“I have come as a Light into the world, so that whoever believes in Me [whoever cleaves to and trusts and relies on Me] many not continue to live in darkness.” 

John 12:46 AMPC

When Jesus entered our world, He brought Light into the midst of the darkness! (John 8:12). Our world was so accustomed to the darkness that no one knew there was any other way to live.   But when His Light came, we could see what we had never been able to see before.  For the very first time, we could begin to see life from God’s perspective.   We could see how God intended life to be lived and enjoyed!   Because of the darkness, we were blinded to it before!   

The Lord’s purpose in coming was not just to expose the darkness but to show us a better way to live.  However, He did more than merely show us the way.  His Light and His Life, which is released through the Holy Spirit,  actually empowers us to live the life He intended for us to live!   

Living in darkness is always a downward spiral of existence!   Living in the darkness always results in disappointment, disillusionment, discouragement, depression, despair, and finally death. (John 10:10).  Jesus came to reveal to us,  by His Light,  that there is a purpose and meaning in life.   He reveals to us that through Him, there is forgiveness, mercy, love, peace, joy, grace, satisfaction, and contentment in life through Him!  (Phil. 4:11).

His Light reveals to us that there is hope beyond the grave!   It is a sure and certain hope that is revealed by His Light and guaranteed by His resurrected Life! We know that for all those who are in  Christ,  death has been defeated!  The redeemed do not die!  We merely step into the Presence of His glorious Light where we shall remain forever!   (John 11:25). 

Rev. James W. Black

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” 

Psalm 90:2 KJV

The Word of God speaks much about eternity.  The word “eternal” means “having infinite duration”.   (Webster’s Dict.). Eternity is a powerful word that is used in reference to God.  It is used to describe God. It is used to describe His person, His Kingdom, and His relationship with mankind.  In fact, there is nothing about God that is not eternal.  He has no beginning and  He has no end!  (Rev. 1:8).  He is infinite in His Person, character, and nature.   The Scripture describes Him as “The Ancient of Days.”  (Dan.7:9) which is a metaphor for the eternity of God in His Person.

Because God is eternal, His character is eternal, His love is eternal,  His ways are eternal,  His purposes are eternal and His judgments are eternal!  Everything God does always has the eternal perspective in mind.  He never changes.  (Malachi 3:6).  His love never changes.  His grace never changes.  His mercy never changes.  His joy and His peace never changes. His power never changes.   And His eternal purpose never changes. 

That means His purpose toward us never changes.   His purpose toward us is always for our good.  (Rom. 8:28).  In a world that is constantly changing, He is the constant that never changes. He is the anchor of our soul and the constant light and beacon of hope in the midst of a dark world. 

Because God is our creator and we are made in His image or likeness (Gen. 1:26), He has also “put eternity in our hearts.”  (Ecc. 3:11 ESV).  There is this innate longing in our hearts for life!  We all long to live forever!   It is God who gave us that longing!   And the Good News of the Gospel is that  Christ has made that longing a present reality!  The Redeemed of God do not die! (John 11: 25-26).   We simply move from this finite life into eternal life!  What a blessed hope we have!   What a joy we have!  What an awesome God we have! 

Rev. James W. Black 

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”   

2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV

There is not a more powerful ministry anywhere than the ministry of a godly mother. The ministry of bearing children and raising them is difficult and challenging.   It is hard.  It is often thankless.  It is not in the limelight.  It often goes unrecognized.  But a godly mother has the opportunity of impacting the next generation for the glory of God!  When a godly mother teaches her children the Word of God, how to know  God, the ways of God, and the truth of God and seeks to model that before them,  she will equip her children with a foundation that will carry them and sustain them throughout the rest of their lives. 

Timothy’s life had been profoundly impacted for the Lord by his mother and grandmother. It demonstrates the powerful influence a mother has on her children. 
Timothy’s mother, Eunice, had no doubt been impacted by her mother Lois.  Lois taught her grandson Timothy the importance of knowing the Lord and following the Lord.  Three generations had been impacted by a godly mother!   Timothy, no doubt, was used of the Lord to impact the lives of others for the Christ as he ministered alongside the Apostle Paul. Paul entrusted his ministry to Timothy when he knew that he would soon lose his life for Christ.  Only eternity will reveal the full impact of Lois on her family.  And her ultimate impact upon the world!   The world never noticed it, but the Lord did!   

And that is the most important thing to remember.   The Lord sees what you do as a mother.   He knows the sacrifices that you make.  He is aware of the work that you do.   He sees your frustrations, your disappointments, your challenges, and your tears.  He knows your burdens and your concerns.    But He also sees how you love and care for your children through all of it.  It is important to remember that He entrusted you with the care of specific children!   He designed you and gifted you for that purpose. And as hard as it can be at times, He knew that you could do it with His help! 

James W. Black