March 3, 3035 -- Philippians 2:15-16 -- Light needed and light offered

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

…among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15-16 ESV
 
In 2023, Health Canada reported that 15,343 people died by MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying). “Among people with an illness or disability who were not dying, nearly half said the source of suffering that led to their MAiD death was loneliness or isolation” (FAITH TODAY, March/April 2025, Vol. 43, No. 2 “AT ISSUE”, page 17). So, just over 7,000 people chose death because of loneliness.
 
Paul was calling his little group of believers in Philippi to be light in a world of darkness. Today that message is even clearer and as necessary as it ever was. The light of Christ shines out from you. The hope you have and the knowledge of life that is meaningful radiates from you because you are in relationship with Jesus Christ. Even in times of great suffering, like while Paul was suffering in prison, chained to guards, dependent on the financial help of a congregation far away, even then life has meaning for those who are connected to Jesus Christ.
 
Why?

  • One knows the love of God that, bar none, is steady, faithful and great.

  • One lives in community with other Christians. When you are struggling, fellow believers are just a phone call, a text, a visit away. Reach out.

  • One offers the gift of community to others. Pray for a neighbour. Let the thought of a friend prompt a text or phone call. Encourage a fellow believer. Reach out.

  • One knows that suffering, even the hardest, most twisting suffering is purposeful. Paul realized as he blessed other believers by his letters, and his prayers, and mentoring others, his hard suffering and privation resulted in blessing to others.

 
Dear brother or sister in Christ, your life matters. You are made in the image of God. The Spirit of God is restoring you so that the defacing effects of sin are being removed, and the loveliness of Christ is being formed in you. If you are feeling broken, lonely, I urge you reach out to a brother or sister in Christ. If the Spirit of God is bringing someone to mind, reach out to that person.
 
Father in heaven, thank you for the brilliance of the life that is mine in Christ. Spirit of God, show me who I can reach out to this day, shining the light of Christ by offering holy encouragement. Mighty Father, on the lowest days, my darkest days, by Your Spirit’s presence in my heart, open me up enough so that I will be able to receive the care and love of the person, even the unlikely person, you send into my life. The very one sent to prove to me Your love. Thank You God, that my life is not meaningless or empty because I am not now, nor ever will be, hidden from Your sight. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/5Nkvfnz4Tyw?si=JCzpS8gtoTN9OCB6 Children of the Heavenly Father
 

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