Friday, August 19, 2011

Light of Christ

LIGHT OF CHRIST

Romans 12:1-2

Verse 2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Our friends at the swimming pool missed you while the Celebrating Scripture series posted. Fourth-grader, Miguel, threw his rubber baseball to classmate Bobby in the shallow end of the pool. Fifth-grader, Trevor, intercepted the ball.

“Hey!” Bobby yelled. “Give it back!”

Trevor stood up, laughing out loud. “Make me!” he dared, and swam away.

Miguel said, “That’s OK, Bobby. Let’s bat another ball to each other.”

These three boys are programmed differently from each other, because their families are so diverse. Miguel’s family is Christian, and goes to church regularly. Bobby’s family believes in God, but not in the same way that Miguel does. Trevor’s family doesn’t believe in God, so Jesus isn’t even on Trevor’s radar.

The world tempts and teases God’s kids, competing for notice. Believers are being sanctified—(SANK-ti-fied) means growing more like Christ—daily. We are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to hit the tempter’s balls out of the park. Reading the Bible brightens the light of Christ, as He directs our actions—and reactions.

God’s truth correctly guides believer’s behavior. When minds are aligned (a-LINED means united) with God’s Word, His Spirit is in control. He programs our minds with godly-correct viewpoints. This enables us to look beneath the surface in every situation. The light of Christ clearly shows the difference between right and wrong. Poor, good, better, and best choices become obvious.

The light of Christ is only assured to shine for those who cooperate with the Holy Spirit. When Christ has permission to houseclean the thoughts that clutter your mind, He’ll also transform your life. Believers nurture (NURT-chur means to develop, tend to, look after) the light of Christ. This enables us to see things from His point-of-view, and is how we claim every promise God has planned. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans for hope, a future, and success for those who love Him.

The amazing ability to align thoughts to God’s is a gift believers receive at salvation. However, the upkeep for the light of Christ is our responsibility. Are you ready to claim the abundant life God has planned for you?

Take Home Nugget

On a grassy field beside the pool, Miguel pitched the ball. Bobby swung the plastic bat hard, hitting Miguel’s pitch high and long. Miguel watched it. “You hit that outta the park, Bobby! Isn’t this better than just tossing and catching?”

Between every circumstance and me

Is Christ’s light, which lets me see.

J.D. Griffith



A personal, private lesson experience with our staff




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