Deliberations 2017(3): #Fireflies

The tiny lamplighter – also called a firefly or lightning bug – is an astonishing insect. Only about 1 inch long, it carries a lamp that can light up the darkness of a summer night. The light is so bright that it can illuminate the pages of a book!

It is always amazing for me to see how nature illustrates the truths of the Bible. The chemical that produces the firefly’s light is called luciferin. Did you get that? Lucifer-in. Lucifer was the brightest angel in heaven, until his pride caused him to be cast out of heaven – along with 1/3 of the angels who listened to his lies. Now he roams the earth as the angel of darkness, seeking to spread more lies. He offers sights, sounds, and experiences that are extremely beautiful and pleasurable - that will lead to hell. But get this. Hell was not created for you. Do not make the choice to go there.

We can be like a firefly and be a light to the world. Let us continue to shine our light as we lead others out of darkness into marvelous light.

Deliberations 2017 (2) #Sanctuary

Global Earth Day (April 22) – a day when we pause to think about taking care of the earth, and using its resources sustainably. Even though as believers in Christ we know that this earth will be destroyed and a new one established.

Anyway, I thought about the word SANCTUARY – a protected place; a peaceful place; a place of safety; a place of refuge; a haven. We have such a sanctuary on Inagua Island, the Bahamas, to protect our flamingoes.

Jesus gave Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. When we accept Him we can expect to suffer with Him. “You are called to suffer with Christ”, (1 Peter 4:12-19).  But He is our sanctuary, and He is our reward. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).

The Sabbath is a sanctuary – a haven from the toils and labor of the week; a peaceful place; a day of rest; a day to recharge ourselves to face a new week.

The church is a sanctuary. It is more than just a place for worship. You should be able to bring your burdens and cares into the church and have them relieved.

What about us? Can we be a sanctuary for someone who is suffering and in need? Can someone depend on us for encouragement and support while they are going through their daily sufferings with Christ?

“Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living, sanctuary for you”.