IN THE LIMELIGHT

"But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14: 10-11

Are you uncomfortable in the limelight? I know a lot of people are. They feel called by God to a task of His creation - whether it is to sing to His glory, market a book He has given them to write, lead a group (whether large of small), or let their friends know they have opened a new business - then they’re afraid if they speak out, people will think they’re trying to outshine others. If you are given a blessing, it is your responsibility to let others know about it! That is called "witnessing for Christ!"

What is "the limelight, beside being in the center of attention?" Webster defines "limelight" as: "a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usually equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam." It was a method for producing a very bright, concentrated beam of light. Not because the person in the center of the beam wanted all of the attention. The light was trained on the individual in order for those watching and listening to be able to focus on what they were saying without the distraction of things around them.

When we read Luke, we discover it is all about attitude and focus. When you are talking about a gift God has given you to share, the light isn’t on you; it’s on Him. The only way it would shine on you is, if you stole the light from God. If you have an attitude of blessedness and appreciation while you present or lead, your listeners will hear, through you, the message God had given you for them. Anytime you are in the limelight, humbly exalting God, He will be lifted up. Share what God has given you in love, and the light of God will shine on all those around you. Let us pray:

"Father of Light and Life, I bow before your throne. You are to be praised, as the angels sing of your greatness. May I also speak truth to your presence in my life. Father, I pray for freedom from fear of being branded a braggart, a center-seeker, when all I want to do is tell of your marvelous peace and love. Forgive me when I fail to listen to another’s story because I am so excited about telling them of your work in my life. May I let others know that I bring your message, because they are truly loved. May the limelight seek only your face, with your white-bright center of love. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2014 Doris Gaines Rapp

Hiawassee - Child of the Meadow - available to order from your local bookstore or online in eBook or print form. I will be signing it and Smoke from Distant Fires at the Pow Wow in Tipton, Indiana on Saturday, August 30, 2014.