“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12, ESV)
While sitting at a meeting at his church, Bennett was getting frustrated. The number of needy people in their congregation and neighborhood had increased. Food going out from their small food pantry had nearly quadrupled. Something was going to give. Some at the meeting suggested closing the food pantry an extra day each week to stifle some of the demand. Others suggested increasing pressure on area businesses to help compensate for the need. One proffered just closing the food pantry as it had failed to keep up with demand and the church couldn’t turn people away. One woman threw out the idea that only children should receive food until they had enough to give whole families. Bennett sat there depressed. He said a short prayer in silence, “Lord, show us what to do! Shed some light on this problem! We need Your direction!”
After saying the short prayer, Bennett closed his eyes and just listened to the committee members. His soul eased. His mind quieted. Suddenly, as if a light bulb was switched on, Bennett had an idea. A smile came to his lips as he inwardly said, “Thank You Lord!” in his mind. Then, Bennett threw out to the committee the idea that they would ask the congregation to add one can of food each month to a box at the entrance to the sanctuary. People would see the box there upon entering worship. They would have a weekly reminder of the need. It would spur them to action. It would remind them of their mission. And…. It worked. Giving to the food pantry tripled in weeks. Within three months, the food pantry shelves were full, so they took the boxes away from the sanctuary entrances until they might be needed at another time. God and the generous gifts of the church had multiplied the food required for that crucial moment.
What Bennett experienced just after his prayer was called by many a “light bulb moment”. When a bit of perfect wisdom hits your mind and clarifies everything, it is as if a light bulb went off in a dark room. Everything becomes clear. The way forward is given a green light.
I have found that when faithful people pray, God often sheds light on a situation. God clarifies things. God removes foggy thinking and gives the perfect direction. When you take truly faithful people and put them together in a room, they can come up with great ideas, supply ample wisdom, and clarify the way ahead. They to it by trusting the will of God. They succeed by looking for God to light the way ahead.
Psalm 119:105 teaches that God’s word is “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”. God’s Word, the Bible, sheds light on characteristics of faith and aspects of God. It is filled with wise sayings, commands, and direction. Why? Because God wants you to have counsel in your decisions. God wants to illuminate the path you need to take. God wants to advise you. God wants you to go the right way. So, God will often give you a “light bulb moment”, illuminate a spiritual lamp in dark moments, and shed light on the path you need to take.
In the scripture reading for today from the gospel of John, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The obedient followers of Christ need not grope around for direction. They have the light of Christ to lead them. The trusting soul need not doubt… Jesus comes through. God’s Word is like a “lamp for your feed and a light for your path”. If you find yourself in a dark place, look for Jesus to bring some light. If a day feels gloomy, ask for God to bring warmth and light to your attitude.
Many in England celebrate Advent and Christmas. However, it is common to call this time of year the “Season of lights”. All over the world Christmas trees are decorated with lights. Churches and communities put spotlights on nativity scenes or wreaths or bows. Millions want to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Jesus brought God’s light into the world. In today’s scripture from the gospel of John, Jesus Himself admitted that He came to bring “the light to the world”. God’s light. God’s warmth. God’s presence.
As you go about this holy time of year, keep Jesus at the center. Let’s His light shine in all you do. Every time you see a Christmas light, give thanks for those who have felt God’s warmth with the reading of the gospel. When you hear a Christmas carol, send a smile toward Heaven. When you are facing an issue or feeling some stress, ask for Jesus to bring some light to the problem, give you a “light bulb moment”, or just bring some Heavenly warmth to your weariness!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I promise to celebrate during this season of lights. I promise to bring Your light to bear on my issues. I will not hold back Your warmth from this world.
I am thankful for Jesus, the light of my world. Let me not be surrounded by little reminders of His birth without feeling joy in my heart and offering peace to the world. If I find myself surrounded by dark times or difficult choices, I will pray. I will look to Your Word for answers. I will read my Bible for direction. I will seek Your guidance. We all need some of Your light to shine down upon us.
