Just a casual look at the headlines will reveal that the world we live in can be a very dark place.  If that is our focus, despair will certainly overtake us.  Jesus surely understood this and tells us that, as His disciples, we are better and brighter.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Never forget that in this world Christians are the good part.  The ones who show to a dark world the light of Christ.  We must be doing the good.  You are a reflection of Jesus as you live for Him!  YOU SHINE! 

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain."  (Philippians 2:14-16)

The headlines may tell the bad news of the day.  The gospel is the good news about salvation in Jesus Christ!  We carry forth THAT message!

"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."  (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Now, let's go out and SHINE!

~Paul Adams

I saw on the news this morning that the government of the United States is shut down.  I do not have a political comment on this, but it did cause me to think that even though many offices of the USA are closed for the time being, the King of Glory still reigns!

"Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.  Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory."  Psalm 24:7-10
It is an encouraging thought to realize we serve the Lord who has always reigned as supreme, and will always reign, even into eternal glory.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty"  Revelation 1:8

"Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!"  Revelation 19:6
Take a moment today to offer a prayer of praise.  In an uncertain world, we can trust in the Almighty.

~Paul Adams