Who are the Stars of Heaven?

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” 
Daniel 12:3 (NLT)

How many stars do you know in the world of entertainment that have flamed out?  Once brilliant, they’ve lost their luster only to realize the temporary nature of fame.  Daniel tells us how we can be eternal stars!  He says the real stars of heaven are those who are wise and lead many to God’s righteousness.  That righteousness, the Bible says, can only be found in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus.  He is the righteousness of God.  When we come to Christ, we receive His righteousness that makes us right with God! 

Daniel says that you and I can become true stars, radiantly beautiful in God’s sight!  Jesus called His followers the light of the world.  Then He said, “… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)  In what ways can you let your light shine?  All around us are people living in darkness.  Simple acts of kindness can make a world of difference in demonstrating God’s love and light to others.  Turn up the lumens and let God’s light shine through you today.  Think of those in your world that need encouragement, hope, a kind word, support, mercy, love, a friend, or even some physical support or provision that God may use you to share.  Ask God to open your eyes to see others as He sees them, to burden your heart with what burdens His.

The darker the night, the brighter the stars shine.  Shine where you are, regardless of the darkness around you.  How?  John’s Gospel tells us, “In Him (Christ) was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:4 (NIV) To turn on the light, you must have the life of Christ in you.  He’s the power that enables your light to shine.  Like a mirror, we reflect the radiance of His glory when we keep our eyes on Him.  When His life is reflected through what we do and say, we have the opportunity to lead many to God’s righteousness and shine like the stars forever! Be a star in someone’s life today! 

This weekend many stars will see their witness for Christ shine in our Winter Baptism Celebration at Woodlands Church. Join us after any one of the weekend services as we celebrate life change through this sacred symbol of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!  If you haven’t taken this step and would like to be baptized, you can register now.   

---

Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.

Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.