Light in the Darkness

"The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned."

Isaiah 9:2

They could really use a little hope.  Things looked pretty bad for the people of God.  And what was the message God used to encourage His wayward people as they faced exile in a  time of great darkness which was a serious consequence for their unfaithfulness?  "I am sending the Light."  We as 21st Century people who are no less wayward are the beneficiaries of this prophecy.  But do we see His benefit, or would we rather stay in the dark (John 3:19)?

Counselor.  I always need guidance.  There is a constant need for help.  My inferior perspective cannot make out the course I am meant to navigate.  Therefore, I need a counselor.  And in Christ I have one always available.  But I must seek His counsel, it doesn't just come automatically through osmosis (James 1:5-7).  The choice is mine:  Follow my own ways or actively seek His.  When I ask Him for wisdom without holding back, believing He truly holds all the answers to my questions, the solutions to my problems, the only direction in the darkness, then He will generously bestow His insight upon me.

Jesus Christ is my Wonderful Counselor.

Mighty.  There are many gods to choose from.  I could try adhering to a plethora of religious principles, hoping they could save me from the meaninglessness of life, from the hopelessness I feel,  from the destruction of myself.  But none is powerful enough, all are impotent and limited in scope.  Jesus Christ is the only God who solved mankind's core problem:  sin.  Its what broke His creation, twisted everything good into something evil, turned what God meant into something He never intended.  But Jesus, in taking upon Himself that destructive sin that introduced death into His perfect Creation, introduced hope that everything will be set back as it was meant to be.  And this redemptive power is at work today in those who wholly trust their lives to Him.  He turns ashes into beauty, suffering into rejoicing, the bad into the good (Isaiah 61:1-3).  

Jesus Christ is my Mighty God.

Unlimited.  Everything I know, that I'm familiar with, is limited.  Whatever surrounds me has a beginning and a conclusion, is unable to meet all my needs, has boundaries.  Whatever power I turn to in this physical world comes to an end at some point, running out of steam and needing to be replenished.  Not with Jesus.  His strength and ability to care for His people never runs out (Isaiah 40:28).  I can count on Him whose power and dominion knows no boundaries.  In fact, everything I see belongs to Him and since He loves to give good things to His children, I can rely on Him to supply my needs, quench my thirst, fill my void (Psalm 50:10, Matthew 7:11, Matthew 6:32). This is the kind of God upon whom I can place my faith.

Jesus Christ is my Everlasting Father.

Reconciliatory.  He did what no one else could do.  He bridged the void sin left between mankind and God.  He filled the gap that sin created.  His work on the cross built a bridge between me the wretched and God the good.  His ministry of reconciliation delivered peace between God and myself whom my flesh made into His natural enemy (Colossians 1:22, Romans 5:10).  Not only this, but He also made a way for this peace to be available within myself, guarding my heart against fear and my mind against anxiety (Philippians 4:7).

Jesus Christ is my Prince of Peace.

He is the Light of the world, yet many would rather stay in the darkness.  To those who step into His wonderful Light, however, the risk taken in giving all to Him pays off in dividends whose value we cannot fathom.  Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.  These are the benefits I receive by faith when I leave behind the darkness and enter into His beautiful Light.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to give Jesus my entire life, leaving the darkness of my sins behind.

When do I cling to my sin, unwittingly choosing it over the Light?

How would it change my life to know I can go to Jesus with any problem I encounter?   

Testimony of Light

"Look to God's instructions and teachings!

People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.

They will go from one place to another,

weary and hungry.

And because they are hungry, 

they will rage and curse their king and their God.  

They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, 

but wherever they look,

there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair.

They will be thrown out into the darkness."

Isaiah 8:20 NLT

Times are confusing.  People are looking for answers.  Desperate to know the truth, we turn to science, religion, philosophy, common sense; whatever sounds good and seems right.  Whatever will ease our minds and give us something to sink our teeth into.  Whatever grounds us so we won't drift into fear and worry.

There are many messages to hear, much advice to be taken, a lot of warnings to heed.  But only those based on God's Word matter.  All else is static and will send us into darkness.

