Keep Shining!

Up to Heaven (Prayer to set the scene)

Fill me, radiance divine,
Scatter all my unbelief,
More ans more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.

(Charles Wesley)

Down to Earth (To get thoughts going)
When you bring a new born baby home, life never seems to be the same again! When asked about the pros and cons of having children, a young mum made these two lists:

• Tiredness and sleepless nights
• Toys take over the house
• Lack of money
• Lack of your own time
• You can feel very low and loose patience

• Children make you laugh
• They give you many blessings
• As a mum you meet a lot of people
• It keeps you fit
• Children bring families together

Looking Sideways (Complimentary Bible Readings)
By the time John the Baptist was born so many unusual things had happened that people in the neighbourhood began to wonder what kind of a child this one was going to be! (Luke 1:57-66) His father, Zechariah, then goes on to reveal that one of his son's tasks would be to... shine on those living in darkness (verse 79)

Years later, John the Baptist would set off travelling round sharing the hope that was coming soon in the person of Jesus, his cousin. History was about to repeat itself, and people would be asking of Jesus... Who is this? (Matthew 8:27 and 21:19)

So John the Baptist may have been the lantern pointing to Christ, but it was Jesus who would declare himself as the Light of the World (John 8:12-30) In Johns gospel 'light' tends to mean the revelation of God's love into lives darkened by sin.

Looking Forwards (Challenge for today)
There are many heart-warming stories of Christians who have managed to keep their faith alive even when Bibles have been taken away from them, along with all other freedom of worship. How have they done it? Is it because we are dealing with a light that cannot be extinguished that we can overcome darkness with light?

Homework (Oh Yes!)
God needs strong Christians who will shine on those living in darkness!

Rounding Off (Prayer or thought to keep in mind this week)

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us,
set us free by the truth you now bring us
(Graham Kendrick)

From Marta's Vintage © 2008