Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Isaiah 60:1

DEVOTION FOR TODAY, August 9, 2019

“Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come, and the Glory of the LORD Rises Upon You”

Good Morning world! Each light punches a hole in the darkness when it illuminates. As I write this I am looking downtown Elizabethton from my office. It is mostly dark outside my window; but soon lights will be coming on one at a time in the houses on the hill. Each one is like a hole being punched in the early morning darkness as this beautiful Tennessee town wakes up.

So many wonderful people have punched holes in our darkness. They loved us, taught us, were generous with us, prayed for us, held us close, wiped our tears away (the list is long) until our darkness became bright. Be thankful for those who have illuminated your way.

This has been a difficult week in many ways. At times the light seemed dim, but never dark. How could it be dark with all the lights around us? There are always Lamplighters along our path to make the night a little brighter.

Each Sunday I survey the congregation as a Shepherd does the flock of beloved sheep. I know their stories; their joy and pain, and I marvel as these lights come together to lift up their lamps unto the Lord. This world didn’t blow them out. Worship happens when our lights ascend into the glorious beams of Heaven; and they become one.

Philippians 2:15 reminds us that Christians are to shine as lights in a crooked and twisted time. You are the light of the world. You cannot be hidden in darkness. Let your light shine so others can see the love and goodness of Christ.

Nothing gives more hope to a person who is lost in darkness than a light. You may think that your light is small and is of little help in this dark world. Always remember that the weakest light is stronger than the darkest dark.

My prayer is a simple song: “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp I pray, Keep me burning till the break of day.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – Give Me Oil In My Lamp”