Category: light

Light makes all the difference

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Tree mantle Jn 8-12

The tree looked pretty adorned from top to bottom with family heirlooms. Every year, it takes me hours to unwrap and hang the ornaments, loving the trip down memory lane. But there’s always something missing until I plug the strand of lights into the wall. Then, the lights make all the difference.

Their glow casts out the darkness from within the tree and around the room. Their reflection highlights the ornaments, making the tree and room shine. What once looked ordinary now beams extraordinary. The lights made all the difference.

Jesus said that HE is the light of the world (John 8:12).

But He also said that WE are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16).

He AND we are light. And we can make all the difference!

 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord.” Eph. 5:8-10

Paul tells us to “live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord.”

If ever there was a time that we need to shine, it’s now. The world around us is getting darker and darker. We can’t blame the darkness – it’s just doing what darkness does. The only antidote to darkness is light. Jesus’ opening statement as He began His earthly ministry was, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).

According to Henry Blackaby, “There was no ignoring Jesus’ arrival upon earth! Darkness was dispelled! Everywhere Jesus went, God’s truth was boldly proclaimed, people were healed, hypocrisy was exposed, and sinners found forgiveness. The world was never the same once the Father introduced His light through His Son. Can that be said of you as well? Do your coworkers recognize the light that is within you? Does the presence of Christ radiate from your home into your community? When God’s light is allowed to shine unhindered through your life, the darkness around you will be dispelled.”

As you are going about your day, you are sure to see lights all around you – in houses, on houses, at the mall, traffic lights, all around you. Let each one remind you: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4 

 

 

MLL Quest

Chanukah Blessings!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

photo: Jonathan Cahn of Beth Israel, Wayne NJ


Today is the first day of Chanukah which officially began last night at sundown. Chanukah was one of my favorite times growing up.

  • Playing dreidel games!
  • Eating potato latkes! 
  • Eight nights of presents!
  • Lighting the Chanukah candles! 


As the eldest child in my family, I lit the menorah candles. First, we lit the tallest candle (the Shamash). Then the Shamash lit the other candles from right to left, lighting one the first night, two the next, and so on for eight nights. As I lit the candles, I said the following prayer:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha’olam
asher, kidishanu b’mitz’votav, v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. 

which means

Blessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukah. 


Little did I know that the menorah and its candles were a beautiful reflection of the Light of the world that was to bring me from darkness to light.

Chanukah is often overshadowed by the many Christmas activities. It is not a particularly important Jewish festival, and not mentioned in the Old Testament. Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication is an eight day celebration commemorating the revolt and unlikely victory of the Jewish Maccabbees over the powerful Syrian Greeks who had invaded and oppressed Israel in 167 – 164 BC (the period of time between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus observed Chanukah (John 10:20-30), and it was during this Feast the Jesus publicly declared Himself the Messiah by proclaiming “I and the Father are One.”

Celebrating Chanukah includes the telling of the story of how the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, brutally oppressed the Hebrews, forbidding the practice of Judiasm and desecrating the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. Mattathias and his 5 sons, including Judah (nicknamed Maccabbee, the Hammer), led a rag-tag army in guerilla warfare for 3 years, retreating to the hills after each battle.

Finally, the Jews defeated the mighty Syrian army and returned to Jerusalem to find the Temple all but destroyed and the oil for the lampstand gone, except for a tiny amount enough for one day. The eternal flame of the Temple Menorah, central to Israel’s worship, was extinguished. Although it would take eight days for the priests to consecrate more oil, by faith they lit the Menorah. Miraculously, the one day’s supply of oil lasted those eight days. Judah Maccabbee declared that these events would be commemorated annually at the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. A special menorah would be used that had nine candles, rather than the seven branched lampstand in the Temple, one for each of the eight days and one Shamash candle.

The lights of the menorah are symbolic of our relationship with Christ, the Light of the world. The tallest candle is called Shamash which means “Servant.” The Servant candle lights the other candles yet loses none of its own light. Likewise, Jesus who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10:45) imparts His light to us and loses none of His own. He is the Light of the word (Jn 8:12), but He says that WE are the light of the world (Mt. 5:4).

The Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, but God’s Word declares that WE are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and the light of the world. How is our oil burning? Sometimes an oil change is necessary. Or perhaps we are a quart low. Maybe we feel like all we have left is one day’s supply. Isn’t it reassuring to remember that the Bible teaches that more oil is always available when the undying flame has been ignited in our souls! 

When we spot a menorah, let’s remember that we have been illuminated by the Shamash, the Servant, and we have an eternal supply of oil to keep the Light of the world burning brightly in our hearts throughout the year. 


