God of Light

No, the kind of fast I want is that you stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and bring right into your own homes those who are helpless, poor and destitute. Clothe those who are cold and don't hide from relatives who need your help.

If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward, and goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then, when you call, the Lord will answer, "Yes, I am here," he will quickly reply. All you need to do is stop oppressing the weak, and to stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!

Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:6-11 (TLB)

But may the godly man exult. May he rejoice and be merry. Psalms 68:3 (TLB)

Kelly Desclos-Estes, from Virginia, stared at the calendar, and her heart sank. Years before, on the first day of spring, her son had died unexpectedly. This year the anniversary of his death fell on a Sunday, and although Kelly wanted to stay home, God urged her to go to church. During the children's time in the worship service, the leader used a flashlight to teach the children about sharing Jesus' light with others. Memories of her son in Sunday school came flooding back.

As the children left the sanctuary, one little boy skipped toward the door shouting, "This will be amazing!" After a few giggles, the congregation turned their attention back to the pastor; but Kelly kept thinking about the boy. Through the excitement in his voice and spring in his step, the light of Jesus spread into her heart.

It's sometimes easy for despair to douse the light of Jesus. Kelly had arrived at church feeling low. However, God helped her realize that sharing the light of Christ with others is a way of honoring her son. On her walk that afternoon, birds sang and flowers bloomed. Kelly collected empty cans in the road to recycle as her son would have done. shining through dense, gray clouds were streams of sunlight. The little boy was right; this day was amazing!

Prayer: God of light, we thank you. Continue to illuminate our hearts and brighten our spirits. Help us to serve you better, in Jesus' name. Amen.