Light in the Darkness

 

Darkness can be terrifying, dangerous and even deadly. However, God shines His light out of darkness in order to reveal to the whole world the knowledge of His glory in the presence of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12). He gave Himself to us, so we can bear witness of God to others. He freely gives Himself to us and makes us the light of the world through His presence within us (Matthew 5:15).

Without Christ in us, the world would be doomed to eternal darkness. However, those souls currently cursed with the darkness are illuminated by God's love and hope in us (Luke 1:67-79). Some of them are intimidated or convicted by this light and reject us because of it.

Others are immune to the variation of light, because they love their darkness so much. They are proud of their dark deeds, applaud others who choose the same path they chose, and make it a habit to rebel against what they consider God's restraints on their life.

We simply need to take the opportunity to share Christ with as many people as will listen to what we have to say. We shine brightly in their dark world; and like a moth, many are attracted by the light of Christ in us.

They want what we have as we exhibit peace in our circumstances, joy in our trials and His rest in this world of unrest. We are not affected by the government or issues in this life, because we are actually citizens of Heaven instead.

We live above the chaos and darkness all around us, with glowing faces and confident lives - reflecting Jesus from within us. He is our strength and our true source of lasting joy.

Prayer:

Father God, through Christ in us, we do not rely on our human achievements, wisdom or strength. Jesus alone is our salvation. He reigns supreme in our life as we follow Your Spirit's direction. Heaven is Your throne and the earth is Your footstool (Isaiah 66:1); yet, You know our thoughts, words and deeds.

You are high and lifted up and Your robe fills the temple (Isaiah 6:1) You are our Exalted One and You hold all the issues of life in Your control (Philippians 4:6-7). You live within each Born Again Believer by Your Spirit and direct every step we take as we commit them to You (Galatians 2:20). 

Thought for the Day:

Jesus is the light of the world, and there is no darkness in Him. - 1 John 1:5

Heavenly Throne and Earthly Footstool

In this modern era, we depreciate God in every way. We see Him as the little man behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz. We tell Him what to do, berate Him as a child, and show our disdain and anger toward Him.

We forget that He created the entire cosmos. Mankind discovers more and more galaxies with each new powerful telescope and probe, which we send out into space.

We continually discover plant and animal species which we never knew existed. We see the magnitude of His glory in nature; and yet, this does not increase our respect and honor for our Creator (Romans 1:20).

Today, God deigns to dwell on earth in the hearts of Believers (2 Chronicles 6:18). We cannot possibly hide from God. He sees our thoughts, words and deeds. He desires our pure and holy worship (Jeremiah 23:24).

People refer to a building where the church meets as the "House of God", but this is far from the way God sees it (Acts 7:38). Heaven is His throne and He uses the earth as His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). The most elegant cathedral cannot contain Him.

He is our King and the ultimate Ruler of the Universe (1 Timothy 1:17). He stretches out between the vast expanse of time and space and interacts with His creation throughout the ages.

His Lordship and holy Presence should cause us to fall on our face before Him in humility, gratitude and praise; rather than to shout false accusations at Him, demean His character and blame Him for the misfortune which Satan causes on the earth.

God is totally engaged in each individual life and works by His Spirit to bring His truth and revelation to people in each generation since Adam and Eve. There is no reason for us not to love and honor Him with every breath we take.

Prayer:

Father God, what house could we possibly build for You (Jeremiah 7:4)? There is no way to contain Your essence in a building made with human hands (Acts 7:49). The heavens cannot even contain You, because You defy space and matter (1 Kings 8:27). You hold the entire universe in one hand.

Yet, Your eyes are on each one of us, judging our works and considering our needs, providing for Your children through Your magnanimous love and care (Psalm 11:4; 1 Peter 5:7). We give thanks to You that there is no good thing, which we need that You are not willing to provide for us (Philippians 4:19).

Thought for the Day:

God fills both the heavens and the earth and is not limited by time, space or matter; yet, He also revives the heart of the humble and penitent, and energizes our spirit with His Spirit as a down payment for all He has prepared for us both now and in eternity. - Jeremiah 23:24; Isaiah 57:15

A Building Made without Human Hands

David wanted to build God a proper house on this earth in which He could visit His people. David's heart continually focused on God, and he realized that he lived in a palace and God still dwelt in a tent from Israel's days in the wilderness (Acts 13:22).

As a man of war, David was disqualified from building this holy place (1 Chronicles 28:2-3). Yet, God allowed David to gather the materials and for his son Solomon to build this grand palace for the Lord.

When they completed the temple, God's glory filled the Holiest Place and He spoke to His chosen people (2 Chronicles 5-7). His main request was that Israel repent of all sin and to live holy before Him.

Characteristically, Israel sinned before the Lord, and God did as He warned them that He would do. He anointed a warring country to destroy the temple and to take the people captive.

Yet, God allowed a faithful remnant of His people to eventually return to the chosen land. 

They were able to rebuild Jerusalem and a smaller temple. This actually grieved those who experienced the former glory, which they lost because of their sin (Ezra 3:12).

God's plan all along was to build a house for Himself using living stones, acceptable to Him through our relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-12). We are His temple, and His Spirit dwells in our midst (1 Corinthians 3:16).

The building where the church meets is not holy nor is it God's house. It is simply a place for Believers to actively worship God who dwells within us. God's Spirit builds Believers together into a holy dwelling place for Him (Ephesians 2:22; Hebrew 3:6).

Heaven is God's throne and the earth is His footstool. There is no temple grand enough for us to build for Him, which is more awesome than the myriad of galaxies, which He created (Isaiah 66:1; Genesis 1:1).

Prayer:

Father God, remind us that our behavior is a reflection on You (Psalm 23:3, 1 Timothy 3:14-15). You are holy and You call us to be holy as well (1 Peter 1:16). You want us to have clean hands before we lift them up in worship to You (Psalm 24:1-6, 134:2).

Search the hidden recesses of our inner being and see if there is any wicked way in us, and lead us in Your everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24). Heal us from the deep wounds inflicted on us by other people (Proverbs 18:8). Fill us instead by Your deep, spiritual riches (Proverbs 24:4).

Thought for the Day:

God never wanted to dwell in buildings made with human hands; but in the hearts of His People. - Acts 17:24