“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV).

This month’s NCFI Cares devotion is a call to pray for the ICN Congress in Helsinki, Finland during the 1^st week of June. It is an event where nursing scholars and experts present their research and teachings, while networking with nurses from around the world.  This year, as in years past, NCFI nurses and leaders will be attending the congress to present and network with nurses from around the world. At the same time, NCFI has a special purpose in sponsoring a booth—be a bright light!

Jesus is the light of the world (John 9:4) and came to shine his light into the darkness of our world (John 12:46).  “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5). As followers of Jesus, we are instructed to walk in the light (Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 1:7).

We not only walk in the light, but the very light of Christ shines in our hearts to illuminate the glory of God through Christ.

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

 In the preceding verses, Paul teaches that our ministry is one of mercy of God and how the gospel is veiled due to the evil one blinded the minds of the unbelievers. Satan’s purposes is to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ as is the image of God. This is why we don’t proclaim ourselves. Instead, as Christ servants, we proclaim Christ as Lord. (4:1-5). We know the evil one masquerades as an angel of the light (2 Corinthians 11:4). Thus, we need clear guidance as to the darkness Jesus came to dispel.

Galatians 5:19-21 gives a list of darkness. A great translation for this is in The Message:

This is the darkness Jesus came to dispel and is our ministry, as well.

As we walk in the light and illuminate others we are enveloped in the love of God

Pray for the light of Christ to shine through our NCFI presenters and through the Finland national fellowship.