Genesis 15:5 – [The Lord] took [Abram] outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." (NIV)

I love looking at the stars. When I was a kid and things were bad at home, I used to sit up late at night, look out of my bedroom window, and count the stars. It was very therapeutic. It made me forget the troubles in my house and kept me connected to God. The power of so many lights in the midst of so much darkness encouraged my heart and kept hope alive.

To me, churches are like stars. They seek to bring light to our communities, becoming a beacon of hope to those whose lives are affected by pain and sickness, crisis and trouble. My prayer is that each of our churches will be a bright star in its community, bringing Christ's light and God's hope to more people each year through the ministries and missions that we serve and support. With our promises and pledges, our gifts and giving, each of our churches can continue to be one of God's effective stars.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Bright Morning Star, and we are pleased to shine with Your light in our own area. Encourage us to make real pledges and promises that will honour Your work and bring others to God's Kingdom. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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