Saturday, January 18, 2025

WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

 

Jacie Conley- "It was a cold, sunny day in November. My son and I stood in the doorway, looking at our front yard. The grass was brown and dead from the recent frost we had received, but the sky was blue with only a few clouds, and the sun shone brightly. Although the ground looked dull and lifeless, the sky looked bright and hopeful.

Our glass door separated us from the cold, but we could still feel the warmth of the sun. My son commented that the sun’s warmth through the window was his favorite thing about winter. Even though it was cold outside, we could still feel the warmth of the sun through the glass. 

As Christians, we are to be the warmth and light of the world. When we accept salvation from Jesus Christ, He puts His light inside us. We then become a light to those around us. We shine brightly for Jesus by speaking with love and being kind and encouraging to others. 

In our world, we encounter cruelty, hate, and cold-hearted people. Many deal with darkness. Life has taken more from them than it has given. As a result, they are hurt and bitter and project what they feel onto others.

Others need love and light. They need to see the light of Jesus in us. Just as darkness can be seen in the world, so can light. It’s always a pleasant experience to encounter a person with a smile on their face and a kind word on their lips.

Let’s be the light Jesus wants us to be. When you encounter people, smile and speak a kind word. If you can help them, do so. Make a point to leave some of Christ’s joy with them. You may be the only glimpse of Jesus they see."

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:14 NIV


Let's pray-

   Father, when we look outside at the cold winter through our windows, may we also feel the warmth of the sun shining through. Even though it is cold, may we be quick to remember the salvation Jesus brings, as His warmth and Light are within us. We become a light to those around us, to shine brightly for Him by speaking with love and being kind and encouraging.
   In our world, we encounter cruelty, hate and cold-hearted people. Some we may have to deal with regularly, so may our lives shine hope to them, through the One who is our Hope, to help them deal with their bitterness and hurt.
   Folks need love and light. May they see the light of Jesus in us. Help us have a pleasant expression on our faces and a kind word on our lips, and may we make a point to leave some of Christ's joy with them. We may be the only glimpse of Jesus they see! 
 In Jesus' name we ask this. Amen.
 

 #69 Testimony- GrJean

  When it was brought to my attention in a conversation, that my fearful reaction to probable correction, was stemming from the way I was treated in my marriage. I expected the same treatment from others what I'd received over the years in my second marriage.
   Once I prayed to forgive him, though, Christ gave me peace and assurance that I needn't expect the same treatment from others! What a joy to be free from the expectation of rejection and faultfinding! I'm free now, to leave things in God's Hands. 
Praise God!


1371-1375 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 
1371- Esther 2:15c "And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that 
          looked upon her."
1372- 2 Kings 4:42b "Give unto the people, that they may eat."
1373- Ecc. 9:16a "Wisdom is better than strength."
1374- Neh. 11:24b "Was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people."
1375- Ps. 110:2b "Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies."


 #69 Hymn- O For a Closer Walk with God
 
The information about this song,  is taken from the book by Robert J. MorganTHEN SINGS MY SOUL  (p.71)


   Mary Unwin fell ill and appeared to be dying. William Cowper's anxiety and depression led him to earnestly pray for her. She was quite a bit older than he, and was a mother image for him. It was during this time that, examining his own spiritual condition, he wrote "O For a Closer Walk with God.He said that she was his chief of blessings on his journey since the Lord was pleased to call him. Her illness was a sharp trial to him.


Church Notes:

   We have an abundance from the Father above. He wants to bless us with way more than enough. He'll move mountains so we won't be overwhelmed by them. We need to celebrate that our God is an "over-the-top" God. We're to be content with what we have, trusting in His provision for our needs. Though the world tries to convince us that there's more that we need, may we experience satisfaction in each day's blessing, and give God praise!  


 Some encouraging words-

   What can be more essential and practical when you have the Word of God and the indwelling Counselor, the Holy Spirit? What can be more important to cherish and heed, than the mind of Christ? The Bible, the voice of the Spirit, and the mind of Christ. These are the primary resources for our guidance! May we use and appreciate them.

Upcoming posts:

25th-  GOD'S WAY-Linda Shouf
2/1st-  A SHARING OF FRIENDSHIP- Anita van ner Elst
8th-    COMPASSION IN ACTION- Patricia Paydon



The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 

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