With His light!
It's the middle of the night. You're in a dark forest, so dark you can't see
your hand in front of your face. There are others. Family, friends, co-workers,
classmates, neighbors, people you don’t know and some you don’t particularly
like. You can't see them, but they are there. And all around you are animals -
dangerous, vicious animals that can quickly kill even the strongest, fastest and
smartest.
Then someone whispers, Take this. A light is gently placed in the palm of your
hand. With this you can find the way that will lead you to safety. You control
the beam. Hold the light close and the beam is dim. Only you will be able to see
it. Hold the light out and the beam is bright. Others here in the darkness will
be able to see you and follow you out. But beware...the animals will be able to
see you, too.
How bright will you make the light? Enough for favorite family members and
special friends? Maybe a little brighter for those who have been nice to you?
What about those you don’t know...have never met...dislike...don't trust? What
about the ones who hate you? Or do you choose to hold it close?
Encourage•one•another•encourage•one•another•encourage
In American football, there's a vast array of coaches and players, from the
great to the not-so-great to those with the best of intentions. This year I saw
two great college players. Both are quarterbacks, exceptional athletes, and
leaders on the field. When they enter the game, everything changes. Their teams
become more confident, others more cautious. They instill deep loyalty,
responsibility, respect and commitment in those who gladly follow them into
battle. But that's not what makes them great.
One man, in every game, had a reference to a Bible verse clearly displayed on
the black strips below his eyes. For one game he used John 3:16, and the next
day 93 MILLION people Googled that verse to see what it said! Throughout his
college career he has used his free time to do missionary work, share his faith,
and visit those in hospitals, orphanages and prisons. The Governor of Florida
once said of Tim Tebow, His impact is more far-reaching than you or I will ever
know.
The other is also well known, but hasn't had the same success. Few do. But
here's why he's a great man. The last game of the season was extremely emotional
and hard fought. When it was finally over, he and his team had suffered a bitter
defeat. The TV broadcast showed their fans...sad, angry, shocked...staring at
the ground. Then the camera focused on Josh Nesbit. His head was down, too. But
he was kneeling – alongside those he played with and those he played against -
praying and honoring God.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the
salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 Come, let us bow down in
worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for He is our God and we are
the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." (Psalms 95:6-7)
What makes a person great? Ability or fame? Titles or awards? These are the
world's standards, not God's. He looks for something different...the one who
loves Him with all his heart, soul, mind and strength...whose life, actions and
words show true faith...who is not ashamed to be His child.
This world is like that forest. A light has come and God has placed it in our
hands...to share...to make it known...so those lost in the darkness can find the
Way to Him. I'll ask again. How bright will you make the light? Does anyone know
you have it? Can they see it? Or do you choose to hold it close?
Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly
that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:21 Take care and be
God's,
Chuck Graham