We The Steeple

14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.

Common English Bible. Nashville, TN: Common English Bible, 2011. Print.

Let us Pray:

Neoga Grace’s building is just over 14 years old. The beautiful recessed lighting is hidden during the day, but if you pass by it at night it is a beautiful sight. The beauty is improved upon by the churches steeple. The steeple projects a light from the inside that turns the highest point of the church into a beacon for the community. The light is not designed to go downward, like the lights on the building, but instead are designed to beam outward, inviting others to Christ.

The light on the steeple is always on. It never has the option of turning off. Just like the city that is made on the hill, it has no option of being hidden. It is not designed to be hidden and neither are we. Neither is our church nor is God.

The Church, it’s people, our people of Christ’s church, our Hope in Christ is designed to be projected outward in times of trial and tribulation. Christ tells us that we are to be like a lamp, light for other people’s journey.

The church steeple is a lot like a lighthouse.

My parents took us on countless vacations to the great lakes area as a child. I think they were getting us as close to the ocean as my dad’s vacation time would allow. Multiple times we went to Duluth Minnesota. Duluth is a beautiful town on Lake Superior. The lake and the shipping industry is an important aspect of their history. Trips to Duluth are not complete without a drive to see the Superior Entry Light House. The light house has protected ships from the rocky shore and notified ships they were near Duluth.

Duluth is cold even in summer. The water of the Great Lakes is even colder. The wind rushes off of the lake creates waves, even on the nicest of days there is a strong wind. The large ships must contend with this strong wind. They must also contend with large storms. Thus, the necessity of Light Houses.

Light houses are not necessary during a clear day. When everything is clear and there is no fog, light houses are just pretty pieces of architecture. But when the sun goes down, and the fog comes out, or the clouds get dark, and the waves get large and the ships begin to rock from side to side, the passengers on those ships and the Captains that guide them depend on the Light house to guide them, give them hope and lead them home. The same is true for our church.

When the seas of life get rough, when we are asked to not go to work, when we are asked to isolate away from those we do not live with, when health is uncertain, when school is uncertain, when employment is uncertain, that is when the light of Christ’s people need to shine as a beacon of hope!

That is the role of the church today. For the immediate future, we must live into our mission, we must live out Christ’s vision. To bring hope to the hopeless. To remind those who have lost hope, that it still exists. To bring the Good News of Christs love to the destitute and those surrounded by desolate lands. To bring a community that is not based on proximity but is based on the proclamation of Christ’s love. Just because we can’t gather in person, doesn’t mean that we cannot live our mission and purpose in this world.

There are people being rocked by isolation, fear of disease, hunger, loneliness, financial stress, boredom, uncertainty, wild kids and uncontrollable parents. How is Christ calling us to shine God’s light into the midst of all of that? …..When we are witnessing these issues in others but also facing them ourselves, how are we going to shine the light of Christ for others to see?

Prayer

Let God be the start of your day. Start every day with prayer before you get out of bed or reach for your phone.

Pray with your partner/spouse.

Pray with your children at bedtime and at meals.

Allow your children to see you pray. (lead by example.)

Teach your children the Lords Prayer

Study Scripture

Open your Bible App or Bible every day. Journal as you read. If you are looking for verses addressing worry or fear, start with these.

Hebrews 13:16 — Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

Psalm 91 — The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. (v. 1)

2 Chronicles 7:14 — [A]nd my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

2 Timothy 1:7 — For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Philippians 4:6-7 — Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Check in on each other. Faith is about community. We are a family of faith. We want to encourage others.

Phone call or text message

Via social media. (But pay attention to how much time you are giving to virtual living.)

Send an old fashion letter to someone

Be Socially Responsible. Stay Home. Don’t act like you are trying to not catch the virus, act like you have the virus. This provides an example for others, including children.

If you joined us today and want to know ways to be connected to one of our churches, please email pastor Rob at [e-mail]

This is what light houses do. They project a light so others can see land. In turbulent times, it is important to know where the rocks are. In times of isolation, it is a joy to know where the land is.

May our steeple continue to be a lighthouse for others.