Use me this season. Make me an instrument of Your peace. Give me the right words to share with those who are depressed or lonely or insecure or lost. Show me who to help. Remind me when to remain silent and just listen. Keep my mind focused on Your grace and dedicated to Your righteousness.
I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
After saying the short prayer, Bennett closed his eyes and just listened to the committee members. His soul eased. His mind quieted. Suddenly, as if a light bulb was switched on, Bennett had an idea. A smile came to his lips as he inwardly said, “Thank You Lord!” in his mind. Then, Bennett threw out to the committee the idea that they would ask the congregation to add one can of food each month to a box at the entrance to the sanctuary. People would see the box there upon entering worship. They would have a weekly reminder of the need. It would spur them to action. It would remind them of their mission. And…. It worked. Giving to the food pantry tripled in weeks. Within three months, the food pantry shelves were full, so they took the boxes away from the sanctuary entrances until they might be needed at another time. God and the generous gifts of the church had multiplied the food required for that crucial moment.
What Bennett experienced just after his prayer was called by many a “light bulb moment”. When a bit of perfect wisdom hits your mind and clarifies everything, it is as if a light bulb went off in a dark room. Everything becomes clear. The way forward is given a green light.
I have found that when faithful people pray, God often sheds light on a situation. God clarifies things. God removes foggy thinking and gives the perfect direction. When you take truly faithful people and put them together in a room, they can come up with great ideas, supply ample wisdom, and clarify the way ahead. They to it by trusting the will of God. They succeed by looking for God to light the way ahead.
Psalm 119:105 teaches that God’s word is “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”. God’s Word, the Bible, sheds light on characteristics of faith and aspects of God. It is filled with wise sayings, commands, and direction. Why? Because God wants you to have counsel in your decisions. God wants to illuminate the path you need to take. God wants to advise you. God wants you to go the right way. So, God will often give you a “light bulb moment”, illuminate a spiritual lamp in dark moments, and shed light on the path you need to take.
In the scripture reading for today from the gospel of John, Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The obedient followers of Christ need not grope around for direction. They have the light of Christ to lead them. The trusting soul need not doubt… Jesus comes through. God’s Word is like a “lamp for your feed and a light for your path”. If you find yourself in a dark place, look for Jesus to bring some light. If a day feels gloomy, ask for God to bring warmth and light to your attitude.
Many in England celebrate Advent and Christmas. However, it is common to call this time of year the “Season of lights”. All over the world Christmas trees are decorated with lights. Churches and communities put spotlights on nativity scenes or wreaths or bows. Millions want to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Jesus brought God’s light into the world. In today’s scripture from the gospel of John, Jesus Himself admitted that He came to bring “the light to the world”. God’s light. God’s warmth. God’s presence.
As you go about this holy time of year, keep Jesus at the center. Let’s His light shine in all you do. Every time you see a Christmas light, give thanks for those who have felt God’s warmth with the reading of the gospel. When you hear a Christmas carol, send a smile toward Heaven. When you are facing an issue or feeling some stress, ask for Jesus to bring some light to the problem, give you a “light bulb moment”, or just bring some Heavenly warmth to your weariness!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I promise to celebrate during this season of lights. I promise to bring Your light to bear on my issues. I will not hold back Your warmth from this world.
I am thankful for Jesus, the light of my world. Let me not be surrounded by little reminders of His birth without feeling joy in my heart and offering peace to the world. If I find myself surrounded by dark times or difficult choices, I will pray. I will look to Your Word for answers. I will read my Bible for direction. I will seek Your guidance. We all need some of Your light to shine down upon us.
Use me this season. Make me an instrument of Your peace. Give me the right words to share with those who are depressed or lonely or insecure or lost. Show me who to help. Remind me when to remain silent and just listen. Keep my mind focused on Your grace and dedicated to Your righteousness.
I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.