AFOJ back cover

John the Baptist was a forerunner. His mission was to point people to the One who was to come.

In our generation there are many who have a similar calling – to prophetically prepare the way of the Lord, and point people to Jesus.

The anointing for writing worship songs came suddenly on me when I was in my mid-thirties. The flow was so strong, I was writing several songs a day for months. Most of them I intended as evangelistic songs of testimony. This was how my light shined.

The first “album” of these songs was called “A Friend of John’s”, and this verse from John 1 was the guiding verse and the featured artwork on the back cover.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:6-8

The calling to be a light, to show people Jesus is not limited to a chosen few. It is an assignment for all lovers of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says:

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Letting your light shine is a choice of lifestyle and attitude. It’s not always easy, but it is possible. When tensions and conflicts and troubles prevail, we have to chose the heavenly perspective. The Lord’s love for you is everlasting.

“I [the Lord] have loved you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord’s faithful, everlasting, tender loving and concern for us is reason to “let go” of current troubles. Believe the Lord is working it all out for good. That’s reason enough to have peace of mind and rejoice authentically.

Let nothing steal your joy. Then your light will shine and you will indeed be a witness to the light. You too will be “a friend of John’s”.

Amen!

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About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for January 27: Exodus 4:1-5:21; Matthew 18:1–20; Psalms 22:19-31; Proverbs 5:15-21

Our church is also on a reading plan of four chapters per day, starting in the New Testament. Today is John 1-4.