Stepping Stones: What Light Do Others See In You?

11 August 2010



Transformational Thought

I always marvel at how our kids resemble my wife and I in so many ways, and I am not talking just physical characteristics. Making lists, the way they talk about certain situations, word choice, or attitudes about money to name a few. Our kids often become echoes of who we are.

The one line that really gets me, “Dad, that is exactly what Pappy would say.” I realize, 1. they are really watching and noticing what I do, and 2. As a teen, I vowed I would be different than my dad, but I am probably more similar than dissimilar because I was observing him.

Like it or not, you are an example to many; your children, spouse, family, friends, co-workers. People are watching, and they can’t help it. Our mind is so powerful, it is like a radar that is so sensitive and picks up all the activity in our environment, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. What do they “see” when they see you?

As Christians, we have a light in us that is powerful…bright…vibrant…and can truly be transforming of our mind and behaviors. But it can also be transforming for others as well. We are called to let our light shine, not hide it under a bushel. How do we hide it?

We know the Holy Spirit is powerful and perfect. But, we aren’t perfect and don’t shine His pure light, so what is really happening? We hide our light by actually getting in the way of the Holy Spirit and His work in our life. Our past, with the distortions and lies Satan has presented to us and we have bought into, is contributing to us acting as the captain of our ship. We are not submitting to the Holy Spirit being our captain and then following His commands and direction.

Today, look at how you handle some adversity. Are you following the Holy Spirit’s teaching and direction or ignoring Him and doing it your way? How much light are you shining to the world? Also, think of all the blessings you have received. Think about how your destiny and life has changed since accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. Let His light shine brightly through you today so as the scripture tells us; Many will see you and put their trust in the Lord.

Prayer
Dear Father, You have performed so many miracles for and through me. Thank You, Lord. All Glory to You, Lord. You have truly lifted me out of the pit of destruction. Help me get out of Your way as You work through me and in me. Give me a humble spirit that accepts You as my captain. I pray, Lord, that You will use me today to further Your Kingdom; that You will use me in ways that I don’t even understand. I have close family members and friends that remain in that pit. Let them see You through me today, let them see You today and help me help them to put their trust in You. I pray in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of a pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many shall see and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

Oh Lord my God, You have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds I could never come to the end of them.
Psalm 40:5

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a bushel, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.
Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
Luke 11:33-36
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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