Consult.  I don't inherently know what God knows.  His mind is more intelligent, intricate, broad; I can't possibly expect to rely on my instincts to be able to grasp His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  If I want to follow my Shepherd who has at heart both my best interest and His highest glory, I must become familiar with His Word.  If I never crack open the Bible, I can guarantee that I'll be swept away by false teachings that sound like they could be from God (Joshua 23:6-7, Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Therefore, God's Word is vital to my walk with Christ, my journey on the path He has marked out for me, the race I am meant to run.  If I never study the holy Scriptures, I am destined to wander.  If, however, I take His Word as great treasures to be unpacked and incorporated into each day, I'll find that God uses it to transform me into the image of His Son (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 8:29).  Without God's Word, I'm missing a big piece of what it means to authentically live in relationship with Him.

I will discover the testimony of Light when I make it a practice to consult God's Word.

Sovereignty.  I readily admit that I don't have all the answers.  I also acknowledge that man is lacking in many ways.  Yet I constantly find myself turning to worldly, human-centered sources when I'm looking for solutions or understanding.  There is something in me that is drawn to my fellow man for advice.

Yet if I truly want to know something about the world or anything in it, I'd be wise to consult the One who made it (Psalm 24:1).  In the same way that I turn to the manufacturer of my cell phone when I need to know how it functions, I must do the same with God (Isaiah 64:8).  Only He has the knowledge and the authority to point me to the truth while ordering my footsteps (Psalm 119:133).  After all, it would be absurd to ask another cell phone how to operate my device, yet I often use this same principal when it comes to life, depending on the created to shed light on the Creator's masterpiece (Isaiah 10:15).

I will discover the testimony of Light when I acknowledge the sovereignty of God that leads me to seek wisdom from Him and Him alone.

Understanding.  He has a plan.  He sees the big picture.  He has a different perspective than mine.  As a result, I'd be wise to seek Him always, in every situation no matter how big or small (Jeremiah 29:11-13, Matthew 7:7).  Instead of depending upon my own common sense or that of others, I'd be wise to find out straight from the Source how He created me to operate.

Instead, I often rely on what makes sense to me, or do what is comfortable to me, or fall back on my old standbys.  While I could trust God to provide everything I need, I end up turning to the usual resources to find help (Matthew 6:31-33).  Whereas I could wait on God to move me forward in His timing, I often grow impatient and try to make something happen on my own (Isaiah 40:31).  Although I could seek His intention for me, I frequently turn to my own instincts to lead me through life's intricate maze (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I will discover the testimony of Light when I realize that only God has understanding of His world and how I fit into it.

I can turn to many sources to find answers.  Many of these solutions sound good to me but they lead me in the wrong direction.  Therefore, if I want to walk in the Light, I must become familiar with God's Word, respect His sovereignty over all things, and live as if He were the only One who holds any understanding of His world and my intended place in it.  When I do, I'll discover the testimony of Light that will lead me out of the darkness that is all around me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to turn to Him in every situation.

When do I only seek God when I've reached the end of my rope?

How do I have the habit of listening to reason from man while ignoring God's superior thoughts?

Get Rich Scheme

In honor of today's 800th post on 

Writings on the Doorframe, 

I am offering free signed copies of my book: 

If you would like to be entered in the drawing, 

please email me at boosehome@aol.com
or leave me a comment below 

by the end of the day on Sunday, March 22nd.  

Winners will be announced on 

Monday, March 23rd!

"Praise the LORD.

Blessed are those who fear the LORD,

who find great delight in his commands.

their children will be mighty in the land;

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in their houses,

and their righteousness endures forever.

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,

for those who are gracious 

and compassionate 

and righteous."

Psalm 112:1-4

There are hundreds of get-rich schemes.  Most everyone has dreamed of winning the lottery, scoring a huge sum of money, or suddenly finding themselves with resources beyond measure.  As a teenager, my friends would sometimes ask what I would do if I won a million dollars, a seemingly unfathomable amount.  The question would get me to think about what it would be like to find myself suddenly rich.  How would I live?  What would I buy first?  Would it change my lifestyle, my habits, my circle of friends?

While it may be fun to daydream of sudden wealth, it won't happen for most of us.  Still, it doesn't stop people from buying into methods designed to bring about material prosperity, but there is only one lifestyle that bestows heavenly treasures.  When I respect and revere God enough to walk on His obscure, narrow path, submitting to His will for my life and worshiping Him in the choices that I make, I will find a kind of wealth that is unsurpassed in worth.

Legacy.  The bank account can dwindle, inheritances can amount to very little, and family heirlooms can subsist of a few sentimental items, but there is still a treasure that can be left to future generations that is priceless.  While I can't always control how much worldly wealth that can be passed down to my children, I can focus on a more valuable inheritance; faith in Jesus Christ.

When I devote my life to Christ, letting Him live through me, keeping in step with the Spirit and allowing Him to control my life, I am leaving a legacy of faith behind for my offspring (Galatians 5:16).  I can be assured that generations to come will live as salt and light in the world, impacting it for Christ selflessly and joyously (Matthew 5:13-16).  Strongholds of sin and Satan that I tear down now will benefit those coming behind as the generational transfer of sins throughout the years and demonic activity that plagues my extended family will be vanquished.  My descendants will benefit from my current victories in Christ.  

My legacy of faith in Christ is a rich inheritance I am leaving for future generations.

Riches.  There are some houses I walk into and feel instantly at home.  Decor and color schemes can be mimicked, styles of furniture can be copied, and similar furnishings purchased, but the riches found in these homes only come from the bond the owners have with Christ.

When I invest my life in my relationship with Jesus, I will find many treasures building up at home.  I'm not talking about the stuff that I see in the pages of Better Homes and Gardens that make so many homes pleasing to the eye and comfortable to live in.  Rather, I'm referring to the riches of a strong family who thrives, healthy relationships that grow stronger through the years, and peace that permeates the very air and cannot be duplicated nor understood.  These are the profits of heavenly investments.

My faith in Christ earns the dividend of a rich home life that has nothing to do with the house.

Light.  Life is not easy, let's just get that straight.  No matter how I live my life, who I follow, or what religious structure I adhere to, I will have hard times.  In fact, I have heard many say that dedicating one's life to Christ actually makes life more difficult as we live in opposition to the world (John 16:33, John 15:19).

The good news is that in Christ, I have the promise of a beacon of hope shining in the darkness.  No matter how bad things get, God's grace and mercy will prevail, overflowing into my life to enable me to succeed (Hebrews 4:16).  I know He will get me through whatever I face.  In addition, I can rest assured that He is always at work on my behalf, fighting my battles for me and bringing about perfect justice.  In these ways, no matter how bad things get, I have the hope of His Light leading me through the darkness.

My faith in Christ means I'll never be left to my own devices because no matter how dark my days get, I will always have His Light to guide me.

While I could go after worldly riches, I'd rather pursue something more lasting.  Therefore, I will run after Jesus, making Him my Lord and Savior.  When I do, I will reap many rewards.  I will find a rich legacy of faith passed on through the generations that earns for me a home filled with eternal riches and a Light that shines in the darkness.  In these ways, I'm wealthy beyond compare.  Now this is a get-rich scheme I can buy into!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to place all my hope in Him.

When do I dream of earthly riches when the heavenly ones are so much more valuable?

How am I focused on the wrong goals in life?

Coping in the Pit of Depression

"You have put me in the lowest pit,

in the darkest depths.

Your wrath lies heavily on me;

you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.

You ave taken from me my closest friends

and have made me repulsive to them.

I am confined and cannot escape;

my eyes are dim with grief.

I call to you, LORD, every day;

I spread out my hands to you."

Psalm 88:9-12 NLT

How did David gain the reputation for being a man after God's own heart?  Was it because he lived a perfect, upright life?  Or due to the fact that he never wavered in his faith, never doubted God's presence?  Or for the reason that David stayed true to God, never falling into despair despite the hard times he faced?

The answer is: None of the above!  David was considered by God as someone who pursued His own nature and core spirit because David didn't fake it with God.  Even when He fell into the pit of depression, he coped by sharing his true feelings with the God he knew would love him no matter what.  He didn't worry that he'd lose God's favor or kindness by telling the truth of how he felt to a God who would never leave him nor forsake him.

I can follow David's lead and cope with depression in the same way he did.  Since God often holds David up as a model of how to live in relationship with Him through the ups and downs of life, I would be wise to do as this shepherd-boy-who-became-king did.

Honest.  I've always heard that honesty is the best policy, but if I try to live by that maxim it doesn't always work out so well for me.  If I tell people how I really feel, I risk hurting their feelings or damaging our relationship or influencing the way they think of me.  So, I've learned to keep the ugly feelings, the dark thoughts, the inappropriate questions to myself.

This is not how God wants me to approach Him.  Even though people respond negatively to my openness for a variety of reasons, God is not at all threatened by my efforts to tell Him like I see or, or share my honest feelings with Him.  He will not be hurt and lash out in retaliation.  He doesn't back away in repulsion.  He doesn't think less of me.  David understood this heart of God and His desire for open, authentic communication with Him so he didn't sugar-coat his words.  I can do the same.

