Who Turned Out the Lights?
We enjoy candles around our house anytime of the year and anytime of the day. Their light is warm and intimate. Try grabbing your bible first thing in the morning, lighting a few candles and of course a hot cup of Earl Grey tea. Nice!
If the candle is the kind you get in a glass container, I'll just put the lid back on top to extinguish the flame. The interesting thing is that the candle will burn for another second or two with no sign of change. Suddenly, the flame will go out. As we know, that flame can't burn without oxygen.
In Matthew 5:14 Jesus says this, "You are the light of the world." If you've been praying and wondering about God's will for your life, read that again and lock in. Here's what you need to see: in the very next verse (verse 15) Jesus continues this thought by saying, "people don't light a lamp and put it under a covering, but they put it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house." What an awesome principal Jesus has given us. The true light living in your heart has made you the light of the world and that is your destiny ... that is your identity.
So what's the problem? I mean, why do we knock around in the dark? The same way you can't cover a candle and expect that flame to keep burning, you can't cover the light God has put in you and not wake up one day to find yourself in darkness and confusion. We're not talking about advertising your Christianity with signs and stickers. In fact, please don't do that. Not when the true light is so much more beautiful. The truth in the very next verse of Matthew 5 wraps it up. Verse 16 says, "Let your light so shine before people that they may see your moral excellence and your praise worthy, noble, and good deeds ...". You can't go to school or work, hang out with weak, immoral people and wonder why there is no evidence of light in your life. When you laughed at their jokes or when you refused to stand up against injustice, you covered your lamp and invited in the darkness. You can't hold the truth in corruption. It just doesn't fit.
"Don't be deceived! Evil companionships corrupt good morals and character." (1Corinthians 15:33 AMP) You can't open up your heart to things that contrast the Word of God and then turn around and wonder who turned out the lights. The devil has no power over the light. Light always wins. But you can turn it off with your choices.
Jesus is the true light the first chapter of John says. You are born of Him if you believe in Him. This is ultimate, illuminating power we're talking about but it requires you staying plugged in. Just like a flame needs it's oxygen and fuel supply, we need Him. Understand what it means to be "plugged in". You must be constantly receiving the word of God and depending on His Holy Spirit to breathe that truth into you. Don't wait another second. Ask and receive the intense hope and joy of God's light shining in and through you now. It's God's will, His pleasure and your inheritance in Jesus name.
- Stephen Marshall
Let’s Keep in Touch
Stay up to date with events going on in your area, giveaways and words of encouragement. Most of all, let’s join together in an exciting new connection.
A great way to start is to submit your email address in the form below.
Prayer Request
We cherish the opportunity to join with you in prayer. Feel free to use the below form to share your prayer needs with us.