Light and Darkness

“If the room in which you are sitting is dark and you hold the only flashlight, who is at fault?” ~Dr. Denison’s Forum, October 4, 2021

Think about this quotation. I don’t know about you, but I have been guilty of going around blaming everyone else (specifically the liberals) for the problems in our nation and around the world. Then, God spoke to me through Dr. Denison’s Forum the other day and I haven’t been able to get out of my mind the fact that the world is a mess and I have a flashlight to shine light on its darkness.

This is what is happening today. Satan is bolder than ever, roaring around and establishing himself as the ruler of this world. Well, we already knew that, right? But what we have to keep in mind is the fact that he is desperate to wreak as much havoc and destruction and to take as many people to the lake of fire with him as he can. And he knows that his time is short, so just as when we know we are running late, he is running around frantically and creating mayhem. What are the Christians doing? If you’re like me, you have been wringing your hands and crying out to God, “Do something, Lord! Don’t you see what is happening here?” Hmm. Well, God gave me the answer. He sees and wants me (and each of you) to shine our lights on what is happening, to point out evil and not to cower away from our responsibilities. If we are watching for evil, we will recognize it when we see it and be able to stand against it.

I was appalled when I read this morning in my daily news blurb that the DOJ and FBI have been unleashed against parents fighting school boards who are pushing Critical Race Theory. These parents are doing what parents should be doing, fighting for the minds of their children not to be indoctrinated by false teachings; unfortunately, the power of the government is standing against them. So, what are we to do? Gird up! Put on the whole armor of God and stand. Shine our lights so that others may see the truth. God does not create divisiveness and such false teachings that promote it. God desires unity, peace, love, serving and forgiveness.

Light and darkness? We have to choose. Do we want to live in the dark and be silent, even though we know we have the light? Or do we want to boldly turn on that light and show the world what is really happening and what they are missing in their lives? If the message about Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind is filling us, then we should be overflowing with it. Not in an angry confrontational way, but in the way in which Jesus confronted evil. He calmly spoke the truth and moved on to the next place that needed to hear it. I’m preaching to myself here because in my own frustration against the current tide of evil, I have had a tendency to grasp the light closer to myself instead of letting it shine. I have not wanted to be condemned by a judgmental world because of my faith. But I am realizing more and more that it is not the world who gets to judge me. God does. He wants me to shine His truth to a people who need to hear it. Light vs. darkness? Light wins every time! There may only be a small glimmer of light at first, but then if we all shine our lights of truth, the light will overcome all of the darkness. That’s what I want to do. My personal beliefs and attitudes towards the evil in today’s society will not make a difference because few people really care what I believe. But maybe, just maybe, if I share the truth of God’s Word, someone will listen and a life will be changed. One more light to shine. One at a time, we can make a difference.

My prayer for you is that the Scriptures above will become a reality in your life and that together, we can shine lights into the darkness of this world. God bless and keep you safe, bold and ever brighter daily.

For Such a Time as This

www.bible.com/1171/php.2.14-15.mev

As I watched the debate last night, I was appalled at the childish bickering of the participants. Then, today, as I was reading my Bible devotional for the day, this verse jumped off the page at me. This is indeed a “crooked and perverse generation”, from the leadership of our nation to the rioters wreaking destruction. But we are here for this time for a reason. We have a purpose, to “shine as lights in the world.” Just as this was true when Paul penned these words to the Philippians, it is true today. There is great darkness in the world, but we are called for this time to shine our lights so that the darkness is dispelled. I cannot do everything, but I can do one thing. I can speak out my opinions about debates and candidates and riots and I can stand for truth no matter where I am. How about you? Are you shining as a light in the world or are you hiding behind all of the bushels (issues) of the day? I confess that I prefer to hide because I like to avoid confrontations. However, if we don’t confront, who will? Who will tell the truth if we don’t. We have a treasure to share with the world, and I hope that you will join me in sharing it with a lost world. Have a blessed day, remembering that you were born for this time for a reason.

Arise, Shine

All around us these days there is a lot of darkness. And you know what dispels darkness? You do, with the light that God has given you to shine on the world. One candle can take care of a lot of darkness. Think about what all of us Christians can do if we stand together, take a stand with our lights and show the world what Jesus was all about. He was about love and forgiveness, justice and healing. That is what our world needs today, a good dose of Jesus. I hope that you can relate to these Scripture verses today. I have been calling to God, and He really spoke to me through the Book of Isaiah recently. In these days of darkness, our lights shine brighter just because of all of the darkness. Please join me in shining your light.

Arise, Shine from Hosanna Music

Just a reminder that Franklin Graham is leading a prayer march THIS Saturday, September 26th, in Washington, D.C. For information about the event, go to: Prayer March Info. If you cannot attend, you can livestream the event at: Livestream. And if you, like me, cannot do live-streaming, you can still pray for our nation from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday. Let’s shine our lights and pray!