Let your light shine~

Dear Friends,
I've been thinking about this lately (well, about a lot of things, but this has been a big one.)
A friend of mine said something recently that stuck with me... he said something to the effect of; "I believe that there is going to be a growing distinction between the unbelievers, and Christians." 
It just struck me that this is a growing battle... people are coming to the place where they have to choose. Choose between life, and death. We,  as "children of the day" have to let HIS light shine through us into this dark world. Or are we afraid? Do we want the world's approval? Is that stopping us from being the light we are called to be?
Life is so short, what are we going to do with the time we have left? Are we going to make the most of it... are we going to let our light, HIS light, shine through us? I guess this is just so important for me because I've been afraid for so long... I've been wanting the world's approvel. I'm learning, (yes, sadly I'm a slow learner.) that it doesn't matter what anybody thinks.... am I pleasing God in the way I talk, think, and act? Because my life, the life that I have given back to Him, is my candle to the world. The light that only shines bright when Christ is the head of my life, and my only thought is HIM.

"Every secret, every shame
Every fear, every pain
Live inside the dark
But that's not who we are
We are children of the day

So wake up sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left...

We are called to the spread the news
Tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save, there's freedom in His Name
So let His love break through" -Kari Jobe ::We are::

Another thing that I've been learning (again) is that nothing; simply nothing is about me. When I get hurt by someone I love, and my heart cries out in pain.... I just need to remind myself this life isn't about me. I've realized that when I respond in anger, or pain it's because I am focused on me, and my feelings; when in all honesty I should be thinking about the example I'm setting.... about what Jesus would want me to do, and say.
I don't deserve to be thinking about me... because I am nothing. If Jesus wouldn't have died on that cross, I would die, and go to hell. Because I was a sinner, but am now saved by grace.

"May the love that caught my heart to set it free
Be the love that others see in me
And may this hope that reaches to the depths of human need
Be the song that I sing in joy and suffering

For You are the love that never leaves
The friend that won't deceive
You're the one sure thing

Faithful God, every promise kept
Every need You've met, faithful God
All I am and all I'll ever be
Is all because You love faithfully
Faithful God" -Laura Story ::Faithful God::

So I just want to encourage you, my friends in Christ.. stand strong. You've got the whole host of heaven on your side.Let His light shine brightly, and turn your face to His wonderful majesty, and love.
Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. -Ephesians 6:10

Amy Jane