BE A LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD!
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. —I John 2:16-17
Things that people crave: “craving for physical pleasure, craving for everything we see, pride in our achievements and possessions.” Black Friday, Cyber Monday… are ruses to draw people to stuff in hopes that they will buy. The cravings for getting more possessions has caused the trampling of people and some have died. All in the name of shopping! The cravings for stuff! http://www.ranker.com/list/13-most-brutal-black-friday-injuries-and-deaths/john-barryman
Our U.S. culture is surely filled with those “craving for physical pleasure.” Sexual promiscuity of all sorts is mostly unbridled and the historical and Biblical mores are being rejected. Long standing foundations are being replaced by the sandy, unstable thoughts of man who is taking “pride in” supposed “achievements.” This generation believes it to be progressive and it is progressing this culture into deeper darkness, blind to its own great needs. Instead of calling on God there are those mocking others who encourage turning to Him. These are godless people who think man can go it alone. http://www.wnd.com/2015/12/new-york-paper-mocks-gop-for-praying/?cat_orig=politics What we are finding out is that when a nation turns its back on God they will reap the consequences of their actions.
This world and all people crave is fading away. They are only temporary. Only those who truly know the Lord God Almighty will live forever with Him. To be a friend of the world, a friend to all that which is passing away is to set up self to be an enemy of God (James 4:4).
I look at our country and at the world and I am so grateful to know the Lord Jesus Christ, understanding that He has all authority, nothing escapes His notice and that He is working out all things according to His plan. We cannot fully understand how all the pieces work together in His plan, but that does not negate the fact that they do. Our minds are so small and those who rail against Him are being arrogant, rebellious and have set themselves up to be something they are not.
We who know Jesus, let us rejoice in Who He is, what He is doing in this world and that we can know Him and serve Him. Yes, let us thank the Father for His Son and for the Holy Spirit residing in us. We are blessed people in a world where most people don’t have a clue. Let us bring the Truth of the Gospel to them. So be it!
Dear Father, in a world governed by darkness (Ephesians 6:12) may we who love You shine for You in that darkness in the authority of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit’s power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caA4sIXkD44