I hear there is rain in the forecast; or is it snow? It’s April, after all. But that means cloudy and overcast, not much sun but what does that mean? Cloudy outside and a great opportunity to be sunny inside. Awhile back I wrote about how a candle shines brightest when the room is darkest. I love the words of Jesus in John 8:12 when he spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” If we have that light inside and our hearts are right, the outside takes care of itself.
When it’s dark, gloomy, and raining, don’t we put on a raincoat, and maybe even shield ourselves with an umbrella? Why is that? Sure, too keep from getting wet. DUH! But isn’t it more than that? We also use those tools to make sure our clothes stay dry, stay warm and worse yet, and keep us from getting sick. We protect the inner layer so we don’t suffer the ill effects later on. That’s how it is with the rain that drips irritations, drizzles frustrations, and all out cascades pain into our lives. We have to get out the armor, the rain coat, the umbrella (favorite Bible verses, supportive friends, and PRAYER).
This morning I was thinking a lot about the tragedies that have happened lately and how much devastation has taken place at the hand of evil people. That isn’t the thought pattern I choose to follow all day so I grabbed my Bible and started reading in Ephesians and I want to share it with you. This is Ephesians 6:12-18 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
It’s a new day we’re approaching . . . in fact the new day is here now. Ready? Have you talked with God yet? Have you told him everything that’s on your heart? He knows it anyway, but share your heart with him. Acknowledge everything before the lord and so you can see the next steps in your path. That’s why we have the light. Matthew 5:16 says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” It’s a good start and that’s all we need to get our shine on. Did you know our world depends on us to bring light? Somebody has to do it. Why not us? Let God carry you high today…..shine, shine, shine. God will make today beautiful.
Because of Grace we Press On