When I got up this morning it was still quite dark outside. I made my way downstairs to my "quiet room" where I normally spend my time alone with God. When I turned on the light switch to the room a loud boom resounded as the light bulb exploded into hundreds of tiny fragments. It was enough to make a grown man jump up off the floor. So, in the dark I grabbed the broom and dustpan and began sweeping the glass fragments into the trashcan. After several minutes I was certain I got all the glass up off of the floor. Then, the sun began to rise and light began to peek through the windows. I spotted a few more glass slivers to the left of the room. After I picked them up and placed them into the trashcan, I came back into the room where I spotted a few more glass slivers in the middle of the room. And, just like before I tossed the pieces into the trashcan. By this time, I knew for certain the floor was spotless. Until I sat back in my chair and once again saw a glimmering speck of light in another corner of the room where the sunlight was bouncing off a few more glass shards I had missed. And, so this continued for several more minutes until finally there were no more glass pieces on the floor... I think.

Through this little event, I was reminded about how nothing is hidden from God. His light exposes things found in the dark. God's word says, "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible." (Ephesians 5:13-14). Even when we may think we are hiding something from others, it is never hidden from God. Sometimes, we may not even be aware of where we ourselves are lacking or sinning. So, when God reveals to us our sin, our imperfections, and our flaws; He is not revealing these things to judge or condemn us. Instead, to sanctify us, purify us, and conform us more into His image. Our glass shards of life are exposed by God's magnificent Light, to be made known to us in order to become more holy and pure.  So the next time something is brought to light in your life whether by God or through others, don't go on the defense. Rather, take comfort in knowing that your Heavenly Father is exposing these things to you, because He loves you and wants you to become the man or woman He wants you to be in order to be a better representative of Christ in this world and the world to come. 


I wanna be in the light
As you are in the light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens 
Oh, lord be my light and be my salvation 
Cause all I want is to be in the light 
All I want is to be in the light 
(In the Light written by Charlie Peacock)

There is a word that Albanians use called Amanet. An Amanet is a term used to describe a person’s last words. These words are very important and are honored by all who hear them. We Americans have something similar we call the last will and testament. Although a last will and testament is more of a legal term for a person’s dying wishes formally written out on paper. Whereas, an Amanet is more of a verbal expression and not always used for just when a person dies. An Amanet can be used when a person is about to go away on a journey, going off to battle, or leaving anywhere for a long period of time. Albanians take Amanets very seriously and when someone is giving an Amanet, everyone listens intently because they know it is important and will likely affect them in some way or another. Amanets are specific and are to be implemented if any action is required. This may entail watching over a child or grandchild, caring for a sick or ailing family member, watching over his/her property or valuable possessions, making amends with an enemy, or delivering an important message to someone. If Amanets are not honored, it is shameful to not only the person giving it, but those who didn’t honor it.

Jesus, just prior to His ascension to be with the Father gave us an Amanet.  He was going off for a long journey. And, someday He will return. His Amanet is very specific and is meant to be implemented and honored by all those who hear His words. Here is Jesus’ Amanet to us:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:17-20)

This Amanet, commonly known as The Great Commission is not something we can choose to honor or take lightly. Sure. It’s not an easy command. It takes risk, it requires work, humility, inconveniences, and possibly for some… persecution. It took me a long time before I began to realize any of this. I thought the Great Commission was reserved for those, “special holy” people. The Mother Theresas, the Francis of Assissis, the William Careys, the John Wesleys.  Instead, it’s a command that is to be honored, obeyed, and implemented by all who read or hear it... including you and me.

So, here is my Amanet for you: Honor and obey Jesus’ command to go. Whether it’s to the jungles of South America, or the concrete jungles of downtown Houston. Whether it’s to the impoverished villages of Honduras, or the poor communities of south Chicago. Nevertheless, I adjure you to consider these things and ask God not when, but where He wants you to go and serve now.