Years ago, I became part of “The Lighthouse Movement,” a coalition of Christians representing churches around the world. Our goal is to pray for and care for our neighbors while looking for opportunities to share our beliefs. “I am convinced that if we Christians can mobilize and equip our people to get out of the church walls and into their neighborhoods, schools and offices and establish Lighthouses for our neighbors, we can witness an amazing movement of God…” (Lighthouse Movement Prayer Guide)

 

Jesus said to the people: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12) In other words, we are called to be light while remembering that Jesus is the source: the Lighthouse.

 

The Lighthouse Movement revolves around a simple process: Choose three to four people in your neighborhood, school or workplace.

 

  1. Pray: Pray for them regularly by name and ask God to use you as an influence.
  2. Care: Look for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love with simple <st1:bcv_smarttag>acts of caring.
  3. Share: Trust God to provide an opportunity to share your faith in an appropriate way.

 

Just before facing the cross, Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit.” (John 15:5) In other words, “Jesus is the lighthouse; you are the light. If you stay connected to the source of your light, the lighthouse in you will shine brightly and guide many lost ships and lost souls safely home.”

 

Choose three to five people: 1. Pray, 2. Care, 3. Share.

 

Would you like an example? Sometimes we overlook the obvious. The light of those we see every day, such as those lights within your family, a mother who believed in you, a spouse who supported you, and children who trusted you. How has your family been a light for you?

 

Pray, Care, Share: “Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:5)

 

There is the light which appears suddenly and burns brightest when you need it most. What would we do without their example? For me there was:

 

  • A boss who believed in me and taught the meaning of, “you can do anything if you try.”
  • An author and motivational speaker who strengthened my commitment to serving God.
  • An unknown missionary who warned me: “Larry, keep your nose buried in God’s Word.
  • An elderly lady who opened her home and heart for me as a struggling seminary student.
  • A neighbor who stayed awake all night and helped me through a devastating divorce.

 

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.” (Mat. 5:14)

 

For years, Frances Hardy has been such a lighthouse for her church. If you ever visited the adult Sunday school class she taught for many years you would quickly sense the glow from her light. Visitors were showered with hospitality inspired by her example. I can still remember her walking up to me, taking both of my hands in hers and saying: “God loves you and I love you.”

 

Frances is mostly homebound now but recently, she made a surprise appearance at a Sunday worship service. At ninety plus, she could barely walk and could hardly see but she wanted to come to her church. At one point, she raised her hand and asked to speak to the congregation. “I have served this church for many years and I want you to know that I have loved every minute of it. I want each of you to know how much I love our new pastor, how much I love our church and how much I love all of you.”

 

Several years ago, one pastor wrote after visiting her: “I met Frances at the hospital. She told me about the beginnings of our church. She told me of her experiences with God and how she touched lives. She told me about the Sunday school class she taught. When I glanced at my watch it was 7:30. She told me how much she loved the church. Now it wasn’t all spiritual. She also told me about her driving reputation, the little old ladies in her Sunday school class, playing bridge, and more. She told me about the loss of her husband and son. When I left it was after 9:30. I told her that if she could bless others like she did me, she wasn’t through by a long shot. I spent the evening with a special woman and got so much more than I could have expected.”

 

Do you want to be a lighthouse for God? Choose three to five people: 1. Pray, 2. Care, 3. Share.

 

Who was a lighthouse for you? Write me at LarryDavies@PrayWithYou.org. Next week: More Lighthouses.