Reflection Time:

Well, it's been a long journey, but somehow you have gotten here, to this specific spot in your life where you want to dig deeper and find a more personal relationship with God - and on behalf of all Christians of this world: welcome to the family.

We've talked a lot about finding the light and keeping that light strong despite the darkness that tries to surround us, but the truth is God will never let that light go out.

'So be strong and take courage for all you who put your hope in the Lord!' Psalm 31:24

Thinking back on all of those camp songs, or church hymns, etc. songs like 'This Little Light of Mine' and DC Talk's 'In the Light' come to mind - but what do the words really mean to you?

So often we talk about the light of God being 'a lamp unto my feet' (Psalm 119) or that "Satan's not gonna blow it out", but when we're singing/reciting these words how often do we say them with conviction, meaning and truthfulness? Let me tell you, it can be a difficult thing to says something and actually mean it. From personal experience, I can guarantee you that there have been struggles in my life that I still need to overcome, even at the ripe age - well, over 21. My continuous relationship with God is one that I know will never end but there is a certain excitement in that because of how much I know our relationship gets to expand. And yes, God is going to have me shine my light nice and high for everyone to see, sometimes when Iím feeling low, sad, embarrassed, happy, joyful, or excited amongst other things.

Scripture Time:

Light is a very important element of God's power as seen in:

Genesis1: 1-5, the creation of light

Matthew 5: 14-16, Jesus as the Light of the World

Ephesians 5: 8-14 Wake up and smell the coffee!

How many times have we heard of this expression?
Many people use this phrase without thinking what it really means. And no,
unfortunately it doesn't mean that one should wake up and smell the amazing
aroma of a cup of Starbucks coffee. (yum!)

In my opinion, it means that we should wake up from a life of complacency,
from a life full of pointless routines and especially from a life of
spiritual deadness.

God calls us to WAKE UP! From the numbness created in our lives by routine
and to make the most of every opportunity, make the most of our lives here
on Earth. If we are awake, God promises to shine light unto us and be a
blessing in our lives and through us be a blessing to others:

"I will make you a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name
great, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you and all people of the Earth will be blessed
through you."
(Genesis 12:2-3 NIV)

This is what God promised Abraham millions of years ago and fulfilled that
promise! Now God offers this promise to us! God wants us to be awake and
alert to shine that light unto others, showing the wonderful love of Christ
through our words and actions. So once you start thinking about it, wouldnít
you want to wake up and smell the coffee?

CHECK IT OUT!
Ephesians 5:14 - "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will
shine on you."

Diana Merino is 18 and from Waterloo, ON.