As Sue and I were driving to Catoosa on the Port road this morning, I noticed something
that started me thinking (thank you Jesus). The road is being widened and for several
miles on the east end of it construction is on going. The area between the existing road
and the construction is cordoned off by the famous 'Orange Barrels' that we in
Oklahoma know so well. That's not unusual, in fact it's fairly common around here.
What caught my eye was this.
The barrrels had been in place so long that you had to look twice just to see the orange
on them. They had been exposed to the wind, dirt, rain, splashing crud from traffic, and
God only knows what else, so long that only their shape gave away what they really
were. And an orange barrel intended to alert you and warn you is meaningless if you
can't see it.
That's when this thought crossed my mind, "How many Christians have been so blasted
by the rain, wind, dirt, storms, and crud of life, that they are covered with it and it is
hiding their true identity as Believers in Jesus Christ?" And, what about me?
The enemy attacks us constantly. The things of this world tear at us, and wear on us
constantly. If we are not careful, and responsible with our witness, it can be hidden, or
even lost.
Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7, but specifically 5:14-16) about
being 'light'. In verse 1-4, "You are the light of the world". And in verse 1-6, "Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorilv God you
Father in Heaven." In verse 15, "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but
on a lamostand. and it qives lisht to all who are in the house."
We are preparing for Vacation Bible School and our theme this year is "SHINE WITH
JESUS". I want to suggest to you that we shine the brightest when we allow Jesus to
wash off all the crud of this world that gets blown on us, thrown on us, and stuck to us,
even after we become Christians, and often because we are Christians. The enemy is
satisfied with robbing you of your testimony even when he can't rob you of your
salvation.
That's why quiet times are so important, and it is also why our Invitation includes what
we call 'rededication'. Rededication is not being saved again, rededication is being
'refreshed'in Christ. It's periodically washing all the crud off and getting back to where
we need to be with Jesus. It is letting nothing block Jesus, The Light of the world that
shines from within our spirits.
Pray for VBS. and Shine With Jesus Blessings, Prayers, and Agape,

                                           May God Bless You, 

                                             Bro. Tom and Sue