Source of Light

I've been reading in Acts most mornings, or the Psalms. However, this a.m. I was in the Gospel of John while eating breakfast. My plan was to try to finish up the topic of "grace" which is a section of study in my Women of Faith Devotional Bible. So, I read John 12: 37-50.

The parts that stood out to me today were verses 42-47. Here is the part that gave me an idea for today's "treasure". Verses 46 & 47 as stated in the New King James version. Jesus is speaking here: "I have come as a Light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him, for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world."

I have always been "big" on telling my daughters to "shine the Light of Jesus" wherever they are. Some times it is easier than at other times, isn't it?
We live in a "dark" (in a spiritual sense) world, don't we?
We need the Light of Jesus to shine through all the filth, sin and utter hopelessness that is so prevalent around us. And only Jesus can penetrate that darkness. We can too, by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us!

I have tried to teach my girls like this: when we are in the midst of a dark forest like where we hike and camp in the Adirondacks, it can be very dark at night. Especially on a cloudy evening when the moon is not full. If the stars and moonlight are hiding behind the clouds, the forest is black. It can be scary!
But....as soon as we turn on that wonderful power source (our flashlights or better yet, our Coleman lantern) the darkness flees and we have light! But....there is still darkness on the fringes. We need to bring the light with us if we need to walk to the bathroom or even away from the camper to the car.

It is like that with the world and people who are not Believers. We have the Power to shine in the darkness! Our light that we spread might be in the way of compassion, peace, humor, a listening ear, an act of hospitality or grace. We need to extend these to those people around us who need them. Sometimes we even need to do this for other Believers if they are going through a hard time or are surrounded by the tactics of Satan. We need to be dependent on the Main Source: JESUS! When we shine the Light of Jesus into this darkened world, Satan flees....the darkness is gone.....yes...it will be on the edges of our walk...but....if we keep that Source in us by clinging to Him, we can continue to spread His Light.

I was reminded of the little song most of us probably learned as little children:

"Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
to shine for Him each day.
In every way try to please Him
at home, at work, at play.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
I'll be a sunbeam for Him!"

By allowing Jesus to be our Source of power, we can shine for Him every day in any circumstance, whether it be good or bad, and people will be drawn to that light. And in doing so, we then have the opportunity to extend grace!

What about you?
Are there any Scriptures that you are meditating on today or this week?
Feel free to share.....