Two for One

Read Colossians 1:9-14

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Lamps make oil-spots and candles need snuffing; it is only the light of heaven that shines pure and leaves no stain.”
Some people may not especially enjoy poetry. But often a few lines of verse will grip our imagination, as do the following by Francis Thompson: "The innocent moon that nothing does but shine, moves all the laboring surges of the world." Here are some interesting facts in regard to the moon. The moon is nearly 240,000 miles from Earth and is only 1/400th the size of the sun. With no light or heat of its own, it reflects the radiance of that greater heavenly body. It appears to be relatively insignificant. Yet, the moon quietly and almost imperceptibly moves the oceans of the world by its gravitational pull.
Does that sound like you? Do you often feel insignificant and unimportant? Most of us may not seem all that influential or well known. We do not have the giftedness, the wealth, or the position to make much of an impact on our society. Our names do not appear in Who’s Who of America, nor is it mentioned in the newspaper, nor are they mentioned on the radio. We may clench the thought that all we can do is practice our faith in the humdrum routines of everyday life. Perhaps, though, unnoticed by us, we are having an influence on the people around us by our Christ-like attitudes and actions.
I remember a time when we stopped to pick up some food following a church service. My wife went in to pay for the food and to pick it up while I sat in the car (I know, it should have been the other way around, but then this story would not be able to be written). A man that she had never met began asking her questions. The bottom line of the conversation was that this man saw a glowing from her. It was the glory of the Lord. I do not know where that man is today, but he probably has not forgotten a young wife that was dwelling in the reflection of the Son. Like the moon, my wife at that moment in time especially was radiating a glory that was not hers, but it was the glory of the Lord reflecting from her.
You never know whom you will influence by acting like the moon and reflecting Him. Let's not be concerned, then, about our seeming lack of influence. Instead, do what Jesus commanded: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Go, enter your prayer closet and shut the door and see if even the smallest light can make a difference in the darkest night.

“The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.”
- Felix Adler



June 23

Read John 10:28-30
The pencil. A simple, and yet, powerful instrument. I like pencils. The pencil maker spoke to the pencil just before the pencil was to be released into the world. The maker said, “There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”
“First, you will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand. Second, you will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become a better pencil. Third, you will be able to correct mistakes you will make. Fourth, the most important part of you will always be what is inside. Fifth, on every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.” The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Just like a pencil, in the hand of the right person, can do some amazing things, you too can do amazing things if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. A pencil can make beautiful drawings in the hand of an artist. A pencil can craft amazing stories in the hand of a writer. A pencil can solve the most complex algebraic equations in the hand of a mathematician. A pencil can sketch the most perfect blueprint in the hand of an architect. A pencil can write the most touching note in the hands of a loved one.
In the hand of the Master, anything is possible. Just like a pencil has to be sharpened to become better, you can be sharpened by going through various problems and trials, but it will indeed make you a stronger person. Just like a pencil has an eraser to be able to correct mistakes, you, through the grace of God, can correct mistakes and grow through them. The blood that is applied at repentance acts as the great eraser of your life. Just like a pencil’s most important part is the lead that is inside, it is what is on the inside of you that is important. The part of you that makes you who you are is what is on the inside. Just like a pencil’s purpose is to leave its mark, you are to leave your mark wherever you go. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything. Then you too will be ready to go out into the world and make your mark for the cause of Christ.

“We are all pencils in the hand of God.”
- Mother Teresa