Thank you Jesus for imparting Your light to us. May we reflect You, bringing light to people still in darkness. Thank you for the miracles 2000 years ago, and the miracles today!! 

For more information from Chabad about the Jewish observance of Chanukah:
Printable Chanukah Guide

Why Does It Seem So Dark Sometimes?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Whether we see it or not,  the sun never ceases to shine.


As for the Son, He never ceases to shine either. He IS the light of the world. Always IS. Present tense. Yesterday, today and forever, He shines!!


So then, why does it seem so dark sometimes?


For the answer to that, click on over to Laced With Grace where I share three reasons and solutions to this question.  

.

Dark Shadows vs. Blinded By The Light

Posted on by Susan Panzica

First take – Dark Shadows
Take 2 – Blinded By The Light

At Yankee Stadium last week, my hubby wanted a photo to share on facebook. I offered to take it, but he wanted me in it. That was the last thing I wanted as I sat in the drizzle, sensing my hair frizzle.Grumbling, I  asked a man seated nearby to take our picture. With some consternation of his own, he snapped the photo on the left.

As the shutter snapped, another man rushed over, practically leaping over fans seated in the row. “Wait! Let ME take your picture!!”

He grabbed my iPhone and showed us the picture just taken. “Will anyone know where you are?” he asked.

“Ummm, it does show the blue YANKEE STADIUM letters. There on the left.”

“Oh…… Humph….Well, that’s not what I was talking about. Go back there and let me take your picture. I’m a professional photographer.”

Really? Is that what I need? A professional photographer for a facebook photo? A photo I am only begrudingly agreeing to?

Not to be rude, we returned to our spots in front of the railing, forced a smile, and snap!

Mr. Photographer handed me back my phone and strode away up the stairs, never to be seen again.

One look at the picture he took told us he indeed was a pro. Not only did he get the Yankee emblem behind home plate (his intention), he also captured us swathed in light. And what a difference that made.

Tony and I stood in the same place for both pictures. The difference was the direction we were looking.

Same truth applies to life.

No matter our situation (where we are), we choose what direction to focus on. We can lurk in the shadows of self-pity, complaints, judgmental attitudes, discouragement, need I go on? Or we can face the Light. Seek Him in His Word, in the fellowship of believers, in praise and worship, in serving Him. The choice is ours.

What will you choose today? 

This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5


For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Eph. 5:8


For times when it seems that there is no light to be found, read “When The Son Don’t Shine.” 


Chanukah Blessings!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today is the first day of Chanukah which officially began last night at sundown. Chanukah was one of my favorite times growing up.

  • Playing dreidel games!
  • Eating potato latkes! 
  • Eight nights of presents!
  • Lighting the Chanukah candles! 

As the eldest child in my family, I lit the menorah candles. First, we lit the tallest candle (the Shamash). Then the Shamash lit the other candles from right to left, lighting one the first night, two the next, and so on for eight nights. As I lit the candles, I said the following prayer:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha’olam
asher, kidishanu b’mitz’votav, v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. 
which means
Blessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukah. 

Little did I know that the menorah and its candles were a beautiful reflection of the Light of the world that was to bring me from darkness to light.

Chanukah is often overshadowed by the many Christmas activities. It is not a particularly important Jewish festival, and not mentioned in the Old Testament. Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication is an eight day celebration commemorating the revolt and unlikely victory of the Jewish Maccabbees over the powerful Syrian Greeks who had invaded and oppressed Israel in 167 – 164 BC (the period of time between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus observed Chanukah (John 10:20-30), and it was during this Feast the Jesus publicly declared Himself the Messiah by proclaiming “I and the Father are One.”

Celebrating Chanukah includes the telling of the story of how the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, brutally oppressed the Hebrews, forbidding the practice of Judiasm and desecrating the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. Mattathias and his 5 sons, including Judah (nicknamed Maccabbee, the Hammer), led a rag-tag army in guerilla warfare for 3 years, retreating to the hills after each battle.

Finally, the Jews defeated the mighty Syrian army and returned to Jerusalem to find the Temple all but destroyed and the oil for the lampstand gone, except for a tiny amount enough for one day. The eternal flame of the Temple Menorah, central to Israel’s worship, was extinguished. Although it would take eight days for the priests to consecrate more oil, by faith they lit the Menorah. Miraculously, the one day’s supply of oil lasted those eight days. Judah Maccabbee declared that these events would be commemorated annually at the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. A special menorah would be used that had nine candles, rather than the seven branched lampstand in the Temple, one for each of the eight days and one Shamash candle.

The lights of the menorah are symbolic of our relationship with Christ, the Light of the world. The tallest candle is called Shamash which means “Servant.” The Servant candle lights the other candles yet loses none of its own light. Likewise, Jesus who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10:45) imparts His light to us and loses none of His own. He is the Light of the word (Jn 8:12), but He says that WE are the light of the world (Mt. 5:4).

The Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, but God’s Word declares that WE are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and the light of the world. How is our oil burning? Sometimes an oil change is necessary. Or perhaps we are a quart low. Maybe we feel like all we have left is one day’s supply. Isn’t it reassuring to remember that the Bible teaches that more oil is always available when the undying flame has been ignited in our souls! 


When we spot a menorah, let’s remember that we have been illuminated by the Shamash, the Servant, and we have an eternal supply of oil to keep the Light of the world burning brightly in our hearts throughout the year. 


Thank you Jesus for imparting Your light to us. May we reflect You, bringing light to people still in darkness. Thank you for the miracles 2000 years ago, and the miracles today!! 

.

This Little Light of Mine

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Many thanks to Maria Morgan for being my guest blogger again today. I will always think of you – and the wisdom in this post – when I hear that children’s song.

It was time. Time to bundle up, brave the chilly drizzle, and finish decorating our home for Christmas. I chided myself for waiting until the weather turned cold to finish this task. But at least I could check each strand of lights from the warmth of the house before heading outdoors.


I plugged in the first strand of Christmas lights. Nothing. I jiggled the cord. Still nothing. I unplugged the disabled lights and placed them in a pile to discard. The next strand wasn’t much better. Half of the lights shone brightly, while the other half were unaffected by the electricity coursing through the cord. Hmmmm…No amount of jiggling helped the lights spring to life, either. Another strand of lights joined the discard pile.


When I was finished, I looked in disbelief at the two piles of lights I had created – those to keep, and those to discard. The pile to discard was twice as large as the pile to keep. How could that be? I was sure I’d used ALL of these lights last year. What happened between then and now? The strands of lights had obviously been manufactured to glow vibrantly. Yet these same lights that had once burned brightly, now refused to shine.


I thought of the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” The familiar verses encourage me to: let my light shine, refuse to hide my light, protect my light from being blown out by the enemy, and shine my light till Jesus comes. Wow! The task of plugging in Christmas lights reminded me of a valuable truth: I was created by God to let my light shine, pointing others to Him. The book of Matthew spells it out clearly, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” (Matthew 5:14,16).


When each believer allows his/her light to shine, the result is beautiful. Light illuminates the darkness and unbelievers see the Savior. Remember the half-lit strand of lights? They gave off a minimal amount of light. The same is true for the believer. When a Christian doesn’t shine as he/she should, those who don’t know the Savior remain in the dark. In order to make the biggest impact on the world, each Christian must do his/her part.


I have to admit, there are times when I’m a lot like the Christmas lights that refuse to shine. The days when I’m more interested in checking off that last thing on my ‘to do’ list, than giving a word of encouragement. The evenings I attend to my agenda, ignoring family time. The many chances I’m given to share the goodness of God, but I choose not to speak. All too familiar reminders of the lights that didn’t do their job.


Amazingly, my Heavenly Father is gracious and doesn’t discard me when I refuse to shine. He draws me to His side, revealing His unconditional love. Continuing to give me opportunities to shine for Him. As I humble myself and plug into the Source of Power, my light begins to shine brighter. I look for opportunities to tell others of my Savior. Earthly things fade into the background when I carry out what I was created to do: glorify my Lord.


Christmas is just a few days away. Is your light shining brightly? Plug into the One we celebrate this season, Jesus Christ, and know that your Heavenly Father will be glorified!






Prayer – Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that I was created to glorify You. Help me to stay connected to You that I might shine brightly, pointing others to the hope of eternal life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.






*Maria Morgan is an inspirational/devotional writer. She is a contributor to Around About Cumming, and is currently working on a Fruit of the Spirit, devotional series. She resides in Georgia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and cat. Visit her website: http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com/

Do You See What I See?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
It’s funny how two people can look at the same image and see two different things.
But once it’s pointed out to you, you can see both!

Today, I’m having a little fun with the popular Christmas carol, Do You See What I See?

Do you see what I see?

Some see: sweet little baby Jesus
I see: the Savior of the universe, Creator God, who reduced Himself to a single cell embedded in the womb of a humble virgin, that He might become as one of His subjects to live like them, to die for them, to rise again providing victory for them.

Some see: plastic figurines of nativity characters
I see: depictions of real men and a woman who lived 2000 years ago and were used by God in the incarnation of God the Son. Unlikely people who were led to participate in the event that changed the course of human history.

