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Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Hi Friends, I’m back although Renee is still in Peru for another week. I am back to writing and will update you on our trip soon. Thanks for your prayers. Our trip was blessed and successful on every level. God bless you! ~ Pastor Tim

Renee and I had two of our grandchildren staying with us over Christmas! We had taken a bunch of blankets and draped the over couches and chairs to make them a fort in our basement. Renee and I both had memories of doing that when we were kids and they loved it just the way we used to when we were children. I turned off most the lights and gave them each a flashlight to play with in the dark of their fort. They had a blast and played in their for the longest time. Darkness works in settings like this, in movie theaters, for sleeping, for seeing stars clearly and a few other things, but beyond that, the darkness generally creates a sense of fear or at the least, discomfort in people.

We live in a world where Satan continually works to introduce ever-increasing levels of spiritual darkness. The world is getting darker and there is an increasing acceptance by mankind of things that used to be seen as dark and immoral. Profanity, sexual immorality, perverse behaviors, violence, and materials of the occult, are now accepted as normal and everyday. How do people feel about it? Some are naive or blinded and either accept it as the norm, or just don’t think about it at all. Others sense the world is getting darker year-by-year. People internally seem to sense that the world has become more increasingly overcome with evil. They don’t like it, but they don’t know how to identify this darkness nor do they know what to do about it.

As Christians, we should absolutely recognize that this is happening, and take three immediate courses of action because of it. First we should pray and ask God to deliver us from these forces of evil trying to destroy our world, and pray that we have the strength to refrain from becoming a part of it. Secondly, we should take an active part in writing Congresspeople and Senators to create levels of media guidance to adhere to and discipline for when guidelines are violated regarding profanity, violence, and sexual content. It is not enough to have filters we can put in place. The majority of people will not use them. We need to go back to the Movie Code that was abolished. And third, we should walk in the revelation that Jesus told us to be a light, and be that light to this increasingly dark world. People don’t like darkness and often gravitate toward light. There has never been a better time for us to shine so that people can find Jesus through us!

Phil 2:15 says, “…so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

If you love Jesus and are living for Him, you are that source of light. When you walk strongly in it, people sense something different about you and are drawn to it. I hope you understand that. You may not think you are much of a light, but even the tiniest light in a dark room, is easy to see. And so you are! As they are attracted to you, are you ready and equipped? Can you share something with them about the source of your light? Do you have a “light manual,” a Bible or even a New Testament you could give to them? Can you tell them about this light named Jesus in you and share your testimony of how He led you out of darkness? 1 Peter 3:15 NIV says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”

I was outside one night recently. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the stars were so bright. I could gaze in awe, the handiwork of God. You and I are that handiwork of God to those trapped in the darkness of this world. When you carry Him in your heart and let Him shine through you, then don’t be surprised to find out that people are watching you and are drawn to you. Sometimes it’s important to share your testimony of what Jesus did for you and other times it’s important just to let people see God’s love in action through your life. They’ll come to gaze more. But be ready and when the time is right. They may come to investigate what it is they sense in you! That has happened to me more times than I can remember! Be ready to give them an answer and if you get far enough in it, invite them to church where they can learn more also.

There can be a few areas where darkness works, but for the most part, people want to come out from it and move toward the light. Be that light and let your light shine!

Psalms 112:4 (NLT) “Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

If Fresh Manna is a blessing to you, let me know how. I’d love to hear from you! Write me at [email protected]

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