Name the movie: “Just smile and wave, Boys, Smile and Wave!” It seems so simple, and yet these days there is the mask. We try to smile with our eyes, but our actual smiles are hidden. In today’s passages, Jesus points out the simple, practical truth. A lamp is to shine.

Jesus came to be, and still is, the Light of the World (John 8.12). He wipes out the darkness for all who believe (John 12.46). We have been given the Light of the World! We have been lit up by the One who delivers us from the darkness where we have tried to hide.

Let him into your darkness to light up His truth into every crack and corner of your soul. Let Him rip off the mask! Then shine a smile so bright for Christ by the Power of His Holy Spirit so that “those who come in can see the light!”

[Luke 8.16-18]

16 No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What was the purpose of a lamp is Jesus’ day? Why was a lamp significant?

+ Jesus refers to Himself as the Truth (John 14.6) in addition to Light. If light = truth = Jesus, what meanings can we get from this passage?

+ What is the item (or items) that will be given or taken away in v. 18?

+ It seems unfair to give more to the one who has more and take away from the one who has less. By whose standard is it unfair? By whose standard is it just?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ That movie from the intro? Madagascar with those pesky penguins. They smiled and waved to be a bit sneaky. Definitely “smile and wave", but ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that is keeping you from doing it with your whole heart. Much has been given to you, starting with the Holy Spirit to empower you to reveal His Kingdom.

+ Have you allowed Christ into a dark spot of your soul and been freed? Do you have a dark shadow looming or one you are hiding in? Praise Him in ALL things

+ When the darkness is hovering, do you declare His Truth for you and all to see and hear? Try a simple word search of “scripture light” and be filled with His glory and might!

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who has the Lord brought to mind to thank for shining their light in your life?

+ Who has He brought to mind for you to be a light to go shine in their life?