The Light of the World

Our fidelity to Christian principles calls us to active service for God. Those who do not use their talents in the cause and work of God will have no part with Jesus in His glory. Light is to shine forth from every soul that is a recipient of the grace of God. There are many souls in darkness, but what rest, and ease, and quietude many feel in this matter! Thousands enjoy great light and precious opportunities, but do nothing with their influence or their money, to enlighten others. They do not even take the responsibility of keeping their own souls in the love of God, that they may not become a burden to the church. Such ones would be a burden and a clog in heaven. For Christ’s sake, for the truth’s sake, for their own sakes, such should arouse and make diligent work for eternity. Heavenly mansions are preparing for all who will comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God.

In behalf of the souls for whom Christ has died, who are in the darkness of error, it is enjoined upon all true followers of Christ to be a light to the world. God has done His part in the great work, and is waiting for the cooperation of His followers. The plan of salvation is fully developed. The blood of Jesus Christ is offered for the sins of the world, the Word of God is speaking to man in counsels, in reproofs, in warnings, in promises, and in encouragement, and the efficacy of the Holy Spirit is extended to help him in all his efforts. But with all this light the world is still perishing in darkness, buried in error and sin.

Who will be laborers together with God, to win these souls to the truth? Who will bear to them the good tidings of salvation? The people whom God has blessed with light and truth are to be the messengers of mercy. Their means are to flow into the divine channel. Their earnest efforts are to be put forth. They are to become laborers together with God, self-denying, self-sacrificing, like Jesus, who for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich.—The Review and Herald, March 1, 1887.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 162
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Prayer Requests
—- please pray fora church member lady she is trying to get a dog from the kennel she looked at them all and one husky came right to her it is a young year old and she just got spaded two days ago they told her she could have it soon. as it is ready to go well some people from out of town wants to come down and look at her and another dog. the kennel is doing her wrong. her husband passed away suddenly last year and she has been going through a lot lately . please pray for her .she thought maybe a dog would keep her company and help her get through her loss. they were married for many years. she is in her early 60’s please pray that she can get that dog..they bonded right away. we believe the Lord wants her to have that dog thank you Mary
—-Please continue to pray for E and children for guidance and protection. R
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Dear Friends,
When I had time to do so, I would occasionally visit a few genealogy sites and put in my grandfather’s or great-grandfather’s name to see if there were any new entries under the Harmon name. To my surprise one day there was someone asking for information regarding Winfield Harmon from Pennsylvania. I wrote to him.
A few days later I got a reply. I have a paper with my “family tree” that my mother researched of both her parents in with my important papers. At that time, I kept those papers in a file container in my closet. When I went to the closet, that file box was nowhere to be seen. The light bulb had blown, so it was very dark, but I felt around. Nothing. I was quite distressed and began searching the rest of the house thinking that I might have absentmindedly put it somewhere else. Nothing.
I told Ron that the closet lightbulb needed changing. After he put a new bulb in the fixture, I looked for the file box again. There it was in plain sight! Now I could give what information I had to the person who was searching for their family line.
Later as I was thinking about the incident, I realized how much this world is like that dark closet. Without the Light shining from God’s Holy Word, we grope about getting nowhere. Just as a new lightbulb helped me to see clearly and find the needed file box, so studying the Scriptures help us to see clearly. When we hide His Word in our heart, it gives us the knowledge and understanding we need to find the path that leads above this dark and sinful planet. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps 119:105 They point to the Great Light of the World, our Lord Jesus Christ. “In him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 He assures us, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
Moreover, as we follow the True Light, He makes us to shine to those around us, that they, to, may see clearly. Our Dear Saviour reminds us, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16 As we reflect the Light, God is glorified. Indeed, it should be our greatest joy to glorify the One Who “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
May we declare as did David, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps 27:1 May we so live, that others will see Jesus in us is my prayer.
Rose