Saturday, May 25, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

When the Sun Goes Down

John 5:14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

This weekend, we are spending time on a beautiful ranch in Texas. During the day, it is breathtaking to be surrounded by God's creation in its purest form. Each home on this ranch is separated by several acres. So when standing on our porch, we see full, established trees, a beautiful blue sky, rolling hills and the occasional deer or exotic animal!

However, when the sun goes down, pure darkness surrounds us. While there is beauty in a star-filled night, our first evening was met by cloudy night-time skies. Our uncovered windows were just rectangles of blackness.

We decided to take a night-time drive, and when doing so, we were able to see who was here vacationing on their property and who was still awake! Their homes, which were tucked away in the wooded hills during the day, illuminated at night. Surely, if anyone was lost on this incredible land, they would be drawn to the light finding shelter.

Did you know that YOU and I should be that type of light? Today's verse says that we - as believers - are the "LIGHT of the world." Like these houses, we should be a bright light for this dark-filled world to see.

In John 9:5, Jesus declared, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." However, since Jesus has ascended, God's plan to bring the light of everlasting Truth to the world is to bring it through YOU and ME!

Psalm 119:105 tells us that the Word of God is like a lamp for our feet and a light for our paths, but let's face it. We have friends, family and neighbors who will never pick up a Bible.

We find great hope in 2 Corinthians 3:2. This verse reveals that we are "epistles...known and read by everyone." When people watch our lives and interact with us, the Word of God should shine light on them. Our words and actions should bring the Bible to life and be a testament of God's unfailing love.

I challenge you today to be that light of God for the world to be drawn to. Most importantly, be that light at ALL times. I've often heard that the true test of one's character is how they act at home. If you desire for those closest to you to see the light, BE THE LIGHT...consistently!

Dear Lord, I thank You for shining Your light on me and opening my eyes to Your Truth. Help me shine bright for You.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.