Shine God’s Love
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, please help me to live in this world as a reflection of your light and goodness. Help me to be different in a way that brings you to the people and places I go.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience… Colossians 1:9-11 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Every day is an opportunity.
I don’t “feel” it every day, but every day is an opportunity.
God, because He loved us so dearly, sacrificed His son, Jesus, to create a way for us to be with Him forever. All we have to do to spend eternity with God is accept this sacrifice freely. Once we do, we are fully connected with God, and after our time on earth is over we will live perfectly with Him forever and ever.
That’s great news.
That’s really, really great news.
Knowing that, can you “feel” the opportunity that today is? Really feel it?
Once we accept Jesus’ sacrifice the opportunity exists to share this good news and shine His light wherever we go. I don’t always find this easy to do. Often I just want to keep to myself and not engage with others. Despite that, I try to remember the truth of God’s love, and at the very least, try to reflect His light wherever I go. God’s love for us is full of patience and kindness. Patience and kindness are in short supply in our world today. Model God’s love always, wherever you may be. He will be pleased and the world will become just that much better.
APPLY:
Are you a Christ-follower but find yourself feeling disconnected or just plain void of your original zeal for God? If so, take time to reflect on all He has done for you and how your life has changed since accepting Him as the leader and savior of your life. Express your gratitude in some overt way. It might just give you the boost you need to get your walk in motion again.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for your infinite love and patience. Thank you for never leaving me even when I feel lost and distant from you. I can always count on you, and for that I am eternally grateful.