Flashlights

by Jon Hathorn on August 12, 2020

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

Prayer and Feasting - Day 10

Flashlights are a really good thing - when there is a working light bulb, a non-corroded connection, and batteries installed that still have energy. Can you imagine it being so dark, that you can't see your hand when it is 4-5 inches in front of your eyes? A flashlight is so helpful for seeing the safe and correct place to step, or to read something after dark when camping. Flashlights are fun when you are a little kid, because you just get to be annoying and put light on things and ask, "What's that?" or "Can you see this?" Flashlights are also helpful when you are looking for something under the car seat, or for a special wiring connection in the engine compartment. Here's the ironic part - many people have flashlights and don't know where they are or they simply forget to use them. Then there are the people who have a flashlight and use it so sparingly that the batteries get dead and it is not working for them.

The Word of God is just like the flashlight, it helps us see things from God's perspective. It provides directions on how to act and what to think about. Some people have many Bibles and they just sit on the shelf, never used. It is just another book - and it is not a very helpful tool in how to live. Some people carry a Bible but they use it as a paperweight or a coaster for their beverage. It is like having a flashlight but not utilizing it as a real resource.

I want to encourage you this day to make a habit of reading the Scripture or a little devotional each day. Hide the Word of God in your heart - and have the Word of God shine a path for how you are to walk. In the book of John chapter 8:31-32 are two verses communicating the importance of knowing the truth, "so He said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Let's become students of the Word of God.

Theme of Prayer - Personal Growth

Prayer for Today - "Dear Lord, I love You and want to know You more. I want to be Your disciple who grows to know the Word of God and appreciates how You work in my life and the life of others. Help me to learn more about You through reading and studying the Word of God. Please help me be free, by knowing Your Word. In Jesus Name - Amen

About the Author

Jon Hathorn

As I child, I really wanted God to like me and I feared that I wasn't good enough for Him. During high school, I attended church camp. It was there that I realized I was sinner in need of God's grace. I prayed to God, admitting my sin, accepting His death on the cross for my sin, and asking Him to guide my life. I have lived here in Stockton all my life graduating from Delta and UOP, and eventually getting a Master's in Bible and Theology. It was during a mission trip that I met Bev, who became my wife, Our two daughters were born right here in Stockton. I have served the Lord locally in a couple of churches and as a high school Bible Teacher. I love encouraging other people, sharing the Word of God, watching sports, eating Mexican food and spaghetti, spending time with our family and going on walks with our grandson. Philippians 1:6 is the prayer of my life and it says, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ."