Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Mid-Week Message - Seeing Clearly

 "If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God."  2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NLT)

When I was in the first grade, my family lived in a small two bedroom house.  I shared a room with my older brother and my baby sister had a small bed in my parents' room.  I still have fond memories of that little house, except for one occurrence.  One day my brother and I, whose beds were in opposite corners of the room, were tossing one of my dolls back and forth.  This doll was made of hard plastic and dressed like a bride.  Being somewhat competitive, we were both trying to throw her harder each time.  On his last throw, my brother sent her sailing through the air feet first.  I wasn't quite quick enough and those feet hit me hard in the eyes.  I saw nothing for awhile after that except for whirling colors.  I started screaming that I couldn't see and my poor brother ran and told my parents that he had blinded me.  After a few frightening moments and some cold cloths, my vision returned but I can still remember the horrible feeling of being without sight.  

We live in a nation that has been blessed with religious freedom and founded on Christian principles.  Our right to worship is protected my law.  Churches of all denominations are spread throughout the country.  The Word of God is available for all who are interested in obtaining it.  Believers are tasked by God to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world.  I know many Christians who take that task to heart and speak openly with all they come in contact with.  Then I know many others who assume everyone already knows the truth, therefore there is no reason to offend anyone by forcing their beliefs upon them.  

The sad truth is that, even in this nation where Bibles and churches abound, countless precious souls have been spiritually blinded by the enemy.  Opposing beliefs, or the belief in no Creator at all, have become pervasive and are growing each and every day.  As followers of Christ, we must stop worrying about how we are going to be received and understand that we just might be the one and only person that will approach any specific person with the love and saving knowledge of Jesus.  I know it's hard.  But how will they hear unless someone tells them?  Satan uses lies to blind and deafen.  But we have the power of Almighty God and do not have to let him steal our voices. 

I will be forever grateful for the person that cared enough about me to introduce me to my Savior. Because of her, and wonderful teachers and preachers throughout my life, I have the assurance of eternal life in the presence of the Lord.  That is a treasure that I want to share which is why I write these messages each week.  If even just one person finds something meaningful in the words strung together then there is cause for rejoicing.  Each week I pray that it will be used to encourage believers and touch the hearts of those who are searching for the truth.  Oh, Lord, please embolden our hearts and give us the words to share with those around us and give sight to the spiritually blind so that they may see You clearly and be set free by the truth of Jesus.  God bless.  

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