Will you shine, or will you rust? Time does interesting things to us, our relationships, and our bodies. We seem to have this notion that time will always help us sort things out and that, somehow, it helps our priorities to rise to the top and solve our problems. Friend, it doesn't. We think time heals all wounds, yet time can often wound all our heals. We have to decide daily what is important. Is God important to you? If God is important to you, then His Kingdom priorities become your priorities. When we say we are following Jesus, this should describe an active and ongoing relationship with Jesus. Jesus said we are the light of the world. He said YOU are the light of the world. As you serve God, your light shines. Check out these verses.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
NKJV

Matthew 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
NKJV

Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.
NKJV

When Charlie, in the movie 'Willy Wonka,' does the right thing, Willy Wonka says, "So shines a good deed in a weary world." Friend, serve God, and let your light shine in a cold, dark, and hurting world. As your light shines, it will change your life and the world and give spiritual light and sight to your family, friends, and loved ones. So, your call... shine like the stars forever or rust like a bucket. You are called to shine. Shine on loved ones, shine on... forever.

Life Lesson: It is when we give our lives to the work of the Kingdom that we shine the brightest.

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the opportunity and reminder to shine for You. I am grateful that You gave me unique abilities and talents to serve in Your Kingdom. Thank You for giving me the power to choose. Lord, my choices affect the souls of men and women whose lives are eternally hanging in the balance of my decision. I want to give my life away and shine like a star in the night sky. I sometimes fear being wounded and hurt in the battle, but Lord, if You could change the world with eleven disciples, I know You can use me as I stand with other believers. Empower me with Your strength to encourage, pray, support, serve, love, and give to others. I want to do all I can to reach all I can. I choose to let my good works shine and serve in the house of the Lord.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge
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