Light Bearer

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

As I read this morning from a long list of instructions for Light Keepers of lighthouses, I was reminded of something I have heard preached many times.  "Christians are LIGHT Keepers." 

We are responsible for allowing the LIGHT of CHRIST living within us to illuminate through the darkness and shadows of this world in order to point others to the LIGHT giver.  While many, if not all, of the tasks on the list of Light Keepers for lighthouses apply, the second one stood out to me and it reads as follows:

2. The lamps shall be kept burning bright and clear every night from sunset to sunrise; and in order that the greatest degree of light may be uniformly maintained, the wicks must be trimmed every four hours, or oftener if necessary, and clean glass chimneys fitted on; and special care must be taken to cut the tops of the wicks exactly even, to produce a flame of uniform shape, free from smoky points.

The trimming of the natural wicks can be likened to the cutting away from our heart and lives those things that are out of line with being a light bearer.  When GOD cuts away or circumcises those things that are not like HIM, HE does so perfectly and evenly in order that nothing can stand in the way of loving HIM completely. (Deuteronomy 30:6) 

In line with cutting away sin, changing the glass can be likened to the process of GOD creating in us a clean heart so there are no obstacles, smoky points, that would prevent the LIGHT from shining brightly. (Psalm 51:10)

The responsibility of being a light bearer would be daunting if not for the truth that we cannot accomplish this task without GOD given strength and HIS help through the SPIRIT.  With such help, we can bear up under the enveloping darkness of the world and soon find our flicker of light growing from a small flame to a beacon shining bright, eschewing the black of night that threatens to snuff out joy, love, peace and unity.

There is hope for the LIGHT giver lives within!

It's about Jesus

All it takes to refocus my wayward perspective is one sentence, one statement that shakes off the selfish thoughts that can cloud spiritual truth.

This statement is simple but contains a wealth of power and scriptural support.

The statement which I say aloud and it quiets mental chaos is "It's not about me or us, it's about Jesus."  

I believe the brevity and uncertainty of life should give us hope and reason to hold this statement close. The winds of life blow literally and spiritually without regard to whom is affected by them.  But in this truth we can find comfort.  Life, living, salvation, trials, sadness, grief, death and resurrection are all about our Savior, Redeemer and Lord - Jesus.

As the close of His earthly ministry drew near and facing the bitter cup of crucifixion, Jesus assured his disciples to not fear or be alarmed by the trials and ruthlessness of the world.  In John 16 chapter, Jesus admonishes them to allow the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them in "all truth".  John 16:33 Jesus says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Life is put into perspective.  Death is put in its place.  Yes, woe and sadness have roles to play in our life. But every day nuisances, mountains and mole hills lose their ability to negatively affect us when we take this powerful statement to heart.  

It is well

It seems to me that many women routinely look for validation from men to support them emotionally and spiritually.  It is my belief that women have proven to be the stronger of the sexes when it comes to a having a solid foundation on which to build emotional and spiritual strength.  The bible refers to the woman as the 'weaker vessel'.  And this is not to contradict that understanding.  I choose to believe that Paul, in Ephesians 5, referred to the woman as the 'weaker vessel' in order to compliment the rightful place of the man as the head.  She is the more vulnerable physically, spiritually and emotionally.  The man is to look upon the woman with understanding and tenderness and esteem honor to her.  He is to love her as Christ loved the church and she in turn is to reverence and respect him.

Her foundation can become solid in order to bear up under the weight of supporting the man, her family and herself through continuous prayer and faith in God. She understands that just as the man is the head, she is a bearer of many.

Women seek to have harmony in the home by shielding their family with prayer continuously.  Women are child bearers who for nine months carry the weight of life literally upon their whole being.  Women are the consolers who mend physical and emotional wounds.  

She is stronger than she often knows she is and this dawns upon her only after surmounting a mountain digging in tooth and nail until the summit is on the horizon.  She doesn't give up.  She doesn't give in.  But, she often compromises her own needs to make sure others are taken care of.  

When the nights are long and prayer for others is in order, she is on her knees petitioning and interceding. 

When the nights are long and the days longer, she rests but for a moment and continues the struggle.  

When the nights are long and her pillow is stained with tears, she yet hopes for the morning.  

When the nights are long and light dawns, she rises with a sullen heaviness in her spirit but believes with her whole heart that God is with her.

