December 3

Illuminated Lives

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. — Prov 20:27 BSB

For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness. — Ps 18:28 BSB

The tabernacle built by Moses and Solomon’s Temple followed a divine pattern, with three parts: the outer court, which connected to the world of human life; the Holy of Holies, which faced the unseen and divine; and in between, the Holy place, with its candlestick, altar, and table. Imagine this as a picture of your own being. The body is the outer court, through which we interact with the world. The spirit is the Holy of Holies, where we meet with God. And between them is the soul, the seat of our personality, conscience, will, intellect, and emotions.

“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.” A candle is meant for light, but many remain unlit. Has the Holy Spirit kindled your spirit, and is it burning brightly? Your spirit has windows looking out toward the mountains of God, but have you lifted the blinds to let the light of Christ into your daily life? Is your faith in living connection with Jesus Christ?

In its deepest sense, our faith is not about creeds, ceremonies, or even good works, but about the presence of Christ in our hearts. As the Father sustained Jesus, He longs to sustain us, but we must draw all our life and inspiration from Him.

When we meditate or pray, we will know the Lord has come into our hearts, filling us with His light, and shining through us into the world around us. Our lives will remain unique, but will be filled with the life of Christ, "the second man, the Lord from Heaven."

Prayer

Holy Spirit, Love of God, fill my heart with Your grace. Enlighten the dark corners of my soul with Your joyful light, and dwell in me as Your temple. Amen.