Light

If there has ever been a time for your light to shine, it is now. Now is when the world needs your gift. It needs your hope. It needs your faith. It needs your God. It needs your profession. It needs your testimony. It needs you. It needs your light. So, shine.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) 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.

Lamp

In times like these, it’s hard to know the right path. The future seems uncertain. Every news story is doom and gloom. Faith comes hard. Reality hits harder. Fear is everywhere. Doubt is easy. Unbelief seems like the normal. God never said it would be easy. God never said you would always be sure. God never said you wouldn’t have your skepticism. God never said you would always have the answers. He did say that his word would be a lamp. You only need a lamp when it’s dark. So, know that you have light during these dark times. You still can trust the word of God to be a lamp.

Psalm 119:105  (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Called Out

I learned another meaning of a familiar word. The word ecclesia combines two words that mean “out of “ and “call.” Ecclesia typically refers to the church. However, by definition it means the called out ones. 1 Peter 2:9 states, “but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” We are all called out of darkness. I think that we think that our callings only refer to the calling to preach the gospel. We are called out to do many things. We are called to preach. We are called to teach. We are called to love. We are called to pray. We are called to write. We are called to dance. Ministry comes in many forms. You are a chosen generation. You were handpicked for this gift. You are special. You are gifted. You are called out.

Outnumbered

There are seasons of our life where we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. We keep adding things to our “to do” list, and nothing is getting done. We have more bills than income. Everyone has their hand out, and it all seems like too much. We can’t seem to find any time for self care because everyone is pulling. We are outnumbered by our titles. We are outnumbered by our tasks. We are outnumbered by our sense of defeat. We can’t seem to find our way out. This is when we cry out. This is when we ask for help. This is when we find ourselves alone. There is help. There is hope. You are not alone.

Matthew 11:28-29  (KJV)  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Develop

I remember when it took days to get your pictures back. Hoping and waiting to see if that picture came out just like you wanted. It took time for them to develop. Your film would undergo a chemical process in a dark room. Interesting enough, most of us don't have the patience to develop. Yet, God is calling us to endure patiently for our gifts and talents to develop.

Development does not take place in the spotlight. Development does not take place with others. We develop when we submit to being alone in a dark place. We grow when we plant seeds in a dark place. Don't rush the process. Don't despise the wait. Don't fear the dark. It's where we develop.

Yoke

Most of us could use some rest. We carry the weight of responsibility, positions, and expectation on our shoulders. We all need to take a break and rest our weary souls. How do we lay our cares on God? We pray and leave our concerns on the altar. How do we rest? Have faith that God will take care of you. Allow the peace of God to infiltrate your heart and mind. When we trust God, it’s easy for Jesus to take the wheel.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”