Stay Away from Sin & Darkness

The Lord gives us, in His Word, not only wisdom, revelation, and insight; but He also gives us admonitions, warnings, and advice. Let’s review a few of these admonitions today.

. . . and have nothing to do with the unfruitful actions that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. ¹²For it is shameful even to mention what is done by these disobedient people in secret. (Eph 5:11-12 ISV)

Not only should we avoid sin and occasions to sin, but we shouldn’t even speak about other peoples’ sin. The reason is because the Bible alerts us to the fact that to do so is shameful. We are called to expose sin as the dark evil that it truly is.

Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. (Ro 13:12 CEV)

We are called by Jesus Christ, who is the bright and morning star (Rev 22:16), to live in the light of God’s love.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) states: But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light . . . We are called OUT OF darkness, sin, and sorrow into the light of God’s salvation, love, and blessings. Glory to God most High!

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints . . . (Eph 5:3 KJV)

Such sins as are mentioned in the verse above should not be participated in by born-again Christians who desire to follow Jesus. They are harmful to us and to the body of Christ.

But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. (Ro 6:21 NIV)

The end of sin is death in many forms. Some of the fruits of sin are shame, guilt, and separation from God. Not one of these so-called fruits is desirable.

From this study we can certainly see that it is for our good that God gives us these counsels. Let us draw near to God and avail ourselves of His grace, love, and goodness.

When God Speaks, His Word is Fulfilled

The Bible establishes the truth that when God speaks, His word is fulfilled.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. (Gen 1:3 NKJV)

Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. (Josh 21:45 NIV)

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; all the heavenly bodies by the breath of his mouth. (Ps 33:6 ISV)

For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood firm. (Ps 33:9 NASB)

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. (Lk 1:37 AMP)

God’s words are always realized (executed). God is dependable and faithful to His word—unlike human beings. He is a Being that it’s safe to put our trust in.

God’s word is tested, tried and proven. His word will always bear fruit no matter how people act, what people utter or what people believe. Glory to God!

Whenever we choose to believe and act upon the timeless word of God, God will cause that word to be performed in our lives. It will surely come to be. Understanding the faithfulness of God’s word strengthens our faith and enables us to trust in His word.

I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:6 CEB)

We can also be assured, as the above Scripture passage above verifies, that the work the Lord has begun in each of His children will be fully completed. God bless you.

Stay in the Love of God

There are practical ways to stay spiritually strong despite the enemy’s efforts to destroy our faith. We will stay strong if we remain focused on God’s love for us and continue to do His will. John 15:10 reminds us that we will abide in His love if we keep His commandments.

Let’s read God’s Word on this topic:

. . . keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:21 NKJV)

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (Joh 14:21 NKJV)

. . . and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom 5:5 NIV)

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 Joh 3:16-17 NIV)

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 Joh 4:16 NIV)

Our God is love. His love is perfect, endless, and unfailing. When we’re secure in the knowledge of God’s love, we then can trust in His goodness and mercy. God manifests Himself in various ways to people who trust Him and are sure of His love for them. He hears and answers their prayers; he surrounds them with favor and protection; and He fights for them.

God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Because of the reality of this truth, we are enabled to reach out in love and mercy to help others. This also motivates us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who are lost and hurting. In whatever way that we are able, we are called and given the gift of grace to show God’s love to all whom we encounter. In so doing, we share the love of God and shine forth the light of God’s goodness into the world and remain in the love of God. God bless you.

Shine as a Light

Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit within each and every believer (1 Cor 6:19), we are expected to shine His light into the earth and upon all people.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Mt 5:14 NIV)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (Joh 8:12 NKJV)

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. (1 Thes 5:5 ESV)

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . . (Phil 2:14-15 ESV, underscoring added)

From these Bible passages, we are reminded again and again of the truth of the first statement in this article. We are called to be blameless and innocent children of God living within a crooked and corrupt world. Because of the life of the Lord dwelling within each one of us, we cannot help but SHINE as lights in the world.

