Category Archives: Light

For Others They Sing

I recall several years ago coming out of a Sunday church service on a beautiful day. On my way to the car, I noticed that one car had been hit by a bird “storm” — oh, the tree shade no doubt kept the car from hitting 140 degrees inside, but the birds must have seen a “Bird Port-a-John” sign in this one, because the car beneath looked like a snow blizzard had covered it, if you know what I mean. The charming owner, Ed, always seemed to keep a sunny disposition. As he approached the car, he saw what I had seen, looked up, and when he saw me, he just shrugged his shoulders and said, “For others they sing!” We both laughed and he was on his way, with the windshield wipers smearing the “snow” to a clearer view.

Some days you just have to carry your own sunshine around with you. Sooner or later, if you drive a vehicle long enough, it will be your turn to deal with a flat tire on the side of a road, probably in bad weather. You’ll miss that ridge in the sidewalk and break your heel, or worse, twist an ankle. How will you respond when these sudden turn of events take place? Will you feel hurt or victimized, and let everyone you see know about it? Or will you take in stride, keep the negative news, and go on about your business? It’s up to you.

If you’re still reading, I hope you will take the time to get familiar with the new look of this site, and use the categories or Search feature to find what you came here looking for. Enjoy your day — it’s another blessing that you can count as you look up and thank the birds for singing.

Let Your Light Shine

Text: Matthew 5:14-16

Prop: a large candle

Summary: You are told to share God’s love and forgiveness with everyone, including your enemies.

candleMost of us do not use large candles unless the power goes off in our homes during thunderstorms. Many years ago, before the common use of electrical lighting in homes, people used candles at night. (Show the candle.) Candles give light to dark places. Today let’s listen to what Jesus said about that.

Jesus was speaking on a mountainside one day, helping people understand how to behave and treat one another. He spoke about love and forgiveness mostly. To forgive means you let go of any feelings of being hurt. Jesus even said we should love our enemies, the people that hate us.

After you experience God’s love and forgiveness, you understand something that many people do not know. Jesus told us to share that with everyone, including our enemies.

Here is what Jesus said: (Read Matthew 5:14-16.)

Jesus used a couple of examples. One was that a city on a hill could be seen for miles (Jerusalem was a city on a hill.). Another was lighting a candle so it could give light in a room, and not hiding the light under a basket. Jesus explained that your understanding was a “light” in your heart — it took away the “darkness” of not feeling how wonderful God’s love is. Now that you know, let it glow. Or as Jesus said, “let your light so shine” to others that they would see how well you treated others and give thanks and praise to God for being blessed with that understanding.

Some of you may know the Christian song called “This Little Light of Mine” and some of the words say “I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” Today and every day, let your understanding of God’s love and forgiveness shine into the world for everyone to see.

Let us pray. Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your love. Let the light of your love shine from my heart today. Amen.

©2013 by Jim Kerlin. All rights reserved.

Light, Love, and Joy

We are energetic beings created in the image of God, the Creator. We are souls living in a human body. Our bodies are made from the earth, and our souls are light from the Creator. Our natural state is one of joy, shining brightly, radiating the love of God.

The body contains over 50 trillion cells, all cooperating together, with a natural ability to heal itself and stay healthy. Each cell contains over 1000 photons of light. When we are sick, the light is diminished. Think of it as a light switch with a dimmer control. We can dial up the light, and we can dial it down, by our perception of our environment and our ability and willingness to act.

Do you want to remain healthy? Then pray in faith, be strong and courageous, setting aside all fear and moving in love toward the natural joy within. Said simply, let your light shine!

When events occur, such as the recent bombings in Boston, these are staged to bring us into a state of fear and victimhood, giving away the power we have to others. Stand in your faith, stand in your love, and stand in your power to create the world you want to live in. Remain at peace despite the attempt to diminish your light. The apostle Paul said “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Because we are called to “Love one another,” (John 15:12) let us act with forgiveness and kindness, and radiate the essence of our being: Light, love, and joy!