Wednesday, November 17, 2010

A Lamp Hidden or Standing Tall?

Imagine yourself in a moment where everything stops and becomes utterly still. The universe is in awe of the beautiful power of God. You look up to the heavens after living years on this earth and fine it average that millions of stars are gleaming in the midst of a dark night. That the moon is glowing brightly to bring light to an otherwise dismal evening. Its powerful rays give the ability to view the ground at our feet, yet we are no awestruck by this lone beaming object in the sky. Why? Because we have become so used to the simple yet mecessary gifts he has given us. We see no wonder though we should be in awe praising His name and thanking Him for His goodness to us. =)

Now think about this: What would a night be without the bright stars and the gleaming moon? Compare yourself with the moonlit night and how necessary we are for God's plan. How our lives should leave imprints in others' lives. We are called to be a light in the darkness, the moon amid a dark night. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, "You are the light of the world --- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden..." which should prompt a thought here...am I being the light of Christ?

He continues in verse 15 of this chapter describing how one does not light a lamp and hide it under a basket but places it on a stand where it gives light to everyone. This should strike a cord with you. It should hit you like a ton of bricks. Today it has become so common that we as Christ followers are content with where we are at and are not bold as lions. We "hide our lamps" instead of shining them brightly for all to see in fear that if we "place them on a stand" others would react negatively toward us. We are not called into a life with Christ to be fearful, disobedient lovers but instead, we are called to be faithful, obedient, courageous lovers. Doesn't that sound more like it? Humans cannot judge us only God Himself. In my previous blog, I emphasized the point of the Great Artist, our Creator, who has made us perfectly in His image and though we are flawed grace has made us new.

Moving back to what I have been talking about in this blog, that passage in Matthew 5 is an example of what our lives should produce LIGHT that rips away the darkness around us as we confidently walk with Christ. There is no Ten Steps to be a Light book our on the market, it's all a learning process with the end goal beign the Kingdom being brought to the earth. God does not expect perfections but relationship, not following all the rules but love. Doesn't that make your heart feel lighter knowing that the only expectation is to love HIM. Once we love Him, the simplicity of obedience to His call becomes real. There is no struggle because our undaunting faith becomes evident in all areas of our lives. WE are the vessels by grace of a Mighty God. We are chosen to be His Bride, His Love, the one He yearns for. How we should want a deeper experience with Him, so we may be a light in a dark and broken world.

The beauty of an obedient life with trials and temptations ablaze because the enemy finds us all too bright brings great joy to my heart. It makes me realize the magnitude of being in Him at All Times. Being able to step out in faith, have great hope and not be shaken by the unexpected happenings in life but be fully aware of who we are in Christ and who Christ is in us that brings stability in that very thing is wonderful.

Take a moment now and look at your life. I know there are uncountable times where I missed out an opportunity to be the light of Christ because of fear and uncertainty. A lack of faith can overwhelm our lives if we let. Don't. Live a life where risk is something that you do daily because we are called as Christ says in Matthew 28:18, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Reach these new disciples all the commands I ahve given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always; even to the end of the age." We must go out and be the light to a dark world so that more may know the glory of the Saving One. Walk out what Christ called the disciples to in Matthew 10:7,-8 "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." We are called to do greater things than even those in the Word of God itself. He has called us to be obedient lovers who are willing to go out and live a life that shines brightly His light. We are merely His vessels not the Healer, the Saving One, etc. for only God Himself is that. We must remember to never take credit for the things that our God has done. Let us humble ourselves for His name's sake.

I don't know if any of you identify with what I am talking about, but I know that I do. I am in the learning process of seeking Him, hearing His voice, and being obedient to the things He calls me to do daily. I pray that you seek the Lord in this as I am. That together we can become brighter, bolder lights for His Kingdom, for His purpose. I love you all.

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