Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

     Thank You Jesus for the bright light of hope that You bring to all the world!  Even in the midst of the cold cruelty that humanity inflicts upon itself, the light and warmth of God’s loving Presence is available to whosoever will believe and receive Jesus and His gift of salvation.[1]  The darkness of sin has not overcome and will not overcome it.[2] We have been delivered from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light. (Colossians 1:13)

     The light shines through the Church, made up of every son and daughter of the Most High God who shares their testimony of having been freed from the chains of prideful rebellion against Him and are being transformed back into His image.[3]  We should not hide our love for the Way, the Truth and the Life,[4] but instead be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have.[5]  We are called to love God, love others, and love ourselves in holy and healthy ways[6] and to share that divine love with others as we partner with the Holy Spirit in making disciples[7] and so shine the light of Christ in the world today. Let us do this with spiritual and temporal means for we know that on a deeper level, all things are spiritual.

“Lord Jesus, it is so easy to have the light You’ve given us dimmed by the smothering effects and pressures of the sinful world around us or bogged down by our own struggles.  Show us the path to total victory.  Empower us with the fire of Your Holy Spirit to lead exemplary lives so that others may see us and glorify the Father.  Shine Your light through me and through all of my brothers and sisters.  In the Name of Jesus I pray these things.  Amen.”

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

—Matthew 5:14-16

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[1] John 3:16

[2] Matthew 16:18

[3] John 8:36, II Corinthians 3:18

[4] John 14:6

[5] I Peter 3:15

[6] Matthew 22:37-39

[7] Matthew 28:16-20