September 7, 2006
Encouragement for Today
Principle 1
“The Morning Star Rises”
Luann Prater, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
2 Peter 1:19, “…as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Our sunroom is my favorite room in the house. Every morning I get up before dawn, sit in my rocker and read God’s Word. My lamp sheds just enough light to illuminate my little space. I see the Scripture and pray that God will shine the message into my heart. Facing the east gives me the opportunity to see the morning rays peek through the trees and slip into the sky. In a matter of moments the entire world bursts forth with light! It’s a gentle reminder of the difference between me and God.
My neighbor is 81 and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. I know that God has placed her in my life for a reason. She is cantankerous, witty and mistrusting. Unfortunately, she has had many people take advantage of her over the years, so her paranoia is somewhat understandable. However, I have tried to be a light in her dark world. When she has needed a friend, I’ve been there. She knows I speak and write for Proverbs 31 Ministries and has joined me at church on several occasions. Her family does not come around and so she is fascinated with the relationship we have with our children. I recently took her to the Christian bookstore where she bought a large print Bible to read. I felt we were making progress.
However, I heard from a trusted source that she was now beginning to mistrust my motives and me. This cut straight to my heart. Reacting hastily, I confronted her. She did not remember saying anything negative, so she was confounded. I left her baffled and confused. Up to this time she had called me several times a day, everyday. For three days I heard nothing. I began to worry about her. God came knocking; reminding it’s not about me. “Illuminate your small space with my light and let me do the rest,” he whispered to my heart.
Oh man! I had blown my witness! I had shown her the light of God and now my lamp was dark. I went to her house and asked for forgiveness. At first, she was cold toward me. I explained I am just a weak human who sometimes burns out, but God is an eternal light.
I, Jesus have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root of the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star, Revelation
When the Light of the world takes up residence in your heart, let Him illuminate the dark places in your world with His light, not your inferior lamp.
My Pray for Today:
Lord, forgive us for trying to do it on our own. Help us today to shine Your light on our dark world. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Application Steps:
Pray for God to rise up in you and shine.
Watch the sunrise and meditate on its meaning.
Reflection Points:
Is my bulb burned out?
Who in your world needs to see God’s light?
What can you do to shine His light?
When will you tell someone about the Light of the world?
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (NIV)
Luke 1:78, “…because of the tender mercy of our God by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:105, “…your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
At the Feet of Ordinary Women by Angie Conrad
Sandpaper People by Mary Southerland
Thoughts, Quotes and Scriptures on Mentoring, ETC Corner