“God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4

Light is good since it began to exist from God’s good command, “Let there be light.” We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures.

When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light, and opens our eyes to see clearly the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We see clearly our sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position. We see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, His plan of mercy, and the world to come as His Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and colors, but whether they are knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received is good, then God, the essential light, is ever so much more glorious.

Lord Jesus, since Your light is so good, give us more of it, and more of yourself, more of the true light.

When God brings light to the world, division is necessary to separate it from darkness. Light and darkness have nothing in common. Since God has divided them, we must not join them. Children of light must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord’s work, leaving the works of darkness behind.

Our churches should divide the light from the darkness with great discipline, and we should do the same by being separated from the world by walking in God’s light instead of the dark paths. In action, in judgment, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world’s first day.

Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the entire day, for Your light is the light of us all.

Question: Are there areas of your life where God’s light is dim or absent? Is it time to let Him in?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

FURTHER READING

His Wonderful Light

THE LIGHT

Living in the Light

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The post Light and Darkness appeared first on Thoughts About God.

If I say,

‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Ps. 139:11-12

Christmas is often a time of joy filled with lights, decorations, and the warmth of family. But for some, this season also brings a sense of darkness from grief, uncertainty, or a feeling of being lost. When life gets dark, my first instinct is to find a way to turn the light back on. But there’s a purpose in the darkness. It’s not a pleasant journey, but it’s one that God has designed for my growth and deeper understanding of Him.

Have you ever been in a remote location with city lights nearby? At night, the deep darkness allows you to see so many stars shining so brightly. I have only experienced it once, and ever since, I’ve found myself longing to return to dark places just to see it again. You can’t truly appreciate the light until you’ve been in the darkness. In the same way, life often involves walking through darkness to better see the light of God.

May you find deep comfort in knowing that even in the darkest seasons, you are never alone, for God is with you in every shadow. Though darkness may surround you, remember that it is not dark to God; to Him, the night shines as bright as the day. When the weight of darkness feels heavy, may the light of Christ illuminate your path, for the darkness cannot overcome His light (John 1:5). Be blessed to trust that His light will come, and when it does, it will be all the more beautiful because of the darkness that preceded it.

Be blessed with unwavering trust in God’s presence, even when life feels overwhelming and unclear. May your heart be anchored in the truth that He is the light that shines in the darkness, guiding you with His love. As you walk through this season, may you embrace the lessons found in the shadows and wait with hope for the dawn. May this Christmas season renew your trust in God’s promises and remind you that the darkness will not last forever. The light of Christ is ever near, bringing hope, peace, and the assurance of His eternal love.

by Sylvia Gunter
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• When the Light Goes Out
• Be the Light
• God’s Word Gives Joy and Light

The post Light in the Darkness appeared first on Thoughts About God.

As I climbed the stairs a few cloudy and rainy nights ago, I noticed a difference. A veil of darkness blanketed my apartment complex corridor.  Halfway up the outdoor stairwell, the rungs disappeared into blackness. Ahead I could barely detect the light pole across the street, but its glow cast down to the pavement, offering very little help from my perspective. Needless to say, a chill clutched my chest for a second. What if someone lurked by my shadowed door?

Normally, a sconce hangs outside my entry to greet me. Via an automatic sensor, it flicks on when the skies darken. The same detector operates the ones at each of the four apartments in my unit along a sheltered, outdoor breezeway. I have become dependent upon its illumination when I come home after dark. It provides not only better ability to see the stairs and my door’s keyhole, but adds a sense of security. Tonight, that safeness I’d taken for granted didn’t exist.

The unexpected darkness unhinged me a bit.  I felt for the keyhole and worked my key into it. After several tries, at last it slipped into place. I turned it, heard the click, twisted the door knob, and sighed in relief as I entered my apartment with the table lamp lit to greet me. Safe.

Had I waited for my eyes to adjust to the dimmed glow emitting from street lamp across the street, I probably would have been able to detect the keyhole better and determine nothing evil lurked by my stoop.  But being a woman alone in the dark stairwell, I panicked –just a touch. That only made things worse. Time slowed as my anxiety increased. I became jittery with my fumbling to open the door as my brain hissed, “Hurry, hurry, hurry.”

