The Upper Room devotional reflection for Tuesday, April 19, 2022 comes to us from Keith Honeyman of Western Cape, South Africa.
"16 No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them."
Luke 8:16-18 NIV
“Toward the Light”
Every evening at bedtime I head toward my room and switch off the lights along the way. Years ago I lost my sight in one eye, and my remaining vision is dimming with age. But despite the dark, I am confident that I will not trip or fall as I head toward the light shining from my destination because it illuminates my way. If I remember something that I have forgotten and turn back, I am immediately in trouble because my body blocks the light and I am walking in my own shadow.
This reminds me of my daily walk with Jesus. For over 64 years, since I was a teenager, I have tried to walk toward God’s light. But when I have turned away and walked in the shadow of my own choices and actions, I have often been in trouble. It is awesome to know that no matter how dark it is, we are always able to find God’s light by turning toward our Lord in our actions and prayers.
Friends –
I can think of a number of times in my life when I have gotten in my own way instead of following God’s light. Keith Honeyman reminds us that God’s light will lead us down the path of following Jesus calling us to love each other and what that means for our actions and behavior. Can you think of moments in your life when you have followed God’s light, and that led you into service and healing? Perhaps you can consider moments when you have missed God’s light with different kinds of results.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Lord of light, guide us so that we may walk in the brilliance of your presence. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, you will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
--Keith Honeyman
Prayer Focus:
Those who have trouble seeing
Thought for the Day:
The light of Jesus’ love guides me on my way.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (NIV)