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"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).
We
wish you could join us some evening during this time of year when we
sit out on our porch swing at dusk and look out over our front lawn and
then scan the huge cornfield across the country lane. Thousands of
fireflies put on a great show and the scene over the corn appears as
twinkling Christmas lights. We also still like to ctach them and
they have a distinct odor that's reliably identifiable! It produces
this chemical to repel predators.
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.
Jesse, about 8 years old, and his family attended a church in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania we served several years ago in an interim pastoral role. One evening he was out with his family on their porch watching their resident toad peeking through the flowers in the planter. He came up with the "bright" idea of feeding the toad a few bugs. Fireflies were abundant so he fed the toad some fireflies which were readily devoured. Then an amazing thing happened; the toad lit up from the inside! Jesse excitedly told me that he could see the lights flashing through the thin layer of the toad's skin. His family all watched in amazement.
Jesse's father, Scott, observed that the light of Christ shining through us is a result of feeding on the Word. Today may we all truly let our light shine so that others may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven! (See Matthew 5:16.)
The Scriptures
acknowledge God's work in Creation when He said, "Let there be
light." These are the very first recorded words of God in the
entire Bible. It's God's nature to display His light and dispel
the darkness.
As believers we 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."
This is an interesting verse that I don't recall examining closely. (Sometimes for preachers it takes an illustration in search of a text to dig deeper!) 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."
May the Lord fill us all with the Light of His truth and may we shine brightly from within!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the
light of Your love surrounds those who walk in the light. But You make
Your light shine brightest when we're surrounded by darkness. We don't
blend into the darkness but instead the light of Your love shines in
stark contrast so that those walking in darkness can see the way to
repentance through our changed lives. Even as we're able to see God in the face of Christ, may
the world see Christ in the face of believers all over this
dark planet. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Today we not only have several chaplain visits to make but we will also be stopping by the Lancaster County Carriage & Antique Auction in Bird In Hand PA.
"Shine On Us" Video
"Light Of The World" Video
"Shine Jesus, Shine" Video
"This Little Light Of Mine" Video
"Mighty To Save" Video Hillsong
"Shine, Jesus Shine!"
"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).
We
wish you could join us some evening during this time of year when we
sit out on our porch swing at dusk and look out over our front lawn and
then scan the huge cornfield across the country lane. Thousands of
fireflies put on a great show and the scene over the corn appears as
twinkling Christmas lights. We also still like to ctach them and
they have a distinct odor that's reliably identifiable! It produces
this chemical to repel predators. 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.
Jesse, about 8 years old, and his family attended a church in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania we served several years ago in an interim pastoral role. One evening he was out with his family on their porch watching their resident toad peeking through the flowers in the planter. He came up with the "bright" idea of feeding the toad a few bugs. Fireflies were abundant so he fed the toad some fireflies which were readily devoured. Then an amazing thing happened; the toad lit up from the inside! Jesse excitedly told me that he could see the lights flashing through the thin layer of the toad's skin. His family all watched in amazement.
Jesse's father, Scott, observed that the light of Christ shining through us is a result of feeding on the Word. Today may we all truly let our light shine so that others may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven! (See Matthew 5:16.)
The Scriptures
acknowledge God's work in Creation when He said, "Let there be
light." These are the very first recorded words of God in the
entire Bible. It's God's nature to display His light and dispel
the darkness.As believers we 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."
This is an interesting verse that I don't recall examining closely. (Sometimes for preachers it takes an illustration in search of a text to dig deeper!) 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."
May the Lord fill us all with the Light of His truth and may we shine brightly from within!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the
light of Your love surrounds those who walk in the light. But You make
Your light shine brightest when we're surrounded by darkness. We don't
blend into the darkness but instead the light of Your love shines in
stark contrast so that those walking in darkness can see the way to
repentance through our changed lives. Even as we're able to see God in the face of Christ, may
the world see Christ in the face of believers all over this
dark planet. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.Today we not only have several chaplain visits to make but we will also be stopping by the Lancaster County Carriage & Antique Auction in Bird In Hand PA.
Today's
Suggested Music
and Supplemental
Resources
"Shine On Us" Video
"Light Of The World" Video
"Shine Jesus, Shine" Video
"This Little Light Of Mine" Video
"Mighty To Save" Video Hillsong
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Scripture
references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version.
© 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD
BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation,
New King James
Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the
King
James Version.
Personal
Mission Statement:
"I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ
I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord.
My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and
to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
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