Last Sunday, we were blessed as the Ladies of Barbee’s Grove led our service. The music was beautiful. The message by Mrs. Rozena Tucker was heartwarming. Thanks to all of you who participated. Our church is honored to have you in our fellowship.
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You will realize that I have had “quite a few birthdays”, when I tell you that when I first became a Pastor, I had church members who lived in homes that had no electricity. When it grew dark, they went to bed, or lit a candle or lantern. Usually, they lit a kerosene lantern. Even today, some of us keep a lantern on hand —just in case—there is a prolonged power outage. I remember that Pamela and I bought our own lanterns soon after we were married. [If someone reading this has no idea what a kerosene lantern looks like, get some older friend to show you the one they have]

The base of the lantern was a reservoir that held kerosene. There was a wick that went down into the oil, then up through a device that allowed you to adjust the light. All was contained within a glass globe that enabled the fire to be contained. After the wick was lit, it could be adjusted to give the most light to the room. Properly adjusted, a lantern gave a warm glow to the room. Light came when there was oil in the reservoir, the wick touched the oil, fire touched the top of the wick, and all was properly adjusted. All four were needed to provide the maximum light.

Jesus said to His followers, “You are the light of the world”. [Matthew 5:14] In a sense, we are God’s lanterns in a world that is increasingly being darkened by sin. You and I are the wicks that need to be lit with the fire of God to show the light of Jesus. If we are to give proper light, exhibiting Jesus to the world, we must have:
   …Oil—In the Bible, oil is often used to represent the Holy Spirit. Some folks have trouble giving forth the light of Jesus because they believe “The Days of Oil have ceased”. Others believe, but like the foolish virgins of Matthew 25:1-13 they don’t spend enough time with the Lord to keep their oil supplies replenished. Only those with a reservoir full of Holy Spirit oil are prepared to give light.
   …The fire of God to touch us to become lit with God’s presence. There is an old song that goes: “Set my soul afire Lord, Set my soul afire”. When that is our prayer of surrender, the Lord will do what we ask.
   …Proper adjustment—A lantern can, barely give light, become smoky and fog up the glass globe, or it can be adjusted to give a beautiful glow. When we are totally surrendered to the Lord and open to His correction and direction, He will adjust us. He will show us attitude changes, habit changes, word changes, lifestyle changes, etc. that will enable to shine the brightest for Jesus.

Let us commit to a life full of the Holy Spirit, on fire for Jesus, and always ready for the Lord to make any needed changes in our life. Then Jesus will shine brightly through us.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Keep shining brightly

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church