A Light in the Darkness

A Light In The Darkness Most everyone has experienced seeing light in a dark room. It is also worth noting: the darker the night, the brighter the light. The world is obviously a very dark place. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say things are growing darker at an accelerated pace. We have all witnessed the effects that terrorism, corruption, hatred, etc., are having around the globe. It is also fair and accurate to state that the entire earth is on the verge of being shaken in a manner, and to a degree, that we have never witnessed in our lifetime. Mankind is rapidly headed towards a collision as differing forces converge. It is my opinion that terrible darkness is rolling in like great clouds warning of an impending storm. Certainly, believers are NOT to live in fear. Rather, “we must walk by faith,” continually placing our trust in God, the Creator. Remember: “Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more” (Romans 5:20). Furthermore, sin and darkness will grow to such an extent that it would appear you could “cut it with a knife.” That being said, imagine you are in a very dark chamber. The darkness is so dense you cannot see your hand in front of your face. As time passes, the darkness seemingly increases and abounds all around. However, in the midst of this dreadful scene there is a single small light. That one tiny light begins to illuminate the entire atmosphere. The thicker the darkness becomes, the brighter the light shines. Let’s be mindful of this truth. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). The Lord makes very clear that as long as He was in the world, He was “the light of the world.” If we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness because we have the light of life. He also made another remarkable statement in Matthew chapter 5. This pertains to believers, “the sons of light” (John 12:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). God has commissioned believers individually, and the Church corporately, to be light that shines in the midst of severe darkness. We must keep the lamp full of oil in order to steadily shine and bring illumination to those around us. The Holy Spirit is the oil that empowers, equips, and energizes us to fulfill this mandate. This precious oil is God’s anointing and can only be found at the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). The blood of Jesus Christ grants us the privilege to enter boldly and remain at His mercy seat. God invites us to come as often as we like and stay as long as we will in the most holy place. Day or night, at work or at home, in church or at the beach, we can experience the very presence of Almighty God! It is in this place that all cares are lifted, guilt removed, and fears are vanquished. We obtain mercy and find grace (not simply unmerited, undeserved favor). Grace involves “divine influence of the heart” and the “reflection in the life.” That “reflection” is precisely what the world needs to see! Be not afraid nor dismayed, my friends. This is the time for our light to shine bright in a sin-sick and evil world. May we surrender all to Him and walk free from “the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things.” Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven! Grace & Peace, pg

Current World Events

Have you ever caught yourself singing lyrics to a song from the past? I recently had this experience. The words from an old Jackson Browne tune kept rolling in my mind. “Oh people look around you, the signs are everywhere; you’ve left it for somebody else to do what you should have done…” This phrase seems as relevant now as it was years ago. Many folks are aware that the world appears on the verge of tremendous upheaval. This is not a “doomsday” message. In fact, it is quite the contrary. Recent events have brought Harbinger, Shemitah, CERN, Economic Collapse, and such to the forefront. How should the people of God respond during these times of obvious chaos, confusion, uncertainty, and fear? Following are a few recommendations I want to share as a friend, pastor, and fellow servant of the Lord. First and foremost: Get right and stay right with God! This should always be the first priority in our lives. At times like this, it is vital. Secondly: Be in the will of God. Know what God wants you to do and where He wants you to be. Our success and victory are found in knowing and doing the will of God, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. It is essential to be where the Lord wants us to be when things begin to shake. Doing God’s will where He wants us to do it is of utmost importance. To be sure, there are practical things we can do in the event the economy collapses or electricity goes down for an extended period of time. Consider what you would do if the power were to go off for a few days or weeks. It is better to prepare and have nothing happen than to be unprepared and things break down. This is a message I shared several years ago, and it appears to be even more relevant today. Thirdly: Walk by faith! Believers MUST continually feed faith and starve doubt, worry, and fear. Faith will get us anywhere and anything in God’s Kingdom. Without faith, we cannot truly approach God, much less receive His wisdom and walk in His ways. The people of God are to be as the “sons of Issachar.” "Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…" (1 Chronicles 12:32). God gives understanding to those who diligently seek Him. As a result, we can know what to do. This will be a season of great revival and great falling away. Most every major move of God was birthed in the midst or on the heels of tremendous upheaval and chaos. Consider the “Jesus Movement” and the first and second “Great Awakenings.” The earth is moaning. There is travail taking place. May we find our place in the presence of God, make His Word our foundation and guiding light, and shine as “the light of the world.” It is better to die in the will of God than to live outside of it! There is more to come. Until then… Grace & Peace, pg