Shining the Light

 

John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” NIV

Daylight saving time is over. We will now get up in the dark, our children will walk to the school bus stop in the dark, and we’ll drive to work … in the dark. But we do not have to feel that darkness has overtaken us. Christ’s light shines within and fills us with His love.

This is also the time when people start lighting their homes, from the peak of the house to sparkling shrubs near the basement windows. They burn aromatic candles and cover up with warm blankets as they sit around the fire pit in the backyard a few more times before snow fills the brick-formed circle. Watching the flickering flames, the outdoorsy fragrance of burning wood fills them with relaxing peace. They decorate for Christmas before the Thanksgiving turkey has been carved. Some are wise enough to wait to blow up the six-foot-tall Santa balloon with armloads of gifts, and his friend Rudolf with his red nose, a beacon in the night, until the cranberry salad leftovers have been eaten.

But remember, Jesus has already told us, He is the light, the beacon in the darkness. And He brings the gift of abundant life. He doesn’t promise riches as we on earth interpret bounty. His riches come from His gift of light, Love, and eternal life. This holiday season, remember to brighten the way for others by bringing them the knowledge of the true Light that comes from the Son of God, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Doris

Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

 

Charlie’s Homecoming Celebration

 

September 21, 2025

Jesus told His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14: 1-4 (NIV)

Jesus went to prepare a place for Charlie Kirk and, for you and me. While on the faculty at Taylor University, I always heard a funeral referred to as a “homecoming.” Charlie has gone home and will be there when his loved ones arrive in years to come.

We are all children of God. We are all Charlies, in our own blessed way, and every “way” is different, equally measured out, and designed to serve Him. I heard of a young man who attended a week-long spiritual rally. Whether the story is true or not, the underlying message is amazing. The revival meeting didn’t draw huge numbers, and attendance dwindled as the week went along. The few that remained at the close of the week greeted the evangelist at the end of the last evening’s service. One young man shook the evangelist’s hand and said, “My name is Billy Graham.” No, the evangelist didn’t reach many people, but Billy did. In my heart, I know that God planned it that way and blessed them both with “A job well done, good and faithful servant.”

Given a task, with Jesus at our side, we can fulfill it. We are not all called to establish a great movement like Charlie did. We are called to provide the witness that He gave us. We do not diminish that gift by saying, “But, God, no one will notice me. They won’t know that I am important to you with such a small job you have given me.”

Hallelujah, Lord, there are no small tasks. The books I write touch people I usually do not know, in ways I do not know. As a psychologist, my words were buried deep in a client’s heart even when I thought they hadn't heard me. Some would say, “Dr. Rapp, I remember when you said ….” My first thought was usually, “Oh my, what did I say that time?” But it was a blessing to them, because Jesus sat with us in my office.

We are all servants. I would rather scrub the floors in Christ’s heavenly home, than to be met at the door with, “I’m sorry. I do not know you.” As you remember Charlie Kirk, his life, his work, and his witness, I challenge you to pray every day, a special prayer – the servant’s prayer.

“Oh, God of glory, holy is your name. May your kingdom come on earth and may I serve you while I’m here. Give me the courage to serve your people, to speak your name and your message, and to say exactly what someone needs to hear today, or to do what needs to be done. May I not know who it was, or under what circumstances, so that I may not boast. Only you deserve glory, Lord God. I pray in the name of your son, my savior, Jesus Christ. Amen”

Blessings to all,

I hope you live all of your life.

Doris

Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.