Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Have you ever laid on your back during a summer night and looked at all the stars in the sky? It seems so peaceful doesn't it? Once while my wife and I were looking up at the stars I said, "I would love to see a shooting star". Then all of the sudden a streak, that seemed like it was close enough to touch, came shooting across the sky. It was so close and bright that it scared my wife. She thought it was lightening or a plane falling from the sky. It lit up the whole yard.
I know that not very many people are morning risers but I am. I love getting up early to go on a fishing trip before the sun ever rises. I also enjoy getting up and running on a summer morning before the sun rises. Yesterday I finished a run and was walking it down when I looked up and saw those bright stars. I found a place to sit and talk to The Lord for a moment. Looking up at the handiwork of God while talking to Him is one of the greatest privilege we have. He has given us access to His presence through prayer and painted a beautiful picture of His ability in the sky. At about 5:30 you could look across the horizon and just see the yellow light coming up. The light from the rising sun was slowly becoming brighter and brighter.
This really stirred in my heart. God tells us that we are bright lights of His Gospel. We are reflectors of His love. So we should live in such a way that would honor Him and be blameless before all men. In the midst of a crooked and darkened world, we are lights. It reminded me of those stars on a blanket of darkness. Although it is dark, you can really see the stars shine out. But then they began to disappear because of the rising sun. You see, someday all of the brightness that I can show in a dark world will be nothing compared to the coming of the Son. Just like all those stars disappearing because the brightness of the sun, we are to shine until the Son rises in their hearts. When he comes in, they will see Him! When He comes back they will see Him!
Lord help me today and everyday to be the brightest I may be for the Gospel. While this world is dark, let me be your light. Keep shining until the Son appears!
