Light Up the World in the Name of Jesus 

I have friends from childhood that live about seven or so hours away.  We have corresponded for most of our lives,  probably started in our early teen years. Our mothers became friends when they were both newlyweds. They consistently wrote letters to each other monthly for most of their lives. They kept the postal path between them lit up for over sixty-five years. 

The main thing that I remember about all of her letters was the way she signed them. She always signed letters or cards with, “Love and prayers, Bonnie.” Even if she just wrote a little note stuck into a package with a gift, it still said,  “Love and prayers, Bonnie.”  That is just a vivid memory that I have of her.  She was sharing a little bit of God’s light through those three words.

When we read the letters that Paul the Apostle wrote, he would greet his readers in the name of Jesus.  Although, different than most letters today but typical for that time period, he would sometimes put the greeting at the end of the letter.  We see this in the book of Philippians. 

At the end of Philippians (4:21-22) Paul is wrapping up his letter and presenting his greetings from himself and his companions. He writes and sends his hello to all his brothers and sisters in Christ (there in Philippi). He told them their friends that were with him also sent their greetings, especially those that were part of Ceasar’s household, since Paul was most likely residing in a Roman house prison at this time. Paul’s greetings were easily remembered.

Do we leave people with something to remember, a little bit of Light, when they recall our communications with them? 

At every encounter, whether in person, over the phone. via email or good old snail mail,  try to find a way to leave a little bit of Jesus with those you come in contact with.  

I truly believe in God’s Word. I believe even passages that may seem inconsequential have a purpose for being there. How could we apply this closing passage of Philippians to our lives?  We can find more ways, possibly even Biblical references, that are relatable to use when interacting with others.  We can reach out to brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage them in the name of Jesus.

What does this passage of scripture mean to my faith?  It is another passage that is a reference for how I can live my faith out for the world to see. It strengthens my faith when time after time God’s Word models the right way to approach situations. 

Let’s get out there and spread a little Jesus light to the world! 

Lord, thank you for providing this letter to the Philippians.  Help me to heed the words that Paul has written.  Help me to show Your love to all of those around me and that I come into contact with. Help me to be an encourager and lift others up to You. 

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“21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s.” Philippians 4:21-22 (KJV)  

“10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only [are my] fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 12 Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.” Colossians 4:10-14 (KJV)

“23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.” Philemon 1:23,24 (KJV)

“2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their’s and our’s:” 1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)

“21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.” Romans 16:21-22 (JJV) 

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What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe?  Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him?  He can light up your world! You can know Him.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity.  You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.  

Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ! PeaceWithGod.net

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Blog Image by Margarita Kochneva from Pixabay