Christmas is behind us for another year. Hopefully those reading this had a joyful Christmas no matter where you were. For many it is a big letdown and they are relieved it is over.It is always nice hearing the Christmas carols such as "Oh Little Town of Betlehem". The words of one verse speak lots to what is going on today. "Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light". Think on that for a moment. Darkness represents bad and evil and light represents the Lord Jesus Christ. Our world indeed is inundated with evil. Faster and faster we are sliding down that "slippery slope" by pushing God and the Bible out of our lives. The country was founded on the Bible yet enemies of the cross of Christ more and more try to stifle those who have convictions and want to speak the name of Jesus. "Tolerance" is getting us to ignore sin and coddle sinners. Keep in mind that according to Romans 3:23 we all have sinned, so do not get "high and mighty".Isaiah 5:20(NIV) says 'Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light, and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.' We can not continue flippantly uttering "God Bless America" when we do not even obey His holy word, The Bible. Is Jesus' light shining in your life?PRAYER: I am sorry Lord if I have caved into the worlds' idea of right and wrong. My standard is and always has been the Bible. Guide my steps to stay on the right path. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Showing posts with label darkness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label darkness. Show all posts
Thursday, December 26, 2013
DARKNESS VERSUS LIGHT
Monday, July 22, 2013
STORM CLOUDS DON'T STOP US!
As I sit on my back porch writing, ominous looking black storm clouds are forming overhead. There is the sound of distant rumbling indicating an approaching storm. My area is all too familiar with threatening storms.
Looking at the dark clouds up in the sky reminds me of the darkness that can overshadow a life when people stray from God's path. It does not mean that we can not return again to the light of Jesus. Darkness can consume a person. The way to get rid of darkness is to flip on a light switch, light a candle or open the shades. Darkness has to leave when floods of light come in.
1 John 1:5-7(NIV) says 'This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness,we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.'
Often times a person can be dabbling in the "darkness" being deceived by Satan, the father of lies. It is necessary to pray that the truth and light come into your life or the life of the loved one you may be praying for. Light and darkness can not co-exist.
The late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.' Guess where love originates? With God of course!
There is good and there is evil in the world around us. We are in a battle for our very souls. Satan is on one side deceiving, tricking, lying, corrupting, stealing, and suffocating people and God is there with the truth, mercy, forgiveness,and love waiting with open arms for people to run back to Him and out of the darkness. Spiritual warfare is what it is called.
To fight the battle you have to be armed and ready. You can not just dabble for one hour each Sunday and not take this seriously. This requires "arming" yourself and getting serious about the truth. Satan loves it when people are just "dabblers" or "Sunday Christians" then he can do his best to keep you in spiritual darkness. You have no power because you are not serious enough to know the word of God.
Today is the day to get serious about loving God and winning the war of good versus evil we are in. Shine the light to get rid of the darkness.
PRAYER: Today Lord I will not allow the darkness and storms of this life to consume me. I refuse to allow Satan to gain a foothold in my life. I choose today to pray not only for myself but for others close to me who may be caught up in dark storm clouds and have lost their way. Bring them back to the light of Jesus! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Assignment: Read Ephesians 6:10-20 about spiritual warfare.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
DARK WORLD
The world we live in today is filled with darkness. By that I mean what is good is being called evil and what is bad is being called good. Messed up indeed wouldn't you say? Desensitization has occurred to many believers at a rapid pace. You see something or hear something enough you sort of cave in to the "dark side" which is ruled by Satan. When you start to believe the media is more truthful than God's Holy word, the Bible, then there is a problem. When you spend more time on modern culture than getting to know Jesus better that is a warning sign that you need to maybe take some time to renew your spirit by reading the word of God.
How do you dispel darkness? You turn on a light! We believers are to be those lights in a dark world around us. The Bible says in Matthew 5:14-15( NIV) 'You are the light of the world, a town built on a hill that can not be hidden. Neither do people like a lamp and put it under a bowl instead they put it in a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.' Imagine for a moment you are a huge light bulb. Your light will not shine forth if it is under something. As a believer we are to light the darkness around us not cave into it. Oh sure there may be a struggle on the way but God is with you helping you to shine bright for Him. Just call on Him.
