devil’s devices | Timothy Burt

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

At a Bible study, a question was asked the group, “I know you were afraid of the dark when you were young, but were you ever afraid of the dark when you went to live on your own as a young adult?” At first some were hesitant or embarrassed to answer but after the first few did, the rest spilled their heart. Everyone revealed that they were initially afraid in the dark in their first apartment experience and a few shared that they still were. Dealing with darkness is a moving target for people!

We live in a world where Satan continually works to introduce ever-increasing levels of spiritual darkness. When it comes to evil, morally and otherwise, the world is getting darker. There’s an increasing acceptance by mankind of things that used to be seen as dark and immoral. Profanity, sexual immorality, perverse behaviors, violence, and materials of the occult are now accepted as normal and everyday. How do people feel about it? Many simply accept it as the new norm while others internally sense that the world is being increasingly overcome with evil and don’t like it but don’t know what to do about it.

As Christians, we should walk in the revelation that Jesus told us to be a light to this increasingly dark world. People don’t like darkness and often gravitate toward light. There’s never been a better time for us to shine so that people can find Jesus through us! Philippians 2:15 NIV 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, you are that source of light. When you walk strongly in it, people sense something different about you and 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 you are! 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,” a Bible or even a New Testament you could give to them? Can you tell them about this light named Jesus in you and share your testimony of 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. It was beautiful out and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The stars were so bright. I was in awe over 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 ask God each day to help you shine and be used of Him, then don’t be surprised to find out that people are watching, curious, and hesitantly drawn to you. That’s why it’s important to let people see God’s love in action through your life. They’ll come to gaze more. But be ready. When the time is right, they may come to investigate what it is they sense in you! That’s happened to me more times than I can remember! Be ready to give them an answer. My answer was this: What’s different about me? Well, some years back I was a mess and heading toward disaster when someone gave me a Bible and told me about Jesus. I started reading it and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. My life totally turned around and I’ve never been the same person since? That’s like a fishing lure to a fish! Be that light! Learn to draw them in and watch God use your light to impact others! Its amazing!

Though we know that darkness has an appropriate purpose in this world, darkness when it’s wrong is scary! People want light! So pray and be that light! Today! Live to be a light and your life will never be the same.

Psalms 112:4 (NLT) “Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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