Fireflies - commonly known as lightning bugs, are in the family of
winged beetles and are known for their use of bioluminescence to attract
mates or prey.
Since their lights are easily observed on dark
nights, my friends and I as children spent many evenings running through
the yard scooping up these tiny creatures. We then placed them in our
ready-made mason jars, complete with a few holes in the lid and grass
inside. Placing them in my bedroom provided an inexpensive nightlight.
But if not released shortly, they and their light would die.
"You
are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be
hidden . . . let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that
everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5: 14, 16 NLT).
Any type of light has a purpose: fireplaces provided light, heat,
and a place for cooking, oil lamps illuminated dark rooms for reading,
street lights gave light for travelers, and electricity made it possible
for light to appear with the flip of a switch. Fireflies have a purpose
for lighting up, and according to Jesus so do his followers - lighting up
the Heavenly Father.
While hypocrisy (pretending to be something
I'm not), legalism (paying more attention to the letter of the law than
the spirit), and inconsistent behavior will cover my light, loving
everyone unconditionally, accepting others regardless of their life
station, and being hospitable will let it radiate brightly. When it
does, others will be attracted to the Christ I serve.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be drawn to our lights even when we let
them shine effectively. Some will poke fun, and others will question the
validity of our beliefs, but we're not responsible for their response,
just our light. Let God fuel your light so it shines vibrantly.
Prayer: Loving Savior, as You have shone brightly for us on the cross,
may our lights for You radiate fiercely so others will be drawn to Your
love.
Lesson from a Firefly
Today's Bible Verse:
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may
see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Lesson from a Firefly
Announcement:
Do you know any facebook fans? Why not invite them to visit Answers2Prayer on Facebook! This is their opportunity to discover that our Heavenly Father truly cares for them, and that Jesus is not only their Saviour by their friend as well!
The Illustrator and the Nugget have joined forces and are now on Facebook under the name Answers2Prayer. This group is dedicated to bringing people closer to our loving God through daily thought-provoking devotionals and inspirational stories.
Invite them to join us.
As always, this is a free. Our goal is to help your friends and family make Jesus their focus!
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.