As a Christian, have I become so used to the light of Christ that I become anxious when faced with darkness?

Do I need to “see” evidence of  Christ in order to believe He is always nearby?  Now you may argue a Christian is never totally in the dark. However, there are dark periods in all of our lives simply because we walk the earth.

When difficult times hit me suddenly in life, may I not react the same way spiritually as I physically did in that dark corridor. Instead, let me wait patiently for my faith-eyes to locate my Lord, the One who calms, guides and protects my soul. In blessed assurance, may I stand firm in the knowledge that Christ has already won the battle over the principalities of darkness. I know He is my faith’s automatic sensor, illuminating me with truth when things appear darker than normal.

Unlike the one at my apartment, He will never fail to light my life.

Lord, keep the jitters at bay and thwart the desire to handle things quickly on my own. Even if I can’t see clearly with my eyes, may I always recall what the Psalmist states:  “You are the lamp unto my feet and the light unto my path.” (119:105) Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• God’s Timeless Gift –  by Allan Mitchell

• One Step at a Time – by Max Lucado

• Our One and Only Guide by Darren Hewer

The post When the Light Goes Out appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty… He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Psalm 91:1,4

I read about a clever little bird in the tropics who, before she leaves the nest, covers her young birds with leaves. Should a poisonous snake strike its tongue against the leaves, it will instantly recoil. The leaves are poisonous to the snake.

As Christians we also have an adequate covering against our adversary, the devil. God Himself is our covering. He shields us with his wings. He shelters us with his feathers. His faithful promises are our armor and protection (Psalm 91:1,4).

How have you experienced this?

Some years ago, when I was especially run down in body and spirit, I sensed an encroaching darkness descend upon me. On this particular day, I had gone to bed early but I couldn’t sleep. An ominous dread filled my heart. When I opened my eyes, I saw a dark figure had entered the room. I called for my husband to come and together we said, “In the name of Jesus Christ, we command you to leave. We are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ and you cannot touch us. We belong to God.”

Instantly, the darkness vanished.

In Christ, we have a covering that the powers of darkness cannot penetrate. Therefore, we have nothing to fear–ever.

Father, I thank you for the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. Knowing that You are covering me and my family, I can now relax and go to sleep.

by Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  HE IS!  A great poem

•  How Does God Do It?

•  Salvation Explained

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The post God is our Protection appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:10

In the Bible a new day begins with darkness. In Genesis chapter 1 each new day is introduced with the words, “and there was evening, and there was morning—the first day“. The second day, and so on.

When God wants to take us into a new day of spiritual experience, He often begins with darkness. He leads us into a period of confusion, pain and disappointment. Take Joseph for example. God had told him that he would be ruling one day. Instead, for years he endured the exact opposite. He was rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery and endured a long imprisonment. Yet, all the while God was preparing him for a new day when the promise would become reality.

Are you in a time of darkness? You can’t see the way. You don’t understand what’s happening. It makes no sense to you. Tell God about it and then leave it with Him. He knows the way and He is leading you into a new day.

God has promised us treasures of darkness. “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name “ (Isaiah 45:3).

The greatest treasure is to know God in a deeper way: to know that God is real and He meets real needs. It’s in the dark that God’s picture unfolds.

God says, “Trust Me. Don’t try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all.”

It will be a surprise how God will break into your life this time.

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4,5).

by Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission
Visit https://www.helenlescheid.com

Further Reading

•   Hope for the Hopeless

•  A Poem of Hope

•  Salvation Explained

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The post God is with me—even in the Dark appeared first on Thoughts About God.

This winter, in a far North community, I experienced 24-hour darkness for the first time. A deep respect grew in my heart for the people who live there year-round and simply take it in stride.

