“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:5
Jesus said;
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15 NKJV
The Light
Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
thedailylily.com 
The footnotes for Mark 16:15 says: (NLT) “Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world, telling everyone that he had paid the penalty for sin, and that those who believe in him can be forgiven and live eternally with God. Christians today in all parts of the world are telling this Good News to people who haven’t heard about Christ. The driving power that carries missionaries around the world and sets Christ’s church in motion is the faith that comes from the Ressurrection. Do you ever feel as though you don’t have the skill or determination to be a witness for Christ? You must personally realize that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for you today. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, he will give you both the opportunities and the inner strength to tell his message.” Today our minister gave a powerful message on commitment and faithfulness. He referenced Revelation 2:10, among other Scriptures. The footnotes for Revelation 2:10 says: (NLT) “Smyrna was famous for his athletic games. A crown was the victory wreath, the trophy for the champion at the games. If we have been faithful, we will receive the prize of victory.—-Eternal life (James 1:12). The message to the Smyrna Church was to remain faithful during suffering, because God is in control, and his promises are reliable. Jesus never says that by being faithful to him, we will avoid troubles, suffering, and persecution. Rather, we must be faithful to him in our suffering. Only then will our faith prove to be genuine. We remain faithful by keeping our eyes on Christ and on what he promises us now and in the future (see Philippians 3:13, 14:2, 2 Timothy 4:8).” 🙏
Thanks for sharing your footnotes, Tammy, for Mark 16:15 that help us understand what it means to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature!” And also what your minister shared today. It reminds me of what you wrote on the last blog, “Be Blessed and Be a Blessing in 2026” : “The footnotes for Psalm 34: 18,19 says: (NLT) “We often wish we could escape troubles— the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure, or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be ‘close to the brokenhearted’ and to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems. Sometimes he chooses to deliver us from those problems. When trouble strikes, don’t get frustrated with God. Instead, admit that you need God‘s help and thank him for being by your side.”
I thought the candles in this beautiful photo Sara posted illustrate a glow from within and light that silhouettes all the creatures.
As I went to read the context of, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”, I saw that the preceding verses (Including the one posted) said this, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1: 1-5
It seems clear that the only way we have meaningful light is from the Light source Himself, Jesus.” And either we run away and hide from this Light; put on our sunglasses, pull down our blinds and reject this Light; or welcome this Light and invite Him into live and shine from within us. (John 1:9-13) “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. 2 Corinthians 4:6
I read that we are also reminded in Matt 5:15 for those that have invited that Light to dwell within us, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Those candles in the photo are all on ‘stands’ and they sure tell a story from all the silhouette pictures.
I appreciate both Debi and Tammy for their time and faithfulness in sharing God’s Word giving light on God’s Word by the sharing of their understanding of His Word. And, Tammy’s minister’s sermon from Revelation 2:10.
Am I to understand that speaking, writing, singing God’s Word gives light into my space and not my shoe color?
But you, O Lord, do not be far away!
O my help, come quickly to my aid!
—Psalm 22:19 (NRSV)