The Fire Is Lit by Linda Stevens

Our on-line Bible Study read chapters: 3-7 in the book of Matthew this past week. When I read chapter 5:14-17, I experienced an immediate recognition of truth that I had never seen in these verses before. A light went on. I felt that in that moment there was a convergence of the counsel I’d been receiving, the coaching I’d been given, and the prayers I’d been offering; all confirmed and illuminated by scripture. All I could say was, “That’s It! That’s what God wants of all of us, and for all of us!”

“You are the light of the world…. People (do not) 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

It’s so simple. That’s what God wants all of us to do. To allow ourselves to shine our light. To celebrate it. To find our stand and display our light proudly. When feeling doubtful, shy, insecure, and even a tad hermit-like, my new mantra will be, “Put your light on its stand, woman!” (Of course, it will be spoken in the spiritual tongue I always hear the deepest of truths…..that good ol’ New York Italian/Jewish accent.) They’re kind of marching orders, aren’t they? Yet, like only God’s Word can do, they are also encouraging, edifying, uplifting, and empowering.

The light which shines from within us all, is his. The stand, the lamp, the house, however – that’s unique to us. I believe God has a venue particular for each of us. One that fits our experiences and personality, gifts and environment.

George MacDonald communicates these thoughts perfectly, “There is a chamber …- a chamber in God Himself, into which none can enter but the one, the individual, the peculiar man – out of which chamber that man has to bring revelation and strength for his brethren. This is that for which he was made – to reveal the secret things of the Father.”

There is that for which we were all made. This is cause to celebrate. A cause to feel valued, significant, priceless in the kingdom of God and precious to our Father the King. The challenge before us this day is not only to identify the stand, the lamp and the house, but to allow ourselves to experience the joy and freedom and empowerment in knowing that we are a gifted vessel within whom the light of Jesus shines.

The questions for the day are:

Do I know the house in which my Father wants me to shine? (Who are the people to whom I am to minister?)

What does my lamp look like? (What are my gifts through which He will shine?)

Is my light shining brightly?

Check out www.thats-extraordinary.com if you want help through this process. We have some amazing women in who are able to help you walk through these steps.

May God help you identify your purposes and venue. And when you do, in the words of Kathy Triccoli, ‘Go light your world!’

In Him, Linda