When I'm feeling down, like there is no hope, I can follow David's lead and share my honest feelings with the God whose love I cannot lose.

Face it.  I have learned from a long line of experts how to sweep things under the rug and leave it there, pretending like it doesn't exist.  Sometimes it's conflict that gets cleared away.  Other times I stuff down feelings that make me uncomfortable so I don't have to look at it's full ugliness.  Then there are times when I act like I have no problem with how a situation is handled by someone close even though I'm deeply hurt.  Yep, I'm good at living under false pretenses.

David didn't live this way.  Instead, he openly examined his thoughts and feelings no matter how inappropriate or uncomfortable.  Perhaps because he was so secure in His Father's love, he was able to bring out the deep, dark feelings that lay hidden in the recesses of his heart and look them over thoroughly in the light.  He even welcomed God's inspection, asking Him to "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)

Since David knew how well He was known by God and, at the same time loved completely and enduringly, he felt safe in allowing God access to the most secret parts of him.  There was no fear in being found out but rather a deep desire for intimacy that drove David to stand emotionally naked before God.  It is vital that I truly comprehend God's durable love for me so that I can face my own dark places and allow God in there as well.

When I'm feeling down, like there is no hope, I can follow David's lead and face the feelings I tend to hide, allowing the God whose love I cannot lose access to my dark places.

Faithful.  My dog thinks the best of me.  He follows me around like a devoted friend, always keeping me company.  When I am agitated or upset, he doesn't run away but draws even closer in an attempt to comfort me.  If I walk ahead on the path, he cannot rest until he has caught up.  My dog is faithful to me, of this I can be sure.

In order to follow David's lead, I must cultivate this same spirit of faithfulness to God.  David never gave up crying out to God, casting all his cares upon the God he knew was there, even when he couldn't feel His presence.  David knew without a doubt that God would come through for him and always reminded himself of this truth, especially when he felt all alone, estranged from his Life-Source and like he had been kicked to the curb.  David didn't rest until he had shared his heart with God, and he never gave up on Him, knowing in his heart of hearts that God was his only hope.

When I'm feeling down, like there is no hope, I can follow David's lead and stay faithful to the God who will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:20).

When depression hits, how do I cope as a follower of Jesus?  It's easy to feel guilty that I sunk down into the pit in the first place, but I can gain much hope by realizing David often experienced similar despair and feelings of hopelessness.  Since David was considered a man after God's own heart, I can look to his example of how to cope with depression.  I can be open and honest in communicating my feelings to God, facing the truth of what is hidden within, and staying faithful to God, not giving up on Him because of how I feel.  In these ways I can learn to deal with depressed feelings in a way that honors God and grows my relationship with Him.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can realize how secure I am in God's love.

When do I fall prey to my feelings and think God won't accept me if I tell Him the truth?

How am I failing to understand the depth of His love for me and depriving Him of the opportunity to love me right where I am?

   

Constant Reminder

"For you are God, my only safe haven.

Why have you tossed me aside?

Why must I wander around in grief,

oppressed by my enemies?

Send out your light and your truth;

let them guide me.

Let them lead me to your holy mountain,

to the place where you live."

Psalm 43:2-3 NLT

Her heart ached with grief over the broken pieces of her life.  Everything that she had worked for during the past decade was lying in shambles at her feet.  She felt battered and bruised from the fight, anything but loved and cherished by a doting Father.

Still, no matter how my friend feels, she is highly regarded by her God.  She is showered with blessings in the heavenly realms, even in the midst of the storm.  She is protected and prized despite the fact that she feels vulnerable and neglected.

It's easy to fall into despair, especially when circumstances are out of my control and life is not going according to my plan.  Therefore, I must constantly remind myself of the truth, just like the psalmist did.

God.  Drugs.  Work.  Ministry.  Service.  Exercise.  Hobbies.  Alcohol.  Social media.  There are countless places I can hide during the storm, when life is spinning out of control and I need to feel safe and secure.  Where do I choose to go to find a sense of purpose and meaning when I feel low?

Instead of picking the myriad of hopeless alternatives, no matter how good they seem on the outside, I can let God be my safe haven.  Only He can give me peace in the midst of the struggle.  Only He can bring value and significance when I feel low.  Only He can rescue me from the dull, emptiness of day after day of drudgery.

