October 26–Shine Your Light

It’s Friday and where I am it is cold! I’m not really ready for winter but I guess the cold days are going to be coming more and more frequently as October gives way to November. Thank you all who have been praying for mom. She is doing much better today and was even doing crafts this afternoon. 


Yesterday, it was cold, rainy and all around dreary day. I couldn’t help but think about how dreary our lives become when we start to think of the things of this world as really important and focus our hope and our hearts on the temporary. I have been around some people lately who are advanced in years and are still clinging tightly to things. These are some of the most miserable people I know—those who have put their hope and trust in the temporary. And their spirits just seem to reflect yesterday’s weather, dreary and cold. Contrasting that to others I know who have their priorities in order so that things are for using and people are for loving, have spirits that are warm and bright. They are as different as night and day. 


“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted....Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9-12‬ ‭MSG‬‬


Peter, being as blunt as ever, just flat out says it here, don’t give up your souls for your ego and don’t give up heaven for this temporary world—it’s not our home, so don’t get too comfortable. He exhorts Christians to live our lives properly among the unbelievers so that they might see Christ in us and give honor to God. 


Dear Lord Jesus thank you for paying the ultimate price for us and help us to always remember that we aren’t home yet and this place where we are now is only temporary. And help us to never get in the way of your light shining through us as we live among unbelievers. We praise you Lord for you are good and you are kind. You love us with a crazy love that simply astounds us and we worship you our God. We ask for blessings for those who are hurting this day. Father surround them and let them feel your warmth and your grace and mercy today. You are our God and we are your people. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam

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