“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

Last night, going into my garage, the light bulb flickered when I turned it on. Then later, it happened in the kitchen as well. This morning, going to put something away in a drawer, I was surprised to find a light bulb lying right there in a place… out of place. I smiled because all those circumstances just HAD to be mere coincidences. But then again, as I reminded myself, I don’t believe in coincidences!

Just yesterday morning I preached a sermon about what it means to be a Believer in Christ. What does it cost? What does the Savior of my soul expect from ME? And honestly… from ANYBODY who calls themselves a “Christian.” The sermon wasn’t a fun one to prepare for. As I read, prayed and lived through the week, I listened closely for Jesus’ topic. Yesterday morning, I had too many ideas.

Occasionally I get confused. But having done this for so long, It didn’t surprise or scare me when I sensed Jesus whispering… “I’ve got this!” And He did! There were lots of comments like, ‘I loved that one!’ But, I gave up receiving ‘atta-boys’ years ago. ‘I’ don’t preach sermons. HE does them THROUGH me. For I too, am a listener.  And Jesus was asking me, “How bright is YOUR light for Me?”

Jesus wasn’t stuttering or rephrasing a clause when He said in John, “I” am the light of the World.” And in Matthew, “YOU are the light of the world. The world is in darkness. HE shines through ME into that darkness. That is how He intended His light to work. Today’s verse refers to Zion, future Israel, who today… is FAR from reflecting ANYTHING resembling God. Jesus asks ME to do a checkup on ME.

How bright is MY light? How well am I shining? Can people, both saved and lost, see Christ through the light I am shining? Or do I hold no fear to the darkness, as it engulfs the lost, leaving no trace? Am I deliberate in my walk with Him? Do I put Him first, read His Word, listen for His voice, give my time and resources to His cause? How up at His house?  Do I pierce the darkness, or has darkness swallowed me?

To answer… I am a 200 watt-er and I know it! I am intentional and ALWAYS ON…. even when I am off! Darkness hates me… but The Light of the world LOVES me.  And He wants me BRIGHTER! I am a 200 watt-er baby! He WANTS me to be 1000! I’m working on it. Are you?