She rises in faith and strength and when she is asked of her well being, she holds her head high and responds, "It is well."

Happy are...

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

This scripture rests in my spirit from time to time.  The meaning of it comforts me when I get the notion to take life for granted or think time is on my side.

From this scripture, I find my thoughts dwelling on how people define happiness so differently.  The perception of being such is undergirded by an authentic or man-made reality.  But, perception, nonetheless, is often truth to those who are observers whether or not they know the origin.  So therein lies the lesson.  The experience of bona fide happiness comes from the inside and not the outside.  Popular belief would have us think it is just the opposite.  Things and people are external and finite. Hinging happiness upon them means that when they aren’t present, neither is happiness.  I like the quote attributed to William Author Ward, author and pastor, “Happiness is an inside job” because it exemplifies the truth that long lasting, sustainable joy comes from within us.  But, then the question arises, how does it get there?

To answer that, we can look to scripture.  Matthew chapter 5 tells of Jesus’ teaching to the disciples and the multitudes that followed Him to a high mountain.  Seeing their thirst for truth and spiritual teaching, Jesus shared with them what’s aptly named the ‘Beatitudes.’ The word blessed means happy in this teaching.

3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

One can see how the Lord’s definition of happy can cause those who are unbelievers to scratch their heads and wonder how being happy in meekness, mourning and persecution, etc. can be considered a positive thing.  But, believers accept those spiritual truths and much more because we recognize that it is not in external factors – people, money, things, popularity, etc. – that we are happy.  It is in the promises of God that we can trust and find peace, contentment and joy that fills our heart and mind no matter the situation or circumstance.   We have a dependable hope in help in times of despair, healing in times of brokenness, peace in times of conflict and joy in times of praise.  

Take the time to read God’s Word, dwell on His goodness and allow His promises to be your comfort so that you can experience the joy that comes from the inside.

Blurred Vision

How does one clear the cluttering thoughts and feelings that make it difficult to see clearly?

How can a person be settled and enthusiastic one day and tossed to and fro emotionally the next day?

The answers to those and other pressing questions about emotional stability can be found neatly and squarely in the Word of GOD.

When we have questions and need answers, Philippians 4:6-7, among many other scriptures, reminds us to take our petitions to GOD who not only can hear our requests but can give us peace to calm confusion.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When emotions seem to sway from one extreme to another, Philippians 4:8 encourages us to seek refuge in the truth and dwell on those things that are positive and which bring glory to GOD. Nothing feeds negative emotions like negativity. There is a saying that one cannot have a positive life with a negative mind.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Living in a world full of negativity can be daunting. Seeing the positive side to all situations takes a conscious commitment to believe that GOD has a purpose and reason for all things. We should seek GOD's peace like our life depended on it, because it does. We can rest in the calm assurance that HE so readily wants to give. It is there for the asking and receiving.

A Poem For My Mother

What You Must Have Been Like

When I look into my heart

To revive memories passed

To search for a glimmer of

What you must have been like

I cannot see, cannot touch

The essence of your being

All I can do is imagine

What you must have been like

Siblings tell me of quaint moments

Habits, words spoken by you

But through their eyes it is hard to see

What you must have been like

People tell me we resemble

But your pictures tell their own story

You were beautiful, the pictures show

What you must have been like

Forever in my heart you are

Forever a part of who I am

But in my heart I continue to wonder

What you must have been like

5/3/09

Season

The season of Christmas is upon us.  This time of year is one of my favorites.  It is the time of year when love abounds.

I have memories as a child of our home being filled with togetherness and anticipation of family and friends visiting.  Gifts were nice but they were not the centerpiece of our lives. 

The memories for my child are different but nonetheless important.  Love is present and the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ, is the emphasis. The season is still the same but the togetherness that existed so prevalently in my childhood days is not.   So many loved ones have passed away and the busyness of work and life events have taken over. I miss the yesteryears dearly.

However, I do believe that as seasons of the year change, so do the seasons of our lives.  Gone are the times I lived as a child but here are the memories that can be created now.  Looking back is a way of honoring but it should not hold our attention too long for we could miss something precious in the here and now. 

In my heart I believe that the treasure of family togetherness will live again.  Our families from near and far will again gather to laugh, share and love.  Who knows, it just may happen in my child's grown up years so that she may have the opportunity to impart this special blessing to her children.