The Battle Between Light and Darkness

"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: 'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'  Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5: 13-16).

Yesterday was one of those moments that change you and wake you up. Maybe you have had one or more of those moments when if not for the Grace of God you would have literally died. I nearly drowned while fishing, when the boat capsized and I found myself in a split second under the boat and entangled in the weeds growing under the water. The struggle to free myself was not going well and I was running out of breath, but thanks be to our God who gave me that last minute bit of strength and I was able to free myself and rise to the surface. In the freezing snow water of this upper mountain lake the next struggle was to get to shore. That above verse has a new meaning for me today. "Make the most of every opportunity, be wise," we never know what the next minute holds for us. 

It would be our nature after such an incident to "plow" our way into service for God. We must remember that all initiative is not inspired. We can easily become entrapped in the "weeds" of our own initiative, our own visions, and ideals.  We will find that our power to make them real is not within us.  But, when it is from the inspiration of God, it will come with miraculous power. He will say to us; "Arise from the dead, get up;" God does not lift us up we must rise ourselves and as we rise to meet God's inspiration for us His power comes and assists us. He will give life to you immediately as we do the overcoming.

It is a beautiful day, the snow capped mountains, the fresh crisp air, and I get another moment in time to enjoy what God has done both in the world around me and in my life as well.  Take time today to reflect upon God, are you striving to serve Him? Stop! Go before Him, allow Him to inspire you.  Then remember our days are numbered, we have friends and family, and the world we live and operate in that needs what we have: a God who saves, saves us from our sins, and at times saves us from our foolishness that can lead to tragedy. He forgives, renews, replenishes our souls, He truly is our friend and our Great God.  Give Him praise today!

Daily Prayer:

Father I am very thankful for the life you have given me.  Help me to use it wisely.  I give You praise for You have set before me a sure hope of everlasting life with You in heaven.  Lead me to share this with others so that they too can share in the eternity of heaven.                                                       Amen