Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtI remember when I was a kid; we would turn out the lights and hide in our basement playing hide and seek. It was pitch black and scary.I remember once being out camping with a group of friends on a very dark, windy, stormy night. The rain put out our campfire, and we quickly discovered that the batteries in our flashlights were dead. Even though we were just a few feet apart, it was pitch black and so dark that we couldn't see each other! We had to leave the campsite, but we couldn't see the trees, bushes, the ground, or each other. Non of us had ever experience such extreme darkness. It was a terrifying experience.Darkness works in movie theaters; it's great for sleeping, seeing stars clearly, and a few other things, but beyond that, darkness generally creates a sense of fear or, at the least, discomfort and an unsettling feeling.We live in a world where Satan continually works to introduce ever-increasing levels of spiritual darkness and fear. The world is getting darker. The acceptance and normalizing of profanity, sexual immorality and unimaginable perversion and behaviors, and materials of the occult, are fresh evidence of that. How do people feel about it? Some are naive or blinded, others accept it as the new norm or just don't think about it at all. But a great many sense the world getting darker. Deep inside they know the world seems to be increasingly overcome with evil. They don't like it but they don't know how to identify this darkness nor do they know what to do about it.If we as Christians, recognize that this is happening, we can take advantage of it for Jesus. There is one thing you can always count on that is absolutely true and unchanging—people don’t like creepy darkness and when they encounter it, they desire to gravitate toward light.Philippians 2:15 NLT says, "...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”If you love Jesus and are living for Him, your calling is to be that source of light. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all evidence of the transformation that God has done in you. We are all in a process of transformation to become the love of God and His light when we intentionally pray and ask God to help us be led by the Holy Spirit to reflect God's love and His light to the world around us! It often leads people to sense something different about you. Those that don't hate God are drawn to it. I hope you understand that. You may not think you are much of a light, but even the tiniest light in a dark room, is easy to see. And so are you! As they are attracted to you, are you ready and equipped? Can you share something with them about the source of your light? Do you have a "light manual" (the Bible) that you could give to them? Can you tell them about this light named Jesus in you and how He led you out of darkness? 1 Peter 3:15 NIV says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...” I was outside one night recently. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the stars were so bright. I could only hold in awe the handiwork of God. You and I are that handiwork of God to those trapped in the darkness of this world. When you carry Him in your heart and let Him shine through you, then don't be surprised to find out that people are watching you and are drawn to you. Sometimes it's important to share your testimony of what Jesus did for you and other times it's important just to let people see God’s love in action through your life, your love, and through the kindness of Jesus working in you! They'll come to gaze more. Be ready! When the time is right, let them know the source of what it is they sense in you!There can be a few areas where darkness works but for the most part, people want to come out from it and move toward the light. So let your light shine!Matthew 5:16 (NLT) "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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