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"Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart" (Psalm 97:11). "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).

"Get Outdoors PA" has a campaign to encourage Pennsylvanians to get outdoors, especially during these summer months. When I was a kid no campaign was needed to get me outdoors. I loved playing outside! Actually I am still that way. But things have changed and this was illustrated by a conversation I overheard this last Sunday. Mike, a young man who has a real love for the great outdoors, was seeking to converse with a teenage boy before Sunday School.  He asked what he had been doing during his summer break and the boy answered, "Playing on my Play Station 2." Mike encouraged him to get outside and play in the great outdoors. The student informed Mike that he would but he didn't have the right connection to play his Play Station 2 game outside!  

Today's lesson draws from the great outdoors that can't be duplicated by a smartphone, tablet or play station. It's just not the same as enjoying the warm summer outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal.


We enjoy sitting on an old glider in our front lawn watching the brilliant sun gradually descend below the horizon marking the start of twilight which launches into yet another light show that we write about today. This last week we watched a lot of fireworks, both official displays such as those launched at the Lancaster Barnstormer's ballpark on the 4th of July and the annual Marietta Fourth of July fireworks right from our home. We also enjoyed our neighbor's aerial display as they fired off a number of firework images, some of which must have cost a small fortune. The ooohs and aaahs surely must have echoed throughout our neighborhood.

Another light display we enjoy is the starry night sky, which always seems more brilliant when you're out in the country. But a light display we especially enjoy for a short time each summer is a view from our front lawn that few of our readers have probably ever seen. Thousands of fireflies descend upon the fields of corn across the country lane twinkling their lights making it appear as though it's Christmas in July.

Fireflies (also known in some regions, such as the Midwest where we grew up, as "lightning bugs") abound in our area. This bioluminescent insect, scientifically known as Pyractomena borealis, is sure an interesting creature and we marvel as we observe this special creation of God. Occasionally we come across one or two in the winter months as well.

The Scriptures acknowledge God's work in Creation when He said, "Let there be light." These are the very first recorded words spoken by God in the Bible. It's God's nature to create light and dispel darkness.

As believers we all have His light shining in our hearts. The same God who initially created light has "made His light shine in our hearts." The purpose is "to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." Another version reads, "He is the One who made His light shine in our hearts. This brings us the light of knowing God's shining-greatness which is seen in Christ's face." Still another paraphrase states, "It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful."

In Benjamin Franklin’s day the streets of Philadelphia were dark after sunset. Nighttime pedestrians had to walk cautiously to avoid rocks and holes (sidewalks were yet to be provided in the late-1700's).

Franklin decided to set a good example for his fellow citizens by placing a lantern outside his home. As people stumbled down his street at night, they would come to that oasis of light and realize what a blessing it was. Soon other Philadelphians were putting up their own lanterns. After sunset the whole village became a place of illuminated safety.

The world around us is dark with spiritual ignorance. For multitudes of people, the aimlessness of their existence leads to unspoken despair.

We can’t single-handedly drive back the darkness everywhere, but we can brighten the corner of where we live. We can let our redeemed, Christ-ignited lives serve as lanterns of light. Our Savior commands us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Vernon C. Grounds writes, "Instead of bemoaning the darkness, we can show the way to those around us. As Christ shines through us, lost souls stumbling in spiritual darkness will be attracted to Him who is the Light of the world."

May the Lord fill us all with the Light of His truth and may we, like the thousands of fireflies in the cornfield across from our home, shine brightly from within!



Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You make our light shine brightest when we're surrounded by darkness.  We don't seek to blend into the darkness but want to shine Your light so that those walking in darkness can see the way to repentance. Even as we're able to see God in the face of Christ, may the world see Christ in the face of Christian believers all over this dark planet.  In Your name, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

G. Campbell Morgan said that the church did the most for the world when the church was the least like the world. Today, many churches have the idea they must imitate the world in order to reach the world.


"Shine, Jesus, Shine"  Video  

"In Christ Alone"  Video  Travis Cottrel

"Brighten the Corner Where You Are"  Video  The Statesmen Quartet