Blaze bright, God's Light.

Two men who were in their middle 40’s died, both unexpectedly, just two weeks apart. I was asked to conduct their funeral services. The two lives were a study in contrast! One man wasted his life; burning through relationships, drinking heavily, living in a drug-induced fog much of the time, often in jail for petty crimes. The other man invested his life in adventure; created beautiful award winning photographs, gave himself to generously helping others, and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. One lived in darkness, the other in the Light! Only God can judge the eternal destination of each man, but a detective’s skill is not required to discern which one leaves a greater legacy. At one service, the mood was sorrowful regret, an acknowledgment of emptiness. At the other, the sorrow was lightened with hope, the many pleasant memories deeply comforting.

The Bible says "The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:4-5, NLT) There is a great darkness in the world that reaches out to engulf each one. There are thrills that exist in the obscurity of that dark. They seduce those who turn from the Light.
Cheap sex provides temporary pleasure, but those who indulge give away their dignity.
Various chemicals create a trip into a phony bliss only to show themselves thieves that steals health and vitality.
Wealth rewards to those who work to gain it but soon it owns those who think they possess it and they become slaves of their stuff – guarding it, fixing it, trying desperately to keep it.
Hatred temporarily blocks the sense of loneliness but quickly it turns on the hater and makes him even more alone!

There is a Great Light that shines brightly! He offers real life, genuine hope, lasting joy, and a purposeful existence that never ends. He shows us how to really love, makes forgiveness a reality, and builds a bridge that carries us over the river of death from life to life! John says, "God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (John 3:19-21, NLT)

The Scripture urges us to make a choice to live in the Light. When we are wrapped in the Light, He becomes a kind of armor that defends us against the Evil one. Interesting thought, isn’t it? "The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:12-14, NKJV)

Disciple, pray for the Light to blaze brightly before you; yes even within you. Meditate on this passage and may it’s challenge turn you to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
"Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! " (Ephesians 5:11-16, The Message)
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One sat alone beside the highway begging,
His eyes were blind, the light he could not see.
He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows
Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee. (Mark 10:46-48)

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken;
When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away,
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory,
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

So men today have found the Savior able,
They could not conquer passion, lust and sin;
Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely,
Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within.

When Jesus Comes
Homer Rodehaver