A Light in Our Darkness

December 6, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:2 (NLT)

It’s a dark time of year and a dark
time in our world.

ISIS is intent on bringing on end times. Our country is deeply divided over issues of abortion, immigration, and gun control. Discussion is increasingly inflammatory at the national level and among friends. Meanwhile, problems persist like human trafficking, addiction, corruption, poverty and hunger.

The prospect of change appears dim. It’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless, to succumb to fear and anger. Where is God?

“What a cheery Advent post!” you say. “Where is God?”

He’s coming!

Jesus brought light into the world when He became human. He demonstrated perfect love. I believe our best chance as individuals to precipitate change is to follow His light. Observe His life. Study His teaching. Absorb His values, making them our own. Then shine His light in the world and allow His teaching to guide our decisions.

Follow. Absorb. Reflect.

Jesus told us how to shine His Light:

Let nothing become more important than God (Matt 22:37-38, Luke 16:13)

Love and care for others more than for yourself (Luke 14:8)

Be authentic and sincere (Matthew 12:38-40)

Live a standout life in a sinful world – be different (Matthew 5:13)

Pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:44)

Don’t fear, but trust God (Mark 4:40, Mark 6:50)

Unify under a common commitment to Jesus (Mark 9:50)

Remain humble and look out for others (Matthew 20:26-28)

Be friendly and caring to outsiders (Luke 10:30-37, John 4:1-9)

Forgive offenses (Matthew 6:14)

Jesus will come again! Let’s shine His Light until He arrives.

Join the conversation. Is this suggestion naïve?

#SeedsOfScripture #LightOfTheWorld #JesusIsComing

2 Comments

CHERRILYNN BISBANO on December 7, 2015 at 11:27 AM

Amen. Great advice and encouragement.

Reply
CathyChung on December 14, 2015 at 2:55 PM

Thanks Cherrilynn. I appreciate you're consistency in reading Seeds and joining the conversation. Bless you.

Reply

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.