“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life…..I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.’” (John 8:12, 12:46 NLT)
Three people warmly dressed walk down a snowy street in Utqiaġvik at dusk.
Utqiagvik (Barrow) Alaska is the northern most city in United States. Located within the Arctic circle, 1,300 miles south of the North Pole, Utqiagvik is the largest city in the North Slope borough of the state near Point Barrow the most northern point. Due to its geography Utqiagvik experiences six months daylight in spring and summer and six months darkness in fall and winter, although not complete darkness. On May 10th of this year Utqiagvik saw its last sunrise until August 2nd. Sunlight will be visible 24/7 for three months. The reverse is true when the sun sets on November 18th for last time until January 23rd. That is a lot of cold dark nights.
The residents of this northern Alaska town walk in darkness or light depending on the season. The dark season does bring with it bits of depression among the people longing for the sun to reappear. It happens frequently in other parts of the world during dark, snowy, or rainy days. Now, imagine several months of it. But the sun does reappear in Utqiagvik right on time as the God of creation planned it. Utqiagvik is in a temporary period darkness for a time and then the light appears.
The rest of us in the world, unlike the people of northern Alaska 300 miles inside the Arctic circle, are living within a dark, sinful, broken world 365 days of the year. People are longing for better days, for a bright future, for peace on earth, and for the veil of darkness to be removed for the light to enter. There is a longing to walk in the light. That longing can be fulfilled. Jesus said He is the light of the world. “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (Jn.12:46 nlt) Walk not in darkness but trust in Jesus, the light that remains forever.
‘Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting such as a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’
Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and he is right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something is wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss the present one.
“God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20 NLT
How many times have you been in a situation where you could not find the right words to say? How did you feel? Depending on the circumstances you may have felt embarrassed, not up to speed, or even frighten. You were counselling someone who needed help and your mind drew a blank or you were afraid of their reaction would be to what you were about to say. Whatever the case may be, Christians should not be afraid but encouraged for we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us through.
When Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand He told them to beware. They were be aware of the coming resistance. First of all, they will be as sheep among wolves. They will be handed over to the authorities and beaten for their spoken words. Proclaiming the good news of Jesus would have them arrested and put on trial. But Jesus tells them to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to these rulers in the courts and all who are present about the gospel.
Today in 2026 Jesus is still sending out His disciples (us) to proclaim the gospel. All that early disciples were to beware of applies to us today. There is an increasing negativity of Christianity worldwide. We are beginning to see persecution in countries where Christianity and the gospel was freely heard and accepted. Several European countries and our friends to the north in Canada have laws on the books to suppress Christianity by claiming it is hate speech. And I am afraid it is soon coming to America.
We need not be afraid when that day comes but encouraged. God will give us the right words to say in proclaiming the Gospel and He will give us the right words when we are put on trial for speaking those right words of the gospel. “For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt.10:20 nlt)
“Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.” Genesis 20:2 NLT
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Abraham, the man of faith, the one known as a friend of God, becomes Abraham a deceiver once again. The story of Abraham should bring us all comfort to see one of the great icons of faith in the Bible had their failures too. Abraham was human and being human had a sin nature and having a sin nature would fall into sin on occasion. Today’s story is such an occasion.
After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham knew his nephew Lot was spared and he decided to move towards the south and dwell between Gaza and the Mediterranean coast settling in the town of Gerar. Abraham did not learn his lesson from twenty-five years earlier repeating his same sin of deception. “While living there as a foreigner, Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, ‘She is my sister.’ So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace (Gen.20:1-2 nlt) We sometimes today find ourselves as time passes either forgetting or disregarding our past sins that got us into trouble. Abraham’s in good company, but of course it doesn’t excuse it.
Abraham’s main problem was his moment of faithlessness in God’s protection. He had just witnessed God answering his prayer in saving Lot but failed to recognize He could do the same for him. He was afraid as he was in Egypt that he would be killed for his wife. What Abraham told King Abimelech was partly true meaning it was also partly false. As in Genesis 12 Abraham told Pharoah the same half-truth. Abraham and Sarah were siblings who had the same father, but different mothers.
The expected did happen. Abraham did not die and Sarah was taken. But God intervened and came to King Abimelech in a dream telling him that Sarah is a married woman. God said that he would die along with all his people if Sarah was not return to her husband. Abimelech earnestly pleaded his innocence which the Lord was already aware of and He said, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.” (Gen.20:6 nlt) God was the one who kept Sarah pure by His hand of grace keeping the king at bay. The promised child of the covenant that was to come through Abraham could have been compromised, a thought that should have come to Abraham’s mind when Abimelech took her.
