Month: November 2019

Some days I struggle with thoughts of the unknown in a world that is filled with turmoil. Every time I hear the news I am appalled by the depth to which people stoop and the evident depravity that is rampant across even the most affluent of society. The even stranger element rests in the fact that as I look about so many seem oblivious to the magnitude of darkness that is engulfing the world in which we live. My heart within me falters . . . where is the light ?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ecclesiastes 6:12

“Then this is the message that we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness.” I John 1:5

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Philippians2:15

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

“Let your light so shine among men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

We are to be the light; the light that brings hope into the darkness, love amidst the hate and truth to reveal that which is false. In Him is no darkness, if we abide in Him, His light will be revealed in us until the day we step from the darkness of this present world into the light of our eternal home.

Be ye the light . . .

With the changing of the clock, with the changing of the seasons, we are all reminded that things move forward and never remain as they were before. Each moment becomes a photo captured in the realm of memory, some are cherished while others are hoped to be forgotten; but each become the framework that makes up the essence of our lives. As time changes, so do we.

Reflecting on the retirement of our pastor this month, I am reminded of how things transition from one phase of our lives to the next; each one fulfilling the purpose and plan for which God created us. Although there are moments of sadness entertained with the happiness of what has been, we are reminded that as time changes our God remains forever.

“Thou, O Lord, remainest forever, Thy throne from generation to generation.” Lamentations 5:19

As time changes, we can hold to the knowledge that the Lord remains forever, from generation to generation. He is the one constant in our lives; never changing, remaining throughout all generations.

“How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:3

When things move from one phase to the next, our God is there to hold us steady and sure.

“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense, I shall not be greatly moved.” Psalms 62:2

So, as time changes, we do not have to be shaken or feel as if our world has somehow become unsettled. God is working in and through each of us according to His purpose to bring us all together as one in Christ.

“Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of time He might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.” Ephesians 1:9-10

“Being confident of this one thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

As time changes, let’s be reminded of the work which He is doing in and through each of us allowing our focus to remain on Him.

I stand in awe when I am in the presence of those in uniform, reflecting upon the moments of sacrifice depicted by every stripe and emblem of their service; every moment of fear and dread, every moment of courage and strength, each time they went with tearful heart with loved ones left behind. And so it is that I call to remembrance the ultimate sacrifice that many have made for me. I reflect on those that have gone only to return a broken reflection of who they once had been. The hollowness of eyes that have seen what was never meant for human eye to see, the crippled body that once stood so strong, all reminders of the sacrifice that was made for me to be free. In my minds eye I see them standing tall, a visual definition of what it means to be an American in a land where so many have forgotten.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

Let’s not forget what has gone before to give us what we have today !! Let’s pause in remembrance . . . thankful for what they have given to maintain the American way.