September 29, 2014 Let your light shine - "Why?"

We continue to look at the theme verse for the year.  We have answered who (you), what (let your light shine) and the when and where (anytime and anywhere/everywhere) in regards to letting our light shine.  This week we will look at why.  Why are we called to let our light shine?  The answer is right in the Matthew 5:16.  We are called to let our light shine so that others may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.  It is profound and simple.  We are called to this important task so that our light points others to God.   We don’t shine for our own sake or to win others to our own cause.  We are called to be faithful reflections of God’s image so that they will see a glimpse of our heavenly Father.  Doing good can also be seen as the manifestation of our faith.  We are called in Colossians 3, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Living our lives in response and in gratitude for all that Christ has accomplished and paid for on our behalf if good and holy to do. May you find purpose in shining for His kingdom.  ~Mr. Bouwers

 

September 22, 2014 Let your light shine! When and Where?

We have been exploring the 5 Ws in relation to the command from Jesus to let our light shine.  It has been established that we, as followers of Christ, are called to let our light shine.  This week I would like to look at when and where to let our light shine.

 

The easy answer is to let our light shine all the time anywhere and everywhere.  It is a simple enough message but the reality of being very intentional about making sure our light shines and to do this all the time is a daunting task.

 

I read the story of a woman who gave hope to many other women in a prisoner of war camp.  She organized a choir and an orchestra of sorts and invited the other women in the camp to join.  She provided hope and encouragement to all the women in the camp in dire circumstances.  She was very intentional about letting her light shine before others.  This woman, the key figure in the movie “Paradise Road” was used in an amazing way by God.  Shining her light in this dark place provided courage and hope. 

 

The only place not to shine our light would be under a bowl.  Let us be like a city on a hill or a light on a stand.  ~Mr. Bouwers

September 15, 2014 Let your light shine – The “what”?

Let your light shine.  It is a command not a request.  It’s a calling not an afterthought. It gives us the necessary vision and purpose we need to reflect the true nature of Jesus Christ our Lord.  It simplifies the message of our Christian calling but we all know it is not an easy way to live. We are commanded to let it shine because we are followers of Christ.  The beatitudes communicate Christ’s words and instruct us to live in His way.  As we live in this way we let our light shine.  I’ve mentioned before that there is nothing darkness can do against the light. Darkness cannot get so dark that it takes away the light.  On the other hand, light, by its very nature, dispels the darkness around it.  We are called not to hide or cover the light but to let it shine in every corner.  As classes, as a school and as a community we can shine our light into every corner of our neighbourhood, the broader community and throughout the world.  We are looking for ways to engage our community and shine His light.  Pray for our teachers and students that we may find ways for our learning and living to send flickers and glimmers to all those around.  

September 8, 2014 Let Your Light Shine –Who?

You. That is the answer to the question.  Who is to let their light shine?  It’s you.  In Matthew 5:14 Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.”  This reminds me of a children’s message I heard in church.  The moon does not have its own light; in fact it can be quite dark.  The moon reflects the light of the sun.  The moon is the light that governs the light only because of the sun, its true source of light.  In another analogy, a mirror is used to reflect the light from a flash light.  The mirror can only reflect the light when it is facing the light, when it is intentionally pointed in the direction of the light then it can reflect that light in various directions.  We are the light of the world because we are followers of the true source of light, Jesus Christ. Jesus says in John 8, I am the light of the world.  

We are the light of the world as we become the children of light mentioned in John 12.  Jesus, the great I am made flesh, is the genesis of our light.  Let us let our light shine as we reflect the image of our Creator as seen in His son Jesus.  Who again? That’s right, it’s you, it’s me, it is all of us as a community of Christ. 

September 2, 2014 Let your light Shine

Let your light shine.  The words from Matthew 5:16 follow the Beatitudes with these words, “In the same way…”  This, of course, is referring to putting a light on a stand in the house so everyone can see.  In doing so the light is shared as it casts out the darkness and shadows of every corner in the room.  In the same way, we are called to shine as obvious as a city up on a hill for everyone to see. We are to be that obvious and that bold.  We are called not to hide our light under a bowl but let it shine, all the time.  Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world.  Let us combine our lights to shine even brighter for our King.  It is written like a command or a task from God, “…let your light shine before men.”  As we unpack what that means at PCS we will discuss the who, what, where, when, why and how of this passage in light of the beatitudes.

 

We are so thankful to have an amazing God who loves and cares for us and this school.  The staff members are excited to teach and train your children this year.  Welcome back to our returning families and a special welcome to all of our new families.  Ask your child about the new students in their class and find ways to be warm and welcoming to our newest community members.  One way we do this is at the Welcome Back Social on Thursday.  We look forward to seeing you there. ~ Mr. Bouwers