The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
It is one of the worst, if not the worst, street in the city. Everything from drug deals to prostitution are happening along this street and down the side streets. I'm told by people who live there that being outside after dark might not be the wisest thing to do. But the stir from a little bit of light is happening.
Yesterday afternoon a group of people from The Community began meeting people in the neighborhood around the houses we will be using for the start of our Dream Center. We met all kinds of people and had some wonderful conversations. A few of the places we visited were evidence that there is darkness around. Yet through Jesus there is light being shined. There are a few churches in the area already. Some great people are beginning to speak up.
Here is what is heavy on my heart ... take light into the darkness! Be light everywhere you can. Talk about the light, share the light and let the light shine as bright as you can. Think about it. The light of Jesus brings people out of darkness.
Matthew Barnett and the people of the LA Dream Center have shared how the last 16 years the Echo Park area of LA has changed in dramatic ways because a few people began spreading light. Now there are hundreds if not thousands sharing that light each week.
That is what I will pray for the area of Fayette Street in Martinsville, Virginia. As we begin working on the houses this weekend, I pray that God will begin to renew his kids in the community and will bring more people to become His kids. I'm praying that the crime rate will drop and that families will begin to find real peace. Does this make sense to you?
I believe that God is in the business of rebuilding and changing lives, one person at a time. It is our call at The Community Dream Center begins to "Rebuild the Dreams of Broken People because there is hope & life in Jesus". This always begins when the light of Jesus shines.
Are you allowing Jesus to shine through you?
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
The light is meant to point people to Jesus and not to point them to you. It is all about God. Inspect this and ask: am I lifting me or lifting Jesus? Remember that when you lift Jesus that Satan is not happen and that you are in a battle. Light against dark. Good verses evil, and God overcoming Satan. He will do it every time, and it can and must be happening in our lives.
Let God's light shine through you. Let light go out into the darkness.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
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