Proverbs 13:9 "The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys." (The Message) I remember hearing a story about the famous Robert Louis Stevenson's childhood. When he went to bed each night he was afraid of the dark. One night his nanny had a difficult time getting him to got to bed and young Robert was looking out the bedroom window. He was fascinated by the lamp-lighter who was walking the streets of his town. All of a sudden he shouted to his nanny, "Look, the lamp-lighter is punching holes in the darkness."
Men and women who are living victoriously in this ever-changing, crazy world do just that -- they punch holes in the darkness with the light of their lives. People see that there is something different about you. You shine in the darkness and make an impact for the kingdom. Eugene Peterson in The Message, paraphrases Matthew 5:14-16 this way . . .
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand -- SHINE! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
How about you this morning? Are you "punching holes in the darkness?"
Have a great Lord's day.
Some of you missed a great Men's Day at America's KESWICK yesterday. The tapes and CD's are available from the sessions. Three powerful messages by Dr. Fred Hartley. Call to order the messages -- 800-453-7942. You can join us this Thursday evening for our monthly Men's Night. Pastor Greg Comfort, Senior Pastor of Lincroft Bible Church, will be our speaker.
Dinner is at 6:15 PM followed by the program. Call for reservations -- 800-453-7942.
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