This Little Light of Mine has an Eternal Backup Source

Yesterday, I was responding to someone asking for prayer for help in spreading God’s love through her business! I prayed this prayer: "Heavenly Father: We stand in agreement with _____ and her desire to be Your hands extended in her business. May her bright light shine so much that others are drawn to You, through the Fruit of the Spirit that is so evident in her life. May love lead her actions, her thoughts and her business relationships. We pray this is the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!"

Maybe you have that prayer, too. I asked God for her bright light to shine. I ask God for yours and my bright lights to shine today. At one time or another, we've all sung that little song, “This little light of mine; I’m gonna let it shine.” We know it, but do we actually let our little lights shine, especially when we've run out of a good battery charge?

Listen to the wise advice of the Apostle Paul who tells us how to keep our lights shining: “Do all things WITHOUT complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15). Just imagine the difference we could make in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses if we didn't complain about this, that and the other, and instead, presented our "LIGHT" with cheer and joy? Our lights could alter the atmosphere wherever we go. Our lights could literally dispel darkness and knowing scriptures like this one keeps our "light" battery charged up.

But what about those "light" drainers? It may be a negative comment or someone's bad mood or a surprising situation like a flat tire or a washing machine breaking down or a bad medical report or any other bad news coming our way. The "stuff of life" can drain our "battery" with doubt, worry, and negativity. What may have started out as an occasional little loss of energy that weakens our light, can soon become a bolt of lightning that trips a breaker that completely shuts down our light, our energy and enthusiasm altogether. That's why keeping "charged up" with God's Word will keep our lights burning brightly that will cause the darkness around us to flee -- not so much by what we say....but what we do in spite of our own circumstances. Others are watching how we demonstrate God's love, peace, and joy -- right in the middle of some of our darkest times.

We can make a conscious effort to be sure our little lights are backed up with God's Word as our eternal backup source and we'll be bright and shining lights all the time -- right in the midst of negativity and all the "stuff" being sent our way. St. Paul reminds us, "you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8).

That's what the darkness needs -- in spite of our circumstances and the darkness around us -- it needs LIGHTS that conquer every opposing force. People will be thinking "How can they be so peaceful, full of joy and hope -- when I know they're going through the stuff of life, just like me?" Before long, they'll get it. They'll know it. And they'll want it, too! "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

THIS IS THE DAY the Lord Has Made! Let's LIGHT It Up!

Indeed, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad for it!” (Psalm 118:24) This day was created by God from the very beginning for His will and good pleasure. It’s a day of great joy to be alive and to celebrate His goodness and mercy that endures forever. I raise His banner of love high on this 31st day of October and I sing out His praises for His greatness and unfathomable love.

I said all that to urge us to light up this day with the Light of Christ. I’ll admit that talking, walking and living in the Light is my number one priority. I've seen lots of photos, on my FB newsfeed, of cute little kiddos being introduced to their first Trick or Treat experience, as well as photos of some quite spooky, blood-curdling Halloween costumes donned by fun-loving grown-ups. I know it’s all about the fun of sporting those costumes and acting out their characters…..BUT!

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate and familiar I've become with THE LIGHT, the more I shun darkness and evil on TV, in books and movies, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become. How precious that is to me. I steer clear of darkness with intentional determination-- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT. So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I really desire to share why I am wrapped up in THE LIGHT.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we hauled in lots of candy (Easter, being the other). I would usually dress up in some homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's. Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed so much since my childhood.

Over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day. So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day. I'm posting this because I'm compelled by the LIGHT that has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be God's fully devoted follower in every way. I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder, consider and seek God's wisdom as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, ask God to show you His LIGHT on the subject. We all want our families to have the best, most blessed options....every day. May we humbly ask God for His wisdom and then allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. There is darkness all around us and it's up to us to make God (The Light) famous. It may be a good idea to have a discussion with our family about the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns AND then focus on the abundant life and LIGHT of our Savior! If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE and the LIGHT! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

This Little Light of Mine

At one time or another, we've all sung that little song, “This little light of mine; I’m gonna let it shine.” We know it, but do we actually let our little lights shine, especially when there's always SOMETHING that wants to douse our lights out?