While there are many good things I can do to make myself feel better about my life, my only hope for knowing my true value is through faith in Jesus Christ.  In Him I have purpose, meaning and a mission (Ephesians 2:10).   Even though there are lots of ways I can drown my sorrows, only Christ can deliver comfort, release, freedom, beauty, joy and praise (Isaiah 61:1-3).  Although I can find many places to hide in times of trouble, only trusting in God can deliver peace that doesn't make sense considering my circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7).

When times are difficult, I must constantly remind myself that God is where I find meaning, purpose and a sense of calm.

Refuge.  The wind howled through the trees, sending branches falling and turning pine cones into missiles.  Even though our retreat was in a safe harbor, it wasn't immune to the strong gales.  The water swirled and whipped up, rocking the boats secured in their slips, eventually loosing a ship free from it's moorings. The bay did not completely protect us from the raging storm.

Life throws many difficulties my way and despite my best efforts at protecting myself, I am not immune from hard times.  Therefore, it is vital that I let God be my refuge in times of trouble.  While there are other options I can choose, nothing is as secure and delivers me from fear as God can (Psalm 46:1-3).

When times are difficult, I must constantly go to God as my safe place where I will find true security.

Light.  If I want advice, there is plenty out there to be had.  I can ask anyone and they'll give me their take on things, offering recommendations, suggestions and guidance; enough to make my head swirl.  Which counsel should I take?  What should I do?

If I want to know the perfect solution to my specific problem I must ask God who generously gives His wisdom to those who believe He is the only source of understanding (James 1:5-8). If, however, I think He is only one option and it's up to me to pick the best idea, I'll never be sure of what I should do.

I can be confident that God will guide me through the hard times I'm facing.  He is faithful and true, able to show me the way He has marked out for me (Hebrews 12:1-2).  My role is to follow Him as my Shepherd, letting Him choose the path and set the pace.  Consequently, I must expect that He'll lead me in directions that seem odd or even foolish, and He'll often either go faster or slower than is to my liking. 

When times are difficult, I must constantly remember that God is the source of truth and insight that I need in the midst of the confusion.

In the span of a lifetime, I'll endure many hard times, of this I can be sure.  While such difficulty may cause me to despair, making me feel like I'm more of a reject instead of the cherished child that I am.  Instead of falling prey to such feelings, I can make it a practice to remind myself that God is the One I can always trust to give me meaning, that His refuge is truly safe, and that He is the source of understanding in a world that is often topsy-turvy.  In such storms, I must learn to preach these constant reminders to myself as protection against despair.  Then I will not fall victim to my misleading feelings that often lead me astray but will know in my heart I am cherished as a well-loved child by a doting Father.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God in the midst of the trouble.

When do I believe the fear that grips my heart?

How can I give myself a little reminder of the truth that will set me free?  

Tend

"The lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD must be tended continually.

This bread is to be set out before the LORD regularly,

Sabbath after Sabbath,

on behalf of the Israelites,

as a lasting covenant.

It belongs to Aaron and his sons,

who are to eat it in the sanctuary area,

because it is a most holy part of their perpetual

share of the food offerings presented to the LORD."

Leviticus 24:4, 8-9

The flame flickered in the afternoon breeze beneath the canopy of evergreen and River Birch trees growing beside the peaceful, mountain-fed stream.  Fueled by an underground methane seep, the blaze perpetually burns at a local park near my childhood home.   In fact, so unique is this wonder that the recreational area bears the name, "Flaming Geyser."

While no one had to tend to this naturally occurring phenomena in order to keep the flame burning, it was a different story in the temple of the Lord.  Aaron and all his ancestors for generations to come were given the task to tend to the oil lamps in the temple.  It was God's intention that these flames continually burn as a symbol of His constant presence with His people.

Even though there no longer remains a requirement to perform such tasks, this section of God's Word does give much insight into areas to which I must constantly tend.

Light

My husband had known him for years so the news came as quite a surprise.  I couldn't believe the words that my spouse was saying.  "He said he's been a believer since childhood."  We thought it strange that he never spoke of his faith.  In fact, by observing his life I would have never known he had entered into such a divine relationship.

Living in the culture in which I now find myself, it's easy to blend in and look like everyone else.  Even more troubling is the fact that my thought patterns can easily follow worldly beliefs that are rooted in selfish principles and run counter to God's ways.  As a follower of Christ, I am called to live in the world but not be of it; to guard against being polluted by it's destructive ways.  (Romans 12:2, John 15:19)

As such, it is my job to tend to the light of Jesus which flames within myself and sheds light on a darkened world.  As Jesus said, people do not, "light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:14-16)  The light of Jesus must be central to my life, providing the foundation for everything I do, say and think.  

