The Light Shines in the Darkness

We may have all experienced one or two dreadful thunderstorms during our lifetime. This can cause power to go out leaving us in total darkness.  It is then that we find ourselves at the mercy of not just the thunderstorms, but the darkness which also creates the potential of us hurting ourselves.

Terrible and all kinds of hurtful things occur when the power is out, such as stepping on those lego pieces not put away, stubbing a toe, hitting ourselves against the drawer that was left open when we grabbed the flashlight, or stepping on our dog or cat; the list goes on and on as to how much harm we may be subjected to when the power is out. Have you ever experienced this? Total darkness, soul darkness.

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shinning ever brighter till the full light of day.  But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness, they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:18-19 (NIV)

Imagine how relieved we feel when the power comes back on. Now we see clearly, that which we couldn’t see in the darkness.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:5 (NIV)

Just as the thunderstorm that caused the power to go out and create all kind of chaos, Satan works the same way.  Trying to blind our mind, spirit, and soul with all that is evil. We begin to doubt, hurt others, be unforgiving to others and ourselves; the list goes on.  All these things take place when we don’t activate the light in our lives, that is Jesus.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

If we are so relieved when the power comes back on, how much more joy should we feel and experience when we invite Jesus to be the light in our lives. For it is then that we can plainly see who satan really is, “the big deceiver”.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 (NIV)

The Present

We have all received a gift or two throughout our lives. Right? Gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and worth. Whatever the gift, we don’t know the sacrifices that a person had to go through just to give that gift.  Every gift requires a sacrifice of some degree.  All we know is that they gave us gifts because they love us and they care for us. Love should be the motivation for every gift. Love cost. Giving gifts is an act of selflessness. Every gift has cost the giver something.

What we do with the present and how we go about appreciating the gift shows others how appreciative we are. So, next time you receive a present don’t put it in the corner and only take it out when the giver comes over. But if we are being honest, there are some gifts that we re-gift because we for whatever reason don’t like or appreciate the gift. Just maybe we could also sacrifice and use the gift as it was intended to be used. Enjoying the gift received and the joy it brings you and the giver.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

In the same respect, what are you doing with the gift of Jesus Christ? God gave the precious gift to you that brought so many benefits. This gift brought us salvation and the gift of the Spirit. We shouldn’t just leave the gift on the shelf as if it is to only be admired but never appreciated and experienced as it should. John 3 tells us that God gave us this gift not for judgment but for a gift that would be eternal. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, forever. We can never fully exhaust the gift but we can enjoy the fullness of its benefits on a daily basis. Demonstrating the appreciation of the gift and the giver.

Photo by Tetiana Shadrina on Unsplash

 

Leap of Faith!

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I set you apart— I appointed you prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5 TLV

fear not for I AM with you

Stepping into the unknown shouldn’t bind us to the fears from the new adventures and opportunities God has for our lives. For the unknown is unknown to us, but known to Him, who knew us before we were born.

He holds the keys to our everlasting life. For it is not about figuring life out but putting our trust and faith in Him whom we put our hope in, that is…

Jesus Christ!!