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8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Ephesians 5:8-14 NRSV)
Happy Tuesday, dear Friend. I pray calm and compassion are reigning in your life and household even in the midst of everything negative this virus has brought with it. The latest recommendation from the government is that groups larger than 10 should not meet until a specified time, some say as long as eight weeks. Again, that is a harsh blow to organizations such as churches and others. I ask you prayerfully consider your support of Christ's ministry to stay constant, using the postal service or online giving to keep the lights on at your church.
And, speaking of lights, what a passage we have before us today! The apostle in writing these words knew what it was to live in darkness and light. His encounter with Jesus left him in physical darkness for a full three-days, but spiritually, those three days were the brightest he had even experienced, for Christ revealed to him many things about His ministry and grace, and what it was Paul was to share with the world. Paul also knew as he traveled what it was to be among people living in spiritual darkness. And oh the joy he must have felt as he saw people delivered from darkness into light. That is what drew me into ministry, as it should be for all who proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We cannot and should not allow dear ones to continue to journey in a lifetime of darkness. Christ offers light, and those who enter into a relationship with Jesus find their lives transformed into light. And once in the light these new believers want to live as children of the light; seeking what "is good and right and true." Their desire will be to find out what is pleasing to the Lord and do it. Paul lists what to avoid: Unfruitful works of darkness, knowing that most people know what those are. He further states that "everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light." Paul then states a saying that says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." This was sermon fodder as well as a tool with which to address loved ones and share the Good News.
Dear one, if you find your world a little darker than you'd like, flip on the switch that invites Jesus into your heart and welcome the light that Jesus brings. Hear again what the apostle said, "Sleeper, awake! Do not let sin lull you to sleep, because that sleep leads to an eternity of no sleep, but suffering. Your invitation is to rise from the dead, and let Jesus shine His light on you!
PRAYER: Loving God, bless us into the fullness of life and away from the subtle invitations from sin.Help us reach the world for You. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Reach someone for light.
Receive my blessings of love and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
BONUS: A Good News Walking edition featuring a short "sermon" by one of our own readers from FUMC-Gonzales. May it bless your day! Click here to see and hear: http://bit.ly/2Wlqwsu
