SHINE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (MSG)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

We are all meant to shine...

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Williamson

Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? ¹⁵And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light! ¹⁶So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16 The Passion Translation

This is the season of lights.

Drive down any local cul-de-sac and there are some amazing, “Clark Griswoldian”, displays.  Some folks have even coordinated their displays with a soundtrack or synced them with local radio.  It is quite remarkable.  Around my hometown, we have the CLIFTON MILL lights where for a little sum you can tour their famous illumination.

But today I want to move the focus away from the twinkle and toward something a little more “tangible”, OUR light.

Let’s parse those encouragements from Williamson and Matthew.  

Their message is similar, their advocacy clear.

Shine!

Be light! 

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

That light, that glory IS IN you today and by letting it out, by letting our “light”, the glory illuminate, we can make some real difference around us.

Williamson says that light drives out fear.

Matthew reminds us that our light will draw folks to the GLORY of GOD.

And we all know that as we let our light shine, the darkness that so desperately tries to pollute this season of light can’t stand, it can’t hold up.

So, ask yourself, “Where can you shine today?” 

And no, you don’t need to be overt in your shining.  

Often the simplest things shine the most brightly.

For example:

I had the privilege of sharing some time with a friend just last night who with the help of “many lights” was making CHRISTMAS brighter for 20 families and 32 children. 

Late last week I had an amazing conversation with one of the staff of a local congregation who were able to open a “store” filled with donations for the clients of the Life Enrichment Center so that they could cheaply “shop” for their kids.

And just last night light and warmth were shared with our local homeless and hurting as a compassionate congregation opened their doors with hot food and a comfortable chair.

You see, light can be shared in a lot of ways my friends.

So, take your inspiration from the displays you see as your cruise around this evening. Be reminded that your light is unique, important and full of GOD’s GLORY.

Liberate it! 

Still not convinced you can?

Maybe start today with a simple smile?

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside. – Watley

See, you CAN shine!

I love you all

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE