Day 13: 50 Days of Impact

We look at other countries or even our own and wonder who put this person in charge. Are the even qualified to run this place? There are different ways to deal with this; 1) There are those who actively oppose them either with protesting and in some cases violence. 2) Those who just take it, they know it will pass and although they may not like it what can they do. 3) lastly there are those who flee for their live.

We need to flee into the arms of Jesus. Then and only then can we actively oppose the enemy that is destroying this world. We are not called to be passive, but to fight the enemy from within is hopeless. Only free people can free people.

 

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” Psalms 5:11 NLT

All over the world there are millions of displaced people’s, we call refugees. Driven out of their homes by wars or cruel dictators and their armies. They flee in hopes of a new life somewhere else where things can be ” normal”.

Non-believers are living a life full of internal wars, and living a life lead by a mad dictator whose only desire is to keep them from finding the truth that they are heading towards destruction. These people need to have their eyes opened to the sin that infects their lives. As believers, we need to share the love of Jesus who is offering them not just refugee status but citizen status for anyone who would cry out to him for help. He came to rescue them from the path to destruction.

This mad dictator who is running their lives has convinced them that they are good enough, so much so that even when presented with the truth of Jesus they dismiss it as something for the weak person and not for them. We need to work even harder to break this chain of complacency in the lives of those around us. We need to display a life of joy and peace that can only come from Jesus.

Jesus, soften the hearts of those who need you, give us words to displace the lies that the enemy has build into their lives. Give us wisdom to use the right words at the right time, things that we would never know without the discernment of the Holy Spirit. We want to bring people to know you and to be free from the path of destruction. They matter to you and they matter to us. Amen

 

Day 5: 50 Days of Change

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In Canada we have taken in a number of refugees from the Syrian crisis. Those people were displaced from their home running from a conflict they honestly might have no idea why it is happening. Yet here they have come, joining our country looking for a new life. We as Canadians have welcomed them with open arms, providing them with away to start their life anew. But what if they arrived and still continued to live their lives as if they were running, a refugeee lifestyle? 

The fact of the matter is they arrive and embrace the change that has happened. They know where they have been and have no desire to return to the life of a displaced person. Yes many yearn for loved ones who are still displaced, but they yearn for them to join them in this new life. 

Humanity was displaced from its relationship with God. For thousands of years mankind has been spiritual refugees. At the cross Jesus created a way for mankind to be brought out of the spiritual darkness and into the light. He invites us to come and live with him, having all the benefits of a citizen of heaven. We become joint heirs, he only asks that you live as one. We as believers must not be tempted to go back and see what were missing. The darkness has an allure that sucks you in, it like a powerful, dictator does not want to lose any of its citizens, lest they tell others about what wonderful things are in the light.

That is what we as children living in the light need to be doing. We need to be sharing about the wonderful life we are living in the light. A life of joy that we express through our everything, through the good and bad times. The way we express ourselves and our attitude towards life will show people our hearts. If we look like we are always drinking vinegar and are sour and bitter who will be attracted to that? If we are mad at the world and angry who will be attracted to that? If we live expectant, with a passion and loving others who will be attracted to that?

So how are you living your life today? Are you walking in the light? Are you playing games in the darkness hoping that one day you might jump into the light when needed? It might be to late then. Jesus is ready to accept you, refugee papers have already been signed, all you need to do is accept them and walk into the light.

Jesus, thank you so much for your sacrifice so that we can live in the light with you. We desire a relationship with the Father. Show us how to reach others lost in the darkness, giving us a passion for their plight. They don’t see the need for a saviour, yet in the darkness they don’t see much of anything. Let us be a lighthouse to them, a beacon of truth and hope for something more. They matter to you Jesus, so they matter to us, Amen.