light in the darkness

	People Who Walk in Darkness

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” Isaiah 9:2 NASB Night was central to Jesus’ birth. It was at night when the magi, studying the stars, discovered that an important king was to be born. It was at night when the angels appeared to the shepherds and they went to worship Him. The perspective of darkness is important, contrasting sharply with Jesus’ ministry as the “light of the world” (John 8:12). In fact, His followers were to have that same impact, and be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would bring about a powerful transition for those who walk in darkness. This darkness could involve lifestyles or habits that imprison them. It could be felt through relationships that cast a shadow over their lives. They could be bound by sin, disease, or fear. They could be oppressed by demonic forces, deceived and trapped into hoping in the world’s pleasures. They could be discouraged or weary from the weight of problems. Many people are so accustomed to darkness that they don’t realize that anything else is possible. They can’t imagine anything different. But everything changes when they “see a great light.” Their world suddenly becomes clearer. When the light shines on them, they can see the truth about their lives and the world. They know how to live, how to avoid problems, and how to please God. Today, millions of people in the world still “walk in darkness.” People in every nation. In every city. In every neighborhood. During this Christmas season, make a commitment to spread the light of the Gospel. Seek to be a witness to the light, that others, through you, will see the power of Jesus to change lives. And give of your time, talent, and treasure that others will see the light.

The Word became human

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 NIV

How wonderful to think about the baby Jesus during this Christmas season. But perhaps the most important thing we can do is remember that He came into the world to bring 💡salvation. The Bible tells us that God loved us so much that He sent Jesus, that He might grow up to be a man and ⛅die for the sins of the world.

Because of Him, we can be part of God’s family. No matter who we are, or what we have done, He offers us the 🌷right to “become children of God.”

We 🔊cannot be good enough to become His children. We cannot do enough righteous deeds, reform ourselves enough, sacrifice enough, give enough, dedicate ourselves enough, or 🔊achieve enough to earn that position. This is a spiritual birth. We must be “⛅born of God.”

Today, pause to 🙏thank God for sending Jesus. If you already have believed👍 in His name, rejoice that you have become a child of God. But if you have any doubts, this is the time to be sure. Simply 🌷believe on His name. 💡Confess your sins. And 🌷believe that Jesus died for you and your sins. And confess 🔊that Jesus is your Lord.

Remember, God is ready to welcome you into His family, to pour forth His 🎁blessings upon you, and to give you your inheritance. But also remember that millions of people around the world need to hear this message. Rejoice that you can be His child! But ask Him to give you a passion for souls, that others may be saved.

Prayer

Father God, I believe in Jesus, and know that You sent Him. Thank You that I am Your child. Thank You that You have forgiven all my sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God with You

by Inspiration Ministries

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 KJV

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would bring forth a special Son whose name would mean, “God with us.” In ways people could not have expected, Jesus perfectly fulfilled this promise.

He was born into a world in which pagans honored numerous deities and heroes who were said to have special powers. But Jesus was different: He was “God with us.”

Some had thought that this Emmanuel would be a mighty ruler. A triumphant warrior. But Jesus revealed what it meant to have “God with us.”

Through His life, we see a demonstration of compassion and concern. He became a real human being, so He was able to “sympathize with our weaknesses.” He was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” This means that we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). He is our Great High Priest, who “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Today, that same Jesus is with you in every situation you face. Every crisis. Every trial. Every temptation. When you go through problems, He is by your side. When you have decisions to make, He is there to provide wisdom. If you are sick, He is there to heal you. If you are discouraged, He is there to give you hope. And, you can call on Him anytime, day or night.

Right now, call on Him with faith, boldness, and confidence for the needs you face. He is Almighty God, and He is with you!

Prayer

Father, thank You that Jesus is God with me. I commit these needs to You: ________. Thank You for being concerned about me. I trust You for the answers I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Pray for favor for Inspiration Ministries’ Worldwide Distribution Department.