Some see: twinkling lights adorning houses, trees, windows
I see: images of the Light of the world, eliminating darkness bulb by precious bulb

Some see: jolly old Santas
I see: a portrayal of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a godly man with a reputation for secret gift-giving to the poor, who worshiped Jesus with all his heart

Some see: paper wrapped gifts under the tree
I see: demonstrations of love for family and friends representing the Gift that came wrapped in swaddling clothes

Do you hear what I hear?

Some hear: unlikely singers belting out holiday tunes
I hear: God’s word embedded in Christmas carols. His Word does not return void. Those unlikely singers are proclaiming the good news!

Some hear: well-wishers sharing “holiday greetings”
I hear: more opportunities to share the gospel “It is God’s responsibility to make people receptive; it is our responsibility to sow the seed.” Rick Warren

Do you know what I know?

Some know: that Jesus was a great teacher
Some know: he was a liar, heretic or lunatic
Some know: all about Him with knowing Him personally

I know: that Jesus is the foretold Messiah, the Savior of the world, who left His home in heaven to live a sinless life dwelling in and among His people and ultimately paying the price for their sins and mine.  
I know: that my life has meaning and purpose that I never knew before 
I know: that I have peace that is beyond understanding 
I know: that someday, in His timing, I will go to heaven and be with Him
I know: that you can know what I know

Dear Lord,
May we see what You see.
May we hear what You say.
May we know what You share with us.

Happy Chanukah!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today was the first day of Chanukah which began officially last night at sundown. Chanukah was one of my favorites times growing up.



• Playing dreidel games!
• Eating potato latkes!
• Eight nights of presents!
• Lighting the Chanukah candles!


As the eldest child in my family, I was allowed to light the candles. The procedure was to the light tallest candle (the Shamash), and use that candle to light the others from right to left, lighting one the first night, two the next and so on for eight nights. As I lit the candles, I would say the following prayer:

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein)
which means:
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

Little did I know what the menorah and its candles were a beautiful reflection of the Light of the world that was to bring me from darkness to light.

Chanukah is usually overshadowed by the many Christmas activities. It is not a particularly important Jewish festival, and not mentioned in the Old Testament. Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication is an eight day celebration commemorating the revolt and the unlikely victory of the Jewish Maccabbees over the powerful Syrian Greeks who had invaded and oppressed Israel in 167 -164 BC (the period of time between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus observed Chanukah (John 10:20-30), and it was during this Feast that Jesus publicly declared Himself the Messiah by proclaiming “I and the Father are One.”

Celebrating Chanukah includes the telling of the story of how the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, brutally oppressed the Israelites, forbidding the practice of Judaism and descrating the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. Mattathias and his 5 sons, including Judah (nicknamed Maccabbee, the Hammer), led a rag-tag army in guerilla warfare for 3 years, retreating to the hills after each battle.

Finally, the Jews defeated the mighty Syrian army and returned to Jerusalem to find the Temple all but destroyed and the oil for the lampstand gone, except for a tiny amount enough for one day. The eternal flame of the Temple Menorah, central to the worship of Israel, had been extinguished. Although it would take eight days for the priests to consecrate more oil, by faith, they lit the Menorah. Miraculously, the one day’s supply of oil lasted those 8 days. Judah Maccabbee declared that these events would be commemorated annually at the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. A special menorah would be used that had nine candles, rather than the seven branched candelabra in the Temple, one for each of the eight days and one Shamash candle.

The lights of the menorah are symbolic of our relationship to Christ, the Light of the world. The tallest candle is called the Shamash which means “Servant.” The Servant candle lights the other candles. Likewise, Jesus who “came not be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) imparts His light to us. He is the Light of the world (John 8:12), but He says that we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).

The Temple no longer stands, but God’s Word declares that we are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and the light of the word. How is our oil burning? Sometimes an oil change is necessary. Or perhaps we are simply a quart low. Maybe we feel like all we have left is one day’s supply. It is reassuring to remember that the Bible teaches that more oil is always available when the undying flame has been ignited in our souls.

Let us focus on the menorah, and remember that we have been illuminated by the Shamash, the Servant, and have an eternal supply of oil to keep the Undying Flame burning brightly in our hearts throughout the year.

Thank you, Jesus, for imparting Your light to us. May we reflect You, bringing light to people still in darkness. Thank you for the miracles You provided 2000 years ago, and still provide today.

Jesus, Light Of The World

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Today’s post comes from Jean Matthew Hall of Encouraging Words for Writers. Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights (more on that tomorrow). So how fitting it is to share her poem today.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)

Jesus, Light of the World
by Jean Matthew Hall

Jesus, Light of the World
Beautiful Light
Radiant Light
Illuminate the dark corners of my life.

