Absolutely! Here’s how: The basic function of the church overall is to be involved in every facet of the life of the believer. Holding true to this mission, our Lord and Savior looked at, and addressed the needs of the people, provided it accordingly, and then began to preach the need adhering to good deeds. There’s no reason why today’s church cannot live up to its true billing—meeting the needs of parishioners with resources for righteousness. Jesus throughout his travels made sure He left legacies for those who believed that he was the Messiah. In many ways He was the lamp illuminating what was ultimately recorded as biblical lore. Thus, having a purpose-driven church initiative is imperative. How can that entity be a blueprint for a better lamp?    How can good intent and a purposeful agenda allow pastors and church leaders the basis for their ministries focusing on God’s purpose and not their own ideas of ministerial fortitude? I think worship should be first and foremost in this endeavor. Next, I would imagine the importance of fellowship as advised in the previous paragraph. I cannot leave to discipleship with the need to be Jesus-oriented toward a ministry that emphasizes a righteous mission. All of the aforementioned lints to why churches should be driven by something…a platform that caters to principle, purpose and perseverance. On a personal note, I look at what I am experiencing with adversity and the wherewithal of pain, and how it is a lamp giving me direction. I can’t attend church physically, but I livestream. Pain then, for me, is a constant reminder that how I deal with the lamp stands of the church healing my soul. Is there anything to learn from pain, suffrage, and debilitating angst? Remember when Paul ministered in pain?

    He was transparent as a lamp giving all the arches in Asia Minor directives; he had visions and revelations, and God gave him a mission to complete. I feel that the Holy Spirit is always cognizant of what is needed to steer you in the right direction. You must walk close to God for this to happen, or at least be seen as worthy of anything that God feels would be beneficial for us to emulate. Pain is for purpose. One  of its main components is to allow you time to contemplate on how you can make amends, and keep you from doing wrong again. God must control our self serving spirit. People listen to truth but don't learn and put it into action. We need to go where we need to be opposed to where we want to be; in this way, He slows us down where examples are made for emphasis.          

     We all need illumination for brilliance and the betterment of life. We need to know how to dispel distress and discouragement when there’s no light. God tests us to mend our ways and get us out of bad character traits. You can only be what God calls you to be until he shows you what you are not! God is using the bad things in our lives to make it better for us as long as we are obedient. Do you honestly think God would allow you to grow exponentially after a great victory without revealing more for your advancement? The weakness in you has to be seen allowing all weaknesses for exposure preparing (you) for the next battle. Many of us can't accept our full deliverance when not operating with the spirit of the Lord intact. David is a picture of the worst kind of person you can meet. He was a murder, adulterer and schemer. God will take away your false security like your family, friends and resources when not in position to vanquish distress and a discouraging mindset! I cannot close without adherence to how the Bible reflects everything we need to know about how those examples herein can give light. Because of it, I know that it is truly the lamp of the all-illuminating lamp.