by Terrence Clark CLC
Shining Despite The Darkness One of the keynotes, at a recent writer’s conference, shared the theme that one of the attributes of light is that it shines its brightest in the darkness. Per example, a candle’s flame is seen brighter in the dark room. The stars in the sky are more visible in the natural cloak of night of a country sky then through a luminance city scape. Hence the hope of the gospel is seen more desirable in the midst of a dark generation. Righteousness stand ever tall amongst the crowed imaginations of wicked men. We live in a world that it seems the dominating thought is evil or wicked. Evil in its base from is whatever is done independent of God and wickedness is warped twisted thinking. In Noah day before the flood Genesis says that the imagination of mankind was continually evil. Evil is what people thought about all the time. It’s what they talk about. It’s what they read about. It’s how they entertained themselves. It’s how they conducted their affairs. Metaphorically, it’s what they watched on TV. The recent US Supreme Court decision, legalizing same sex marriage in the States, may seem like a victory for gay right activist, or those parading under the guise of human equality. However to the bible believing Christian the decision is an atrocity. Believers, knowing what the Bible---Gods Word states on the subject see the decision as a push back of darkness. However as the key note pointed, these times of adversity are more apparent opportunity for the gospel to shine ever brighter. The Highest Court (in the US) ruling didn’t change scripture. If Holy Scripture is the document of peace for all creation, then the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit still can only be found in its truth. As the people of the world experiment in the darkness, it is a must for Christians to stand relentless in the light. A pretty moth, I had been admiring, on a wall of my front porch at night, made its way into my house the other evening. I understand it was just attracted to the light inside my house. The Lord dropped this line in my spirit as I sought to get it out. “What you admire in the darkness, may eventually find its way into your house or heart.” Scriptures says what a man treasures is where his heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). The world is still looking for the light. Its evidence is hidden in most movies. In literature it is adversity that moves a plot forward in a book, but the scarlet filament (thread) of redemption is still sought to be obtained. Citizens may have been given constitutional rights to alter their bodies and legally engage in their desired lifestyle. Its only God the king gives true freedom through the His righteousness. It is the Word of God which holds the correct mapping of all DNA. Humans were created in the image and likeness of God himself---Imago Dei. The book of Revelation announces there comes a day when all flesh will come face to face with the Maker of all things. Perhaps this meeting is not just in heaven alone. All creation, according to Romans 8, groans in travail awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. Could this cry be for the light of this spiritually dark world to be turned on and shine through His children---His image. God is Light and there is no darkness in Him (1 John1:5). Jesus said He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). He says that his disciples are the light of the world (). The Holy Ghost says His shine as lights in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15). Conversely, it’s not darkness that gives light its luminance. Darkness does not change the intensity of light. There is a place where the intensity of light consumes the darkness. Psalms 113:6---says God humbles himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! Contrasted to the light of the things that are in the heavens and earth, He restrains his radiance to look on the things He has made unless they be consumed in His glory. As in the visible heaven, the sun in our sky doesn’t pale in the face of night. In fact, upon its rising, it changes the night into day. The world should not control the volume of the gospel. Darkness, famine, sword, voice, trial, or persecution did not write Mark 16:15, 16—go ye into all the world and preach the gospel. Love for the Master and the sheep should be the motivator that shines the light. Jesus asked Peter in John 21:15-17 as he looked him face to face, “Peter do you love me,” then the mission, “feed my sheep.” The hope of light grows brighter in darkness as the defined line of what is light becomes more apparent. The glory of God’s love, and the hope it shines, has always been grounded in true relationship with Him---a relationship that can be only be accessed through the power of the cross. Let the church arise by the power of the light of his resurrection. Let the Church(the body of Christ) be the vessel of light that drawls and calls people out of darkness into glorious light of the kingdom of God. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130 KJV |
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Consider making and investment into this ministry to help as we reach the world with the good news. Terrence Clark is ordained Christian minister assisting multiple churches and ministries. He is the Chief Editor of VoiceCNC.com and is also a Certified Christian Life Coach—helping people to Win, Overcome, and Advance in the kingdom of God. For Life Coaching or to have Rev. Clark speak at your church or event email us at Vof1@aol.com or call (856) 728-0777 |