An Encouraging Word- Shine! (February 22, 2026)

An Encouraging Word - Shine!
February 22, 2026

    This weekend I was able to go to the Winter Jam Christian concert with our church youth group. One of the headlining artists was Chris Tomlin (one of my favorites).  Tomlin was interviewed in the pre-show before the concert started. He was asked how he handled being famous around the world for his songs. His response was really thoughtful. He said his job was to be like the moon.  You see, the moon creates no light on its own. It only reflects the light of the Sun back into the darkness of the solar system..  Tomlin said that we as Christians need to remember to be like the moon too. Instead of shining for ourselves we need to be the people that can reflect the light of Jesus Christ back into the darkness of this world. 

    Jesus reminded his disciples of this same concept in Matthew 5:14- 16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven .”
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    Such a simple thing, but so important. Shine through our lives , Lord Jesus, to this world that has lost its way. You, Lord, still save, restore, and redeem Your children! 

Shine, Jesus, Shine!

Scriptures to Hide In Your Heart:
Isaiah 9:2 (English Standard Version)
“ The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
    on them has light shone.”

John 1:5 (English Standard Version)
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. “


Songs to Encourage You:

This Little Light of Mine  (Caleb + Kelsey)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czjs-_MvDIk&list=RDCzjs-_MvDIk&start_radio=1

Let the Beauty of Jesus (Eversham Community Church)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3efsAZweirM&list=RD3efsAZweirM&start_radio=1

Wonderful (Cain + Steven Curtis Chapman) 
A Christmas song, but has such a great message for the entire year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QjOC3ofV74&list=RD3efsAZweirM&index=2

O Come , All You Unfaithful (Sovereign Music)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FA1aV4mqCk&list=RD3efsAZweirM&index=3


Praying for you this week! You are loved beyond measure!

Melissa Boggs
Christian Life Academy Superintendent

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