Call Me Kodak

Luke 1: 78-79 "Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace."

Zechariah has just had his mouth opened after the birth of his son (to be John the Baptist) and Zechariah shares this prophecy regarding the coming messiah. He says that the "light"- that is Jesus -is about to break upon the people and bring hope and peace.

We just had our jr. high fall retreat-Fall Escape this past weekend. Our theme was "Illuminate" and we talked about light and darkness and how Jesus is our light and how we are called to be a light in a dark world. One of the images that stuck out to me this past weekend is how a camera is designed to allow a small amount of light in at just the right time and that the light is then imprinted as an image which becomes the photo. Just like this process, we too are to have the light imprinted inside of us. I am not the light, but Jesus can imprint his image upon us which then shines through to others.

Jesus, help me to allow you to imprint yourself all over me. Help me to shine! Amen.

Illuminate

Phil. 2:15 "...let your light shine brightly before them."

Paul is instructing the Philippians to live "clean and innocent lives as children of God in a dark world." He tells them to "hold tightly to the word of life" and to "stay away from complaining and arguing." Paul gives them important instructions on how to shine for Jesus.

Our jr. high fall retreat is coming up next weekend and our theme is "Illuminate." We will be talking about being a light for Jesus and shining brightly in a dark world. My job next weekend is to talk about how these students can become illuminated. And how exactly is that? How do we become illuminated with the love of Jesus and shine brightly in this world? Paul gives us some tips...live clean and innocent lives, don't complain or argue, hold onto the word. Now that I am going to teach these things I must ask, do I do these myself? Am I living in the light and do I shine brightly? Would people I know answer yes to that question?

Dear Jesus, help me to understand what it means to shine brightly for you. I pray that people would see you in me and know that I am yours. Amen.

Keep Alert and Pray!

Matthew 26: 41 "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"

Jesus' disciples have gone with him to the garden the night of his betrayal. He asks them to pray with him and keep watch but they are too tired and fall asleep. Three times Jesus walks back to them to find them sleeping. He tells them that they need to keep alert and pray otherwise temptation will come. And just like Jesus warned, temptation does come.

I have found in my life that temptation rarely comes when I am diligent in reading the scriptures and when I am devoted to prayer. When I am lazy about my personal devotions and personal growth, I find it easier to let my mind wander and become side tracked. Spending time with God puts our minds and hearts in the right place and focused on the right things. It also allows God to come into our minds and speak truth into our lives.

Dear Jesus, help me to stay diligent and not become lazy in my relationship with you. Amen.