LightHouses

LIGHTHOUSE keepers have to be a sturdy breed. It can be wearing and lonely to be stationed where they are. The work is generally heaviest when and where conditions are the worst. A lighthouse might be more comfortable stationed inland. But those in the riskiest locations -- out where the wind howls -- have the most opportunities to rescue people.

 

The glow of a lighthouse isn't meant to illuminate the inside of the building. It's meant to pierce obscurity when darkness descends and storms arise. The noise a lighthouse makes isn't for the keeper's entertainment. It's for cutting through fog too thick for light to penetrate, for raising an alarm, for guiding the lost.

 

When I see a lighthouse situated at the far edge of safety, I think of our call to light the world. Like the beacons that guide ships to safe harbor, we are the hope of the Lord made visible. We drive our light into the darkness and our voices through the fog of life. “See! Hear! Come! Christ is where chaos ends.”

 

Let us shine boldly so that those still tossing in the storm may find their way to the safe harbor that Christ offers. God calls us out of darkness, and makes us into light for others.

 

Written by Teresa Murphy (Oregon, USA)

 

Profile Information Source:

Teresa Murphy (Oregon, USA) is one of the contributing writers for “The Upper Room” e-devotional ministry.

Living for Christ the Rest of the Year

As I did my today meditation verse where Mary says in Luke, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever" (Luke 1:46-55), enabling me to observe how Mary sang and praised God for the same reasons that we ought to be singing every day of the year: She sang because of her salvation. And Mary knew the challenges that were on the horizon and was getting ready to face some severe scrutiny for turning up pregnant and unwed. She was going to cause her family, who would be forced to disown her or face the same rejection.

 

Today, I appreciate to what Christ did for me by being born as a Savior and to experience the life of Christ every day as He lives through me. And, I desire to have a daily relationship with Christ by spending time reading God’s Word and praying to Him daily, and to have Christ living in me and leading, guiding me for the whole year in 2019.

 

Let’s live for Christ as we have a daily relationship with Him this new year!

 

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 4th January 2019)

 

Profile Background Source:

Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with a Diploma Degree from School Of Ministry In’ Tung Ling Bible College (1999) and TCA College (2003) with Certificate Degree in Bible and Ministry.’ Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months.  Today, Jeremy is an active member, a volunteer & an Inclusion Ambassador in Disabled People Association and YouthCorps Singapore  serving in Special Needs Cluster, Children, Youth & Family Cluster, RunningHour Member/Committee Member, MINDS Youth Group Volunteer, and a Well-Being Cultivatator in  GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia PTE LTD and he is serving under Youth Wing as a Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore.