Tag: Darkness

Remain in the Light

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/42932/day/2

There are many in today’s world who choose to live in darkness. Some don’t even realize that the place where they abide is filled with the darkness of the world because the enemy of our souls has blinded them to the truth. Those of us, however, who know the truth are called to stay in the light that Jesus has provided, not to join our fellow men in their darkness, but rather to invite them to come into the light with us. There should never be a time when we join others in the darkness because Jesus called us out of that place of ignorance and sin. Why would we go back in only to stumble around again and perhaps fall? The obvious answer is that we who are pressing into God and listening to the leading of His Spirit would not choose darkness over light. We are the light that Jesus left on the earth to shine into darkness, not to become a part of it. So when we condone sin and say it’s not a big deal, let’s be clear that it is a big deal to God and we are taking a dangerous step into darkness. We should always remain in the light, never wavering or flickering, but shining brightly in spite of those who are offended by the light.

How We Live Matters

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

Our everyday lives may seem very common, not extraordinary in any way. But we need to be aware of our important role in the lives of others even as we go about out daily routines. Others are always watching. Some are watching to see if we are genuine in our caring for others. Some are watching to see if we make mistakes and if we own up to them when we do. Some are watching in hope that they, too, can live a life that is founded on faith in God, but they don’t know where to start. You and I are the ones that God uses to allow others to see Him in us. We are not perfect, not by any means! Nevertheless, the glimpse that others get of God and His love through our words and actions may make a difference in where they spend eternity. Be conscious of your words and actions because you may not know it, but others are always watching. The light you shine today spreads into the dark places of others who are looking for the way to get that light into their lives. Be wise with Godly wisdom, make wise choices and shine that light brightly so that others will want what we have…Jesus!

How to Live with Wisdom

The world is full of ways to grow in knowledge and become smarter. We can learn from schools, books, or other means. But more important than gaining knowledge is growing in wisdom. Wisdom increases when we apply ourselves well in relationships and circumstances, and make good decisions.

However, Scripture also says that true wisdom begins with God. While there are many people on earth who are wise, in God’s eyes real wisdom begins with our relationship with Him. God is perfect in truth and knowledge, so all wisdom must begin with Him.

Those who live with true wisdom will be a bright light for God in a dark world. How we act and speak matters. We are representatives for God to the rest of the world, so it is important that we act wisely.

One aspect of living wisely is being righteous. Righteousness is living in accordance with God’s law and ways of life. When we live according to God’s Word, we are living in accordance with His design for our life.

Jesus says that other people will know we are His disciples by the way we love others (John 13:35). That means that loving others is living according to God’s Word. And, by loving God and loving others, we will point other people to Jesus.

This is why Jesus says we are a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, and a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14). Daniel 12:3 says that as we live wisely and righteously, we will shine bright like stars in the darkness.

The way we live, think, and act matters. Those are the primary ways that other people will see the love God has for them. So consider your own life. Think of ways you can live in accordance with God’s Word. Write down one or two ways you can shine the light of Jesus by loving others in tangible ways.

Some Thoughts about Light

On By vickleaIn Quotation and Citations, Scripture1 Comment

“Be the light!” the preacher proclaims from the pulpit. “Shine in the darkness,” says the Sunday school teacher. All good advice, but the practicality sometimes escapes us as we hurry away from the darkness and try to stay near the light ourselves. We are missing the point that we are the light and in our haste to move away from darkness, we are missing opportunities to shine His light on a dark world.

We try to stay insulated in our protected group of Christians who all believe as we do when what we are supposed to do is go into the world and shine the light that we have on the people who don’t yet know that they need Jesus. When we are doing what we should be doing, we are going to naturally attract others and need to have an answer for the hope that is in us. Be ready at all times to tell others how Jesus has made a difference in your life! Like a moth is attracted to a flame or any kind of light, so people in darkness need to know that there is a light that they can turn to. At the most unexpected times and from some of the most unexpected sources, you may have people seeking answers from you because they have seen your light and want to know more about what makes you different. Be ready to be that light!


Many times we fear approaching darkness because we are intimidated by just how dark it is and the fact that we cannot see “two inches in front of our face.” That’s okay, Step into the darkness and it won’t be dark anymore because your presence brings the light with you.