PRAYER: Today and every day let me not hide my light under a basket but let me shine for you in the darkness that surrounds me. A a believer I know it is important I not be like the world but stand out shining the way for others to come to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click on link below for a wonderful song of praise.
http://youtu.be/CVqR6kTu8lE
Sunday, January 27, 2013
LIGHT STOPS DARKNESS
It is a pretty commonly understood fact that when you enter a dark
room and flip on the light switch, instantly the room becomes
illuminated with light. If you are camping in the woods and at
the light. When your electricity goes out in a storm you either get a
flashlight or light a candle. Once again you get the same result and
that is the room becomes lit up and you no longer have a chance of
stumbling in the darkness.
In God's word, the Bible, Satan is referred to in terms of darkness
and Jesus as being the light. Light always wins over darkness. You can
not keep darkness around with the presence of light.
Are you being a light for Jesus in the world you are in each day?flashlight or light a candle. Once again you get the same result and
that is the room becomes lit up and you no longer have a chance of
stumbling in the darkness.
In God's word, the Bible, Satan is referred to in terms of darkness
and Jesus as being the light. Light always wins over darkness. You can
not keep darkness around with the presence of light.
Does your presence light up a room or make no difference at all? We
all who claim to know and follow him should be lights for Him. I
remember a child hood song called A Sunbeam. It went something like
this, "A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam a
sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for Him". Can you and will you make an
effort to me that "Sunbeam for Jesus" wherever you go during your day?
You are in the grocery so smile at people. Be kind to others by
opening a door or two. At work be responsible and polite and do not
enter into work place gossip.I am sure you can think of otherremember a child hood song called A Sunbeam. It went something like
this, "A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam a
sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for Him". Can you and will you make an
effort to me that "Sunbeam for Jesus" wherever you go during your day?
You are in the grocery so smile at people. Be kind to others by
opening a door or two. At work be responsible and polite and do not
examples.
The light of the world is Jesus but darkness does not like the light.
Satan does not like Jesus or any of those of us who are His followers.
You can expect evil things and dark things when you refer to the
enemy. John 3:19 says 'This is the verdict. Light has come into the
world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were
evil.' Good equals Jesus and light and evil and Satan represents darkness.
The light of the world is Jesus but darkness does not like the light.
Satan does not like Jesus or any of those of us who are His followers.
You can expect evil things and dark things when you refer to the
enemy. John 3:19 says 'This is the verdict. Light has come into the
world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were
evil.' Good equals Jesus and light and evil and Satan represents darkness.
Let me leave you with a couple verses the first being also from the
book of John chapter one verse 5 and it says 'the light shines in the
darkness but the darkness understood it not.' Those who do not have
the light of Jesus in their hearts perhaps can not understand the
things of God. Finally 1 Corinthians 1:18(NIV) says it plainly when it
says 'The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.'
Never stop shining the light of Jesus into the darkness of this world.
PRAYER: Lord I want to light up the world around me with your love.
Help me expose the deeds of darkness around mead protect me Lord as
the enemy does not like us to talk about Jesus and salvation. Help me
to show love and shine your light even on those who shun me. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
Click on link below and worship the Lord with a powerful song.
http://youtu.be/CVqR6kTu8lE
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
IMPACT YOUR WORLD
Recently I was watching a Christian film on TV with sort of the same type spin as the classic film "It's A Wonderful Life" where the main character was tempted to not want to follow Christ anymore since it was not "cool" or fun, or so he thought. He made the comment to God in prayer, 'I wish I were not a Christian' or something to that effect and an "angel" allowed him to have his wish. Similar to Jimmy Stewarts character, George Bailey, in the classic Christmas film, this young man got to see what it would be like if he had not been working for the Lord with his daily witness for Him. He found out how many lives had been impacted and even people whose lives had been saved.
You may not feel like you make much a difference in the world thinking you are no "Billy Graham" but each person does impact others lives. We each are a witness for Christ in our own circle of friends, our family, and wherever life takes us. Not everyone has to be on TV to make a difference. You are used by the Lord just where you are. So I guess the question to ask yourself is how are you doing and by this I mean do you end up doing things to gain your friends approval even though you know you are wrong or do you stand strong and "light" the world for Jesus?
