Several years ago now my cousin decided to put a little addition on the small barn at his place. Before he was able to do that though he needed to build up the ground around it since it sat right at the edge of a hill. So he had some clean fill brought in, mostly rocks, clay and dirt, but unknown to him amongst all of that was a tulip bulb.
So as spring arrived and things began to grow again, up came a little yellow tulip, eye catchingly unique in its surroundings.
It got me thinking, what if those of us who are followers of Jesus stood out as brilliantly, beautifully and uniquely as that little yellow tulip?
In Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16 Jesus says: You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
You may be the only Christian in your family or neighborhood. You may be the only follower of Jesus in your circle of friends at school or at work. Be encouraged my friend, when you go out of your way for another, when you love your neighbor as you love yourself, your small corner of the world is positively impacted and you stand out brilliantly, kind of like that little yellow tulip.
So as spring arrived and things began to grow again, up came a little yellow tulip, eye catchingly unique in its surroundings.
It got me thinking, what if those of us who are followers of Jesus stood out as brilliantly, beautifully and uniquely as that little yellow tulip?
In Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16 Jesus says: You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
You may be the only Christian in your family or neighborhood. You may be the only follower of Jesus in your circle of friends at school or at work. Be encouraged my friend, when you go out of your way for another, when you love your neighbor as you love yourself, your small corner of the world is positively impacted and you stand out brilliantly, kind of like that little yellow tulip.
Live out your faith right where you're planted,
Share Jesus right where you are,
And in the generation you're living,
You'll shine like a brilliant star.
Share Jesus right where you are,
And in the generation you're living,
You'll shine like a brilliant star.
Brian
Brian, this is brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing the revelations that God lays on your heart ... these are timely and insightful blessings for any of us who have the privilege to read them.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly I read your devotional word today not long after I saw this video on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/dimsumdailyhk/videos/211467166257716/
Seems totally appropriate. :)
Thanks so much Patrick, for your comments and for sharing that video.
DeleteYou are always so generous with your encouragement, I so appreciate that.
Now I need to go and actually do what I have written.