Light Up the Night - Fearlessly

"Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?...the heavenly Father knows you need these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself" (Matthew 6:25b, 32-34; NASB). 

Do you have plans for Halloween night? Our church is encouraging people either to go to or help with the fall festival or to "light up the night" in their own neighborhoods. I love the phrase "light up the night." That's just what God does. 

No matter what you do on this night, let's just not forget that there's just something that stands out about God in contrast to fear, death and darkness:

• In contrast to fear, we find trust in Him: His kind of love does not feed on fear; rather, it encourages trust, hope and faith in Him and in who He is. He is full of goodness and faithfulness (Psalm 100). We can see His sacrificial, selfless love as He sent Jesus to die for us (Romans 5:8).
• In contrast to death, we find life in Him: He didn't stop there, though, as Jesus rose from the dead. He breathes new life to those who turn to Him in trust asking for forgiveness (Romans 10:9-10). He gives believers the Holy Spirit, and we are made new, as we are seen by Him as the forgiven, as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). And He continues to be there to forgive us.
• In contrast to darkness, we find light in Him: His light shines like a beacon in the darkness. He is full of truth, goodness and mercy. He brought light into the world, and He wishes to light our paths and guide us (Psalm 119:105). 

God is greater than any fear or worry we may have. He has kept His promises, and He won't stop now. He made us and loves us (Psalm 139:14). He desires a relationship with us that's full of life, truth and trust. 

Kelli Martin

Let's pray we see moments to share Him with others without fear. May we let Him shine into dark places. Let's burn for Him.

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57, NASB). 

All Sons & Daughters' "Wake Up"

Matt Maher's "Lord I Need You"

Christy Nockle's "Waiting Here for You" (Live at Passion version)
Jesus Culture's "One Thing Remains"

Kari Jobe's "We Are" (Acoustic version) 

A Different Kind of Trial

Jan Dravecky is the wife of the baseball player, Dave Dravecky, who lost an arm to cancer. Jan wrote a book called A Joy I'd Never Known where she described her personal experiences as she walked through this with him. As she dealt with this trial she wrote, "At the prime age of thirty-four my life took a detour - not one that I planned. My journey took me into the valley of panic attacks, anxiety and depression. I have never known anyone who had ever experienced something like this, and as a committed Christian for over eight years, I did not understand how this could be happening to me. I wondered what was wrong with me. Guilt engulfed me. I felt alone, confused and scared....I needed a lifeline. God did throw me that lifeline pulling me out of the dark hole and into his light."

"A Journey Not My Own"

As a youth with plans and dreams I set my course ahead.

Sharon Beougher

I owned the world and all its worth. Not following - I led.
I often sought new travelers and helped them find their way.
So strong was I, they did not know my vessel was of clay.
Not one was more prepared than I for raging storms at sea.
But I ignored small leaks and cracks within that vessel - me.
I drifted in deep waters far away from those I love,
Convinced that I was all alone and God somewhere above.
And in the darkness of my sea I heard a soft voice say,
"I'm by your side to mend your ship, my precious one of clay."
It's then I had realized though God was at my side, I was the one who set the course with all my senseless pride.
I now have found an inner peace - my journey's not my own.
With Jesus at the helm I have a joy I'd never known.

Each of us have different journeys in our lives. We need to hang onto the lifeline Jesus offers us and model our response to difficult circumstances so that we might "appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." (Philippians 2:15b-16).

(Excerpt from A Joy I'd Never Known by Jan Dravecky)

treasure and living faith

 "Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:28, ESV).  

This quote is from the story of Hannah.  She had wanted a child for a long time, but she did not have one until she was older.  Before this son came, she was mocked (verse 6) and anxious (verse 16).  She cried out to the Lord and poured her heart out to Him (Eli, the priest, sees this in verses 12-18).  

What happens is that God remembers her (verses 19-20).  At the end of it all, Hannah gives her son to the Lord (verse 20).

Verse 20 reminds me that whatever we receive from God, it is His.   A relationship with Him is our greatest treasure, on earth and in heaven.

Where do we take this?  We can take this knowledge, that God has this ability to work miracles, to heart.  We can share with others this living faith that we have because of what Christ has done for us. We can give our troubles to the Lord and trust that He is living and at work today.  I pray we show others how God is our treasure.

"Treasure" by Tree63 - myspace.com link to audio play

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21, ESV).

Photo from movie National Treasure - photo link