Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Renew and Rejoice in the Responsibility

Bible Reading: ::5:14–16

Key verse:  

Bible Verse: Verse “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

DEVOTION

Jesus uses the metaphor of light to describe who His followers are and what their responsibility is. Light is not only who we are, but also what we are called to be. He tells His followers that they are the light of the world and that this light should not be hidden, but seen. Light has one purpose—to shine. There is darkness in life, both external and internal.
Jesus encourages His followers to bring light into a dark and broken world. Darkness appears as fear, injustice, loneliness, hatred, and broken relationships. Into this darkness, Jesus sends His people as light. This light is the light of the Gospel, and it draws people to its warmth and radiance.
When light shines, people see clearly and find direction. When we live as followers of Christ, our lives should point others to God. Our good works are not for our own glory, but so that people may glorify our Father in heaven.
This mission has been central from the very beginning and throughout every age. Archbishop William Temple rightly said, “The Church is the only organization on earth that exists for those who are not its members.” For the light to be seen, we must be willing to go where darkness exists, to engage with it, and to walk through it, trusting that in time, light will overcome darkness.
When we carry the light of Christ, darkness does not have the final word. Light always overcomes darkness.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, make us true light in dark places. Give us courage to shine with Your love, so others may see You through us. Amen.

Thought for the DAY

Shine where God has placed you—light shared is light multiplied.

Rev. Josy Joseph
Long Island MTC

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more