Last week in this space, I wrote about the reality that death is coming for us all. I shared Marvin Martin’s words, “For those who believe this is all there is, this is the Land of Life as we move toward Death. But for followers of Jesus, this is the Land of Death moving toward Eternal Life.” If this is true, then as followers of Jesus we have been given the opportunity to bring “the land of the living” into the land of the dying. As followers of Jesus, we should do all we can to bring light, life, and love into the world around us!
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16)
We live in a sin-stained, dark, and dying world! But the Way, the Truth, and the Life lives inside of us (John 14:6, Eph 3:19)! We should not be surprised by all the bad news swirling around. Yet as followers of Jesus, we can be good news bearers, bringing light, life, and love everywhere we go.
A few years ago, one of my friends helped a previously incarcerated man get a job. The previously incarcerated man had been depressed and had little to no hope because it was nearly impossible for him to get a job. The offer of a job set him on the course of renewal and hope. And now, years later, he is married, has kids, and follows Jesus. Light, life, and love!
Not long ago, a man shared with me that his ex-wife, kids, and he went on a vacation together. True forgiveness and healing were taking place, and they were able to have a beautiful, fun-filled trip together. Light, life, and love!
A couple weeks ago, I saw one of my kid’s friends buy a snow cone for another kid that was new to her school. She told me she was trying to cultivate kindness. Light, life, and love!
At the end of last week’s service, a boy gave me a drawing he had made of me, and he thanked me for being his pastor. My heart was truly encouraged by his gesture. Light, life, and love!
No matter how big or small the act, as followers of Jesus, we have the opportunity to bring light, life, and love to a sin-stained, dark, and dying world. What act (big or small) can you do this week to bring the “land of the living” into the land of the dying?
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:8-9)
Peace,
Nick
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16)
We live in a sin-stained, dark, and dying world! But the Way, the Truth, and the Life lives inside of us (John 14:6, Eph 3:19)! We should not be surprised by all the bad news swirling around. Yet as followers of Jesus, we can be good news bearers, bringing light, life, and love everywhere we go.
A few years ago, one of my friends helped a previously incarcerated man get a job. The previously incarcerated man had been depressed and had little to no hope because it was nearly impossible for him to get a job. The offer of a job set him on the course of renewal and hope. And now, years later, he is married, has kids, and follows Jesus. Light, life, and love!
Not long ago, a man shared with me that his ex-wife, kids, and he went on a vacation together. True forgiveness and healing were taking place, and they were able to have a beautiful, fun-filled trip together. Light, life, and love!
A couple weeks ago, I saw one of my kid’s friends buy a snow cone for another kid that was new to her school. She told me she was trying to cultivate kindness. Light, life, and love!
At the end of last week’s service, a boy gave me a drawing he had made of me, and he thanked me for being his pastor. My heart was truly encouraged by his gesture. Light, life, and love!
No matter how big or small the act, as followers of Jesus, we have the opportunity to bring light, life, and love to a sin-stained, dark, and dying world. What act (big or small) can you do this week to bring the “land of the living” into the land of the dying?
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:8-9)
Peace,
Nick