Won’t She Light the Lamp? - Pastor Steven T. Morrow
Welcome to Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Pastor Steven T. Morrow brings a powerful teaching on the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8), showing how God’s light guides us through life’s darkest moments. Whether you are walking along Portage Street, East Cork Street, Crosstown Parkway, Reed Avenue, or Milham Park, this lesson is for you.
Daily Devotional
Scripture: Luke 15:8 – “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?”
Life often leaves us in darkness, unsure of our next step. The story of the little boy in his father’s workshop reminds us that moving without light can be dangerous. Jesus teaches in Luke 15:8 that before we act, we must first “light the lamp”—allow God’s Word and Spirit to illuminate our hearts. By doing so, we gain clarity, guidance, and wisdom for our journey.
Main Takeaway: Emotional wisdom begins when I let God’s light guide my heart, shape my responses, and teach me to follow Jesus even in my darkest places.
Reflection: Today, reflect on areas where you feel “in the dark.” Ask God to illuminate your path and guide each step you take with His wisdom and love.
In-Depth Teaching
In Kalamazoo, MI 49001, life moves quickly—through Portage Street, East Cork Street, Crosstown Parkway, Reed Avenue, and Milham Park. Yet many of us stumble in darkness, uncertain where to step. Pastor Steven T. Morrow at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Kalamazoo teaches that the key to navigating life’s challenges is letting God’s light guide us.
The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8) illustrates a woman searching carefully for a lost coin—but only after lighting a lamp. Jesus’ teaching shows that illumination precedes action. Before sweeping your life for solutions, allow God’s Word to guide your heart. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God illuminates one step at a time, helping us avoid missteps caused by unchecked emotions.
Allowing God’s light to shape our responses transforms how we interact with challenges, relationships, and setbacks. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts…” As God’s light fills us, we gain clarity, patience, and faith-based reasoning. Like sunlight through stained glass, the light does not erase flaws but transforms them into testimony.
Walking with Jesus in our darkest moments provides direction and hope. John 8:12 declares, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness…” By following the Light, we gain discernment, courage, and peace. From Reed Avenue to Milham Park, this teaching encourages Christians in Kalamazoo to allow God’s Word to illuminate every corner of life.
Through sermon notes, Bible study, and personal reflection, embracing God’s light is essential for faith encouragement. Pastor Steven T. Morrow emphasizes: “Light the candle”—allow God’s presence to transform your heart and your walk.
Self-Paced Bible Study Lesson
Title:
Light the Candle: Following God’s Illumination
Key Scripture Passage(s):
- Luke 15:8
- Psalm 119:105
- 2 Corinthians 4:6
- John 8:12
Lesson Objective / Learning Goal:
Understand how God’s light guides our hearts, shapes our responses, and teaches us to follow Jesus in our darkest places.
Summary of Teaching Points:
- Point 1: Let God’s light guide your heart step by step (Psalm 119:105).
- Point 2: Allow God’s light to shape your responses, replacing emotional reactions with spiritual wisdom (2 Corinthians 4:6).
- Point 3: Follow Jesus in darkness and experience His light in your life (John 8:12).
Reflection Questions:
- Where in your life are you walking in darkness without God’s light?
- How have emotions led you to missteps in the past?
- In what ways can you follow Jesus more closely in your current circumstances?
Application Exercises / Challenges:
- Spend 5–10 minutes daily reading Psalm 119, meditating on God’s guidance for your next step.
- Identify one area where emotions dominate your decisions and invite God’s illumination.
- Share your testimony of God’s light with a friend or small group to encourage faith in others.
Suggested Prayer:
Lord, light the candle of Your Word in my heart. Guide my steps, shape my responses, and teach me to follow You in my darkest moments. May Your light dispel fear, clarify my path, and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