The Bible says in Mark 8:38(NIV) 'If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation then the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father's glory with His holy angels.' Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right in this sinful world. Be strong and keep at it. Keep praying. God has "got your back" so to speak.
Let me end with Colossians 3:17(NIV) which says 'And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.'
PRAYER:Lord help me as each day I seek to light up the world around me for your kingdom. Give me boldness,strength, and courage for the task at hand. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click link below for a powerful song of praise.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
LIGHT A CANDLE OR CURSE THE DARKNESS
It is necessary to take a stand for righteousness. Do not be so overly off the deep end that you do not try to impact a company, community or a person who many may think is beyond hope. By this I mean you can do more than scream at them about how bad they are and how they are hurting society. Take Hollywood for instance. Master Media International Ministry is working one actor, one director, one film executive at a time, behind the scenes, to impact Hollywood and New York City for Christ. Truck Stop Ministries Inc has reached out to semi drivers across the nation since 1981. With the temptations of the road this is an excellent outreach to these mostly male drivers.
Even on shows like American Idol you have had your Christian missionaries of sorts who are permeating the darkness of Hollywood by singing their Christian songs. Some Miss America's in the past have been outspoken for Christ and thus have taken His message with them as they wear the Miss America crown for the year they serve .
Personally I would not feel comfortable saying it is okay to go in a strip club to win people to Christ because the situation may tempt you but I know there are ministries trying to get girls off the streets who are caught in prostitution and I also heard once of a group of women who stood in front of a gentleman's club passing out cookies with their children and supposedly were instrumental in closing this business down. Perhaps the men were too convicted that what they were doing was wrong and degraded women.
Several companies today support agendas that are go against the word of God. You can take a stand against them and not support them with your hard earned money is one way and follow it by writing a loving letter saying why or you can try to possibly influence someone for the good. Notice I used the word 'loving'. Condemnation and hatred are not good witnessing tools normally.
We have to go into the world to make an impact on the world. Staying in Holy huddles will not help spread the love of God. I am not condoning witnessing in strip clubs mind you as you need to use wisdom and discernment to know where to go to make an impact for Christ. With Master Media, even though we may not agree with most of what comes out of Hollywood, instead of condemning all of it, this ministry tries to do friendship evangelism, to change the hearts first then possibly the product will follow.
Usually anger and ugliness is not going to change someone but showing love , grace, and compassion will. It is okay to take a stand, do not get me wrong, but you have to win others by lighting a candle so to speak. Cursing the darkness may turn some off and not show God's love to those you are trying to win. Above all remember to pray.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." Never compromise yourself morally or go against God's word in trying to reach the lost.
PRAYER: Lord use me to make a difference in the world around me. Give me course to speak up in love against things immoral or sinful in order to make a positive change. Help me be guided by your love. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord with a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/k-XufRTMLxg
Note:As I was searching You Tube for the song I see where it is also a mission field simply because of the types of videos you see posted there.
Even on shows like American Idol you have had your Christian missionaries of sorts who are permeating the darkness of Hollywood by singing their Christian songs. Some Miss America's in the past have been outspoken for Christ and thus have taken His message with them as they wear the Miss America crown for the year they serve .
Personally I would not feel comfortable saying it is okay to go in a strip club to win people to Christ because the situation may tempt you but I know there are ministries trying to get girls off the streets who are caught in prostitution and I also heard once of a group of women who stood in front of a gentleman's club passing out cookies with their children and supposedly were instrumental in closing this business down. Perhaps the men were too convicted that what they were doing was wrong and degraded women.
Several companies today support agendas that are go against the word of God. You can take a stand against them and not support them with your hard earned money is one way and follow it by writing a loving letter saying why or you can try to possibly influence someone for the good. Notice I used the word 'loving'. Condemnation and hatred are not good witnessing tools normally.
