Still They Ride

I was reminded of a Journey song this week. It's one of those "power ballads." I love that kind of song. Powerful, yet very moving.

In the song, there is a line that reads, "day rules the night."

Still they ride

The strong will survive

Day rules the night

I'm reading the Book of Genesis right now. Is it any surprise that God uses all things for His glory?

"And God made the two great lights - the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night - and the stars." - Genesis 1:16

I KNEW I'd heard that somewhere. That got me thinking. As the Journey song says, "day rules the night." That brought to mind another verse.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5

The light that John wrote about is Jesus. He shines brighter than anything.

When we have those moments of sorrow in our lives - those times of darkness - we tend to wallow in them, feeling sorry for ourselves. Why do we do that?! Turn on The Light!!

Read the Bible. Pray. Talk with a brother- or sister-in-Christ. When we walk into a dark room, don't we turn on the light? Well?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." - Revelation 3:20

Open wide the door! Let Him in!

"Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." - Psalm 25:9

[My biker friends have been prayed for this morning: David, Matt, Sam, Mary, Tim, Alex, and anyone else who rides. And also for my Journey buddy Elijah.]

Still They Ride - Journey

Dedication

This story is a little late but check this out.

"Then came the feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. ²³It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Portico. ²⁴The Jewish leaders surrounded him and asked, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ²⁵Jesus replied, “I told you and you do not believe." - John 10:22-25

So, what is this "feast of Dedication" that John was writing about? Are you ready for this?

The Feast of Dedication, which was once also called the Feast of the Maccabees, was an eight-day winter festival celebrated by the Jews in the month of December or sometimes late November, depending on when it fell in the lunisolar Jewish calendar. Today, this festival is called Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights. - Gotquestions.org

Jesus was celebrating Hanukkah? And why not? Jesus was Jewish. Or WAS Jesus actually celebrating? The text simply says "Jesus was walking in the temple area." It doesn't really matter. The point is that Hanukkah is in the Bible. Just an interesting little tidbit of information.

And who are the Maccabees? According to Chabad.org, "They were Jewish fighters who led the revolt against the Syrian Greek ruling class, who had suppressed Jewish religion in an effort to spread their Hellenistic customs and idolatrous beliefs."

"According to Josephus, after the Maccabees refused to comply with the Greek demands, they were attacked on Shabbat morning. Devoted to Torah, the Jews refused to fight back, and around 1,000 people, including many women and children, died from fire and smoke."

"After decisively routing the Greeks from the Land, Judah led his band of battle-hardened men to Jerusalem to restore the Holy Temple to its sacred use, which the Greeks had discontinued."

"The Maccabees found just enough pure oil in the Temple to kindle the menorah for a single day. They lit the menorah, and a miracle occurred: the oil burned for 8 days until more could be obtained."

The Maccabees rebuilt and dedicated the temple. And the oil last three days is why Hanukkah lasts eight days. 

The Maccabee revolt took place in the second century BCE. It was celebrated most recently from December 14-22, 2025.

Happy Hanukkah! Better late than never.

The Light

Sometimes the Bible can be a little confusing. That is, until we study it and learn its true meaning. Here's an example of what I'm talking about.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so thatb they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Just who is "the light" Jesus is refering to? In one place, Jesus tells us that HE is the light, but in another He says that WE are the light.

So, which is it? Are WE the light? Or is Jesus the light?

Yes. It's both. But there IS only one light. Confused? Just wait.

"And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light." - Genesis 1:3

If God created light, how could HE be light if it wasn't created yet? My brain is beginning to hurt.

Jesus IS The Light. He always was and always will be. Let there be no confusion about that.

The light that God created in the Book of Genesis was the sun, moon and stars.

As for US being "the light of the world," who was Jesus talking to when He said, "You are the light of the world?"

"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them." - Matthew 5:1-2

Was Jesus talking to just His disciples or the entire crowd? Or both? Hard to say.

Let me just say this: There is just one light - God the Father , God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Everyone else is just a reflection of that light.

We are like the moon. We have no light of our own. We just reflect HIS light in this world. Once we remember that, there is no confusion left.

You Are The Sun - Sara Groves

Be The Light

"Alone in the dark" can be a terrible place to be, if we let it. And sometimes, we DO let it. But we shouldn't take up permanent residence. There is hope.

Our minds tend to wander all over the place. That can be bad, but it can also be good. Most of these stories come from early morning wanderings.

Staying in the dark though can be exceedingly bad. That's where Satan lives. He makes his living off of preying on people at their weakest moments.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." - 1 Peter 5:8

Have a relationship with Jesus can light up your day, even when you are sitting in the dark. He always seems to provide a thought or use someone to bring a little light into our darkness.

Just this morning I found myself sitting alone in the dark. I had just finished my morning scripture reading when the room lit up. No, it wasn't an angel of the Lord bringing glad tidings. Or maybe it was. It was an in-coming text from a friend.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

We all need light in our lives to survive. We're like plants that way. But unlike plants however, we can receive light by giving light to others. Only God could arrange something like that.

Shine your light into someone else's life. By doing just that one simple thing you not onnly with make THEIR life brighter, but you will light up YOUR life as well.

Be The Light!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

Where Are You?

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5

Here's a fun little experiment you can try at home. Tonight, after the sun goes does and everything is dark, turn on the light in your living room. That's better, right? You can see everything clearly. Now, walk to a closet and open the door. Does the living room become darker? Or does the closet become lighter? The closet gets brighter!

The opening verse has been proven true. Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. That's true in our living room but is it true in our lives?

When we walk into a dark, unfamiliar room we simply turn on a light and we can see. But when we come to a dark time in our lives, how do we get through it? Do we turn to God? Or do we just try to get through it on our own?

God wants us to come to Him in our darkest times. He wants us to come to Him when we are struggling; when we are weak.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Still, we refuse to come to Him. We'd rather walk around in our living rooms kicking coffee tables in the darkness than turn on a light. People would say, "Why don't you turn on the light? It would be less painful."

They're right.

Shine The Light

Notice anything unusual about his picture? Stare at it for a while. Let your thoughts drift away from the tv screen and let a story spark in your mind. What do you see?

The flower could be the last evidence of someone suddenly changed. Someone picked the flower for some reason, but then dropped it, for another reason.

Notice how bright the white pedals are when contrasted with the surrounding darkness. A tragic ending to a sad, dark story? Or it could be a sign of life and hope in a depressing landscape of loneliness. It all depends upon your point of view, doesn't it?

To me, this is a symbol of life and hope, surrounded by loneliness and death.

"In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome a it." - John 1:4-5

Have you ever seen Clint Eastwood's movie Alcatraz? One of the prisoners liked to grow flowers and had snuck a blossom similar to this one into the lunch room. The warden saw it, came over and picked up the flower. Then he crushed it in front of the prisoner who grew it. The prisoner became so furious his blood pressure skyrocketed. He lunged at the warden, had a heart attack, and died.

The world we live in can be filled with darkness. Jesus shines His love into this world through those who follow Him. Are you a follower? Is your light shining brightly?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Consider this picture without the flower in it. It's not very appealing is it. The flower MAKES the picture. You are that flower in this dark world. Brighten someone's day today by showing them the love of Christ.

Set Apart?

I watched some of the Super Bowl yesterday. The first couple of series anyway. Then something began to grate at me. What was I watching? And why was I watching it?

My wife and I used to watch the game just for the commercials and maybe that's what's bothering me this year - the commercials. Ads are designed to sell things. Companies want to make their products / services look appealing so we will want to buy them. But what are they selling? And why?

I think if it was just another football game, this game would have been a good one to watch. Two great teams, two good coaches, playing their hearts out. But then, in creeps "The World." Politics, luxury cars, fantasy movies . . . Mr. Peanut.

And the half-time show. Oh my. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira? I don't have to tell you what THEY were selling. I heard it was just shy of a strip tease show. I was glad I bugged out in the first quarter. I wonder how many impressionable kids watched the show?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

If we are  to be transformed, how are we to do that? I think it's through reading the Bible and through prayer. Listening for that "still, small voice" and receiving God's Holy Spirit within us. Not by wallowing in worldly things.

The more we read and learn, the more our eyes are opened. We move closer to God and farther away from "the world" when we follow God's Holy Spirit and His leading.

We are Christians. We are called to be Holy, which means to be "set apart." And perhaps that's a good question for us this post Super Bowl Monday morning. Are we set apart? Are we holy?

Are we Christians?

I'm not picking on any Christians for watching the game (Yes, I am). I watched some of it. But I AM asking this question. WHY were we watching the game? For the football? For the commercials? For the halftime show? Did any of those things make us holy? Set apart from the rest of the world? The world we are not supposed to be like? Probably not.

Lord, help us not to conform to this slowly sinking world. We do the things we say we shouldn't do. We are no better than the rest of the unbelieving world. We should not be part of this world. We are YOURS! Help us act like it. Please!

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God." - 2 Corinthians 6:14,16

Forgive Me - Tenth Avenue North

Over Here!

I just finished reading the Old Testament. Again. I like to think of the Old Testament as being like Moses taking the Israelites through the dessert. It was a test. It took awhile. At times it was very dry. But in the end, it was oh so sweet to arrive at The Promised Land. Jesus.

That's what keeps me going back each time to read through the Bible. It's that "knowing that Jesus is coming" feeling that makes me want to keep on reading. It's like a great big treasure hunt. Jesus is the treasure. And what's really cool are all of the hints and hidden things along the way.

"14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14

Also, there is just something about reading The Gospels. It's comforting, reassuring. It's like "we're home!" It's where we want to be. And so many time I have picked up my Bible, begun reading, and heard exactly what I needed to hear that day.

It's like being lost in the woods after dark. We can look around and see nothing in the darkness. If we only had a light to guide us, we could find our way home. The fears would melt away and we would be at peace. Then the sun rises, we locate the path we couldn't see in the dark, and we rejoin our journey. Confident in the knowledge that we are on our way towards Him.

It feels comforting because the path is where God wants us to be. He holds the lamp in His hands. "This way, my little child. The path is over here."

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path," - Pslam119:105

Thy Word - Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

Black

Did you ever try walking around in the house with your eyes closed? Like you were blind? It gives us a different perspective on things.

Eventually, after enough bumps and bruises, stubbed toes and yowling cats, we can eventually figure things out. We can learn where everything is and navigate through it. That is, until someone leaves something on the floor or rearranges the furniture. Having sight certainly makes life easier to navigate.

Here's a fun little experiment you can try tonight. Go into a dark room. What do you see. Nothing, right? Now turn on the light and go to the closet. It's dark in the closet. Open the closet door. Does the darkness flow out into the lighted room or does the light from the room brighten the dark closet?

Light overcomes the darkness!

"That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. " - John 1:5

In the world we live in there is a lot of darkness. I think most people would agree that we need more light instead of more darkness. I wonder, would you agree with that after reading this verse from the Bible?

"God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." - 1 John 1:5

If God is light, and we need more light in the world rather than darkness, doesn't that mean that we need more God in the world? There are some that would disagree with that statement. I am not one of those people.

There is another statement in 1st John that say "God is love." Most people would believe that the world needs more love in it. I do. But there are still some that will say, "More love, yes, but not more God." I believe that love is the answer and that God is the answer.

When you walk through this world do you shine a light? Or are you a black hole? A dim bulb? Don't be darkness. There is enough of that in this world. "Let your light so shine before men." - Matthew 5:16

Lights Shine Bright - TobyMac (feat. Hollyn)

The Dispersion

What do Pink Floyd and Jesus have in common? More than you might think.

The picture you see here is the cover of Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side of The Moon". What's interesting about the album cover is all about light. Jesus is The Light according to the Bible.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

Do you see how the light is split apart as it passes through the prism? This is know as "The Dispersion of Light". There is a link to a short physics lesson at the end of this story. The light becomes scattered.

In the book of Acts, after Stephen's death, the Jews are scattered throughout the neighboring country due to persecution of the Jews by the Romans. Do you know what this scattering of Jews was called? It was called The Dispersion. Weird, eh?

"So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone." - Acts 11:19

Jesus was The Light and now word of His Gospel was being dispersed throughout the world by His disciples. The Light was dispersed!

As a side note, take a look at the shape of the prism in the picture. It's a triangle. A triangle is also a commonly used shape to represent The Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Yeah, weird. So weird that it's perfect.

Jesus said this about us as Christians.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Are we shining our light to all nations in the name of The Father, The Son and Holy Spirit? We were commanded  to do that very thing by The Source of our light. Shine on you crazy diamond!

Dispersion of Light

Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd

Sinking Into Darkness?

I've been there. You too would be my guess. That dark place with no visible means of escape. The cause of us being here may vary but place remains the same. If only there was some way to escapee and climb out of the darkness.

When I was a young father I found myself in such a place. Through a tragic event in our community I began to question God. "How could He allow such a thing?" I asked. That question was asked out of my own ignorance. I didn't really know the God I was yelling at and questioning.

It was only when I was at my lowest point, the darkest hour, that I screamed out. That, as I found out, was where the refiner's fire is at it's hottest. That's where God sets the stage for His amazing redemptive work.

"And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” - Zechariah 13:9

Even though we cannot see much in our times of darkness there are always two ways to escape. Either we look down and drift further and further into the abyss. Or we look up. We reach up, trying to escape.

For those  who choose to look upward, there is an escape hatch. His name is Jesus. Jesus is the exact opposite of darkness.

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

Memorize that verse. Keep it in your pocket. Or better yet, write it on your heart. You will never walk in darkness again.

Pieces - Red
At The Cross - Chris Tomlin

The Parable of the Lighthouse Keeper

Why do you check your phone late at night? Are you looking for a friend, lost in the darkness? Or are you looking for a way out of that darkness for yourself?

The lighthouse keeper of old led a lonely life. His whole purpose was to keep a light burning in the lighthouse so ships at sea could navigate dangerous waters at night.

Most nights there was no need for the light. All was calm. But the light was lit anyway. You see, one never can tell who might be out there . . . who might need that light.

I can identify with the life of that lighthouse keeper. Keeping watch by night, In case someone needs rescuing.

It was two o'clock in the morning this past week. Just about everyone in Central Wisconsin was asleep. Except me. I could not sleep for some reason so I got up and walked into the living room.

I picked up my phone and checked my messages. The light from my phone lit up the entire living room. Usually there are no messages but that was not the case that night. There WAS a message - written at 12:55 AM. "Hello Bob," it began. The message went on to talk about a need for change in this person's life. Some un-named temptation was causing this person to stray into dangerous waters.

I quickly sent a reply (an hour late) but there was no reply. Did this person's "ship" run aground? Did it sink? I have absolutely no idea. So I sent out a search party.

Heavenly Father, I am praying this morning for all those souls who are "lost at sea" and are calling out for help. I pray for the people in their lives, that someone might answer their cry for help. I pray that the people in danger of drowning in this sometimes very dark world, I pray they would reach out to You. None of us is prefect and when we are in danger let us send out a May Day message for help and call on the Name of The Lord. You are our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Answer the prayer of those who are lost and seeking refuge from their storm. Thank you, Lord, for hearing the prayers of Your children. It is in Your wonderful name I pray. Amen.

"15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." - Romans 7:15-20

The Life of a Light Keeper

The Parable of The Christmas Cookies

Each year about this time my wife begins baking cookies. My wife has developed quite a following of grateful people who enjoy receiving her sugary treats.

Some of those blessed recipients are the employees of the company where I used to work. Each year they always looked forward to the day my wife sent a big platter of her cookies in with me. Bev's cookie day is always a wonderful day for them.

When I retired earlier this year one of my co-workers came up to me with a sad face and said, "We're really going to miss you . . . and your wife's cookies." I got the feeling they were going to miss my wife's cookies more than me! Then they told me that I was only allowed to retire if I promised to keep bringing Bev's cookies in each year, despite my no longer working there. I agreed. I love making people smile.

My wife is a lot like The Little Drummer Boy Christmas song. She has a gift - baking - and she shares it with others. What a blessing!

This Christmas, I wonder what I could do? What gift do I have that I could share with others? I can't bake. I can't make too many things. I write stories though. I wrote one in my Christmas letter this year. I'll post that in a few days. But what else could I do? What can I share?

My heart.

I love my friends at work. So I told them that by visiting them, talking with them and giving out some Christmas hugs. It didn't cost anything yet it made people smile. Showing someone you love them is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. It's like a love chain. Like a strand of lights on the Christmas tree.

Be a light in someone's life this Christmas.

14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Little Drummer Boy - For King and Country
Light of The World - Lauren Daigle

Seeds

I am building a tiny home in our yard, The trailer for that tiny home had sat in the same place for a year and a half until we moved it on the fourth of July. Where the trailer had been, everything died. Nothing but a 9'x25' patch of brown dirt. You should see it now!

Now there are little green plants springing up all over the place. Why? What's different between now and when the tiny home was parked there? Water and light.

Previously, when it rained,  our yard would get watered. Everything except the grass under the tiny home that is. Same with the light. The grass under the tiny home was always in the shade. Never any light. But now. Take a look at the picture!

So where did all the growth suddenly come from? Seeds. That or long-dormant root systems suddenly provided with two essential elements for growth and life.

I met with a couple of young adults this past week. Each was struggling in life to some degree. Relationship issues were the problem. The main relationship, our most important relationship, with God, was greatly effected or absent.

The essential elements for spiritual growth were not present at all in their lives, or they lay dormant somewhere under the surface. But then something happened. God happens. He draws people to Himself and there is growth. Interesting.

Jesus called Himself The Light and also Living Water. Connection? I think so. :)

Jesus, to the woman at the well.

"13Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” - John 4:14

"12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

I think we all have seeds planted within us. God makes them grow. How> Jesus. Is He shining on you today? No? Well, perhaps it's time to come out of the darkness you're living in and stand in The Light.

Shine On Us - Watermark

The Two Witnesses

The Bible's Book of Revelation is filled with many images. Some of them can be quite frightening while others give us reassurance and hope. One of those reassuring stories is found in Revelation 11 - the story of The Two Witnesses.

^"3 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” ⁴ They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”^{[a] 5} If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. ⁶ They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want." - Revelation 11:3-6

Notice the [a] just before verse 5. The footnote refers the reader back to the Old Testament book of Zechariah, chapter four, to a story entitled The Gold Lampstand and The Two Olive Trees. The story in Zechariah is prophetic, a story about what will happen in the future.

"Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep. ² He asked me, “What do you see?”

I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. ³ Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”

⁴ I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”

⁵ He answered, “Do you not know what these are?”

“No, my lord,” I replied.

⁶ So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:1-6

So the lampstands are God's light in this world. The two olive trees are a symbol of never-ending fuel for the lampstands. Back then lamps were fueled with oil - olive oil.

In His Sermon on The Mount, Jesus says, “14You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

We are the lampstands of this world. Our "fuel" comes from The Holy Spirit who fills us. The two olive trees in Revelation 11 represents God's Holy Spirit. Our fuel that will never run out. That's so cool! The question is are our lamps lit? Are we shining our light in this ever darkening world, or have we hidden our light under a basket?

One final thought and something to consider. In the Old Testament, to tell whether someone was telling the truth of not, a person had to present witnesses - TWO WITNESSES.

Jesus is The Light of The World. He is also The Truth. He lights our lamps and fuels them with the Holy Spirit, for this world to see. Light us up, Lord, and may we shine bright for all the world to see. We shine for You and only You, Lord. Light us up!

The Word - Sara Groves

You Are The Sun - Sara Groves 

Note: This message was inspired by the teachings of Pastor Dave Goyke, Calvary Chapel - Waupaca. A link to his message will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.

A Light In The Darkness

We've all been there at one time or another - sad, depressed and alone. We get into certain moods where we're not really happy OR sad. Just kind of floating along, in neutral.

We find ourselves staring out windows, watching the world go by. Not really blinking as we look. That would wreck the mood we're in.

I was in one of those moods Thursday morning. On my way to work in the pre-dawn darkness. It had rained the night before. Everything was wet and foggy. Wet, foggy and dark. Perfect weather for feeling depressed.

I'm trying to build a tiny home and am at the point where I need some help. I can build the walls all by myself. That's not a problem. My struggle comes when trying to tip up the walls and put them into place - at LEAST a two-man job. Three would be better.

So I created a Facebook event and thought I'd have a wall building party on Saturday. Today. As of Friday nobody had signed up to come. Looks like I'll be building the walls all by myself.

That's how I was feeling Thursday morning driving in to work. Sad, alone, depressed. But then something happened. The dark interior of my car lit up. It was an incoming text from a friend at work, wanting to know if I'd like some breakfast. The text couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

I smiled.

We all have times like that, when it seems as if we're all alone. That's when God does some of his best work. It's during the depressing times, during the struggles,  that we reach out to God in our darkness.

Elijah struggled with being alone. He was a prophet bringing bad news to the people of Israel. Everybody hated him for the messages he delivered from God. HE was alone in HIS darkness and ended up hiding in a cave. But then God delivered a message to Elijah, letting him know that he was NOT alone!

"18 Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” - 1 Kings 19:18

We can often think that we are alone but God always seems to have some people in reserve for us to lean on. My friend Gayle is one such friend in MY life. And, of course, God Himself. How many times have I turned to Him in need? Who are your friends? . . . the ones YOU lean on? And do we lean on God as much as we do our earthly friends? Probably not. Not to the extent that we should.

When we find ourselves feeling alone, let us reach out to Jesus. He is not only our Lord and Savior but He is our friend. He wants nothing more than for you to reach out in the darkness. If you have never done so, do so today. He will ALWAYS answer your call.

Oh, and last night my phone lit up again. It was another friend offering to help build some walls with me.

I smiled.

See? God DOES provide. :)

^"29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." - Luke 12: 29-31

Reach Out In The Darkness - Friend and Lover

Death Maze

Not everyone has a fun-filled job like mine. Most days are pretty routine around here. I sit at my desk, drawing plans. Friday was an extra-special day though. I got to go out into the field and measure up an asbestos-lined filtration room in a waste water treatment plant. Jealous? Mhmm. I bet you are.

The room literally resembled a maze - a labyrinth of back and forth dimly lit corridors of darkness. The only light was provided by a bare bulb at the end of each 50-foot long hallway. The walls are filthy. The floors and ceilings were not much cleaner. So, I walked down every pathway, hoping not to touch . . . anything.

I was very grateful for those lights. Without them I wouldn't have had a chance. I would have emerged from my day, just as dirty as what I had walked through.

Walking through this life can be equally disgusting and just as filthy. Each day we are filled with decisions . . . choices . . . opportunities. How will we choose? How close will we get to touching the walls? And what determines our choice of direction? Ourselves? Our God? And what lights our view of the path we are taking? And what shapes the decisions we make?

In case of sudden darkness I like to carry a flashlight with me wherever I go. It's amazing how it can light up dark places.

^"105 Your word is a lamp to my feetAnd a light to my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
¹⁰⁸ Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgments.
¹⁰⁹ My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
¹¹¹ Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
¹¹² I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutesForever, to the very end." - Psalm 119:105-112

 

If we walk in darkness without something to guide our footsteps we are bound to stumble and fall. God's Word is our flashlight. The batteries are God's Holy Spirit. It convicts us when we are about to make a wrong turn. It keeps us from danger when we get to close to the edge of the path.

 

This life can be a maze of death unless we have something . . . someone . . . to guide us. By placing our faith in Jesus . . . well, He just lights up a room. So should we, if we have His light within us. Are we shining a light as we walk through the darkness? Let's do it!! This world can use all of the light it can get.

 

^"5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." - 1 John 1:5

 

Washed By The Water - Needtobreathe

People Watching

When my wife and I were celebrating our anniversary a few years ago we went to Mackinac Island. There is a particular bed and breakfast we stay at each time we visit - The Bay View B&B. It has a large front porch where my wife and I like to sit, read a book and just watch the world go by.

Do you like to "people watch?" I do. It's interesting seeing all the faces God has made, their different characteristics and expressions. Some are happy, some are sad, some are in a hurry to get some place while others are simply out for a stroll. Faces can tell us a lot about who people want us to think they are.

Here's a picture of the B&B my wife and I like to stay at. See that big porch facing the street? Perfect for people watching.

Most people watchers have a favorite location to watch people. Do you? How about the mall? Work? Church? Or just even down a crowded street.

My wife and I sometime theorize what these people do in life. Even though we have no idea who they are or what they really do, we make up things. I guess that's basically judging them by appearances but isn't that what we humans tend to do anyway?

If someone watched ME walking down the street, I wonder what would they think about me? What tells someone WHO we are? What speaks to them without words? Is it the WAY we walk? A confident strut? A limp? Are we jogging? (Not me) Is it something in the clothes we wear? A tee shirt perhaps? Maybe some baggy pants riding low to show off our boxer shorts? (Again, not me) Or maybe it's a low-cut tight-fitting top that laves little to the imagination. There is one thing however that does not depend on clothing or style to tell others who we are. It is your face - the very image of God - and how you use it to greet others.

Many people avoid eye contact when you meet them on the street. This tells me they are not interested in any interaction at all. At least not at that moment. Some faces are happy, some are sad. Some just glance sideways at you while others offer a warm smile and a "Good morning!" Others hide behind sunglasses of have ears buds in to remove themselves from the possibility of interaction.

As we walk down the street today or through the air-conditioned food court at the mall, try this:

If someone make eye contact with you, ask them a question. Say, "Excuse me. I really like your smile. Where did you get that?" or, to the sagging pants guy, "Hi, I really like your underwear. Are those boxers or jammies?" Yes . . . I can be sarcastic at times.

