| | Do you Shine?
When we go to a horse show we want to stand out. We want to be noticed. I recently heard a judge say that in the first thirty seconds of a ride she had a very good idea what the final score was going to be. People primp and groom trying to make their horse look good but quality of training is what really impresses the judges. The great riders and their horses just have a certain air about them.
Daniel 12
3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (NIV)
There is a confidence that goes with the trust that the horse and rider have with each other that shines forth in a way that is similar to how we can shine when we have a firm faith in the goodness of the Lord. When we really trust in the Lords will for our lives we stop getting upset about the little things so much.
Philippians 2
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. (NIV)
When we are in a tough situation we can rest in the Lord knowing that He is in charge and that everything we encounter is trivial and only temporary compared to the riches that are in store for us.
Matthew 5
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)
How often is our light hidden because we refuse to relax and trust in our Lord? Like the horse who fears harsh training has our fear of the Lord blotted out his kindness in our minds? When we understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for us how can we doubt his goodwill? Some horses do not look good because they have not yet learned to listen and obey. There is a constant subtle fighting with their master. There are also horses that are so hung up on their surroundings that they do not listen.
Our love for Jesus ought to have a visible effect on our countenance. The way we carry ourselves and the expression on our faces ought to show that we are proud to be servants of our king. Sometimes this is hard work but if we remind ourselves why we are here and who we are serving and let our faces reflect that thought it is much easier. There needs to be something about us that draws people to desire to be around us more. As the calm gentleness of a well-trained horse draws the judge’s eye our demeanor should make people wonder what makes us “different”.
Sometimes people get hung up in the legalities of the Bible and start to become like mechanically obedient horses; they lose their zest and spark as they numbly follow the rules. The rules become more important then their relationship with Jesus and with their fellow man. They can forget to live. People like this often tend to become isolated from the world and without influence. We need to remember the freedom that Jesus bought for us. Often when we get to into the law we are trying to make ourselves “look” good instead of lifting up those around us.
Philippians 2
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (NIV)
The Glory belongs to the Lord; our light should be a reflection of His. Our light comes from our relationship with him. Let us reflect Him in all we do!
Isaiah 60
1"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. (NIV)
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| | Posted 6/15/2008 8:33 AM - 9 views - 0 comments
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