Similarly, the Word of God must be the filter through which everything flows, sifting out all that does not line up with His standard.  When I strive to root out all that conflicts with God, what will be left is that which will stand as a beacon to the darkness around me.

Consequently, when a neighbor is at the end of her rope and has nowhere left to turn, she knows she can come to the one who will tell her the truth in love.  Or when there are those who are caught up in the stream of cultural Christianity, I may be the only wall they find themselves running into.  Or, if a friend thinks all hope is gone, she can follow the light that leads her out of the pit.

In order to live a life true to the One who gave His life for me, it is important that I let His light shine in the world around me.

Bread

My husband's friend walked through our front door and followed the scent of freshly baked bread that led him into our kitchen.  He couldn't help himself; he had to taste the heavenly treat.  It is hard to resist homemade bread that is hot out of the oven.

While it's been said that bread is the staff of life, there is something more vital to my existence to which I must cling:  Jesus.  He even called Himself the "Bread of Life." (John 6:35)  He is all I ever need to satisfy that inner longing within me, or to give me that sense of purpose that makes my life meaningful, or to provide the necessities of life.  Jesus is to be my everything.

Unfortunately, I don't always live my life as if this were true.  Instead, I turn to other pursuits, people or possessions that I think will satisfy.  It could be an important career, a loving relationship, or a critical cause.  While none of these are wrong in and of themselves, if it's where I turn to for a kind of salvation, or sense of satisfaction, I may be off base.

Jesus said that as I live my life, it is like He is the vine and I am the branches.  If I stick close to Him, staying connected to Him as my source of all good things, I will bear much fruit.  If, however, I choose to separate from Him or even just let myself drift away, nothing I do in life will matter one iota in eternity.  In the scheme of things, it'll be like I'm spinning my wheels. (John 15:5-8)

In order to live a life true to the One who gave His life for me, it is important that Jesus is my only source of sustenance.

Name

"Jesus Christ!"   It's hard to live in a world that uses the name of my Savior as a curse word.  Even though I may not go to such extremes to blaspheme the name of the Lord, there are ways I'm at risk of dishonoring God in a world that doesn't know Him.

Sometimes I might be tempted to use God or His Word in an effort to give weight to my argument.  After all, who's going to argue with me if I say that God wants me to do this or that?  While there are times I may be prompted to pass a message on to another or perform a certain deed, I better not fabricate this kind of scenario in order to benefit myself.

Other times I could use common sayings that seem so harmless but really bring dishonor to God's holy name.  Saying, "Oh, my God!" or "For the love of God!" as an expression of shock or frustration brings disgrace to the name of the One who I must strive to uphold in every way.

There are even times when I may add God's name to an oath in order to give clout to my promise.  Instead, it would be wise to simply let my words stand for themselves so I don't put myself at risk of bringing dishonor to His name. (Matthew 5:33-37)

In order to live a life true to the One who gave His life for me, it is important that I always strive to honor His name in every way.

While Aaron and his ancestors were tasked with many jobs which helped keep God's continual presence always at the forefront of the minds of the people, there are tasks to which I must also cultivate.  I would be wise to let my light shine before men, seek Jesus as my only source of sustenance, and strive to honor God in everything I do.  It is then that I will be tending to that which is ultimately of the greatest importance.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep God at the forefront of my mind.

When do I seek sustenance and comfort from other sources?

How am I at risk of dishonoring God in the way I speak or conduct business? 

Light

"God said,

'Let there be light.'

And there was light!

God saw that the light was good,

so God separated the light from the darkness."

Genesis 1:3-4 NET

I opened my eyes but nothing happened.  The inky blackness behind my closed eyelids matched the darkness found in my tent pitched deep in the forest.  I waited, giving my young eyes a chance to adjust.  Still, not a bit of darkness could be detected.  As I lay in my sleeping bag, unable to discern my surroundings, the night seemed to press in around me, giving me a feeling of claustrophobia.   I lay there in a wide-eyed state of alertness until finally, my fatigue overcame my sense of anxiety and I fell into a state of slumber.

The next time I opened my eyes on that memorable trip of my youth to the back-country of Yellowstone park, however, everything was different.  Light flooded the tent and what felt like a tomb a few hours before, now was my peaceful home away from home:  The introduction of light had changed everything.

