34. Let Light Shine Out of Darkness

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It's You again God,

When the weather begins to get colder as Winter approaches, it's easy to understand why animals hibernate for the season, only emerging from their deep slumber when the sun's presence makes temperatures rise once more. Right now I'm curled up under the doona with my iPad after our first cold night, feeling like I would just stay here if I could!

These thoughts of staying in the darkness, covered by my doona remind me of the 2 Corinthians 4 passage You brought to my attention yesterday.  These verses refer to the darkness that unbelievers experience:

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It explains a lot when we understand what is going on in the lives of unbelievers. It's like they are content to stay under the doona and not face the day! Eugene Petersen explains it like this:

"these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get." 
2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:3-4‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Thank You Lord for opening my eyes to the brightness of Your Word. You made Your light shine in my heart:

"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I stop to remember those in my life who are still trapped in this veil of darkness.........................................................Please open the eyes of their heart to Your light.

I also want to acknowledge that it's possible to have seen the light and then forget the power that is available! I admit that I need Your Spirit to enlighten the eyes of my heart, so I pray as Paul did for the Ephesians:

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:18-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lord minute by minute, remind me of the hope that I have in You. Remind me of Your power available to me, all because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead! I am so blessed and I look forward to climbing out from under the covers and  living in the light of Your love today!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen,

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