What I love most about Lean Into Jesus Ministries is the way they blend together the many diverse ages, backgrounds and traditions of those who love God with all their hearts and souls. Every time I attend one of their conferences I’m encouraged not only by the light shining from the great number of believers in our area, but also by those who’ve come searching for that same hope they’ve witnessed in their friends.
Perhaps now more than ever, the Holy Spirit is working mightily in our crazy world to unite all Jesus’ followers into a brighter beacon of hope. Each of us doing our part to tend our own flame of faith allows the body of Christ as a whole to shine brighter in the darkest of places. The darker it gets, the brighter we get to shine!
Take what happened to my husband Ron Sunday afternoon as encouragement. I dashed into a store to pick up an item while he sat on a bench in the sunshine. When I came out I noticed a young man in his twenties whom I didn’t recognize talking to Ron. As I got closer the man smiled at me and went on his way down the sidewalk.
“Who was that?” I asked.
“Well, I don’t know his name,” Ron replied, “but he said he just wanted me to know that Jesus loves me and wondered if there was anything I needed prayer for.”
“So, what did you say?”
“I thanked him for being willing to do that and told him how much I appreciated him letting people know that Jesus loves them.”
That young man’s flame didn’t merely flicker, it burned brightly. He had no way of knowing whether or not Ron was a believer. He couldn’t be certain of a friendly response, but he could be certain that he had something other people needed. His flame touched ours and encouraged us to burn brighter. Imagine how bright he must have appeared to those who weren’t sitting in the Sonshine!
It’s tempting for all of us who bask in the glow of many, many birthday candles to think the younger generation’s faith just doesn’t hold a candle to ours. To that I would say, “You just don’t know the young people I know!” Find them. Celebrate Jesus and all you have in common with them. Gather new friends of every age, background, and tradition who will encourage you to let your light shine.
“You’re here to be a light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, The Message)
Lord, THIS WEEK lead us to make at least one new friend in the faith who will fan our fire for You into a blaze of glory. Like moths to a flame, lead at least one who’s on a dark path into our light. Help us to show our love for You by loving each other. Help us be the light-bearers you intended us to be. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we ask these blessings in Jesus’ sweet name. And all God’s children said … Amen!
Donna Jackson
www.perfectionroad.com
www.perfectionroad.com
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