The light that is in us comes from the Lord Jesus. When darkness is all around, we can continue to shine and attract others to the beauty of salvation and the peace and hope that it offers.

Darkness and Light

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

Since I was a young child, I have preferred light over darkness and I still sleep with a night light nearby. In my childhood, my mother would not tolerate my foolish insecurities and never allowed me to have a night light, but there was a street light that shone brightly into my bedroom every night and with its shining comfort, I was able to sleep. I am not a fan of winter, not just because of the cold, but also because of the darkness that comes earlier and stays later. When we lived in Maine, I went to work in the morning in the wintertime, and it was dark. When I left school in the afternoon, it was already dusk and by the time I got home, it was dark. Darkness doesn’t really frighten me any longer; I just prefer to see clearly and darkness doesn’t allow that.

Jesus came for the specific purpose of saving mankind from darkness, but the darkness wasn’t surrounding them. Instead, it was in them. In fact, the darkness that is the equivalent of sin is in each of us because we were born in sin and only Jesus can lead us to the light of His grace and mercy and ultimate peace.

I cannot imagine Heaven because it boggles my mind that there is no need for the sun or moon there. God and Jesus illuminate the entire new city of Jerusalem. No darkness at all! After all, there is no sin in Heaven. When I think of how dark the world is today, and not just from winter, but from mankind’s evil choices, it gives me hope that one day there will be no darkness. It also makes me sad that so many who are living in darkness and think that they will never pay consequences for their evil choices are doomed to eternal darkness. I can only pray for them, speak truth as I am given the opportunity and wait for them to begin to make right choices, ones led by God. In the meantime, there is a blessed hope for each of us who are believers. One day, there will be no more darkness!

Imagine no more night! When I visited my husband while he was stationed in Iceland, it was amazing to me that the sun didn’t go down while I was there. There were blackout curtains on the windows to allow us to sleep during the brightly lit night. Now, imagine a world in which light is the only thing known. No darkness at all, ever. More importantly, no sin…no cursing, no lying, no killing, and most importantly, no evil in the heart or mankind. No woke culture proclaiming that lies are the truth. No politicians glad-handing and making promises that they never intend to keep. No sin anywhere in God’s New Kingdom, none at all! That is true light, isn’t it?

Have a blessed day and may you be encouraged by the thought that one day the darkness that surrounds us will be no more.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: It’s All About the Light

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

God first separated the light from the darkness, noting that the light was good.

Jesus is the light of the world who shed His loving light on all mankind.

As Christians, we are called to shine our lights, reflecting the light of Jesus to a dark and dying world. The end result is to give glory to the Father who created the light to begin with.

Darkness cannot conquer light but is dispelled by it. That is why it is so important for us to continue to shine in a world that is becoming increasingly dark.

Jesus came as a man and displayed God’s glory to all. Can we do any less if we say that we are but reflections of Him?

Hallelujah! I am a child of the light and so are all who know Jesus as Lord!

Praise God for the fourth Sunday of Advent because being a light gives each of us a purpose and a mission. Have a blessed day!

Help Me to Do My Part

On By vickleaIn Scripture7 Comments

I often despair when I hear or read the headlines of daily events in our world. It is so apparent that darkness is winning. But, taken from the perspective of God’s Word, what is happening is only for a season. We who are believers in Jesus Christ know that His ultimate triumph is assured, and good does overcome evil. In the meantime, while we wait for His deliverance, it is a good thing to ask God daily to show us what part we can play in overcoming evil with good. No matter how small, we can make a difference!

God will guide us to do the work that He has purposed for each of us, if we are open vessels for Him. We all live in darkness these days, but God has placed us as lights in the darkness so that we can guide others onto the path of peace. Jesus is our example, a rising sun that we can reflect to others.

It’s honestly beyond comprehension that Jesus can be the light of all mankind and that He uses each of us to shine the light that began with Him. So, yes, there is definitely darkness in the world, with evil being called good by evil, manipulative people. But, we win in the end…we just have to persevere and keep asking God to help each of us do our part.

May your day be blessed with a multitude of reminders of how you can help God’s final purpose, fulfilling your destiny and God’s plan for your life.

