Headlights On!

walking in the truth

Today's devotional thoughts

This excerpt appeared in our Grace Lutheran Church bulletin on SUN 11/13. I'm not sure whom to attribute it to, other than to note that these aren't my original thoughts . . . 

"Stewardship Corner:  Can people see God's light through you? Actions, words, lifestyle, & what we give are visible indicators of God's presence within our lives. Our character, compassion, gratitude, giving, humility, perseverance, & faith reflect God's light when He is glorified & honored above all things. The Holy Spirit has placed within each Christian a light that can show others God's glory & majesty. We are to let that light shine (Matt. 5:16). Our light may seem to us like a twinkling candle in a dark world, but God will use it & magnify it."

Today's Truth from Scripture

[Jesus speaking to His disciples & the crowd when He gave His Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5-7]:  "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds & glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

More devotional thoughts

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should but don't always recognize the love of Christ active in our lives as shown in the love of others for us. Why not? We are poor, sinful beings, & when times are tough, it's much easier to recognize & focus on the negatives than the positives.

What about those who are not followers of Christ? How can they recognize the love of Christ active in their lives when they don't recognize Christ as their Lord & Savior?

Well, we know that it is only the Call of the Gospel by water & the Word that creates faith. We also know that we have been called to let our light shine before others, i.e., let the light of that Gospel shine in the lives of others. We love others because of Christ's love for us . . . . not because it earns points for us toward heaven or polishes our own medals. [Yeah, I had to sneak some Lutheran theology in this devotional.]

And so we shine our/His light before others, letting them see our good deeds--not to glorify ourselves--but to glorify our Father in heaven & let Him be responsible for the salvation of the world.

Today's prayer *

Dear Lord, may we not fall idle or grow weary in shining our light--Your light--into this dark world that the Gospel of Christ's redemption may lift heads in hope & turn the hearts of others, along with our own hearts, toward life in our Heavenly Father & with His children in need. Grant us Your Holy Spirit of wisdom that our witness many help prevent many from perishing. Amen
* Adapted from another excerpt in the Grace church bulletin, 11/13/16

Missionary News *

* A few revisions have been made since the original post.

Pastor Stuart & Debra Freese are the two missionaries that Lois & I have adopted. They are preparing to serve in West Africa; it looks like they are on track to begin their mission & ministry over there soon after the 1st of the year. They are spending their time now getting ready for this assignment, which includes traveling to spread the word about the mission work in Africa & raising support with the help of Gary Thies. Some of you know Gary from his work via Mission Central. [http://missioncentral.us/missioncentral/welcome] I have Stu & Deb's permission to share the following information with you.

• Email: debra.freese@lcmsintl.org
• Email:  stuart.freese@lcmsintl.org
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/FreesesinAfrica/ (NOTE:  You don't need a Facebook account to view this page.)
• Website:  http://debrafreese.wix.com/freesesinafrica
• Giving Page:  http://www.lcms.org/freese