9 With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. 10 Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. James 3:9 – 10 CSB
Light
The Light
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“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – Jesus
It’s That Time of Year Again…
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Well, it’s that time of year again. Scary masks and all kinds of disgusting looking paraphernalia line the shelves of various retail outlets. Kids are getting excited over the night when they can go out and plunder the neighborhood for loads of candy. Sounds like fun, right? (Not to mention fattening!)
Over the years I have posted my concerns about God’s people participating in Halloween. The responses have been varied. Some have agreed whole-heartedly. Others have thought I was from the dark ages and deserved to be pitied. All I am asking is that you take an honest look at what I have to share. You are then free to draw your own conclusions.
Walking in the Light
Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He is the Source and Revelation of all that is true. When we observe Him we see God as He truly is. When we look at Jesus we also see man as God intended him to be. The question is, how do we walk in the light we have in Christ?
A Light Has Dawned
Photo by Bjorn Simon
Early in His ministry, Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. I want you to take a look at what the gospel writer Matthew says about it.
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:12 – 16
Jesus showed up in town and a great light dawned on those sitting in darkness. Why would this be said of Him?
Walking in the Dark
Walking along a well lit street at night probably does not cause much of a concern. Sure, there are shadows lurking everywhere, but the light from the street lamps and yard lights provide a sense of comfort and security. Now, think about walking down an unlit country lane in the dead of night under an overcast sky. It’s hard to see your hand in front of your face. You could trip and fall over almost anything. Every sound causes the hair on the back of your neck to rise. This is very similar to the way it is when we are spiritually walking in the dark.
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Man in the Darkness
Darkness is the story of mankind without God. From the Garden of Eden to this present throbbing moment, those who walk apart from God cannot process life correctly. In the darkness, that which is beautiful can look horrid. In the same way, that which is ugly can actually look attractive. By walking in spiritual darkness we are placed in a danger that cannot be calculated, and dare not be underestimated.
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