Tuesday
Sep022008
Let Your Light Shine
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Sunday was really the last 'gathering' prior to the soft launch of CenterPoint
Church. We really missed those of you who weren't able to be here.
It all began with
Pastor Dick sharing from the Book of Matthew, specifically on the King
and His Kingdom.....the Kingdom so often referred to by Jesus. There were some very good thoughts and
points to practice in each of our lives as we seek to become laborers
in the Kingdom through our ministry as CenterPoint Church. How
fitting..... here we were gathered on Labor Day weekend, as laborers in
God's Kingdom here on earth.
In
the beginning days of our gatherings, even prior to our identity as
CenterPoint, the road ahead was bathed with a great deal of faith and
prayer. To all of you who have faithfully prayed and fasted each
Tuesday, I know you have been blessed to see God at work in the
formation of CenterPoint Church, as well as individually in each of our
lives. Our God is an awesome God and to Him be praise and glory for
bringing us to this place at this time. September 14th will be the
official Soft Launch of CenterPoint Church at the St. Croix Falls
Senior High School. Pass along an invitation to all your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to join us!
I am
quite certain many of you come across items you would like to share
with all of us, whether it be through devotions, a book, something from
scripture that God really spoke to you through, or maybe an interesting
article on say, spiritual growth, etc. Much of what I write each week
comes from similar findings that I come across. I would really
encourage each one of you to send Julie your 'findings' for publication
on Tuesdays. We would be delighted to hear from you!
As
I thought about the very beginnings of CenterPoint and the
mission/vision for our ministry, I thought about how we have prayed to
be a light in our community, a beacon on a hill, reaching out to the
unsaved in the valley. John 1:4 says, "In Him was life, and the life
was the light of man". In the process of my devotions, I would like to
share some of what spoke to me. Jesus came as light into a world that
was really in bondage to sin and darkness. He was both light and
life! Because the forces of evil could not withstand Him, He would
dispel sin and darkness wherever He went. To everyone who was dead in
their sin, He brought with Him a life that was abundant and free and
available to all.As
a Christian, Jesus lives in each of us......and, His light is within
each of us. And, as Christians we are called to dispel darkness.
Actually, our light should shine so brightly through each and every one
of us that those practicing and living in darkness should be
uncomfortable when around us. That light that is within each and every
one of us should dispel darkness from the lives of friends, family,
and co-workers. That's an awesome thought, don't you think?
Colossians
1:27 states, "Christ in you, the hope of Glory". In other words, the
fullness of life found in Christ dwells within each one of us. The
life that Jesus offers is available to others through you. So, don't
ever discount what you have to give/offer those around you who are
hurting. Christ's life within you is more than sufficient to meet
every human need. When people encounter and meet you they actually
encounter the Christ living within you. You may not have all the
answers, but you do have Someone who does, and you have the power of
the Holy Spirit!! And, remember, you will not carry the burdens of
the needs of others....Christ will. We do have to be aware that many
resisted Jesus, and there will be those who resist the truth you have
to offer. But, just think.......God chose you to express Himself through, and you can bring HIS light and life to others.
So,
if we are truly Abiding in the Vine, in God's Word, and bearing fruit
we can make a difference in the Valley for HIM. What an awesome gift,
and responsibility.
"THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, I'M GOING TO LET IT SHINE"
In Him, Sandy
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