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Light Forever

Revelation 22:5: “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”

I hate coming home to a dark house. We don’t have a smart home where we can control the lights from our phones, but there are times I wish we could. Usually, it’s when we come home from shopping or some other activity and I have to enter the house with my hands full, fumbling to find a light switch in the darkness.

When I come home, I like turning on most of the lights in the house to feel comfortable. Light brings a sense of security, warmth, and clarity. It dispels the unknown and the unease that comes with darkness.

During the Christmas season, we’re reminded that Jesus described Himself as “The Light of the World.” His coming was the life-light that broke through the darkness of sin, bringing hope to a fallen world. But the light He brings is not just a temporary glow to illuminate our present path; it is an everlasting light that will one day make all wrong things right (Revelation 21:5).

Darkness Will Be No More

Darkness in Scripture often represents sin, evil, and separation from God. Revelation 21:4 declares that all of this will be no more. Jesus will completely eradicate the darkness—sin and its effects will be gone forever.

-No More Sickness: Imagine a world with no debilitating diseases, no cancer, no dreaded calls from the doctor with bad news. There will be no more genetic defects, no more frailty in our bodies, and no more groaning of creation under the weight of the fall.

– No More Death: Death, the shadow that has loomed over humanity since the fall, will be gone forever. We will be transformed and given bodies that will last eternally (*Philippians 3:20-21*). The grief and sting of loss will be erased as death itself is swallowed up in victory.

– No More Pangs of Sin: Revelation 21:4 also promises that there will be no more crying or mourning because the root cause—sin—will be eliminated. Every source of pain, shame, and regret will be wiped away in the glorious presence of our Savior.

Hope In Grief

If you have ever lost someone close to you, you know the deep ache that death brings. This will be my third Christmas without my mom, and the pain of her absence is still real. There are moments of tears and grief, but I cling to the hope Paul speaks of in *1 Thessalonians 4:13: “We do not grieve as those who have no hope.”

This hope doesn’t erase the sorrow, but it transforms it. It’s a reminder that the light of Jesus has not only come into the world but will one day shine eternally, banishing every shadow of sin and death.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that the Light of the World has come and that His light is everlasting. A day is coming when darkness will be no more, and we will dwell forever in the glorious, comforting light of God.

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How Many More Months Do You?

My boys were curious about my age in the time of months, and after throwing out some random numbers over 1000, I had to do some quick math to figure it out. I recently turned 40, which means I’m 480 months old. This realization struck me deeply; if I can live to 80, I’m at my half-life. It made me reflect on the passage of time and the brevity of life. It’s not a morbid thought but a reminder to make the most of the time we have.

Just like we think about financing a car over a specific number of months, life can be broken down into months too. I now find myself pondering how I’ve used my 480 months so far and how many more I have left. This realization gives me a sense of urgency to make each remaining month count. It’s a reminder to be intentional about how I spend my time, focusing on what truly matters to me.

The Bible verse you mentioned, Psalm 90:12, advises us to “number our days” so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. In other words, it encourages us to be mindful of the finite nature of our lives and to use our time wisely. By understanding that life is short, we are prompted to prioritize the things that truly matter, live with purpose, and cultivate wisdom in our choices and actions.

Take Inventory

I’ve come to realize the importance of having a list whenever I go to the store because without one, I tend to buy unnecessary items and forget the essentials. This simple analogy has led me to think about life in a broader sense. It’s like taking inventory of our lives, reflecting on our choices, and understanding that death is a reality that awaits all of us.

When I contemplate the months I’ve lived so far, it becomes a moment of self-reflection. Have I truly lived for myself, pursuing my passions, and staying true to my values? Or have I allowed life to pass by without much thought, just going through the motions?

Regret can be part of life, and I have certainly experienced it at times. There have been moments when I wish I had made different choices or taken more risks. However, I also understand that regrets are valuable lessons that shape us and help us grow. They remind me to be more mindful of my decisions moving forward, hopefully it turns one to Jesus.

Making the Most

The wisdom of the old Chinese proverb, “When is the best time to plant a tree? Yesterday. When is the next best time? Today,” resonates deeply in our lives. It reminds us that taking action promptly is crucial for positive changes and outcomes.

Today holds the power to transform our direction and future. It’s the day to seek solace and guidance in Jesus. Through Him, we find redemption and grace, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:15-16. Embracing obedience to Jesus leads to divine rewards, as expressed in Matthew 25:23.

As we look ahead to tomorrow, our hearts are filled with prayerful aspirations to remain steadfast in our faith, constantly turning to Jesus, as emphasized in Hebrews 12:1-2. Our desire is to live wholeheartedly for Him, as we find reassurance in Jude 24-25. We strive to embrace a life of holiness, seeking to become more like Jesus, as described in Ephesians 5:1-2.

In summary, this reminds us to take action today and to continuously seek Him for redemption and guidance. Prayerfully, our tomorrows will reflect our commitment to living for Jesus, growing in holiness, and walking in His grace. Each day becomes an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Him and to align our lives with His divine purpose.

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The Main Event

An estimated 103.4 million people watched the 2018 Super Bowl take place which revealed the prominence it has in many homes throughout America. This is a staggering amount of people all watching the same thing around the same time, yet I hate to break it to you; this is still not the greatest thing, even since sliced bread. The greatest event that has taken place throughout history took place over 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ, who suffered and died, though he did nothing deserving of death, conquered the enemies of death and sin by rising again to life. Why? He did it for us. “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV). Continue reading “The Main Event”

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Marks of Christian Unity: Weep with Those Who Weep

Growth in unity as believers is shown in how we respond when others go through joyous moments or are enduring trials. As believers, we know that we will face trials of various kinds (James 1:2). Jesus even warned us with the truth that in this life we will face tribulations but we can take heart because He has overcome this world (John 16:33). Going through trials is nothing new, it is matter of when we will face them not if we will face them. We should not be surprised when we face trials and suffering as though something strange is happening, as Peter reminds us (1 Peter 4:12).
As believers, we know that we will never face trials alone. There is something refreshing and encouraging to know that when we face different trials, we have the Lord, who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We also have the physical presence of fellow Christians, who will weep with us as we weep (Romans 12:15). I am so thankful for the body of Christ! I personally have seen the unity of the body of Christ as they have wept with me as I wept. Their presence and love bring a whole new level of comfort that I did not know. Continue reading “Marks of Christian Unity: Weep with Those Who Weep”