with you ❤️
I am reminded of a song nilearnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
Jesus bids us shine with a pure ,pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night
In this world of sorrow,so we must shine
You in your small corner,and I in mine
Lord of light,give us grace to shine to our families,our neighbours and all those we meet today
Greetings sisters from across the pond
Beautiful song! Thanks for sharing. I developed a prayer that holds the essence of the song you shared.
I am reminded of a song nilearnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
Jesus bids us shine with a pure ,pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night
In this world of sorrow,so we must shine
You in your small corner,and I in mine
Lord of light,give us grace to shine to our families,our neighbours and all those we meet today
I am reminded of a song nilearnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
Jesus bids us shine with a pure ,pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night
In this world of sorrow,so we must shine
You in your small corner,and I in mine
I am reminded of a song nilearnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
Jesus bids us shine with a pure ,pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night
In this world of sorrow,so we must shine
I am reminded of a song learnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
Jesus bids us shine with a pure ,pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night
I am reminded of a song learnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
Jesus bids us shine with a pure ,pure light
I am reminded of a song learnt at Sunday School some 70 years ago
A friend of mine made a post recently about a story with her children. She was telling them about the “glow stars,” for their rooms. Anyone remember those? She was telling her children that they don’t work until they’ve been exposed to the light. They won’t shine in the darkness until
It makes me think of the song “This little light of mine, I’m gunna let it shine!” That light has a whole new meaning to me now and I’m going to let it shine, lighting others’ lights to pass the light on for the whole world to be bathed in it.
Apparently my first post did NOT post. Had my study book for “One Another”: but did not join you ONE DAY. I missed you all and know that it affected me negatively to not be here.
Oh, look… I forgot… pressing “enter” posts, and I wasn’t done! TRACI… I am so sorry for your loss. Welcome back CHURCHMOUSE! (You came back while I was MIA, apparently.) TINA… great comment today, and I liked BEV’s the other day that the days will be longer soon! And the tree juxtaposition from HEIDI the other day was spot on! I’m glad you just had app trouble, VICTORIA. (I did too.) Was wondering where you were! Feel silly asking for prayer, but hubby and I are not connecting well right now, and it is making my heart so heavy. I know God sees. (Thank you for your words this morning, ERB.) This season is hard for me, as I grew up in SoCal and am now in the cold/dark Midwest. I know I am not a nice person sometimes. Please pray for a gentle and forgiving spirit. Thank you, my sisters.
Good morning, sisters! I had my “One Another” study book, but did not join you on even ONE day. I am so glad to see familiar names and hear stories and requests of sisters I feel I KNOW.
Amen ❤️
I normally just read on here. I don’t post. I don’t even post on social media. I really liked what you said Tina. I felt similar when reading today
When I read the New Testament writings recounting Abraham’s story in Romans and Hebrews, I feel a sense of comfort and hope. Romans says Abraham did not waiver in unbelief and yet we know that he was influenced to try and produce offspring with another woman! And yet…..God knew his heart and our God forgives. I also wonder if I am a light at all – so many days I come home and wonder how I can live more intentionally but I want to be a person who is fully convinced that what God promises, He will do and I beg Jesus to shine through me.
“Every twinkly light, every candlelit table is telling the gospel story.” This is truth, and why even non-believers find this time of year so magical.
Oh Tina!
The challenge to share our good news.
How often I wonder if my flickering light makes any difference. If I don’t say words, do my actions proclaim the truth? I have often been one to try to spread kindness and friendship, but I hesitate when it comes to sharing my faith with those who don’t know. God help me to point people to You in the midst of the season that softens hearts. And let it start with those closest to me.
(Sorry for the duplicates! didn’t realize hitting ‘enter’ posted!)
Will be reminding my family this season to see every candle and twinkly light as a reminder that Jesus IS the light… that He pushes back the darkness …and that He uses us to bear His light here in this place!
Loved the devotional today♥️
Will be reminding my family this season to see every candle and twinkly light as a reminder that Jesus IS the light… that He pushes back the darkness …and that He uses us to bear His light here in this place!
Father thank You for Jesus, the light of the World and our lives. Let me shine Your light in the darkness. In Jesus merciful name, Amen
I want to resemble that Abraham-type of faith. Confident, and unwavering. And yet some how be that light to the world, glowing in the darkness.
Amen! Me, too!
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Awesome read❤️
The song Way Maker rises up in me…”You are Way Maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. My God, that is who you are!!!” He is faithful to keep His promises with no regard to circumstances. Giving thanks for my inheritance his morning. He is worthy of our worship.
Jesus let me be a light in the darkness. Our schools are again shut for a most of the county of kids threatening to shoot more kids. It’s crazy. It feels like lockdown all over again. It’s hard to imagine sending my kids to school again which I will but my heart is heavy. The sadness makes it hard to celebrate. I think of those parents that last their babies and my heart is overwhelmed with hurt. I love this community and grateful for each of you
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What a great visual of how we are called to spread God’s light & love to those around us & we can start with those standing next to us
What a beautiful illustration – “Isn’t this what God has been doing since the beginning? Pushing back the darkness with His brilliant presence. Giving His light to His image bearers and nudging us to pass it on.” I always love the candles at Christmas Eve service and this will bring a fresh perspective this year.
My husband has joined the group of high school girls that come to study God’s Word. That has been very good. We are studying Revelation. I know…wow, but we just take verse by verse, see what commentaries say and various study Bibles, and glean what we are able. We were in chapter 6 last night. One of the things that stood out is how dark it will be for those left behind if the Christians are taken before some of those seals are opened. I guess I mostly, sort of flippantly thought, at least people will have a second chance before the final judgement. Last night as we talked, it settled into my soul a little more deeply that it is going to be absolutely awful for those left behind and that the darkness that penetrates the world will not be just black but, full of evil, anger, hurt, and hate. Every day is an opportunity to shine the Light of Jesus. Oh, may we take it seriously, while presenting the hope and joy our Savior gives. Candle light, Christmas tree bulbs, the moon, stars, sun…whatever the volume – lets shine.
