I Peter 2:9 - "Light of the World"

I prayed for pastors before going to sleep, during the night, and again this morning. There is so much 'junk' in this world to deal with but I would have to say COVID is a common aspect of life for all pastors. This virus has effected all in one way or another. Some had it themselves or in family members. Loss of loved ones and/or people in their churches is common. Reading of churches being closed due to COVID breaks my heart. I am thankful for those who have an on-line presence to continue getting the Gospel out to this hurting world. Every time I was awake Lauren Daigle's song "Light of the World" was going through my mind. 

Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
Glory to the light of the world
For all who wait
For all who hunger
For all who've prayed
For all who wonder
Behold your King
Behold Messiah
Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Yes! He is the "Light of the World" who desires us to accept Him as such. He desires us to embrace His love so we can share His love. I was reading the background of this song. Daigle talked about the four hundred years between the New and Old Testament. She spoke of God being silent. "There was stillness in the world, people were searching." I do not see stillness in today's world. Instead I see craziness. I do not see peace today in many people but see chaos. COVID has caused a lot of division, pain, disruption in life, etc. It has taken a lot of lives. Through all of this God is still the Light of the World to all who will allow Him. He is Emmanuel to all who will accept Him as being their God with them. God continues to be exactly what I need every day. He continues to heal the hurts of my heart. Yesterday was such a joy being with Ben, Emily, and the kids. Hearing "Grandma Sheila!" warms my heart. Watching them devour my ham balls makes me feel so good. Hearing Mr. Beckett say, "Your ham balls are the best!" made me feel so loved. Watching them open their presents and smiling made me feel good. Listening to Ben and Miss Evelyn play and sing brought tears to my eyes. I thought about how much Rickey enjoyed listening to them and being with them. He always said they would do well as they continued in the area of music. After they left and I was reflecting on the day I felt such joy for all we shared throughout the afternoon. I also felt sadness for Rickey not being here to share the day with me. Grief is so hard. I know from experience it will get better with time but I also know right now is hard. Before falling asleep last night I asked God to continue to give me what I need for these 'tough' days. i don't want to miss anything from Him by having my focus off. 

Dear Jesus, Thank You so much for the time with Ben, Emily, and the kids yesterday! Thank You for loving on us so greatly! Thank You for Glenda stopping over last night! What a blessing she is to many! I pray for her to truly have a Sabbath today. Thank You for waking me during the night to pray for pastors. My heart breaks for many who are going through 'tough' days due to COVID. May You be greater than the hurts of life. I pray the same for others going through 'tough' days. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Tony and Madeline; Cait; Mike; Norma Hall; Carrie; Little Jensen who needs a heart; many with COVID; Sharon Sebolt; the Pottenger Family; Serena's husband; some young ladies with anxiety; a man in rehab for anger issues; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; a husband/father separated from his wife; Cyndi; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Doug and Gay; Sharon's daughter Ashley and niece Amy; Chrissy's cousin; George and Sharon; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Elaine Stoltzfus; Tammie; and Little Ivy. Father, I also pray for a friend who is undergoing testing for possible mesothelioma. Lord, be so real to her in these days.  I ask You to wrap Your loving arms around families who had recent losses. Bill, Ashley, Polings, Jennifer's co-worker, and the family of a wife/mother who took her last breath yesterday afternoon. May all be surrounded by people who will love on them with Your love. I pray against pain in Matthew's recovery from shoulder surgery. I pray Your continued strength for Anna, Michael, Matt and myself as we continue this road of grief. Lord, cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You flow richly from my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts today. May what You have given me to preach not only be accepted but be embraced. Thank You for being My Light of the World! Amen.