Please do not reply to this email.
To respond to the devotional, please email
The Rev. Nick Dyke at ndyke@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
The Light of Christ

The Old Testament speaks to us about God's light:

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom need I fear? God is the fortress of my life, of whom should I be afraid? “

Micah 7:8 “When I sit in darkness The Lord will be a light to me.”

The New Testament is equally direct:

John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke to the people again, he said: ‘I am the light of the world: anyone, who follows me will not be walking in the dark: he will have the light of life.’”

John 12:37 "While you have the light, believe in the light and you will become children of the light."

The light of Christ manifests itself in different ways. It helps illuminate our path as we continue on our journey in life. It can also help us make good decisions that are more in keeping with God’s will. In seminary, I once wrote a letter of resignation over what I thought were important issues on the way a class was run, but our Lord shed light on my thinking; I had second thoughts and tore up the letter. The Lord got me to seminary and I don't think He wanted me to leave over a control issue. So, I stayed and I am very glad I did, especially in light of the 44-year ministry I’ve been able to enjoy by doing so.

After we have seen Christ's light and accepted it into our lives, Matthew 5:14-16 gives us some good advice. “We are not to take our light and place it under a cover, but rather in a place that it may be seen by others and seeing your good works they may give praise to your Father in heaven.”

The light we have to share is like that of a flashlight. The flashlight itself (us!) has no power, but with batteries (the power of the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ) we can illuminate the truth and a straight path for us and others to follow.

May the Light of Christ continue to shine in your heart and life and may it help others come to know Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for guidance
O God, By whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us ,in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do. That the spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light , and in thy straight path may not stumble ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(Book of Common Prayer, p.832)
The Rev. Nicolas "Nick" R.D. Dyke
Pastoral Associate
If you know someone who would like our daily devotions,
please forward your copy to a friend.