“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but THE LORD RISES UPON YOU AND HIS GLORY APPEARS OVER YOU.” (Isa. 60:1-2) When Jesus was begotten and born of the Virgin Mary, He came into this world as the light: “in Him was life, and that life was THE LIGHT…” (John 1:4). Then Jesus said to us: “While I am in the world, I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.” (John 9:5) Then He gave us notice that the responsibility for being the light was being transferred to: “YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14) We all know from our travels that when you have an open road before you that you can see the lights of the next town from many miles away! “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) Our calling is to let our light shine, Oh Abba Father; we need your help with such a great responsibility! “John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE.” (Luke 3:16) Jesus can, and does, baptize with the Holy Spirit; He gives the Spirit to cleanse and purify our hearts, not only as water washes off the dirt on the outside, but as fire purges out the darkness from within, and melts down our hardness, that we may complete our transformation in becoming a brand-new creation, now OUR LIGHT FROM THIS NEW FIRE, will shine with enlightened authority!
THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH US ALL THINGS AND WILL REMIND US OF EVERYTHING JESUS HAS SAID TO US!
-Bill Stockham