Page 69 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Thursday February 22 - Called to be family
The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. Philippians 4:21
We are called to be servants, to be holy, called to grace and peace, to be in Christ, and today we are called to be family; brothers and sisters straddling every language, culture and status. This is so precious. My wife Carol and I have spiritual brothers and sisters spread across the globe. Two of our closest friends are pastors; one in India, the other in Congo – brothers with whom we have shared 20 years of life and ministry. Another close friend, now in glory, was a Romany traveller. These are men who have taught us so much and with whom we have experienced the glory of God.
We have been blessed by embracing friends with special needs. Another close friend of more than 30 years standing, who struggled throughout his life with chronic mental health issues, taught us about compassion. In India brothers and sisters, carrying the wounds of leprosy, taught us about real joy as their knurled hands showered us with petals. The church’s uniqueness is to be found in the unifying strength of diversity.
‘Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God’ (John 1:12-13).
Please take a moment to thank God for his amazing family. If you are yet to belong to it, why not consider the prayer of personal commitment? God longs for you to be his child.
Friday February 23 - Called to witness
All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to
Caesar’s household. Philippians 4:22
Here we see the church in Rome greeting its counterpart in Philippi. The gospel had been taken to Philippi by Paul (Acts 16) and probably reached Rome on the lips of pilgrims returning from Pentecost (Acts 2:5). In both cases, believers were faithful in fulfilling Jesus’ command to “...go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19).
Interestingly, Paul adds ‘especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.’ At that time, Nero was Caesar – a most wicked man who mercilessly tortured and executed Christians. Yet the grace of God even extended to his household. How did this happen? No doubt through Paul’s witness while awaiting trial. This was not the first time Paul witnessed while in prison; in Acts 16:29-32 Paul exhorted the terrified Philippian jailer to “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.”
Our responsibility, as God’s people, is to offer the word of life, even to the most unlikely hearers. Jesus’ last words to his disciples endorse this: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses...” (Acts 1:8). In the armed forces, a command stands until another supersedes it. A sentry must stay on guard until he is told to stand down. Our Commander-in-Chief has not instructed us otherwise, so we must seek every opportunity to witness, in both word and deed.
Father God, please give me the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with someone today. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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