Let The Lamp Be Lit!

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light."  (Luke 11:33 NIV)

Some people do hide the light. There are varying reasons for hiding the light of man-made lamps. Some would rather that the truth about what they might be doing is not seen.

When I was a teenager, I loved to read. But, my parents were just a little strict or maybe it was that they liked their evenings to themselves. Whatever the reason, I was to be in bed with lights out by 8 p.m.. My remedy was to move the lamp to the closet, sit on a box, and read 'till sometimes past 10 o'clock!

While some of the reasons for hiding your light may not be so good; some of those reasons may be very good. During World War II, England had "black outs." Lights were turned out or at least dimmed in order  to make it more difficult for the enemy to navigate to targets by air or sea.

Man-made lights may be dimmed and even turned off. They eventually burn out. But, the light of Christ that abides within us will never be extinguished. ..."let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do You Want To Walk In The Jungle?

Do You Want To Walk In The Jungle

With Me?

Do you want to walk through the jungle with me? Those are the words to one of the songs on Up To Ten's website featuring Boowa and Kwala. It's a wonderful children's site with happy learning songs and games thanks to the characters Boowa and Kwala. When my eldest granddaughter was first learning to navigate a computer it was one of her and my favorite sites. It was a safe site; a wonderful place to learn.

Children need to learn how to navigate safely through the jungle of both the real physical world and the world wide web. Both can be dangerous places. It can be a jungle out there and personally, there are times when I think it would be safer to be navigating a jungle filled with alligators and creepy lizards, snakes, and bears. So I do offer to take young people in my family for walks in the woods now and then when I think it's time for them to get away from the other jungles for awhile.

The children of Israel wandered around in the wilderness for decades. They faced a lot of hardships and obstacles before they made it through to the promised land. But, God was with them along the way to guide them. He was the light that showed them the way.

We live in a pretty dark and shadowy world. We live in the shadows because the world refuses to stay in the light; to follow in the way, that God has provided to guide us to the promised land. The journey through the jungle would be a whole lot less intimidating if we would but remember that God is there with us and for us.

Thank you Lord, that even as we journey through the wilderness and the darkest of jungles; even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us.

God's Peace - Pr. J