February 11, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

Light and heat are a pair. One never goes anywhere without the other. But in God’s light there is no darkness. What did Jesus mean when he said, “You are the light of the world.” He meant that our light is a reflection of God’s light pure in us, that when it shines on others, it causes them to praise God. God’s light does not generate the heat of anger. On the contrary, God’s light in us dispels the dark, angry places in the human heart, and brings about reconciliation. Jesus says we are to be mirrors that reflect God’s loving light toward others, that draws us together, and heals our wounds.

A MEDLEY OF SCRIPTURES ON LIGHT AND ANGER   SERMON:  Light, Not Heat

·  Let your light shine, so that others may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.    Matthew 5:14-16

·  The law says, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever commits murder will stand trial before a judge.’ But I say, if you are angry with someone, or if you insult someone, or you call them a fool, you may end up in hell. So if you are going to worship God, but you remember that someone has something against you, go to them first and settle your differences, then, and only then will your worship be acceptable to God.    Matthew 21-24

·  You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, Love your enemies and pray for those who hate you. This is what children of our Heavenly Father do.    Matthew 43-45

·  Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Ephesians 4:26

·  Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.”     James 1:19-20

ST. FRANCIS’ PRAYER

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.

Where there is hate meat I bring love,

Where offense, may I bring pardon,

May I bring union in place of discord,

Truth, replacing error,

Faith, where once there was doubt,

Hope for despair,

Light, where was darkness,

Joy to replace sadness.

Make me not to so crave to be loved as to love.

Help me to learn that in giving I may receive,

In forgetting self, I may find life eternal.

by Saint Francis of Assisi

Blessings to you all,

 Pastor Norm

This service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/HIJt_z-hUks?feature=share