We have to go into the world to make an impact on the world. Staying in Holy huddles will not help spread the love of God. I am not condoning witnessing in strip clubs mind you as you need to use wisdom and discernment to know where to go to make an impact for Christ. With Master Media, even though we may not agree with most of what comes out of Hollywood, instead of condemning all of it, this ministry tries to do friendship evangelism, to change the hearts first then possibly the product will follow.
Usually anger and ugliness is not going to change someone but showing love , grace, and compassion will. It is okay to take a stand, do not get me wrong, but you have to win others by lighting a candle so to speak. Cursing the darkness may turn some off and not show God's love to those you are trying to win. Above all remember to pray.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." Never compromise yourself morally or go against God's word in trying to reach the lost.
PRAYER: Lord use me to make a difference in the world around me. Give me course to speak up in love against things immoral or sinful in order to make a positive change. Help me be guided by your love. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord with a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/k-XufRTMLxg
Note:As I was searching You Tube for the song I see where it is also a mission field simply because of the types of videos you see posted there.
Monday, October 31, 2011
HALLOWEEN...GOOD OR EVIL? RIGHT OR WRONG?
Every Christian has to be convicted in their own heart about whether to celebrate Halloween with all the spooks, goblins, bloody things,monsters, red devils with pitchforks or go with a kinder gentler version of harvest celebrations which many churches choose to do as an alternative. Halloween can be fun for small children to dress up like fairies, princesses, super heroes and such but should a Christian really being getting 'in to' this holiday? My devotion today is not meant to condemn, point fingers or judge but only to make each person think for themselves whether this day should be celebrated like the world does for those who claim to know Jesus.
First off in Psalm 141:4 it says "Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies". Just because the stores promote celebrating this day and putting up cobwebs and having witches kettles brewing in your front yard should you really toy with this stuff? We are told to be 'in the world' but not 'of the world'. "Do not get so religious on me" you might say. "What is wrong with having a little fun?" someone else might exclaim. Yes you can have fun but do you have to have fun with satanic type things and ghoulish creatures or can you go with more laid back fun for all? The churches have the right ideas with games and 'trunk or treat' as many call it. Some people just think it is fun to be scared out of their wits and can even become a little addicted to it. Halloween is big business in Hollywood too where horror films abound this time of year.
There are places in the Bible where it talks about not to be involved in divination and fortune telling. These areas are sort of borderline a too.I know Christians who read horoscopes. Only God knows your future not a column in the newspaper. Connecting with the dark side or things that could be getting you to be drawn closer to the enemies camp are sort of dangerous. "Oh come on now. That is ridiculous. This is a fun holiday. You are way out of line." Each person has to have their own conviction on this one .
Proverbs 23:3 says "Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." Satan comes like an angel of light and in fact it is highly possible he could use this 'innocent holiday' to trip up many in the church who find no harm in going all out and celebrating like the world. But should you? I have heard that sales of decorations for this holiday are second only to Christmas. Amazing. What is the attraction? News reports said over 60% of Americans celebrated this day.
Witchcraft, satanic rituals, evil, death do not sound like what a Christian should really be getting in to. You decide. Many seemingly innocent things are used by Christians which are borderline toying with evil such as Ouija boards, esp games, levitation and innocent slumber party games. We laugh and say no big deal but is it really no big deal?
2 Corinthians 11:14 says "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" Matthew 4:10 says "Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' We know we are in a battle between good and evil and in spiritual warfare so to turn Satan into a innocent comical character would probably truly delight him. A person becomes desensitized perhaps to how evil and conniving he really is. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Colossians 1:13 says about God "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves."
Cornfield mazes are cool as long as there are not Satanic things running after you. Having a hayride is a nice way to celebrate. Some churches put on Hallelujah nights where they present a drama of sorts and end with an invitation to accept Jesus. And then there are harvest parties mentioned earlier.
Once again if you choose to celebrate with the traditions of the world I am not here condemning you. This is only to make you think and perhaps decide if you should do that next year. John 15:19 says "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." There is a saying I heard once that if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you.When Halloween comes into play that in fact could be a factor. If people came up to your door on October 31 would they be able to tell by your displays that you were a believer or would they not have a clue?
