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Glow in the Dark – Phosphorescent

Your self-image and purpose are directly affected by what you believe about yourself. Who or what informs your beliefs? Billions of dollars are spent to convince us to look, dress, buy, admire, acquire and be a certain way. The culture of Ephesus held physical beauty and fitness as the ideal. In order to be accepted and worthy, an individual had to meet a standard. Babies born with defects were discarded. To be less than the desired image brought shame. The early church at Ephesus had to overcome a great deal of cultural influence to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Yet it was a message so greatly needed. Imagine hearing that God chose you; Christ died for you; God adopted you as His child after living in a society filled with rejection and the fear of not measuring up. The message of Jesus Christ brought hope and freedom. Making God the source of information changed everything…it gave purpose and identity in Christ like no one had ever known.

Scriptures
Eph 1:4-8, 16-19; Zep 3:17

Verse
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Eph 3:17-19)

Thought
An acorn falls to the ground with a purpose to become a mighty oak—grow roots, find water! The taproot is the main root from which all other roots grow. Finding a water source determines the outcome. As Christians, we are not so different than the acorn. Finding the right source of nourishment, putting our roots in God’s word, informs our identity and helps fulfil our purpose. Staying plugged into God’s love through his word is vital. It is life and power. It reminds us of who we are and who we belong to. We grow when we draw from God’s word. We also need to shut out the world’s messages. We are barraged with images and messages that run counter to what God’s word has to say about us. Find a way to block out as much as you can. Staying plugged into God’s word will help a lot! Then reflect God’s love to others. In this you serve God, others and nourish your own soul in ways you never imagined. This world needs the light and love of Jesus Christ. Get glowing and burn brightly.

Questions
How does society’s message influence your identity? How does society’s message influence your purpose? What causes you to doubt your identity or purpose? How do you ground yourself when you are feeling shame, guilt or loss? Are you shining God’s light on those around you? Would your family and/or friends say you glow? Explain why or why not. If you aren’t glowing, what do you need to do to amp it up? Who is the most glowing person you know? Why?

Response
Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer. Get a digital Bible on your phone or tablet. Get one that reads to you while you drive to work. Be creative in nourishing your soul! Commit to share God’s love with someone each and every day. How many touches for Christ can you have in this week’s game?

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for accepting me just as I am. Your love never fails even when I fail miserably. May I reflect your love to those around me and share your light! Thank you for your presence in my life and thank you for your word that provides strength and nourishment to grow. Help me to glow for you. In Jesus Name I pray, amen!

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