{"id":21349,"date":"2021-10-09T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-09T07:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/?p=21349"},"modified":"2021-10-07T17:29:57","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T00:29:57","slug":"light-in-the-darkness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/light-in-the-darkness\/","title":{"rendered":"Light In The Darkness"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Light In The Darkness.mp3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-474\" src=\"http:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/SEV-CampfireAudio.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"375\" height=\"108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/SEV-CampfireAudio.jpg 375w, https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/SEV-CampfireAudio-300x86.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a>1 Timothy 2 : 1-2<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>NKJV<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(1) <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>\u201cTherefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, <i>and <\/i>giving of thanks be made for all men,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(2) <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>for kings and all who are in<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>\u201c<\/b>Looking around at all the evil that happens today, we may find ourselves wondering if people must have been born without a conscience!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>But <b>the Bible teaches that God has placed within every human being some sense of right and wrong.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">We can, however, ignore the voice of our conscience, and over time we can become so hardened by sin that we almost can\u2019t hear its voice.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>In fact, some people lose almost all sense of right and wrong\u2014and when that happens the results are always tragic.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>This is one reason why Christians need to take a stand for what is right and not let evil go unchallenged.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>But most of all we need to pray.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>During the first week in May, many people will celebrate an annual Day of Prayer, praying especially for our world and its leaders\u2014its politicians, trendsetters, media powers, athletes, and others in a position of influence.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Pray that they may use their influence for good and not for evil.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Remember:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>God is sovereign and is still at work, and He alone is our hope for a better world.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Billy Graham<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Wisdom For Each Day<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>God always answers prayer&#8230;&#8230;we don\u2019t always listen.<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Prayer is the single most powerful force in existence in all of God\u2019s creation<\/b>.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>God has given this gift to us.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>We are to use it wisely and rely upon it daily. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Prayer is the best and most reliable resource that we can use to communicate directly with God at any time we choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>The act of communication by and between two or more parties is absolutely required if there is to be good and beneficial results to all of the parties<\/b> <b>involved.<\/b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>There can be no real and lasting friendship without good communication between and among the people involved in the relationship.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A marriage without good communication will not last or stand the test of time.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Business ventures without good and adequate communication don\u2019t survive or succeed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It is the good and effective two-way communication, in whatever form it may take, by and between individuals, organizations, business enterprises, and, most importantly, between God and mankind that makes all the difference.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It\u2019s what causes success to occur. I tell you the truth,&#8230;.<b>The power of prayer is what is most important to you as an individual child of God.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Communication with your Creator is the key.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The Holy Spirit, \u201cThe Helper,\u201d that our Heavenly Father has given us,&#8230;is a guide to proper and Godly living.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>The Holy Spirit <i>is <\/i>our own personal Conscience.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This \u201cSpiritual-GPS\u201d will help you identify the good from the bad,&#8230;right from wrong,&#8230;what is best for you and what is not best for you.<\/b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This third figure of the Godhead, The Holy Spirit, is with us always.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>He never leaves us or forsakes us.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>He is our personal guide as we travel through our lives in route to our God designed plan and purpose for our existence.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Your personal \u201cHelper\u201d will always keep you on task and on course.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">We are told all about this Helper throughout the Holy Scripture.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>In the <b>Book of Psalms, Chapter 119, verses 104-105<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>NKJV<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b> The Psalmist says:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(104)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>\u201cThrough Your precepts I get understanding;<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>Therefore <i>I hate every false way.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(105)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">We are further instructed by our Creator that we are to trust and obey His guidance if we are ever to know what His true Will for our lives is to be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">In the <b>Book of Hebrews, Chapter 13, verses 5-6<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>NKJV<\/b> we are told:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(5) <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>\u201cLet your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>things as you have.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>For He himself has said, \u2018<i>I will never leave you<\/i><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>nor forsake you.\u2019<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(6)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>So we may boldly say:<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>\u2018The LORD is my helper;<\/i><\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>I will not fear.<\/i><\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>What can man do to me?\u2019 <\/i>\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Are you beginning to get a grasp on what God is trying to tell us about our Holy Helper?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Now comes some of Jesus\u2019 best instruction to us as stated in the <b>Book of John, chapter 14, verses 15-18,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>NKJV:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(15)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>\u201cIf you love Me, keep My commandments. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(16) <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>And I will pray the Father, and He will give you <i>another Helper,<\/i><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i>that He may abide with you forever\u2014<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(17) <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He<\/b><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>dwells with you and will be in you.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>(18)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Make no mistake child of God&#8230;&#8230;<b>Your conscience is your guide.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Without knowing or using your Spiritual Guide, you will wander about throughout the living of your life,&#8230;.going around and around in circles, always coming back to your same starting point&#8230;&#8230;always empty handed. Do you know what I am talking about?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">This, of course, is the true test as to whether or not you are actually a born again Christian.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Is there any good fruit on your \u201ctree\u201d?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Are you a changed person?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Are you a new creation,&#8230;a new man or woman? <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Are things better or getting better for you as you live your life as guided by your own conscience?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Are there significant changes for the good in how you think, speak, and act?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Are God\u2019s blessings and benefits beginning to come into your life?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Do you ever sense the presence of God\u2019s Holy Spirit in your consciousness?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Failure to get \u201cthings\u201d right with God in your life, denies you of all these great and glorious blessings.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Failure to know the truths of life hinder your ability to perform,&#8230;..hinder your ability to achieve and accomplish good things for yourself and family,&#8230;.hinder your ability to love and serve and help other people.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>Everyone comes up short in life and in the world when you do not get \u201cthese things\u201d right with God.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It is solely your own personal responsibility to do what I am talking about right here right now!<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Once you \u201cknow the truth\u201d&#8230;Then and only then can you be set free<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">So let\u2019s just say you are a born again believer in The Lord Jesus Christ.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Now you have and should know the TRUTH.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Then the question that has to be asked is&#8230;.what are you personally doing with the acquired knowledge?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Knowledge X Action = Power,&#8230;.. most unfortunately&#8230;Knowledge X<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Nothing = Nothing !<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>What are you doing&#8230;with the knowledge you have and<\/b> <b>the potential power within your spirit?<\/b><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It is my earnest and loving prayer for you that you are wisely using it to its fullest extent.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">Do not be a Spiritual Derelict.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Use your power&#8230;&#8230;use it for good and wonderful \u201cpeople-helping\u201d things and activities.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Stop going around in circles always coming back to your starting point empty handed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Such foolish activity is nothing but a total waste of time and personal productivity.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><b>Failure to use your God-given gifts once you are a saved child of God is, in fact, a sin!<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\">The Bible says that for him who knows how to do good and who does not do it&#8230;.for him it is sin.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Insure that you do not commit a sin of omission&#8230;.only because you knew to act and did not take action!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>God\u2019s Greatest Blessings to All of You&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1 Timothy 2 : 1-2\u00a0 NKJV (1) \u00a0 \u201cTherefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,\u00a0 (2) \u00a0 for kings and all who are in\u00a0 authority, that we may &hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/light-in-the-darkness\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-spiritual-believers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21349"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21355,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21349\/revisions\/21355"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}