Our light comes from Jesus—the Light of the World! Allow His light, love and mercy to be evident in you. Go ahead and be a brave and bright beacon right where you are! Hallelujah!

Leave a Little Sparkle Wherever You Go

All believers have the life of the Spirit of God within them. We carry His glory in our ‘earthen vessels.’ (2 Cor 4:6-7)

The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. (Zec 9:16 NIV, emphasis added)

The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isa 60:3 NKJV, emphasis added)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt 5:16 NIV)

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. (2 Cor 2:14 ESV)

We who follow the Lord Jesus, as obedient and loyal human sheep, have been privileged and blessed to carry the kingdom of God with us. It is our calling and our honor to shine the light of God’s love, mercy and wisdom into every situation and exchange in which we take part.

When unsaved, hurting and needy people interact with us, they should walk away with the sense that they have encountered someone who is out of the ordinary, good, and encouraging. This is because we are called to perform good works and good deeds. We are called to SHINE a light into dark places, into dark troubles, and into evil practices.

We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 2:14 that Christ leads us in triumph and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of HIM everywhere! A fragrance is defined as: a pleasant, sweet smell; a sweet or delicate aroma; and a pleasing odor. It is true that the experiential knowledge of Jesus and a deep relationship with him is evidenced by a positive atmosphere, and even an attractive fragrance such as a perfume. All of these Scriptures encourage us to be a force for good as representatives of the Kingdom here on earth. Go ahead and leave a little sparkle (of the love and goodness of Jesus) wherever you go!

Whiter Than Snow

Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isa 1:18 NIV)

This Scripture verse is a type of ultimatum from God full of grace and mercy. The Lord is offering forgiveness and cleansing for the repentant soul. The color red signifies the deep-rooted nature of sin, and the white indicates purity and innocence which only the Lord can impart.

Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. (Ps 51:7 CEB)

Purge me with hyssop, with the blood of Christ applied to my soul by a lively faith, as the water of purification was sprinkled with a bunch of hyssop. The blood of Christ is called the blood of sprinkling, Heb 12:24. (Source: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Psalm 51:7)

. . . and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. ⁷We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, ⁸which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. (Eph 1:6-8 CEB)

The passage above suggests that the blood of Jesus, our Savior, has freed us from the grip of sin, and immersed us in the forgiveness and glorious grace of God. What an eternal gift of God from the heart of our living God!

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 Joh 1:7, emphasis added) All who have accepted Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior have had their souls made whiter than snow. All we need to do, going forward, is to walk in the light of God’s Word and in fellowship with our fellow believers. All glory to God!

A Wise Life Lesson

An angry king is like a roaring lion. Making him angry may cost you your life. (Pro 20:2 NCV)

If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest. (Eccl 10:4 NIV)

As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it. In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. (Pro 16:14-15 NKJV)

A “king” or “ruler” as used in these verses, refers to someone with power and authority over other people. In modern times, that could represent a Prime Minister, Senator, President (whether of a nation or of a private company), employer, supervisor, manager or foreman. A person’s boss has a measure of power and authority over them. Anyone, even a parent, who has power or great influence over the events of our lives would fit into this description.

The life lesson here is to recognize the importance of these types of people in our lives. It’s wise to learn what makes such influencers happy, what displeases them, and what soothes them. Further lessons to be learned from these Scriptures are:

Don’t underestimate the significance of such people in our lives;
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Rom 12:18 NIV) We should strive to keep our relationships with “kings and rulers” peaceful.
Don’t leave an uncomfortable situation; remain calm; and work to placate (pacify, soothe) the influencer.
Pray for God’s supernatural favor with everyone, especially these types of people.
Endeavor to earn favor by working hard, showing respect and following instructions.

