Tag Archives: Light of the world

The illusions we believe

Who do you see when you look at this photo? Albert Einstein or Marilyn Monroe? According to scientists, it depends on your vision. If you have normal or corrected vision, you probably see Einstein. If you are near-sighted, you probably see Marilyn Monroe. If you see Einstein, step back a number of feet and you likely will see the image of Marilyn Monroe. The illusion is actually a composite of both Einstein and Monroe created by Dr. Aude Oliva from MIT.

Things aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes illusions delight us, like when a skilled illusionist makes something seem to disappear or reappear before our very eyes. Other times, illusions deceive us, leading us to follow a lie we thought to be true.

Like the Einstein-Monroe illusion, we see things differently when we step back and change our point of view. From the perspective of a young child, we see a marvelous tooth fairy who leaves us money when we lose a tooth. From the adult perspective we see the folly of an illusion, even if it is meant for good. You might easily spot a deal that is “too good to be true.” Sadly, we’ve all fallen for illusions we followed to our detriment. Sometimes we believe the illusion of satisfaction gained from feeding guilty pleasures, only to later experience the emptiness they offered us.

“Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;
wise realists plant their feet on the ground.”
Proverbs 14:18 (The Message)

Honestly, sometimes it’s hard to see truth from our own perspective. We don’t want to live in a world of illusion. But the enemy works through fears and lies and sometimes we fall prey to them. The daily battle is for control of our mind.

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

….. But our God is able to bind the mind-blinder and give us new sight that sees as things really are. He alone can correct our vision.

“They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:18)

…..But the Light of the World, Jesus, disperses darkness from our understanding. His light shines truth and exposes illusions.

I need God to correct my vision so I’m not fooled by the illusions of life. How about you? If you want to see things as they really are, not just as they seem, ask God to let you see the world around you through his eyes. Invite him to reveal the illusions in your life. He reveals a new vision through his Word, through others, and through his Spirit.

Here’s to having clear vision.

Being a lightbearer

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“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

That is Jesus speaking to all followers: YOU are the light of the world. Let your light shine. And yet so many Christians are uncomfortable with the idea of letting their light shine. Some think it should only shine through our actions, as if others will somehow guess good deeds mean someone is a Christian. The truth is there are lots of nonChristian people who are probably much better good deed doers than some Christians. Random acts of kindness…a good practice, but Jesus is talking about more than that. Some people think that words are the best expression of light. And yet we all have experienced the empty effect of slick speaking people who have more agenda than compassion. Some people think putting their lamp under the basket is the best method, as if being a follower of Jesus should be some sort of secret. “Let someone else shine the light,” they say.

We understand the discomfort of being honest and transparent about our faith. Others may feel offended or may judge us. Worse yet they may seek to isolate or persecute us. Reading a recent article about Christians in war-torn Syria, one believer commented, “They wound you with their words. It’s how they look at my religion as if it’s not real. With such utter contempt. As if the Bible is all made up.” Christians fear for their rights and identity. “For the first time in modern history, we are being persecuted for our faith,” explains one follower who fled Syria to live in the west.

But regardless of our circumstance, we are called to be people of faith who love. NOT people who intimidate others or badger them, but people of love, people of light. Asks one persecuted believer, “What is the point of having Christians in the Middle East 100 years from now if we are not acting as Christians in practice – standing up for the oppressed, the downtrodden, and the poor?” Said in another way to all of us across the world, “What is the point of saying we are Christian if we don’t demonstrate our care about others in our actions, our words and our daily prayers? What is the point of being given a light if we are going to put it under a basket?

YOU are the light of the world. Will you make it a priority to let your light shine brightly today?

Set apart – for a mission

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What does ‘set apart’ mean to you?

Among other things, the word ‘different’ probably comes to mind. We aren’t to be Christian in name only. Rather than striving to “fit in”, we are called to be set apart from the world even while we are in it for a purpose.