Abimelech didn’t waste any time. “Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.” (Gen.20:8 nlt) The people of the Near East, although heathen, considered adultery a great sin. They wanted this problem rectified as soon as possible. King Abimelech acted with integrity, more so than Abraham, in this matter. He moved quickly and called for Abraham. ‘“What have you done to us?’ he demanded. ‘What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?’” (Gen.12:9-10 nlt) It is an embarrassing situation when a heathen king rebukes a prophet of God. Equally embarrassing are the rebukes we Christians get today from our friends and family when we are on the wrong side of honesty.
Abraham offered his three flimsy excuses; the people of Gerar did not fear God, they would kill him for his wife, and Sarah was actually his half-sister. The Bible doesn’t record a spoken response from the king, but records Abimelech’s action to make things right. “Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. Then Abimelech said, ‘Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.’” (Gen.20:14-15 nlt) It seems strange that despite Abraham’s sin of deception he is lavishly given gifts. Of course this is not a license to sin, but an example of the enormous riches and blessings God bestows on His children in spite of their sin. It seems that King Abimelech gave these gifts in a way to honor God.
Abimelech topped it off by giving Abraham 1,000 pieces of silver, the price of a slave in those days, to restore any honor Sarah may have lost before others. “This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.” (Gen.20:16 nlt) Abraham, the prophet, then prayed for Abimelech and the people for their afflictions to be gone, because God had prevented the women from becoming pregnant because of Sarah.
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Abraham repeated his sin of twenty-five years earlier in Egypt and the Lord delivered on His promise He made to Abraham twenty-five years earlier. “The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” (Gen.21:1-2 nlt) The wait was over. God’s promised was fulfilled. Abraham named him Issac, meaning ‘laughter’ and circumcised him on the eighth day, according to the covenant.
God’s promised blessings continue throughout our lives. They will always be there in His timing despite our failures. Praise God for that!
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.'” Genesis 1:27-28a NLT
God’s Word to us begins with His acts of creation. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Gen.1:1,31a nlt) God made everything good and we could say even perfect. That includes Adam and Eve, our first parents. They were perfect in every way before they fell into sin when tempted by Satan. Although they now had a sin nature which is passed down to us, what remained perfect in them and in us is God’s perfect design of creating them male and female.
Through God’s perfect design the world has been populated for thousands of years. God told them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth.’ and they have. Populating the earth only happens when males and females get together having children. A very undeniable fact is that our very existence as a human race depends on heterosexuality. We would cease to exist if this were not the case. God’s perfect design for life itself.
The saying ‘opposites attract’ is seen in the wisdom of God. What is more opposite and different than a male and a female. Many married couples are direct opposites of one another. My wife would testify to that, but we complement each other. We are help mates for each other, although men need more help, for God has said concerning Adam “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (Gen.2:18 nlt) God’s perfect and only design for marriage is male and female.
Our world today is in chaos and becoming more depraved every day due to sin. When God was finished with His entire creation, He said it was very good! Sin entered the picture and has distorted our view of God’s original design ever since. Do not get caught up and fooled with the thinking of the world today but remember God’s original intent especially ‘male and female he created them.’ God’s perfect design!
“Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.” Mark 12:42 NLT
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The Bible is full of practical answers for all matters of life in this world. For instance, any question we may have concerning our lives we can find an example to cover it. A big concern for most people is financial stability. The Bible has a lot to say about money and Jesus did not shy away from the subject. We can be confident of God’s Word to lead us in a right direction.
God has given us the gift of work to meet our needs. I know work does not seem like a gift on some days, but be assured, it is. He has given us free will with what we do with our money with certain guidelines. The important thing to remember is this; how successful or unsuccessful we are have come from the hand of God. Yes, our ability and hard work contributes to our success, but again our ability and knowledge comes from God.
Jesus and His disciples were sitting in the Temple watching people drop money in the collection box. Many rich people put in substantial amounts from their surplus and a poor widow dropped in two small coins. It would seem obvious who contributed more but not really given a closer look. Jesus said the widow put in all she had to live on. She trusted God to meet her needs. She didn’t worry about where her next meal would come from, she knew God would provide. This poor widow, indeed, put in more. So, who do you trust to meet your needs? Are you depending on yourself or on God?
“Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’” John 6:68-69 NLT
The New Testament book of John chapter 6 records the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Most of those people followed Him back to Capernaum for what Jesus said of them, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.” (Jn.6:26 nlt) The people were content to have their stomachs full. They could not look past their concern for their physical needs. Jesus told them not to be concerned about the food that perishes but for the food that leads to eternal life. (Jn.6:27)
Jesus then explained that He was the bread of life coming down from heaven giving life to the world. Salvation is granted to all who eat His flesh and drink His blood. (Jesus is using a spiritual analogy here-Jn.6:53-59) It represents Christ’s physical death on the cross and His shed blood as necessary for eternal life. Those who accept Christ as savior receive (His flesh and blood) as payment for their sins and have everlasting life. This is hard for people today to grab hold of and understand and even more so in Jesus’ day as he spoke these words. And the Scriptures say many left Him after these words.
The story above is not the only one used in our day to refute Christianity. There are many which orators take out of context to explain away the truth of the gospel that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Sadly, many people are taken in and led amiss by these teachers, and yes pastors, with their false words. The disciples were asked by Jesus if they were going to follow the crowd away from Jesus and Peter spoke up and said, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (Jn.6:68 nlt) Peter’s words are still true today, ‘to whom will you go?’
The Christian life is serious business. Our responsibilities must be taken seriously. We are Jesus’ followers who bear His name and are His representatives on earth. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” (2Cor.5:20) The gospel message which leads to salvation is placed upon every Christian to share with others as they are so gifted. Not everyone is a pastor, missionary, or Bible teacher but God has gifted each believer in Christ the ability to speak for Him right where they are.
Not only are we ambassadors for Christ, but we are soldiers in His army. Those in military service know their first allegiance is to the country they serve and their commanding officers. Christians are in the heavenly kingdom and our commander is the Lord Jesus. Soldiers in today’s army must restrict themselves from the things of civilian life. Their duty is total loyalty to the mission that is in front of them. Christians in Christ’s army have their mission instilled in their hearts and minds and must be ready to be deployed as He commands. Loyalty to our God and Savior takes first place.
The work that is put before us is of the upmost importance. There are countless important and vital jobs to better our lives and to save lives in the world today. Praise God if He has called you into one of those positions, but the most crucial job today saves lives from eternal damnation to eternal life with the lifesaving gospel of Jesus Christ. Be careful not to get caught up in frivolous things but remember who enlisted us to be in His army. It is serious business.
“For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” Psalm 56:13 NLT
Life has a way of making us feel unsure of ourselves. All of us at one time or another have made an unwise decision that put us in an unbelievably bad position. If we have learned from that mistake, we do everything possible to not repeat that misfortune. If you are a Christian and have prayed for help and God has answered your prayer you know how it feels to be rescued from your dire consequences. You have now become a walking testimony of God’s grace before others.
There is one sure way for us who are Christians to feel sure of ourselves and that is to walk in the presence of the Lord. King David penned Psalm 56, a prayer for help, as he was being attacked and seized by the Philistines. “O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.” (Ps.56:1 nlt) Although David was afraid, he trusted God and still praised Him. David was aware that God knew of his troubles and He was much bigger than any of them. David would soon be walking in God’s presence and in His light.
So, it is with us. Whatever gets us into a terrible mess, either of our doing or enemies against us, God is willing and able to rescue us. We also will be walking in God’s presence as David. If the Lord is able to rescue us from the torments of hell into eternal life in heaven with Him, He is able to rescue us from our present-day troubles. Indeed David was right when he wrote, “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” (Ps.56:13 nlt) Yes, we can walk in God’s presence both in this life and in eternity.
Have you heard the question; can two things be true? You may have asked it yourself or even debated the subject. Two things can be true at the same time. In personal matters it is more of a perspective of one’s circumstances like seeing both sides of the same coin. Certain events may cause you to have happy and sad feelings with both being true, but in substantive matters it is not so much perspective of the truth, but truth itself.
In the Beatitudes Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Considering both these statements are true, one will make you happy and the other quite sad, but it is not a matter of how you look at them. Jeremiah is stating the fact that man’s heart is sinful. Jesus concurs with Jeremiah’s assessment later in Matthew by saying, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Mt.15:19 kjv) A more important question than “how can these two statements both be true” is how can a sinful, wicked, deceitful heart become pure?
Sad, but true, is the fact that each of us were born with a sin nature alienating ourselves from God. Our hearts are very much as Jeremiah and Jesus describe it. But Jesus made it possible for a reconciliation between God and us by paying the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross. Our sinful hearts become pure when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savoir.
Can two things be true at the same time? Yes! In our earthly bodies we still have the sin nature, Jeremiah is right. And Jesus is right, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Word for the Soul 