Maura, I will check about the youtube. I am not techy at all. My son is, and the head of tech for our schools is a friend. It might require parents to give permission also. I’ll do the checking. I’d love for it to be shared as long as people remember my kiddos are 8 and 9, which means kid-like perfection and joy. We started practicing with movements yesterday and while it was a mess at times, it was also so much fun. To hear their little voices singing along was “music to my ears.” I’ll let people know when I know. Thanks for the idea.
Have a blessed day ladies.
I stand with you Tina
I thank God for you all.
Standing with you, TINA.
And I can identify with the story about the young man, wish I had known a comeback during one of my most embarrassing moments of needing to speak publicly! My interactions with other people are very limited and I have a difficult time recognizing opportunities to share Christ with others. I did talk with someone this week for the first time in many months, a non believer, who commented on the changes they have seen in my life over the several decades we have known each other. This week’s verses and commentary were fresh on my mind – praying they remember what I shared and are drawn to Christ.
MEL – praying for your friend Kait, and also for your client. I have been to 2 weddings where the person who had recently passed away was honored with an empty chair, acknowledging the loss and including their memory in the celebration.
TRACI GENDRON- thinking of you today as Tanner is honored and remembered by those whose lives he touched. Your sharing of his journey with us touched me.
TAM – heartbreaking! Praying for your coworker’s family and his work family as well.
RACHEL – thank you for sharing your wonderful praise report!
KARLI – praying for you
KELLY – thank you for the lyrics, a favorite song of mine
Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed with the thought of all the people who need the light that Jesus gives. But He hasn’t called me to save the whole world. He’s just called me to share my light with the next person I find living in the darkness.
Be “givers-away” today!
TINA – I stand with you.
A light to help those in darkness see the Light of the world.
From HRT: “Praise God for a Savior who is the Light of the World, who calls and equips us to be a beacon of hope to everyone, everywhere, no matter how big or dark our world seems.”
The song “Here I am to Worship” opens with
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, Let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you
Chorus
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
The song continues with a bit of a “Christmas theme
King of all days
So highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to the earth you created
All for love’s sake became poor
Have a good day ladies. Praying for the requests. TRACI G may the service for Tanner bring peace and joy to you and those who come
LOVED what Erin Davis wrote today!!
TINA, thank you for sharing that story!! I actually copied it and put it in my quote book!! I am standing with you dear sister!!
I LOVED what Genesis 12:4 says “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…” such a simple yet POWERFUL sentence!!!
And Romans 4:13 “…was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” AMAZING and such a good reminder!!!
Isaiah 42 confirmed what I saw last night!! I got to go see Christmas with “The Chosen: the Messengers” in theaters. It was INCREDIBLE!!! People from all over came together for the same purpose to worship and honor our King (& the promises He fulfilled) It moved me to tears. And as I sit here reflecting on it now, I am reminded of the power of water. It is scientifically proven that one small consistent drop changes & molds ANY surface (rock, metal, concrete, wood, plastic etc.) it lands on. To me this speaks volumes!!! So let’s be that consistent “drop” of God’s light!! I also wanted to share with you something I learned last night… I learned that El Roi was one of the descriptors that the Hebrew people used as a name for God. It means “the God who sees me”. I can’t even describe how deeply this touched my heart!! God SEES me and YOU and desires for us to know Him fully, just as He knows us fully!!! We are truly blessed!!! Let us always choose to bathe and dwell in His light!!! Amen.
Have an Amazing day today sisters!!
Amen
What a good God, that he allows us to be a part of the light-giving process! Lord, help me, help us to not let our light grow dim. Let it not get diminished in any way. Help us to shine ever brighter to this season!
I stand with you Tina!
ERIN DAVIS, What a beautiful visual of the one light lighting another, that one then, lighting the next and so on. That was so powerful and moving for me, Thank you.
It actually reminded me of a story I heard of a shy young man at seminary school, whose turn it was to speak to the other seminarians. Standing up he asked ” Do you know what I am going to talk about?”
The others replied “No”
To which he responded “neither do I” and sat down!
Convinced he had something to say, the others gave him another opportunity to speak the following week, after confering with each other that should he ask that question again, they should respond “Yes”
So this happened, and his response was, “..then I don’t need to speak, because you already know”. And sat down.
The following week, another opportunity and another conference in which was decided that half would say yes and the other half would say no.
The response.. “..those who know tell those who don’t”
Knowing isn’t enough, it needs to be shared..
Take our world right now, if someone hadn’t shared what they know medically, where would we be with illnesses? If teachers don’t shared what they know with the students, (our children), what would their lives be.. If my grandmother hadn’t passed on the old family recipe for jollof rice, there would be no family recipe!
We NEED to share what we know, what we have seen, experienced in and through Him. Hiding our blessings, or our light, through knowing Him, under the bed, is scandalous. It truly is!
We share good news, a new baby in the family, a marriage, university degrees, new house, new car,..the list goes on…
Who will stand with me today and in the coming days, as I take my appointment to be a covenant to the people and a light to the nations?
With that same excitement of the Christmas spirit, and in His strength, I will take my ‘appointment’ seriously, in Jesus’s name..
BUT GOD..
AMEN..
Sisters, go in peace today, knowing you have been appointed be show light to those living in darkness around you.
Sending, across the pond, hugs and love wrapped in prayers for a God blessed day. ❤