The question for each us (me too) is “How much does my life look like the world? Does my life look more like the world or the Word?” Do I think about money, getting ahead, being fit, success, time off, sports or other hobbies so much that it really defines who I am more than being a follower of Jesus? We are what we think about, how we respond to life, and what we associate with. (See Proverbs 23:7)

Pastor Cory Stout gave a good message recently on being ‘set apart’ for God as being different in order to make a difference for God. More than just something good we should do, it is God’s calling on those who call themselves Christian for real, not just in name only. To be set apart from, not conformed to, the ways of the world is the true identity of followers of Christ. Jesus said we are the light of the world, not the darkness. Cory shared that responding to God’s call upon our lives should make a difference in:

What we consume and what consumes us
- Not just our diet but those thoughts, attitudes, actions, and even ambitions that consume the way we approach life. Where we spend most of our time, thought, money, and action defines who or what we worship.

Our appearance
- Not just what we wear, but our character, our countenance, and attitude…the way we respond to frustrations and disappointments.

Our associations
- Paul writes that we are ‘new creations’, which means we are dead to that which doesn’t bring life. As such, we shouldn’t associate ourselves with ‘dead’ ways of thinking and responding to our circumstances. A caterpillar no longer crawls along the ground as it used to. It abandons the cocoon and now associates its new life with the freedom of flying. Why should we bind ourselves by those dark things that rob us of love, peace, and joy? What ‘dead’ things do you need to abandon?

Probably, we can easily think of ways we think others should change, but the question is really just for us to answer personally. Ask God today, In what way are You calling ME to be different in order to make a difference? What consumes me that I need to let go? What is one thing I need to change about how I appear to others? What associations do I need to sever in order to behave as one who was created to make a difference?

Be different in order to make a difference. Set apart from the ways of the world, live ‘on mission.’

Living the life we were meant to live

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Summer at the acreage is a colorful event. Wildflowers and other perennials bloom to celebrate the beauty and creativity of God’s creation. Of course, the blooms don’t last forever. Some last only for a day, others for weeks, and gradually replaced by other blooms.

Such is an illustration of our life. We too are like wildflowers. We bloom for a while and then the richness of our beauty dies away. Imagine, if you knew the end of your life was near how you might live differently between now and then. What priorities might change and how might you live each day to better reflect your life goals? Wouldn’t you expect to find greater appreciation for the time you have?

We have this choice each day: to wander through it rather mindlessly, consumed with the planning of some future season of our life or to live THIS day fully and with purpose and passion. Choose to live resolutely and faithfully, becoming as we were intended – the first fruits of God’s creation (James 1:18). Reject ‘worthless religion’ (that which has no effect on our lives) and embrace that which is beneficial to us and others and is pleasing to God. What does this look like? “…to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

We were designed to help others and to keep pure. “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10) If we really want to be the light of the world as Jesus challenged us, we have to go where there is darkness, to become involved where there is hurt and pain.

But where does such selfless desire come from? And how is this done? It’s impossible if we are polluted by the things of the world. If we let the smog of distraction and public opinion impede our light and the sludge soil our living water, what use will we be? God warns us, “keep from being polluted by the world.” In what ways has pollution entered your life?

Let your light shine today, where you are and across the world. The intent of Go Light Our World, is to encourage each of us to be light bearers through this daily blog; but also to support missions around the world ‘on behalf of the hungry and to satisfy the needs of the oppressed.’ YOU can help shine the light: check out the Ministries Link on our website www.GoLightOurWorld.org, Pray for those who bring light and those who receive it. Become a partner with any size financial gift, knowing that all your gift goes to directly support ministry efforts. BE a light that shines. Bloom while there is time.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

Let your light shine

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Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As a boy scout we would have skits at camp. Most all the skits were guaranteed ‘groaners.’ For example, the skit where one boy was desperately searching an area of ground in the lighted area. Another boy comes along and asks what’s going on. The first boy replies that he lost a quarter and is looking for it. The second boy asks where the quarter was lost. “Over there,’ answers the first boy, pointing to an area in the darkness. Confused, the second boy asked, “Then why are you looking over here?” The first boy responded, “The light is better over here!” (Permission to groan now.)

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) That light shines on because the darkness has never overpowered it. (John 1:5) Whoever asks Jesus to be Savior AND Lord of their life, always has light available to them wherever they go. If they go into the darkness of cancer or other life threatening condition, the light will shine into that darkness. If they go into perilous financial situations, the light goes with them. If they go into the dark abyss of depression, they will not remain without light. Whether we decide to live in that light is our decision to make.