Listen to the key that the Apostle Paul gives us to keep our light shining: “Do all things WITHOUT complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15). Just imagine the difference we could make in our homes, schools, neighborhoods and businesses if we didn't complain about this, that and the other, and instead, presented our "LIGHT" with cheer and joy? Our lights could alter the atmosphere wherever we go. Our lights could literally dispel darkness.

But what about those "light" extinguisers? It may be a negative comment or someone's bad mood or a surprising situation like a flat tire or a washing machine breaking down or a bad medical report or any other bad news coming our way. The "stuff of life" wields its water gun filled with doubt, worry, and negativity at us. What may have started out as an occasional little water gun squirt hitting our flame, soon becomes a super soaker blast of water endeavoring to douse the fire of energy and enthusiasm that we had. In those times, our little light can become just a flicker. We live in a world where so many people are in darkness and those people want to douse our lights with a "super soaker". But, you and I might just be the LIGHTS that cause their darkness to flee -- not so much by what we say....but what we do in spite of our own circumstances. They're watching how we demonstrate God's love, peace and joy -- right in the middle of some of our darkest times.

We can make a conscious effort to be sure our little lights are blazing all the time -- right in the midst of negativity and all the "stuff" being sent our way. St. Paul reminds us, "you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8).

That's what the darkness needs -- in spite of our circumstances and the darkness around us -- it needs LIGHTS that conquer every opposing force. People will be thinking "How can they be so peaceful, full of joy and hope -- when I know they're going through the stuff of life, just like me?" Before long, they'll get it. They'll know it. And they'll want it, too! "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

These Little Lights of Mine

Day 265 of Photo Inspirations -- These Little Lights of Mine
Yes, I'm relentless in my expressions of the joy and delight that my grandchildren bring me.  And, yesterday, was no exception.  Of course these would be my photo inspirations for today.  It started on Thursday with my two youngest grandchildren, Brennan, age 11 and Bryson, age 8.  Shawntel and I attended their school's Spirit Assembly for the Jog-A-Thon (their annual fundraiser) that took place yesterday.  At the Spirit Assembly, each grade had a Spirit Chant/Cheer & team name that included references to "letting their lights shine".  Obviously they go to Christian school where praying, reading God's Word and memorizing scriptures are not only acceptable, but are urged and required!  What an amazing foundation for their lives!

Bryson's 3rd Grade Classes ran at 10 am.  I loved it that he wanted me to run with him -- he's stil my lovey boy that wants to hold my hand AND run with him too!  And, you see that adorable girl with him.  She's been his best friend since they were just 3 years old.  Between us two girls, Bryson was a happy runner!  On the other hand, big brother, Brennan, 5th grader....is quite pleased to run with his buddies, or by himself.  LOL!

The Jog-A-Thon's theme was "Let your light SHINE before others so they may SEE your good works and give glory to your FATHER who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16.  This was probably one of the first verses we learned in Sunday school. And one of the first songs we sang was "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." Jesus said that we (His disciples) are the light of the world. That little song says "Hide it under a bushel -- NO!  I'm gonna' let it shine."  And, yes, our lights should be shining so brightly to this very dark world that needs so much light.  Our actions and our words speak volumes as to how bright our light really is.  

What does Jesus mean by light?  He calls Himself "the light of the world." John calls Him "the life that is the light of men," John 1:4. The light in us is His light.  We have that light shining through our lives if our actions reflect His nature -- His love, compassion, peace, and forgiveness. His light shines through our attitudes, words, and deeds. When people see that light shining through us.....they'll long for that LIGHT in their lives, too!

This little light of mine -- I'm gonna let it shine!