Today is the day our country sets aside to honor Martin Luther King, Jr..
Dr. King has many famous quotes. I’d like to share three with you and show you the scripture to coincide with them.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” -Dr. MLK, Jr.
Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was there with God in the beginning. Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him. In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it. John 1:1-5 ERV
We heard the true teaching from God. Now we tell it to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness. 1 John 1:5 -ERV
“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV
In the Bible we are told that Jesus is the Light. He shines on and shines through the darkness of this world. In this Light there is life…abundant life. It is only through a true relationship with God’s Son that darkness can be turned into a life of light. When you have The Light within you, you are called to love. With God’s love, not your own, evilness and hatred can and will be conquered. It’s your choice…hate or love.
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” -Dr. MLK, Jr.
“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 ERV
The night is almost finished. The day is almost here. So we should stop doing whatever belongs to darkness. We should prepare ourselves to fight evil with the weapons that belong to the light. Romans 13:12 ERV
If we are true believers in Jesus Christ and His word, we are to be a light, shining brightly for Him. Our world is full of darkness, yet we need to remember that our Lord Jesus Christ has already overcome darkness. Our world today…This too shall pass. So in the meantime, until He comes again, we are to shine for Him. Stop living as if you are in darkness. Do right in His sight. Show others how to live for Christ and have hope, love, and joy.
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” -Dr. MLK, Jr.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. Matthew 5:43-44 ERV
Above I mentioned that you have a choice…hate or love. My friend, God commands us to love. Jesus Christ said that this is the greatest command. When we truly follow Him and His teachings, one cannot help but radiate love. Loving my enemy? Seriously? Yes! Those are the ones who need our prayers and shown love the most. And while you’re at it, pray for your own attitude. I’ve found this to be humbly helpful when having to love those who are my enemies.
As I reread the very first sentence of today’s journal entry, I am reminded that we need to set aside everyday to honor Jesus Christ. Are you with me?
Dr. MLK, Jr did have many famous quotes, but he doesn’t have anything on God. Open up your bible and allow God to breathe His words into you. These are words to live by.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Ponder:
- Do I have The Light in me (a personal relationship with Jesus Christ)?
- How can I be light (show God’s love) to those around me?
- Ask God to reveal any darkness within you. Beg Him (as painful as it may be) to bring it into the light, so that you can be made right with Him and be the light for others.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to shine bright for You. I want to be the star that shines in the darkness. I pray for our country and the hatred that runs rampant across our land. May love overflow from each child of God and be contagious to others. You have already overcome the world, so please let others trust in You and shine brightly with Your love. Amen
(The above photo is borrowed from a NY Times article I found on google search.)