"No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lamp stand, that those who come in may see the light." -Luke 11:33
I received a call today from a friend I've come to know over the past year or so. We don't speak often and only see each other perhaps every three or four months. He's involved in a wonderful ministry on the other side of town, so we do not cross paths unless we deliberately choose to do so. What I find so wonderful in this casual friendship is that, in so many ways, we are closer than brothers are. When I pick up the phone and hear his voice, I know instantly that someone cares...that he, in particular, cares about me.
Today's call was not about what's going on in ministry, or about how my family is doing. I know he cares about those things, as well. Today's call was much different. The question was simple, "How is God blessing you, Jim? How are YOU, today?"
My friend is the embodiment of Luke 11:33. He has chosen to light his lamp for Christ and pour himself into the lives of others. When he calls, there is always a caring ear, or laughter to share joy, or a prayer to lift my spirits.
Friends, you may have lit the lamp of Christ in your life, but have you placed it on a lamp stand for all to see? Are you pouring yourself into the lives of others? Are you a listening ear to those you know who are hurting? Are you sharing their pain as well as their joy? Hold your lamp high today! Take this short devotion as your wake-up call to be a blessing to someone you know who needs the attention that only you can give today.
Let God use you, and your light will shine like never before!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I need not only to light my lamp, but also to place it high on a lamp stand for Your sake. Show me to the person, today, that You want me to bless with Your love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
I received a call today from a friend I've come to know over the past year or so. We don't speak often and only see each other perhaps every three or four months. He's involved in a wonderful ministry on the other side of town, so we do not cross paths unless we deliberately choose to do so. What I find so wonderful in this casual friendship is that, in so many ways, we are closer than brothers are. When I pick up the phone and hear his voice, I know instantly that someone cares...that he, in particular, cares about me.
Today's call was not about what's going on in ministry, or about how my family is doing. I know he cares about those things, as well. Today's call was much different. The question was simple, "How is God blessing you, Jim? How are YOU, today?"
My friend is the embodiment of Luke 11:33. He has chosen to light his lamp for Christ and pour himself into the lives of others. When he calls, there is always a caring ear, or laughter to share joy, or a prayer to lift my spirits.
Friends, you may have lit the lamp of Christ in your life, but have you placed it on a lamp stand for all to see? Are you pouring yourself into the lives of others? Are you a listening ear to those you know who are hurting? Are you sharing their pain as well as their joy? Hold your lamp high today! Take this short devotion as your wake-up call to be a blessing to someone you know who needs the attention that only you can give today.
Let God use you, and your light will shine like never before!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I need not only to light my lamp, but also to place it high on a lamp stand for Your sake. Show me to the person, today, that You want me to bless with Your love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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Who is that person God is calling you to bless?
By Jim Penner, Crystal Cathedral Ministries
February 20, 2011
By Jim Penner, Crystal Cathedral Ministries
February 20, 2011
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