Halloween is not really mentioned in the Bible but good and evil are mentioned. So once again this has to be something the individual has to be convicted in their own hearts what to do and do you celebrate or not. If you do, how do you choose to celebrate? Nothing says you have to participate. It is not a law or anything.
So where is your heart today? Do you desire light more than darkness and do you choose to follow the worlds' ways or follow God's ways? Is this 'just' a fun holiday? Colossians 3:17 says "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
PRAYER: Lord I know Halloween in itself is not mentioned in your word but I do not want my heart to be drawn to evil. I do not want to chance doing anything that would give Satan a foothold in my life. Give me discernment for what to do about this day without being self righteous or condemning of others. Whatever I do I want to do it all unto the Lord. Whatever I do I want to please you so I need to remember to ask is what I am doing pleasing you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Romans 14:1-9
First off in Psalm 141:4 it says "Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies". Just because the stores promote celebrating this day and putting up cobwebs and having witches kettles brewing in your front yard should you really toy with this stuff? We are told to be 'in the world' but not 'of the world'. "Do not get so religious on me" you might say. "What is wrong with having a little fun?" someone else might exclaim. Yes you can have fun but do you have to have fun with satanic type things and ghoulish creatures or can you go with more laid back fun for all? The churches have the right ideas with games and 'trunk or treat' as many call it. Some people just think it is fun to be scared out of their wits and can even become a little addicted to it. Halloween is big business in Hollywood too where horror films abound this time of year.
There are places in the Bible where it talks about not to be involved in divination and fortune telling. These areas are sort of borderline a too.I know Christians who read horoscopes. Only God knows your future not a column in the newspaper. Connecting with the dark side or things that could be getting you to be drawn closer to the enemies camp are sort of dangerous. "Oh come on now. That is ridiculous. This is a fun holiday. You are way out of line." Each person has to have their own conviction on this one .
Proverbs 23:3 says "Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." Satan comes like an angel of light and in fact it is highly possible he could use this 'innocent holiday' to trip up many in the church who find no harm in going all out and celebrating like the world. But should you? I have heard that sales of decorations for this holiday are second only to Christmas. Amazing. What is the attraction? News reports said over 60% of Americans celebrated this day.
Witchcraft, satanic rituals, evil, death do not sound like what a Christian should really be getting in to. You decide. Many seemingly innocent things are used by Christians which are borderline toying with evil such as Ouija boards, esp games, levitation and innocent slumber party games. We laugh and say no big deal but is it really no big deal?
2 Corinthians 11:14 says "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" Matthew 4:10 says "Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' We know we are in a battle between good and evil and in spiritual warfare so to turn Satan into a innocent comical character would probably truly delight him. A person becomes desensitized perhaps to how evil and conniving he really is. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Colossians 1:13 says about God "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves."
Cornfield mazes are cool as long as there are not Satanic things running after you. Having a hayride is a nice way to celebrate. Some churches put on Hallelujah nights where they present a drama of sorts and end with an invitation to accept Jesus. And then there are harvest parties mentioned earlier.
Once again if you choose to celebrate with the traditions of the world I am not here condemning you. This is only to make you think and perhaps decide if you should do that next year. John 15:19 says "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." There is a saying I heard once that if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you.When Halloween comes into play that in fact could be a factor. If people came up to your door on October 31 would they be able to tell by your displays that you were a believer or would they not have a clue?
Halloween is not really mentioned in the Bible but good and evil are mentioned. So once again this has to be something the individual has to be convicted in their own hearts what to do and do you celebrate or not. If you do, how do you choose to celebrate? Nothing says you have to participate. It is not a law or anything.
So where is your heart today? Do you desire light more than darkness and do you choose to follow the worlds' ways or follow God's ways? Is this 'just' a fun holiday? Colossians 3:17 says "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
PRAYER: Lord I know Halloween in itself is not mentioned in your word but I do not want my heart to be drawn to evil. I do not want to chance doing anything that would give Satan a foothold in my life. Give me discernment for what to do about this day without being self righteous or condemning of others. Whatever I do I want to do it all unto the Lord. Whatever I do I want to please you so I need to remember to ask is what I am doing pleasing you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Romans 14:1-9
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)