Scripture for Today: Luke 8:16 “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light.”

Old fashioned lampstands seem to be everywhere in Europe.  When I see them, I often think of the character, Lucy, in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series.  On entering Narnia, she sees a lampstand in the forest and wonders why it is there.  She learns that it marks the border between the two worlds.

In our verse for today, Jesus gives us this parable of the lampstand immediately after the parable of the Sower.  The seed in the fourth scenario has fallen on good ground and produces fruit (verse 15).  The one that has really received the Word of God and keeps it will be like a lamp that is lit.  The light of the knowledge of Him not only enlightens us, but is intended to light the way for others.

Jesus explains two improbable uses of this light; covering it with a container or hiding it under a bed.  The light used in this way is not extinguished.  But there is no point in having light if it is not used for its purpose.  For the light to have value it is to be seen by others.  The light is to be lifted up on a stand so it can be visible.

Having my light on a tall stand rather than hidden is to put myself out there.  It means taking a stand in a public manner.  Matthew 5:16 says my light is the good works I do to glorify my Father.  Lord, show me how to uncover that light and shine for You today.

Scripture for Today:  Matthew 10:16  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  So be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

I still cannot believe Randy and I allowed this big ole snake to slither all over us!  It makes my skin crawl just to look at the photo!  It was during a village fair not long after our arrival in France.  The magic show was part of the entertainment and they asked for volunteers.  This picture even made it into the local paper!

Our verse for today was spoken to the twelve apostles by Jesus.  He sent them out into a hostile unbelieving world that He likened to wolves.  The apostles were as vulnerable sheep who have no natural defense in the face of attack except to run.  For that reason they were told to be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.

In ancient lore and in Egyptian hieroglyphics, serpents symbolized wisdom.  They were thought to be shrewd, smart and cunning.  The image of a dove is pure and innocent.  The idea in using this image of a dove was one of gentleness.

What Jesus counseled then is just as valid today.  For the believer who dares to speak to others of his relationship with Christ, there is always the potential to encounter hostility.  Dealing with hostile reactions requires shrewdness.  Some opposition and persecution can be lessened by avoiding  words and attitudes that are abrasive.  It is not wise to needlessly incite division and anger.  We are told to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).  We are also told to bless others when we are reviled and mocked (I Corinthians 4:12).

His wisdom is pure, peaceable and gentle (James 3:17).  Lord, make me wise and shrewd but at the same time innocent and gentle.

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 3:15 “…I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the support of the truth.”

What a thrill it was for my husband and I to stand before these pillars in Ephesus, Turkey!  They are part of the restored facade of a library built in AD 135.  To think that Paul could have addressed the Ephesians from its steps!  This library used to store as many as 1200 parchments.  Celsus, an avid reader for whom it was named, is buried in a vault inside.  I learned that once there stood four female statues representing wisdom, fortune, knowledge and virtue.

Our verse for today describes the church as the pillar of truth.  The image of the church is to be one of support for what is true and right.  It is a strong image that is unwavering and without compromise.  There is no question for the church as there was for Pontius Pilate when he asked of Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)  We have the Truth in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. (John 14:6)

Collectively, the church is to stand up for the truth about who Jesus is.  In a world that denies His deity, believers are to stand firm.  Upholding the truth in a climate of hostility and mockery is not easy.  Yet, He calls us to testify to the truth of who He is what He says in His word.

Christ came into this world to bear witness to the Truth (John 18:37)  Now, He asks the same of me.  Can I be strong and unwavering?  Regardless of opposition or ridicule, can I hold firm?  Not without You, Lord.  Please make me a pillar of truth today.

Scripture for Today:  Matthew 5:16  “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.”

Fireflies are so intriguing!  When they light up a tree it is magical and looks like a fairyland.  Up close they are not so pretty, being a winged beetle.  I have only seen them twice: once in Kentucky as a child and more recently in Michigan on a Fourth of July.  I was more interested in the firefly show than the fireworks!

What is so interesting about their light is that the chemical reaction that produces it does not produce heat.  They glow without wasting any energy.  All one hundred percent of their energy goes into making their light.  The purpose of their glow is to attract, either a mate or their prey.  Their light attracts me too although I do not fit either category!

Our verse for today talks about the light of our good deeds.  When our kindness to others is done to give honor to the Heavenly Father, we shine as lights.  In a dark and selfish world our lives stand out and shine. The purpose of our light is not to attract people to ourselves, but to our Lord.  We are to be open about the reasons behind our giving to others.  It is not about me.  It is about Him.

People see a difference when we do not look to be thanked or recompensed for what we do for others.  There is no personal agenda behind our actions.  Public accolades are nice to receive but are never the goal.  Our light is to pierce the darkness and point others to Christ.

Lord, show me how to shine for You today!