The Light That Sat On The Hill

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14

Today, I sat on a green hill, on a blanket in the grass, listening to the sounds of bird song and grass hoppers. I was in the shade, provided by a few large trees that loomed over me. Distant cars zoomed past and leaves above me shuffled with the breeze.

I prayed in this scene, thanking Him for the warmth of the sunshine on my face and the cool breeze blowing through my hair. I opened my Bible to James and read the first chapter and prayed:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (Verses 2-4)

Father, let me face trials with the light of life on my face. Let it resonate in my spirit that my faith is producing perseverance in times of trouble.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by wind. (Verses 5-6)

Father, I ask for wisdom when I face trials and I thank you that you give all things generously. Give me the strength to crush all doubt.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (Verse 12)

Father, thank you that you have given me the crown of life, and the light of life. With people numbered like the sand in the sea, who I am that you would choose me? I don't deserve your loving kindness, O God.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (Verses 17 & 18)

Father, I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me and all the gifts you have given me. Thank you that you stay the same, that you are never changing.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, and slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (Verses 19-21)

Father, teach me to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger because anger does no good and it produces no good. Instead, I humbly accept the word that you planted in me when you gave me life.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that give freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do. (Verses 22-25)

Father, Let what I read from your word show itself in my actions. Let me never forget your goodness and your promises. Let me be your salt of the earth, your light on the hill.

I packed up my blanket, Bible, and notebook and began walking home. As I did, I tried to think of a name for this blog, but it was God who gave me one - the light that sat on the hill could not be hid. I heard it clearly and knew exactly what He meant. I smiled.

I am the light that sat on the hill for I have Jesus, so I have the light of life and the crown of life.

Well there it is, another first person story for you guys, similar to 'He Is Enough (In Story Form)' that I posted in February. As always find what sparks joy, listen for His tender whispers of love, and be the light of the world.