Lastly, remember to ask God to give you the grace that you need in order to maintain peace in these relationships. May God continue to bless you every single day.

Don’t Be a Stumbling Stone

This study is about causing people to stumble spiritually, and it is a serious matter in God’s sight.

As followers of Jesus, we have a grave responsibility to expose people to the light of the true gospel of Jesus Christ as outlined throughout the entire scriptures. The gospel of salvation sets people free and makes the promises of God available to them. It also gives them the blessing of an eternity in heaven.

Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! (Mt 18:7 NIV, emphasis added)

My reading of the verse above is this –

This present world is an evil and dangerous place. It’s full of attacks, sins, traps, and sorrows. We all recognize that it’s a treacherous road that we must travel through life, full of stumbling-blocks, precipices, and false guides. But God forbid that any one of us should be the cause of spiritual or moral stumbling on the part of another person.

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (Lk 17:1 NIV)

Here a similar idea to that of Matthew, above. The truth of Luke 17:1 is that God is warning that a great wretchedness shall come upon anyone who causes injury or harm—in word or deed—to one of His little lambs. Who qualifies for God’s punishment?

1. Anyone who has in some way discouraged a believer in serving Christ and in fulfilling their calling. Or anyone who has discouraged a Christian so deeply that the believer is in danger of being driven away from serving Christ completely. DO NOT discourage other people in any way that would undermine them or discourage them from achieving their goals.
2. Those who corrupt the truths of Christ and His Word, and so distress and hassle the minds of believers. This is an evil practice of planting seeds of doubt into the hearts and minds of those who have faith. WE ARE NOT CALLED TO hassle or distress brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Those who profess to be Christians, but who live scandalously (shamefully, sinfully), and thereby weaken the connections between and sadden the souls of God’s people. We must live in OBEDIENCE to and in agreement with the Word of God.

May each one of us live in harmony with the standards of God’s holy Word. Blessings upon you.

God Draws People to You

Do you realize that God surrounds His people with His supernatural and miraculous favor? God’s favor upon believers turns us into people magnets! What do I mean? Let’s look at what the Bible has to say.

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isa 60:1-3)

In the verse above, notice that the passage states: “. . . the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light . . . “

The Word Gentiles in Biblical times referred to people who were NOT God’s chosen people. So, in our era, the word basically refers to unbelievers–those who haven’t heard the good news of the Gospel of salvation. The reference to God’s glory arising over us and people coming to our light is a poetic way of describing the fact that people will approve, esteem, prefer, and promote those who are recipients of God’s favor. God’s favor upon us causes other people to be attracted to us so that we may have an impact for good on behalf of the Kingdom of God in this world.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt 5:16)

When unbelievers and believers observe the good works done by those who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, it will cause them to honor and to glorify God in response.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Eph 5:8)

To walk as children of light implies living upright, holy and exemplary lives that conform to biblical guidelines and standards.

. . . that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . . (Phil 2:15)

When we live and walk as children of light we expose darkness wherever we find it; we search for meaningful fruit in our own lives; we participate in our local church or fellowship; and we read and meditate upon the Scriptures (the Bible) regularly. Glory to God!

A Light for the Nations

Do you realize that Jesus is the Light for all Nations, and as His disciples and followers, WE are called to shine His light into all of the earth?

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Act 13:47 NIV)

I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles . . . (Isa 42:6 NIV)

For my eyes have seen Your salvation ³¹which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, ³²a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Lk 2:30-32)

How can you shine the light of God’s love and salvation into the world?

By serving the Lord obediently and joyfully;
By sharing your testimonies of how you came to accept Christ as your Savior and about your answered prayers;
By praying for other people’s needs and asking God to bless them and to provide for them;
By testifying to the miracles, signs and wonders that God has performed for you; and
By living a holy lifestyle in obedience to the Scriptures.

Here is a passage from the Bible that gives us some answers:

Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Phil 2:14-16, emphasis added)

God bless you!

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