Light dispels darkness. No matter how much darkness there is, “this little light” of ours cannot be quenched without our permission. As Sarah Young puts it, “His light shines on and in you, allowing you to shine your light boldly in the darkness.” With light comes hope. And with hope comes endurance, the ability to persevere and find comfort even in the midst of the roughest season of your life.

Jesus says to those who follow Him, “YOU are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Don’t hide it, let it shine, His light in us is the mark of a believer. Our job is to love God and love others, to let our light shine in dark places, where others are hurting and without hope.

Is this light of hope shining in your own life and in your response to disappointments and sorrows? Of course we doubt and grieve. That is part of our human existence. But we don’t have to live there. Does your light regularly shine into other’s lives through encouraging words, financial help, or an encouraging embrace to those around you facing tough times? Does your light shine across the world? For about a dollar a day you can sponsor a child through Compassion International (www.compassion.com), write to them, pray for them, encourage them, and shine hope into their lives. You can also visit our giving page here at Go Light Our World and learn how 100% of designated donations go directly to ministry, often in the poorest and darkest areas of the world.

Take your light and let it shine! Go light our world!

Where do you find hope when there is no light?

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Darkness. Despair. Utter and complete loss. Dashed dreams and aspirations. Abandoned. Doubt. Fear. Hopeless.

I imagine this is how the followers of Jesus felt on the Sabbath day following the crucifixion of their beloved master and Savior. Have you been in a place like this? Has the news of a deadly disease come across your ears? Have you lost someone so dear to you that you don’t even know how to carry on, or if you even want to? Have you experienced betrayal, persecution, mocking, physical torture and excruciating chronic pain? Have you ever prayed so hard that you actually sweat blood?

Hopeless is a very dark place. Despair shines no light. When we find ourselves or someone we know in such a place, there is no solution we can devise on our own. There is only to turn our eyes to Jesus, the Light of the World, to find real hope when there is none to be seen in this world. Real hope…because Easter is coming!

This little light of mine

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Remember the Sunday School song, This Little Light of Mine?
This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine….
Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine.

Glancing at Facebook postings of many evangelical Christians might lead one to surmise that recipes, cute house crafts, sports, and funny videos are more important than “This little light of mine.” True, we need to not just talk, but walk the talk for our light to effectively shine in darkness. But looking at national trends, I wonder how much of either is being done.

According to LifeWay Research (Southern Baptist Convention), a wide majority of Protestant pastors consider religious liberty to be declining in the USA. “Ten years ago we were talking about who would win the culture war, and now we’re talking about how will Christian rights be protected after the culture war,” Ed Stetzer, the president of LifeWay Research said.

The Constitution protects Freedom OF Religion. But lately it seems revisionists want to change this to freedom FROM religion…specifically Christians.

Why is this? Could it be related to 3/4 of Christians staying home on election day or voting “their party” or their pocket-book over their moral values? Could it be that we’re losing impact on our culture because we have become so worldly instead of more godly? Have we misinterpreted “turn the other cheek” as an invitation to become the world’s door mat?

If we are going to let our light shine, we need to get it out from under the bushel in terms of our actions, decisions, prayers and our speech. We can’t be salt if we’ve lost our flavor or if we aren’t involved in our culture.

Let’s ask God to search our hearts again and to show us how to let our light shine with love in action.

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus, Matthew 5:14

(Based on original article by Todd Starnes on Foxnews.)

Let light shine out of darkness

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If you were in a dark place you’d want someone to bring you a light wouldn’t you? For physical darkness most any light would do. But what about spiritual darkness? A flashlight is of little value to that area of our lives that resides in our minds and hearts, that area that houses our fears, anxieties, secrets, worries.

Spiritual darkness requires spiritual light. That light we all need comes only from God:

‘For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.’
2 Corinthians 4:6

But even though we need the light, God tells us that some will not receive such light:

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” John 3:19-21

Light is the focus of GLOW – Go Light Our World ministries. Our purpose is to be and to bring light to shine into darkness, so that those who need it will have a choice as to how to live. That’s actually the calling before all of us, isn’t it?

But even lightbearers need to check their hearts and minds for any patch of darkness that secretly resides within us. And all that is required to dispel darkness is to continually expose it to light. Light is truth and truth dispels lies, doubts, anxieties, and worries. Where there is darkness let us be committed to shining God’s light, his truth, his grace, and his love.