Inspiration for today's devotional comes from a window in my stairwell.

Our focus scripture is found in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7. 

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NIV.

(This would be a great scripture to do Verse Mapping. If you are not sure what that is, message me. You will be glad you did.)

I Should Mention This...

Before we dig into what is on my heart today about "light," I want to tell you about something you see in the photo that accompanies this devotional. Underneath the window is a shelf that stretches across the entire stairway opening. It's filled with family photos that I see each time I go up and down the stairs. It might look too cluttered and busy to some, but to me, it brings joy each time I see the faces of the ones I love so very much.

That's not clutter. That's pure joy.

I do love my family. I could talk about them all day long. But for now, I want to share with you for a few moments about Light. Living in the Light.

If you are in a place where you can open your Bible, turn to 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.

The Window of Our Life

Now, about that window. It was strategically placed in our stairwell to flood the staircase and hallway with sunlight. Each time I go down the stairs, I pause to look through it at the gardens and pasture in the distance.

It’s hard to keep the window clean; it takes a ladder to reach both the inside and the outside. We get busy and don’t clean it as often as we should, and it shows. (There is even an impression left from a bird that once struck it.) But when it is clean, the window sparkles when sunlight hits it just right.

The window does not create light; it simply allows light to pass through. That is an example of the calling on our lives. We are not called to be perfect. There is only One who is perfect. But we are called to be authentic believers whose lives reveal Christ.

What does reflecting Christ look like to family, friends, or the strangers we meet? It could be a smile or kind words to someone we meet in the grocery store. A forgiving spirit to someone who has caused harm. A listening ear for someone who is hurting.

Those simple acts become reflections of Jesus and the closer we stay to Him, the brighter He (the light of the world) shines through us.

When others look through the window of our lives, what do they see? Do they catch a glimpse of Jesus?

I'm so thankful for grace. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes the window gets a little dirty. But Jesus cleanses us and His grace allows His light to keep shining through.

"A clean window draws little attention to itself; it simply makes the light impossible to miss."

Pause and Reflect

• What might be clouding the way Christ is reflected through our lives?
• Where do we tend to grow distracted, so the “window” of our hearts become less clear?
• In what daily moments are we most aware of how we respond to others?
• How are we reflecting Christ in our homes, workplaces, and conversations?
• What simple act of kindness, patience, or forgiveness could let His light shine more clearly through us?

Where Do We Go From Here?

1. Let's ask the Lord to show us one area of our lives that needs His cleansing touch. Just as a window must be kept clear to let the sunlight shine through, our hearts need continual surrender to Christ.
2. Look for simple opportunities each day to reflect His love—a smile, an encouraging word, a patient response, an act of forgiveness, or a willingness to listen.
3. Remember, our calling is not to manufacture the light but to remain close to the One who is the Light. As we walk with Him, His light will shine through.

The Heart Comes Home

A Conversation with God

“Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” Psalm 62:8 (NLT).

Prayer is a conversation with our Father. We come just as we are, bringing what we carry, what we hope for, and what we don't understand. No perfect words are required. This is simply a place to be still, open our hearts, and talk with God.

Let's pray together.

Heavenly Father, help us remember that we are not the source of the light; we are simply called to reflect You. Search our hearts and reveal anything that hinders Your light from shining clearly through our lives. Cleanse us of pride, bitterness, selfishness, and anything that clouds our witness.

Fill us with Your Spirit so that our words, attitudes, and actions point others to You. Give us opportunities to show kindness, extend forgiveness, offer encouragement, and share Your love with those around us. May our life be a clear window through which others see the beauty, grace, and goodness of You. Transform us daily into Your likeness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Friends, thank you for sharing your time with me today.

As you go about your day, take this scripture with you.  Allow its message to remind you that God is at work in your life, writing His truth upon your heart so that others might see Christ in you.

“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” — 2 Corinthians 3:3.

Be blessed and until next time, remember...your stories matter.

Before You Go...

Here are some additional resources and stories you might enjoy.

Take a few moments and listen to Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick, performed by Vineyard Worship Music. Ask the Lord to make your life a clear reflection of His presence. 

Life in the Gardens   My garden blog. You will find stories and lots of photos of our gardens.

Visit my Bookshop   This is where you'll find information about all my books and where or how to purchase.