Help Someone Else to See

Paul’s experience was for his eyes to be opened as if scales fell from them.

Bartimaeus experienced it after being summoned by the Savior.

The ageless hymn Amazing Grace says: “Was blind but now I see.”

How beautiful it is for darkness’ shroud to be lifted and eyes becoming opened to see the light.  It is truly amazing that the Lord can do such miraculous things.  Yet, He said that we would do greater works.

If we are but mere reflections of the True Light as John wrote in John 1:9, then how can our little itty bitty lights cause someone else to see?

Jesus said so.

You do not have to take a seminary course or do an exhaustive word study to figure it out.

Jesus said so.

He called us the “light of the world.” He said that we would do greater works.  He died and rose again, then said that His disciples would serve as global witnesses for Him.

Are you ready to serve as the light of the world?

Jesus said so.

Read Full Post »

Love towards Others

 

 

“Just as Christ demonstrated God’s love, believers are to demonstrate to the world Christ’s love.” – Andrew Murray

Take a long, hard look at how we love others.  Look at how we love the “world.” Do we show love to others? Do we share our love with others? See if we are offering the love of Christ to people freely and unconditionally.

People learn about Christ from us as believers.  They see our lights shining in the midst of the storm and approach us, seeking safety and security.  What they discover is that we are not the true Light.  The Light is Jesus Christ.  We are merely to serve as reflections of the Light, so that others will come seeking out such a life in the glorious light.

Make today the day where you go forward with love.  Show your love towards others.  Share your love with others.  Let love serve as your purpose for interacting with others today.  You can love someone without expecting anything in return except that they come closer to seeing the Light.

Books for Showing the Greatest Love of All

• Strength to Love, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• The Body, Charles Colson
• Crazy Love, Francis Chan
• Broken Pieces, Bruce Jackson

 

Read Full Post »

Reel Redemption

 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.-Psalm 119:11 (KJV) 

  

 

 

 Denzel Washington has truly been redeemed.  “The Book of Eli” has served as a true artistic redemption for Denzel in the eyes of many who had felt he had lost some of his luster after “Training Day.”   

Denzel had captivated our attention with his stirring portrayal of Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s “X” and wowed us to tears as an endearing father in “John Q.”  He even won us over as the cocky attorney in “Philadelphia” and the unconventional reporter in “The Pelican Brief.”  Denzel had our hearts and keep us going back for more, movie and movie.  And then came “Training Day”. . . 

 Fast forward from “Training Day” to “The Book of Eli.” It’s like night and day.  If you thought Denzel took you to the limits in “Training Day” with his cinematic portrayal of a dirty L.A. cop, then you really can’t categorize the stunning and suspenseful Eli that Denzel depicts in “The Book of Eli.” In case you were done on Denzel after “Training Day,” he will leave you lost for words in ‘The Book of Eli.” 

Why did we not get a lot of reviews and trailers regarding “The Book of Eli?” Hollywood is the answer.  When you consider the way 2004’s ‘The Passion of Christ” and “The Chronicles of Narina” were treated by Hollywood reviewers and film critics.  Think for a moment and recognize that we cannot seek the world’s approval while advancing the Gospel of Christ.  We desire the world to accept Him and His Word, not for us to be accepted by the world.  I praise those who venture out the cinematic norm to share movies with messages that cause us to reflect and return to the Word of God once again.  if you haven’t seen “The Book of Eli,” rent it or borrow it on DVD from someone.  It’s a great flick.  

By the way, let Denzel go on making movies in peace.  Truly, he has been redeemed. 

  

  

 

Read Full Post »

Inside Out:Unworldly

…I am not of this world– John 8:23 (NASB)

…My kingdom is not of this world.- Joh 18:36 (NASB)

Let’s just settle this from the onset, the get-go or simply the start.  Jesus spoke of Himself and His kingdom not being of this world.  I know that many in Christian circles have expressed such views through bumper stickers and t-shirts as well as anything it can possibly be printed upon nowadays.  (That’s just part of our ways that we don’t seem ready to part with any time soon.)  What we learn is that the Lord shared this is some specific situations so we can be clear about what we are expressing.

And He was saying to them, ” You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.- John 8:23 (NASB).  This is not easy to understand out of its context.  in verse 21,it is stated: Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” Some of the Jews talked among themselves, assuming to understand what He meant.  He simply clarified things for their own understanding.  Their earthly ways could not comprehend His eternal means and methods.  He is from above.  They could not possibly understand such matters, being concerned with the things below and not above.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”- John 18:36(NASB).  Again, I say, the context helps us to understand this.  Jesus is answering Pilate’s inquiry of Him.  The Jews sought him to be punished by Pilate.  Pilate wanted to hear from Jesus.  Jesus simply shared the truth.  He did not plead for mercy or fight to prove His own innocence.  he addressed Pilate by sharing that He indeed had a kingdom that was not of this world. 

What may not have been understood stands out for us today.  We catch on.  We see it.  The kingdom is not of this world because our King is not of this world.  We must be in this world because we live on earth, but our kingdom citizenry should prevail within us as we seek to influence and inspire the world around us.  Being unworldly is not an option.  We are not to become worldly, but we are to serve as the catalyst for change.

Read Full Post »