Jesus, Light of the World
Soothing Light
Healing Light
Bring comfort in the pain of my life.

Jesus, Light of the World
Energizing Light
Power-giving Light
Revive the fainting dreams of my life.

Jesus, Light of the World
Transforming Light
Miracle-making Light
Feed the multitudes with the broken pieces of my life.

As light refracts through chiseled stone
Magnify Your brilliance through me, Lord.
As light reflects off polished brass
Make each moment of my life a mirror for Your glory.

Jesus, Light of the World
Peaceful Light,
Hope-filled Light
Shine through my cracks and chips
To show others
True life
Found in You.

 

Hello, Love!!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I am still basking in the glow of the worship experience I had last night at the Chris Tomlin concert – his “Hello Love” CD tour. About 15,000 people and I worshipped together giving me a tiny taste of what heaven might be like – “the multitudes of heaven worship you.” Neh. 9:6

The music was awesome, so worshipful. But I was also impressed by a few other things that occurred during the night that I want to share with you.

***

At one point, Chris Tomlin was singing the song “Forever” and forgot the words. Well, it had been a long night, on a long tour. The band continued to play… the other singers kept singing. And when Chris began singing again, it was the words … “by the grace of God, we will carry on… His love endures forever…” And it hit me that there are times in our lives when we lose track of where we should be. Maybe we go through the motions, but not sensing the strength and peace and presence of God. Maybe it’s something else we are struggling with – a relationship, a work situation, depression, health or financial worries – something that causes us to trudge through life unaware of the joy and freedom that Christ brings. And we find ourselves just “carrying on” not even realizing that it is by the grace of God we do so. Other times, we find ourselves in a difficult time or situation, and do know that it is only the grace of God that is carrying us through. Still other times, all seems well, and yet even then it is still only by the grace of God that we carry on. Chris said, “You don’t have it all together, I don’t have it all together but God holds it all together.” So:

Give thanks to the Lord … Our God and King …
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things … His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Forever God is faithful … Forever God is strong …
Forever God is with us
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun His love endures forever
By the grace of God We will carry on His love endures forever
Forever God is faithful … Forever God is strong …
Forever God is with us
Forever

***

Chris shared a challenge to get involved with onemillioncan.com. Starting at a Passion conference in Atlanta, this movement has been raising money to help poor people in the name of Christ all over the world. He said, “Our worship has to get some legs and do something. It has to take action.” This week, my Sunday School homework focused on Romans 12:1 where Paul says, “Therefore I urge you, brethren (and sisters!), by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Our service and our worship is inseparable.
***
As one person, we can do a little. Many together can do a lot. At the Passion conference, the students were encouraged to share financially with those a round the worldwho have so little and need so much. It was a shock to the leaders when 20,000 student raised $1,000,000! And that began onemillioncan.com. To illustrate his point, all the lights were turned off on the stage except for one bare bulb. This little bulb was clearly visible throughout the arena. And Chris shared, “The darker it is – the brighter that 50 watt bulb shines!” Even one shining in the darkness provides enough light to overcome that darkness. Imagine what hundreds of lights will do! We sang, “A light shines in the darkness” to the tune of “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.” That’s the focus of onemillioncan.com. Check it out by clicking here.
***
This next point my kids urged me not to share, but maybe you are as corny as I am, so here goes: The concert was at the Prudential Center in Newark where the NJ Devils hockey team plays. We were sitting on the “floor seats” where it was cool as the ice was below the floor. At one point as we sang, I became aware that below me was ice where Devils skate. Above me were banners praising Devils, but in between the music was rising and the presence of heaven was so strong and we were singing “rising up all around is the anthem of the Lord reknown …” and “I will rise … and I hear the voice of many angels sing…worthy is the Lamb”. The angels defeated the devils that night! (Sorry if that was too corny!)
***
And my last point (although there were so many more) is this: Near the end of the concert, Chris Tomlin invited Israel Houghton (the opening act) to come out and join him for the last songs. Previously, I have seen Chris in concert opening for Steven Curtis Chapman who did the same thing for him. The blessings and opportunities that Chris had received earlier in his career, he was now passing on to another. And so should we. As God has taught us, so we should teach others. As He has blessed us, so we should bless others.
***
And that is the purpose of this blog. Whatever I have received from God, I want to share with you that you also would be blessed or taught. God does not want us to be like a cup that He fills. He wants us to be like a hose, a conduit, sharing and passing along whatever He has given us. That includes words of comfort, of wisdom, of blessing. It includes money, talents, gifts. May whatever He has shared with you be a blessing to others through you.
Susan