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The Parable of the Lamp (Remix)

Janice Alonso

Copyright © 2020 Janice Alonso All rights reserved.

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Author’s Comment:

I’ve been publishing these devotional reprints for three months. As I write this “pre-part” of the story, I am entering into my fourteen day of quarantine. Now more than ever, I am discovering that these old, journal like pieces are blessings to me in so many ways. At first I foolishly thought I was putting them out there for others, but I see they are meant for me as well. I received an email from someone thanking me for these devotions. It always uplifts my heart when a reader takes the time to respond to a story. These writings are not mine. God is using me to recognize circumstances that are “slice-of-life” situations giving humans a camaraderie for our Earthly journey. These joys and heartaches unite us and strengthen us in a “we’re all in this together” comfort zone. I am simply God’s vessel to present these personal glimpses of what the Christian life offers. In fact, Christians are not different from anyone else except we have the love of God and the guidance of Jesus Christ to journey with us. Just as the experience talked about in “The Parable of the Rich Fool (Remix)” prompted this project, so did that reader’s kind words through an email encourage me to continue with the publications, and it inspired me to write “The Parable of the Lamp (Remix).” As I begin these spring releases, I pray that each of you will discover God’s purpose for your life. May your days be filled with joy from that purpose, and that joy will shine as a light through you so it spreads to others. Hang in there fellow humans as we travel these uncharted roads together with the best guide ever . . .

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The Parable of the Lamp (Remix)

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in a house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:14-16)

When the idea to release past, published articles came into my thoughts, I had mixed feelings. There exists a fine line between promoting self and glorifying God. I wanted to make sure my reason for this project was not motivated by selfish reasons. For me, that meant I needed to lift up these thoughts in prayer, listening for affirmation that this was what God wanted. There is a continual warfare playing out in each of us humans. God blesses us richly and we receive joy from these blessings. On the other side are the evil forces telling us we’re unworthy of these blessings and not up to whatever is being placed before us. These forces warn that what we’re doing is riddled with pride. The latter concern is a valid argument. Are we bragging about “accomplishments” or revealing to others what happens when an individual follows God’s purpose in his/her life? Being joyful is God-given; being proud is self-serving. So, what are we to do? First, I look at the blessing. In my case, it is the gift of writing, and this gift is undeniably divinely-generated. I’ve always been a reader, and even as a small child, I made up short stories and kept diaries. Because of these interests, I was led to pursue a degree in English Literature and Grammar. As a career and as a volunteer, God called me to become a teacher. Looking back at my younger self, I can’t recall any one specific moment of recognizing a “destiny.” It wasn’t that

dramatic. I just did what I enjoyed doing. At my age now, I believe it was God allowing me to receive joy from my work and service, and more important, He was leading me toward a ministry that would use these talents for his mission. I was in training all that time. Second, I think recognizing the blessing as a gift was crucial because this is where a human keeps pride at bay. God placed the gift of writing within me during my formation. Thus, it is not pride from “my” talent, but gratitude at having received the talent. Third, the joy continues and blossoms in mega dimensions when I can place these writings before others. Not only does God bless me with these past experiences, He presents multiple other opportunities for me to use and reuse this gift. If I keep this joy to myself, I am more likely to have pride grow within me. By sharing these stories, God is using me as a vessel to spread His message and encourage others to find their gifts. If you are blessed as an athlete, chef, teacher, gardener . . . whatever . . . that is your gift. Openly receive this talent and develop it in a partnership with God everyday through prayer, practice, and education. Then share the fruits of your labors with others so that God’s goodness overtakes the world. Don’t put your light under a bowl; hold that light high for others so they can see their purposes as well.

The End

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