I received an e-mail from a friend there yesterday exclaiming, “The sun is back!” The days will lengthen rapidly now, and in four short months, the land that was shrouded in total darkness will experience total light. Children will run and play in the streets at midnight with the sun high in the sky. With the light comes new life to the village. With the light comes a freedom to run and play without the heavy clothes of winter and the fear of polar bears in the shadows.

Light dispels darkness. A Bible verse reminds us about this very thing.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

If you have received the forgiveness Jesus holds out to each one of us and have invited Him into your life, you have moved from darkness into light. Are you living today as a child of light?

Have you shed the heavy parka of guilt and shame? Have you kicked off the boots that make your feet feel leaden as you go your own way? Are you still wearing winter mittens that cause your hands to fumble as you try to do what God wants? Does your life feel encumbered by fear that came from the darkness but has no place now in the light?

As a child of the light you are called to freedom; freedom to run and play and dance in the Son. Freedom that comes as you ask daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Freedom to be who God created you to be and fulfilled in the very depths of your soul.

Ask Him today to fill you afresh with His Spirit. Ask Him today to help you shed the heavy clothes of winter that drag you down. He can help you break that habit or overcome that discouragement. He can give you wisdom and open new paths for your feet. He can help you rise above the fears you still carry of shadows in the dark. His Holy Spirit can fill you with His power to live life far beyond your own very best efforts. Today, live as a child of the light!

Heavenly Father, Today I invite Your Holy Spirit into my life in a fresh and new way. I ask for Your help in understanding how to shed the heavy winter gear and the fears that linger so I can live in freedom. Fill me today, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, with everything I need for every step I take. Today I want to live as a child of the Light. Thank You that in You, this provision is possible. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Pressing the RESET button on our lives 

•   Keeping Yourself in God’s Love – even during painful times in your life

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Live as Children of Light appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

In a very dark moment in my life a friend said, “Do not doubt in the darkness what you have come to know in the light.” At the invitation of a ministry leader whom we loved and respected, our family moved across Canada to take on the “perfect roles” for both my wife and me. Within eight months the roles and the leader changed. On top of this, two of our four children were having significant struggles adjusting to the move. I was deeply perplexed and discouraged. Nothing was going the way we had planned.

The backdrop of Jeremiah 29 is the nation of Israel going through a long season of darkness in which they had many reasons to doubt. They were in Babylonian captivity because of their disobedience and rebellion. God gives them His promise that He is with them and has a plan — a good plan for their well-being that involves a promise of a good future.

In my family’s dark season, we began to focus on the clarity of God’s call. Our decision to move was not based on the circumstances but on a deep soul searching after God’s direction. God made it very clear this move was His clear direction and plan. Like the Israelites, we had to trust. It was hard but we lifted our heads and affirmed that what God had shown us in the light would guide us during this dark time. We passed through the darkness into hope, not because the circumstances changed quickly ? they didn’t ? but because our confidence in the midst of disappointment did.

God I confess that I have doubted you. At times I do not like what is happening around me and I want to quite, give up, and make the pain stop. But by faith I’m going to trust that you have a good plan and you have a future for me that fits into your plan. I will keep seeking and trusting you. I know you are good and you love me. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by permission
www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

Would you like to accept Jesus into your life today and give your burdens to him and have a relationship with Him?  It doesn’t mean that life will be easy but it does mean you have Jesus walking by your side. It starts with a simple heart felt prayer:

Lord, thank You for dying so we can be set free from all of guilt and sin — no matter how big or small.  Your blood has erased all of our sin. Thank You so much! Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen

It is the first step.  Keep learning more….

The post Passing Through Darkness appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”  John 1:4-5

Thought

Life! Not just living, but true, genuine life. Life that gives us light that darkness cannot steal away. That’s why God sent Jesus! Thankfully that light still shines and all of Satan’s horses and all of Satan’s men cannot put their deepest darkest darkness together again! Hallelujah!

Prayer

For every good and perfect gift, for the light I have even in my moments of deepest darkness, for the hope I have of living with you in glorious and unapproachable light, I thank you and praise you with eternal joy, now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Phil Ware

used with permission.
You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

The post Genuine Life appeared first on Thoughts About God.