Living as a Light

I’ve always loved light. Sunlight, Christmas lights, fire, chandeliers, moonlight. When I think about the perfect moment, it always includes twinkle lights- the lighting always sets the mood. I’ll pick the best lighting I see fit, but the magic of light always changes the scene into something way greater than I ever could’ve imagined, and it’s not what I decided for it, but the essence of the lights that makes the difference. 

When I think of myself as a child of the light, I realize I try to control what that light does, and what it looks like: how I speak, what I say, where I go, what I do, how I do it. I’ve noticed lately that I act differently around different people. I choose a different light to embody based on who I’m around. Around my church friends and acquaintances I choose a soft white light- I speak more quietly, more carefully, I’m reserved. Around school friends, I’m a blazing fire- my words know no bounds, I’m quick and untamed, and sometimes out of control. And when I’m meeting people for the first time, I choose the fairy lights- I show off, speak of things I know more of than the next person, and of the things I do better. My lights are inconsistent, and sometimes the essence of them shines in ways that I don’t intend, in poor ways. 

What does it look like for me to be a child of the light? What does my light look like when I’m “find[ing] out what pleases the Lord”? Should it look differently around different people, or should it maintain in the brilliance of Christ? 

I think my light should come from what’s within. I want people to see a light inside of me, and not the one I’ve dressed myself with. I want people to see a light in my eyes. I want my love to be visible, my words to be illuminated, and my actions to become a light for those around me.

Ephesians 5:1-13

Hangry Spirit

Dear Readers – Please welcome the first of our three newest writers to Daily Bible Blast, Abby Fullen. Abby will be writing the Thursday posts-below is her first contribution. 

Holy. I’m hesitant to use such a word to describe myself. I mean, I’m holy and so is the Holy Spirit? I don’t feel like I’m quite up to that standard. But when I read the definition of that word I find it to be a soothing balm- it turns it into a feeling, a state of being, an action. I can shed the fear of having to live up to an expectation and step into the holiness that Jesus’s sacrifice bestowed on me, on us.

Let’s look at holiness in the realm of fasting. Practicing Christians know well that we gain when we release. Through the actions of freeing ourselves from a master, we’re allowing ourselves to more fully experience the intentions God has for us.

I have an issue with “hanger” (angry hunger). Most of the time you may hear it as hangry, like “Watch out, she’s super hangry.” — Most often spoken by my mother. Instead of feeding that “hanger” with good food- vegetables, clean protein, natural sugar from fruits- I often choose to quickly satisfy it with processed foods full of bad fat and sugar. I spike my blood sugar levels so I can dissipate the uncomfortable feelings of hunger and anger as quickly as possible, without thought to the damage I’ve done. Because the hunger isn’t being fulfilled in a healthy way.

The same goes with my spiritual “hanger.” I’ve been in plenty of seasons when I’m so hungry for God, and so impatient, that I turn to lifestyle comparisons with strangers on social media, sugar-filled baked goods, and the first thing that pops up on my Netflix queue. Because I feel fed for a moment, long enough until I have to do it again. However, I’ve stopped instantly satisfying my cravings and I’ve made myself sit in impatience because constant feedings of comparison and fiction that end in emptiness aren’t working for me anymore. I’m not going to tell you that I have it figured out. I’m still hungry. But, drawing from the definition of “holy,” I am humbled, inspired, motivated, on fire for fulfilling my hunger for God in better ways, in a healthy way.

Through His sacrifice, I’m dedicated to Him, I’m “sacred” and “divine.” Why wouldn’t I want to live into those definitions the best I could? I want to feed my sanctification by fasting from that which only makes me hungrier. When I fast from unhealthy, instant gratification, my holiness is fed. And I feel the wholeness from His sacrifice which has made me holy.      ----Abby Fullen

Hebrews 10:9-14

John 1: 43-51

In Monday’s beautifully written Blog, Simon Peter met Jesus. The writer insightfully transcribed how differently God views each one of us, from the way we perceive ourselves and each other. Today’s reading recalls the day Philip and Nathaniel came face to face with the Savior. As I read each word I was compelled to think about how we should look at others from a different point of view as well.

Philip acknowledged Jesus as “the one Moses wrote about in the Law.” Jesus foretold they would "see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Perhaps Jesus envisioned who was positioned where, when His final day came to pass. Philip and Nathaniel were in the crowd.

Think for a moment, how differently we would manage our lives if we knew certain things ahead of time.

If we were aware that our husband or wife would only be with us for one more year, how differently would we love? If we had the knowledge our daughter would be separated from us as an adult due to family conflict would we be sure to create more positive memories for her today? If we somehow knew that as we aged, our health would significantly deteriorate, would we live more boldly now?

As Nathaniel and Philip approached Jesus, Nathaniel declared; “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; the King of Israel.”  It was as though Nathaniel had a sense the others did not. He understood what and who Jesus was. From that moment on, Nathaniel lived his life differently.

Can we attempt to live in such a way? Gleaning from every moment, a sense of urgency regarding taking care of others as though they will not be with us tomorrow? To do so, we will need to take a heavenly viewpoint.

God, “Give Me Your Eyes.”

Read/Listen to John 1:43-50

View You-Tube video “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath