Tommy Bates Ministries

Living in the Light

Read John 1: 1-4

I had a house once and, for some unknown reason, none of the closets had lights. Talk about frustrating! Tara’s growing collection of beautiful dresses pushed my clothes further and further back on the rod, till I could barely reach in and get them. I had to get a flashlight just to find the right shirt and jacket combination. I’d be fumbling around, pulling out a jacket I thought was navy, when it was actually brown, and having to squeeze it back in while looking for the navy one. That little closet is still in my memory, reminding me of how necessary light is. Not only in our physical lives, but in our spirits, too.

The Bible is not only full of references to light, but is referred to as light, itself. In Psalm 119:105, the familiar verse says His Word is the lamp for my feet and the light for my path. Of course, even the word Word in the Bible encompasses more than printed words in a book. Jesus is the Word of God. And in the Word is life, which is the light of all mankind. There is only darkness in death. When a rosebush dies, the green fades from the leaves and the flowers wilt and turn brown. The branches dry out and become brittle, breaking at the slightest touch. What was once bright in color and life is now riddled with darkness and death. This is what we are also witnessing in the world; darkness and death.

Light reveals things; things we don’t even know are there. It also defines things. We may be able to see that there is something there in the darkness, but the light reveals shape, color, size and depth. It also reveals distance and direction. The light of Jesus is the same. He reveals our own dark corners in our minds and hearts. Sin we may not realize is there. He guides us with His holy light. When you follow Him, you do not walk in darkness. Everything around begins to make sense. God reveals truth within us and through us, like a sunrise reflecting off the morning dew.

When you walk into a room, you can choose to bring the light of Jesus with you, or cast a shadow of darkness with negativity or an unpleasant look. Always be mindful that there are people everywhere who need Jesus. Some are living in darkness and consumed with death! Just the presence of the Holy Spirit, revealing Jesus through your kindness and through your witness, could change someone’s life in an instant. God is using us to elevate the light in this dark world. We have been chosen for such a time as this. Let Him shine through you!

We love y’all and we’re always praying for you. Come see us- we’re saving you a seat at Community Family Church!

Pastor Tom


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