Children of the Light

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Although there may be darkness all around us, we are not a part of it. Darkness does not penetrate light, but rather, light penetrates the darkness and causes it to shrink or to disappear altogether. I am determined to remember that I am part of the light of Jesus and I will not let the darkness overwhelm me.

Have a blessed day and be the light that a dark world needs!

No Darkness

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

Like many people, I hate total darkness. When the electricity is off in our house, it’s extremely dark because we live in a rural area and there are no lights around us at all. We have purchased all kinds of battery operated lanterns and candles for when those times come because although I know the layout of my home well, I don’t want to stumble accidentally and perhaps fall. But, like everything else, God has a good word for this situation.

The darkness is not darkness to God. That boggles my mind but it shouldn’t since He created the night and the day. God can see in the dark just as if it were light.

Now, think about the analogy between sin and darkness. If we have darkness in our hearts (sin), God can see it. We can put on a smile and do all the right things in all the right places and with all of the right people but God is never fooled. The darkness in which we try to hide our sins is like a fully lit room to the Lord. Since we can’t hide our sin from the One who made us, it seems that we should just confess it and make ourselves right before Him, doesn’t it?

Think about the darkness the next time you are in a totally dark and enclosed room and then think about God looking down on you and seeing you as clearly as if it were broad daylight. Remarkable imagery and good to remember that the darkness tries to hide things but God always brings them to light.

May the Lord shine His light ever brightly on you, in you and through you so that others in darkness may see the light and walk towards His truth, mercy and love.

The Lord God Almighty

On By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I have been reading and studying the Book of Amos in our Sunday School class and it is an eye-opening look at God’s powerful judgment. The people whom He loved so much that He led them out of Egypt, defeated all of their enemies and led them into a land flowing with milk and honey, that same people were under His judgment because of their falling away and becoming just like those they lived among. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

That’s why God calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. We have to live here on earth because that is where our Creator placed us. We are called to be lights in a dark world and the darker the world becomes, the more our lights will become apparent.

God keeps speaking to me clearly that judgment is coming on the earth. Of course, I don’t know when. No one does. But I do know that He is calling each of us to shine brightly in spite of the darkness that is overtaking the earth. In the book of Amos, God pronounces His judgment on Israel, His chosen people. If they did not escape God’s wrath, how can we hope to do so? The answer is that we cannot. Bummer, right? But the truth is that we can be prepared by humbling ourselves before the Lord and asking what He wants us to do in these days.

God has not changed His identity. He is the Lord God Almighty, Creator of all and He expects His people to continue to follow in the path of righteousness. With changes coming at us fast and furiously, and with darkness all around us, we can cling to the fact that God has not changed and will always be there for us.

I’m not prophesying the end of the world because God already did that. I’m not prophesying about God’s judgment because God already did that, too. It is important though that I pass on to you the gravity of this age and that God wants us to remain close to Him, reading and meditating on His Word and faithfully praying so that we are not caught unaware.

This is a sobering message that I really didn’t know how to share and I still don’t know if I have adequately presented it. I can only write what is in my heart and pray that God will prepare the path of your heart to read, accept and take it the way God means it to be. It is a warning from the Lord God Almighty, in one Biblical book after another. The time is coming and we have to be ready.

I heard someone say in my Bible study group on Monday night that they don’t know if they will be ready for the Lord to return because they want to continue to live, watch their children grow up and get married and meet their grandchildren. Is that not what we all want? And it may still happen! But just in case it doesn’t, we can’t love this life so much that we aren’t willing to let it go in order to be with the Lord for eternity.

May the Lord bless each of you today and give you insight into how you can let your light shine even brighter into this dark world. Be blessed, my friends, so that you can be a blessing.

Confidence in God

On By vickleaIn Uncategorized8 Comments

I heard a news story this morning that made me gasp in dismay. Dr. Oz was interviewed on Fox News and said that the most vulnerable population may have to shelter in place until the virus is completely gone. I started to get upset about not seeing my children and grandchildren for a year or more. Then, I read my Bible and God spoke peace to my heart. After all, He is in control.

No matter what is happening around us, we can have complete and total confidence in God. He is the light in our darkness, the song in our hearts and the whisper in our ear in the quiet of night. Let God speak peace to you today and be blessed by His presence!