The Loving Light

March 30, 2014

Opening Hymns:
539 O Spirit of the Living God http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh539.sht 

Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 5:8-14
5:8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light-

5:9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.

5:10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.

5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

5:12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly;

5:13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

5:14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Message:

Though fear and shame may lead people to hide and cover up sin, the best thing to help heal sin is light, not darkness.

Those who have drug addictions, or surround themselves with other types of sin in darkness, cannot reach full healing until light enters in. That is when other people can come and help give support. Only until the sin or problem is known can people give the needed aide so that healing and recovering can begin. Sometimes it is impossible to recover from things on your own, but when you bring your challenges to the light, others will come and share your burden with you. They will help you through all your trials.

At times we can keep other things hidden besides sins. We can keep our burdens to ourselves, not wanting to trouble others. But if we make our fears, concerns, and burdens known, others can give a loving support and help us through each challenge.

In the same way we need people to be a light for us, we need to be a light for others. It can be hard to share one another’s burdens, and it can be harder still to confront friends or family with concerns about behaviors, addictions, or sins. But if we talk to them with love and support, we can allow the light to enter in, and the healing can then begin.


Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, when we are in darkness send someone to show us the light. When we see others in darkness, let us be a light for them. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
473 Lead Me Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh473.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God