In the beginning, God made the light and called it "good." (Genesis 1:4)  Darkness always existed, but once the light came, everything changed.  (v 2)  God's creation of light provides many reminders of the Truth as I negotiate my walk with Christ.

Separated

The shirt draped over a chair becomes an intruder hunched in the corner.  A painting of a smiling woman is transformed into a grimacing fiend.  The friendly figurine of a frolicking feline looks more like a menacing monster.  Darkness has a way of hiding the goodness and providing fertile ground for an active imagination.

In a similar way, the darkness of this world and my sinful nature both have a way of twisting what is good into something evil.  Marriage is morphed from the bedrock of our society where children are nurtured and men and women find meaning in their God-given roles to a meaningless institution devoid of purposeful underpinning.

In the hands of this darkness, God is removed as the Giver of the standard for living and in His place man's corrupt conscience serves as the establisher of the benchmark.  It is also apparent that the once thriving, hospitable, loving home where education and commerce of all kinds took place is now simply a haven from the world and a place to find refuge from others.

When God separated the light from the darkness, He set in place a reminder of my calling to set myself aside for His use.  Instead of merging into the ways of the world that are so comfortable to my sinful nature, I hold God's ways as more valuable.  In this way I will exist in the world as salt and light without risk of looking just like unbelievers who have no hope. (Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 6:31-32)

Just as light is divided from darkness, so is God's purpose far different from the world's.

Jesus

No matter what time of year you may visit Yuma, Arizona, you will probably find a sunny day.  It is known as the sunniest city in the U.S. with an average of 328 days of sun per year.  For those who prefer cheery, sunlit days, this is the place to dwell.  To find 100% chance of walking in the light, however, I need look no further than Jesus!  You see, wherever Jesus is, I will find light because He is the Light of the world.  (John 8:12)

Following the Holy Spirit, then, is the one sure way to walk in the Light, for He would never lead me into darkness.  (Galatians 5:16-18)  When I am tempted to follow my natural inclinations and let my selfish desires lead the way, I find myself looking out for myself, promoting my plans, and meeting my needs.  When I let God's Spirit guide me, however, I will discover a new-found selflessness as I desire to help others, glorify God by supporting His plan, and looking for ways to meet the needs of those around me.

As a follower of Christ, I am not bound to the darkness of my sin nature, but neither am I a resident of this world.  When I stick by His side, I will find the God-offending thinking so common in this day and age to be as foreign to my mind. (Romans 12:2)  It will also become clear that His love will flow freely from me as I am transformed from a judgmental, harsh critic to a merciful dispenser of grace.  In the Light, the homeless beggar becomes someone's father or brother who needs a kind touch instead of a pitiful excuse of a man who has given up on life.  The Light has a way of altering my perspective to line up more with His rather than the world's.

Just as light is at odds from darkness, so will following Jesus place me on a narrow path that drastically differs from the wide, well-traveled path of the world.  

Unquenchable

No matter how many times he blew, the birthday boy could not extinguish the candle.  His mother had carefully hidden the trick candle in the center of the cluster of 8 flaming symbols of his age, knowing how much her son loved practical jokes.  Finally, they dipped the still-flaming candle into some water to douse the fire so they could cut the cake.

While these trick birthday candles can be a fun edition to any party, it can also remind us of Jesus.  His Light is unable to be extinguished by anything found in all of creation.  No matter how dark the world seems, it is never so bad that it will overcome the Light.  (John 1:5)

Applying this truth to my life, I will discover that there is no hurt that cannot be healed by the touch of Jesus.  No matter how hopeless a situation seems, it is not so difficult that a touch of His cloak will not overcome it.  (Luke 8:44)

There are times when it seems evil is winning, but the Truth tells me that the One who resides in my heart is greater than the Evil One who prowls the earth looking for someone to devour.  (1 John 4:4, 1 Peter 5:8)  I can also remember when I feel like my sin is always winning out that Jesus has finished His redemptive work on the cross that provides me an endless supply of forgiveness and the power to overcome.  (1 John 1:7-9, Galatians 5:24-25)

Just as light cannot be extinguished by darkness, so is the Light of Jesus unable to be quenched by evil.

When God made light, He called it good and opened up a precedence for living in relation to Him.  I am to live fully in His Light, separate from the ways of the world and my sinful nature.  I also am called to walk beside Jesus as He leads me through the darkness, knowing that His Light cannot be extinguished.  These are the lessons of the light I can take with me throughout my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the significance of light.

