– Scripture:

  ‘Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” The Pharisees objected, “All we have is your word on this. We need more than this to go on.” Jesus replied, “You’re right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where I’ve come from and where I go next. You don’t know where I’m from or where I’m headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don’t make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn’t make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father. That fulfills the conditions set down in God’s Law: that you can count on the testimony of two witnesses. And that is what you have: You have my word and you have the word of the Father who sent me.”’

                              John 8:12-14 MSG

– Reflection:

               Being Led by The Light

Jesus once said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This means that if we follow his teachings, we can live in the light that he has provided us. Jesus is like a physical light in a dark world; he is the warmth of a candle that comforts us in the cold, the light of the sun that gives life with its rays, the guiding light of stars in a night sky, and a lamp that lights the path he has set for us. God led Israel out of Egypt with a pillar of fire to light their path. Jesus is also a pillar of light that, when we follow Him, brings us God’s presence, protection, and provision.

Where do we go from here?

Adhering to Christ’s teachings is not easy. Despite what the world may lead you to believe, it requires a great deal of determination, forgiveness of others even when you have been wronged, seeking forgiveness from those you may have hurt, and striving to be a righteous person. It means handling your affairs in a Christ-like manner, not avoiding the qualities that allow you to embody the principles of the religion our savior established all those years ago. I can admit that I haven’t fully achieved all of these things yet. However, I am continuously striving to embody these principles each and every day that I am able to draw breath. It is a way for me to honor his memory by working towards having these virtues within myself. Every individual should take the time to do the same. It won’t be easy, but it is definitely worth the effort.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for sending your son to us. It took a true man to give his life for a family he didn’t even know yet. We are pleased to know him and walk the paths before us. Honoring your name through him is a true blessing. Amen.”

– Scripture:

Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want and that they won’t have to believe a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the day spring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get. Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

                             2 Corinthians 4:1–6 MSG

– Reflection:

               Trial and Torture

The trials that we go through at different points in our lives are unique to us at that specific time. Other people will face their own challenges at different times. What makes it all work is that each person has a story after their own trial. When we are going through it, it can feel like torture, especially if we have to endure it several times. The trial should make you stand up and take notes, ensuring that you learn from the situation you were placed in. In today’s fast-paced world, the trials can feel like torture because of the “want it right now” attitude that some people have. Those of us who have accepted our trials and moved through them as we should have are here to help those who want to be helped and lead them in the best direction for them. Instead of pushing anything on them, we can show how Jesus helped people right where they were.

Where do we go from here?

The trials are meant to teach us how to meet people where they are, empathize with them, and avoid making snap judgments based on appearances or accents. The goal is to connect with everyone, not just those who can benefit us or boost our reputation. Our task is to communicate with the masses. Let’s do our best.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for all the guidance and trials you have put us through and those we have been allowed to help. Amen.

– Scripture:

Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

                             2 Corinthians 3:16–18 MSG

– Reflection:

                What Does Your Transformation Look Like?

There is a pattern in the lives of people who follow Jesus Christ: sin, confession, repentance, and change. This pattern ensures that lives are transformed over time, with sins lessening in severity through the cycles of the pattern. It is an upward spiral of increasingly coming into the character of Jesus. This pattern ensures that no one gets stuck in sin, or in a downward spiral of sin. There are times when people get caught in the struggles of life, but eventually find their way back to their path with Jesus. These are great stories, not only of pastors, deacons, and pillars of the Church but also of everyday men and women. Transformation can happen to anyone. It’s important not to limit ourselves to those who can help us, but also to be able to help others. Healing and helping others contribute to our transformation.

Where do we go from here?

Anytime you are going through a tough time, turning to God and the Holy Spirit and devoting your life to Jesus will lead you toward positive change. If we cling to our current ways, we will remain stuck and unable to receive His blessings. The signs may not be clear at first, perhaps not for years, but eventually, we won’t be able to ignore it any longer. This realization may come when we are overwhelmed by anger, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, loneliness, isolation, boredom, or rebellion. At that point, when we seek His guidance and help, He will come to our aid. Even the thief who was crucified next to Jesus found redemption just minutes before his death.

Can we accelerate the pace of change? Can we increase the speed of our progress? I believe we can. Although most of the work is done by the Spirit, with the help of God’s grace, we can enhance our transformations by being more obedient. This can, in turn, speed up the growth of our faith communities.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for your help and for entrusting me with the responsibility to help others in need. During our own times of need, we can also be a source of assistance for someone else. You are the creator of all things and will always be the head of our world. With the grace you have provided us this morning, we can all say, ‘Amen’ happily.”