Deeds Of Darkness Exposed

"Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."  Eph 5:10-11

You're in a bind, again?! We all get in binds sometimes. We can step right into traps without even considering where we're placing our feet. Sometimes we step into those dark places on purpose thinking that we are smart enough to be able to avoid getting lost or trapped. 

Here's a suggestion from St Paul. "Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord." Quit working so hard at trying to please or be like the rest of the world. You will just find yourself in darkness. Seek the Lord while he may be found. Seek out what will be pleasing to the Lord and you just might find yourself walking in the light and participating in His life; real life.

May God guide you in His light.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Deeds of Darkness Exposed

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." Eph 5:11-13 NIV

It is not in anyone's best interest to consider that they might involve themselves in any deeds of darkness and keep it a secret. The truth will come to light eventually. Even as the deeds of darkness are being considered the truth is often known to the people around them. Those who live in the light know when the evil one approaches to secretly do harm. No, they may not be able to prove it; but, they will know it.

I have been asked on many occasions throughout my life when dark secrets are finally brought into the light: "How did you know?" I can and many others can know, as well, because we have lived many years. Some of that darkness we have entered into ourselves in our younger years. We have been there, done that, don't want to go there again, and we don't want you to go there, either. We have witnessed the lies before and we have seen the devastation that has come from the fruitless deeds done in secret. These fruitless deeds of darkness are not something new to us or to the world. Sin came into the world long before any of us. It has been around since the beginning of time. We have seen it and some of us have learned from it.

Those who know the Word of God can usually recognize the difference between good and evil. We can usually know the difference between the darkness and light; although the devil will attempt to fool us disguised as an angel of light. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians to be aware of those who masquerade as Christians. "For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Cor 11:13-15)

Paul warns us to be aware and because he does we know that it is possible to be able to discern whether the light that we see is a masquerade or if it is the true light, who is Jesus the Christ, abiding in others as well as ourselves.

It is said that darkness does not actually exist; that darkness is merely the absence of light. If the abiding light of Christ does not shine through you; then, there is only darkness. There is nothing but an empty shell striving to be filled with something. That striving often leads us into even darker places where we would very wise to avoid at all costs.

The deeds of darkness are destructive not only to oneself; but, to all whom we think we might care about or love. Compounded they are destructive to the world.

It can be most difficult to step out into the light where your deeds might be known by others. It might be embarrassing. But, the consequences will last only for a short while as those who walk in the light have eternal life! 

May God help you to see the light and enter into His precious presence for all of eternity. Live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Word Is The Light To Guide Our Way

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105  NIV

I often hear that the Bible doesn't answer all of our questions. Well, maybe it doesn't tell us how to dress for the next party. Then again, maybe again it does. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." (1 Pet 3:3-4)

God's word, as found in the Holy Scriptures, doesn't tell us when to go to sleep or when to wake up. But, then again, maybe it does. "How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?" (Prov 6:9) Scripture warns us that nothing good will come to those who spend their lives resting. At times, depression will come over most people and they will find themselves hiding out under the covers in even more darkness. This does not help depression. It does not help our lot in life to retreat even further into the darkness. Scripture reminds us: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isa 60:1) 

St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians (5:13-15)

"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise

The word found in the Holy Scriptures can indeed be a guide for us on how we are to live. The word points us to the Living Word, who is Jesus the Christ. In him we have real life. In him is the one true light.

Read and hear and study the word so that your life might be illuminated by the Word, the true light that in came into the world as John the Baptist foretold. He will guide you through this dark world in The Way that you should go.

Send us your light, dear Lord, and your faithful care, let them lead us; let them bring us to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.  (Psalm 43:3)

God's Peace - Pr. J