Scripture for Today:  Psalms 69:30  “I will praise the name of God with song, And magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

My eyes do not see so well.  I wear glasses and contacts but I sometimes need a magnifying glass.  From time to time I come across stubborn tiny print that frustrates me.  Out comes the magnifying glass from the drawer.  I am careful to keep it there when not in use.  The sun pours in the window and I have a secret fear that the glass could start a fire!  I am always happy to see the symbol of the magnifying glass on my computer.  I can make print bigger and can even control how much something is magnified.

Our verse for today talks about magnifying the Lord.  He is magnified and more clearly seen by others when I am thankful.  Attributing every success to Him is what magnifies Him.  Recognizing that every thing positive in life is due to Him is what magnifies Him.  To magnify the Lord is to verbally give Him the credit He rightfully deserves.

I cannot help but think of John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:30; “He must increase but I must decrease.”  For Him to increase, I need to stop taking the credit for my blessings!  For Him to increase, I need to get myself out of the way.  Drawing attention to myself gets in the way of the Lord being magnified!  And being silent about His goodness also keeps Him from being magnified.

I want His goodness and grace to be clearly seen in my life!  He is worthy to be magnified!  After all He has done for me, it is the least I can do!  “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!”

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.