HOLY REFLECTORS AND REFRACTORS

For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

 

A lovely antique prism hangs in my window. On bright days it refracts the sun and sends brilliant rainbows dancing around the room.

It is a beautiful reminder of God’s love.

If the crystal were silver, the sun’s beauty would reflect its source, but would not refract with clear brilliancy on everything around it. That is like us, dear ones, when we receive God’s grace.

It’s a marvelous truth that when we give our hearts to Christ Jesus, our eternal home with Him is secure. We worship Him with adoration and praise, reflecting His love back to Him in humble gratefulness.

But wait, there’s more—if God intended for that to be all He desired for us, why wouldn’t He have taken us to Paradise right then and there?

He leaves us on earth to be His body, loving and doing good works. In communion with Him we are strengthened and empowered to let His light pass through us to others, so their eyes can be opened to the life-giving power of His love.

His plan is like an infinite circle of love beginning with Him and returning to Him. As His Word says in 1 John 4:19, We love because He first loved us.

During this process of holy reflection and refraction as our hearts are lit with His love, we shower the light of it on others, helping to complete the circle.

Father, change our hearts from silver to purest crystal so we shine Your love on everyone we meet, pointing them to Your saving grace. 

©2020 Bonnie Mae Evans

MESSENGER FROM THE DEEP

Praise the Lord, from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths. Psalm 148:7 (NIV)

A pastor friend shared with me a special moment God allowed him that morning as he communed with God at the seashore. While he watched the sun rising over the ocean, it cast golden shimmers across the waves. At that precise moment in time the great body of a humpback whale surfaced directly within his line of vision. The sun and all creation seemed to hold its breath to behold this elusive marvel of the deep.

What are the chances at that exact moment in time my friend would be looking in that direction? He was overwhelmed to be the recipient of God’s perfect timing as God spoke to his heart through the awesomeness of nature.

Who am I Lord, that You would bless me with a glimpse of Your mighty wonders? What is the message You are sending me?

These thoughts swirled around in his mind as he stood gazing at the waters as they closed once again concealing the massive creature.

Perhaps God wanted to punctuate His majesty and power as He orchestrated this thrilling event. At the same time all over the world, He was speaking to other hearts in ways special to them. Perhaps He was saying, “I see you standing there worshipping and seeking me. I love you deeper than the deepest ocean.” Perhaps God wanted you to share the glory of His creation with others. Perhaps He only wanted to spend an extraordinary moment with you at daybreak, my friend.

Oh Loving Father, how amazed we are by all of the wonders You have made. You are worthy of all our praise. We see Your hand in all creation as nature draws our eyes and hearts back to You. Amen.

©2016 Bonnie Mae Evans