The point is, people are always judging others by the way we look. They judge us my our facial expressions, our clothes, our demeanor and our actions. What are we telling them? What are we telling them about Jesus?

I have lots of Christian tee shirts. I like to wear them because, when others see them, they think about Jesus. It may only be for a moment but people think about Him.

But we should be more than just a bunch of tee shirts. Jesus tells us, He commands us, to . . . ^"16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Are we letting our light shine? Jesus told us to. And if we are not letting our light shine, we are ignoring a command from God! THAT won't end well for us.

So, let's let our light shine. The world can use all the light it can get.

Go Light Your World - Chris Rice

Mushroom Syndrome

Do you like to eat mushrooms? I do but not everyone does. My sister doesn't like them. She calls them "fungus among us" and keeps her distance. I like mushrooms on a nice piece of steak, in a salad or just by themselves with some veggie dip.

However, there are some mushrooms that don't like us. They are actually poisonous. Not knowing what they look like, I tend to only eat mushrooms that are sold in stores.

I never eat any mushrooms I find in the woods. Some of them might look good, and maybe they are, but I don't want to take that chance. Except for morel mushrooms, of course. That's them in the picture over there. Yumm!

Early May is a good time to look for morels in the woods. Of course, one has to know WHERE to look, and WHEN. And the conditions must be JUST right.

Have you ever experienced mushroom syndrome? It has nothing to do with mushrooms really. Mushroom syndrome is more of a workplace thing. According to the Urban Dictionary Mushroom Syndrome is . . .

"A syndrome where you're fed (explitive) and kept in the dark. Derives from the method of cultivating mushrooms: they add a lot of fertilizer and keep them in the dark and damp."

We are often kept "in the dark" at work. Lots of office politics going on. Sadly, that happens in our churches as well. Have you ever been a victim of something like that? It's a sad thing to see happening . . . in God's house.

"4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?

 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?" - James 4:1-12

There is no "mushroom syndrome" with God. All we have to do is ask. Mushrooms like the darkness, living in the shadows. But God will not keep US in the dark. In Him there IS no darkness - only light! We are NOT mushrooms!

Until The Whole World Hears - Reagan Ferris
Until The Whole World Hears - Casting Crowns

The Ember

It begins in total darkness. Cold. Empty. And then you see it. Just a hint of it really. You can't see it if you look at it. It's kind of a "corner of the eye" indicator of things to come. And then you notice a gentle easing away of the dark, black void until there is an evident lightening. A glow. A spark. An ember.

A sunrise is the perfect metaphor for our humanness. We are born "dark," as in "the sun ain't shinin'." We are born into sin. Sinful from birth. The following is from the Old Testament.

"5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." - Psalm 51:5

We ARE darkness, you and me. In us there is no light. But then there comes a change. A fire begins to burn in us. A longing. A desire. The ember burns brighter and brighter until . . . when we give our cold, dark hearts to Jesus, the ember bursts into flame and we are born again.

"4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:4

"The Light shines in the darkness." God's Holy Spirit begins working in the hearts of those God has called, drawing us closer to God. We are drawn towards the light.

God creates that ember in our hearts. As it begins to glow brighter and brighter it becomes just like the sunrise, there is a gradual brightening in our hearts. And then one day, the sun rises out of the darkness!! And we rise!

When our light bulb first comes on it shines bright. Soon the darkness in our souls begins to fade away, retreating into the corners where it like to hide.The next thing you know the light is shining brightly and we are walking in the light.

"5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." - 1 John:5-7

Have you ever seen the show Fat Guys In The Woods? It is a survival show where a survival expert takes three city boys into the wilderness and teaches them how to survive. There are four essentials to surviving in a harsh environment - shelter, water, food . . . and fire.

There are several ways to start a fire and often that fire begins with just an ember. But the Holy Spirit holds it, nurtures it, and blows life into it. creating just the right environment to create a flame.

We are God's creation. There is a desire in us to know God. Sometimes the darkness overcomes us and we cannot see the glowing ember in our hearts. Our hearts grow cold. But no one, NO ONE, is beyond the reach of God! He can fan the flames of anyone into a roaring fire! That's who God is. That's what He does. God is the great fire starter. Has He lit a fire in your heart? He will if you let Him.

Soul On Fire - Third Day
Trial By Fire - Fat Guys in The Woods