When am I drawn to the darkness like a moth to the flame?

How am I living a defeated life instead of remembering the victory I have in Jesus? 

Into the Light

"But you are a chosen people,

a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

God’s special possession,

that you may declare

the praises of him who called you out of darkness

into his wonderful light."

1 Peter 2:9

The three hooded men followed us, staying in the shadows as the four of us walked along a deserted part of the village.  We picked up our pace, praying as we looked around for someone that might be able to help us.  As we turned the corner, I snuck a peek back at the menacing threesome.  They walked into the light of a lamppost and I noticed a lock of hair slip out from the hood of one of our followers and realized the threatening trio appeared to be a harmless group of girls.  The light had removed the threat and revealed the truth.

As God's chosen people, we are not called to walk in the darkness where temptation and evil dwells.  Instead, we are children of the light, belonging to a God who is the Father of Lights, Author of all good things.  As a dweller of the world, I am constantly tempted to step into the darkness, out of the glorious illumination that comes from my Savior.  I am called to the light, but I do not automatically dwell there.  I must struggle to walk in the light, as He is in the light.

God is Light

When we bought our house, I remember asking the Realtor if we could have smooth ceilings instead of the usual popcorn texture.  She explained that the textured surface helps to hide flaws in workmanship, uneven surfaces and a myriad of defects.  For this reason it is the preferred surface treatment.

Darkness has a similar concealing effect.  There is no darkness in God: He is light.  If I claim affiliation to Him, yet am constantly giving into the sinful desires of my flesh, I am not being honest and truthful.  I am in the shadows, allowing it to hide the stronghold Satan has on that part of my life.   

If I am instead honest with God about my struggle, bringing it into the light and letting Him illuminate the sin, I am claiming His power over the hold that sin has on me, thus releasing it to Him.  The light breaks the strength of the iron-grip that transgression held upon me.

His Light severs sin's grasp.

Fellowship is Restored

Hanging out in the shadows of my sin hampers the bond I share with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  If I am not being honest with God about my struggles, then it follows that I am not being honest with my family, either.  God created us to live together in community, as one Body. 

I recently was suffering from some knee pain, and it effected my entire body.  My other leg had to carry more of my weight as I favored the bad leg.  I utilized the railings when negotiating the stairs, putting more stress on my upper body.  My calf began to ache because I had unknowingly altered my gait in order to protect the bum knee.  Once I recovered, I needed to do some retraining to begin doing things the normal way, the way God intended my body to function.

It is the same with the Body of Christ.  When I am not honest with my struggles, choosing to hide them in order to save face, I effect the rest of the Body.  Others have to pick up the slack where I am unable to serve due to my affliction.  I am not pulling my weight, functioning as God intended because I am too busy trying to hide my issues. 

Once I step into the Light, I can function as designed within the family of God, sharing all the gifts God has given me, loving others as He has loved me, and supporting those who need extra grace. 

The Light dissolves the fear of discovery and I am free to be me!

Purified from Sin

Once my sin has been exposed by the Light, my fellowship with others has been restored and I can benefit from the purification of my sin by the blood of Jesus. 

When Jesus died on the cross, one of His final words were, "It is finished."  The purpose for his coming to the earth, suffering at the hands of His own creation, and dying a brutal death was accomplished.  God requires death as a punishment for our sin, our failing to live up to His standard, but He loves us so much that He sent His Son to take the penalty in our place.  Once Jesus gave up His Spirit as He died on the cross, this objective was complete.  Our sins were covered, our penalty paid, our judgement resolved.  I am forgiven.

But I don't always live like I'm forgiven.  I act as if I have no other choice but to give into the temptation to do things my way instead of God's way. I wallow in the guilt of past sins, continue to suffer from the pain sin has caused, or nurse the bitterness stemming from the sin of others.   

I do, however, have a choice.  I can step into the light, into the cleansing radiance where the contamination of sin in my life is removed. 

In the Light, guilt is gone, hurt is healed, and anger is absolved.

I am called into the light, but stepping into the light takes effort, a sense of purpose and a strong will, all of which are powered by the love of God.  Then my fellowship with others is restored, and my sins are purified.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can stop trying to hide things from God, instead choosing to be honest with Him who loves me beyond all scope of my imagination.

Where do I play games with God, pretending not to see the so-called pink elephant in the middle of the room?

What relationships have been hampered by the shadows in my life?