For those struggling financially …
You may feel pressured (or even bullied) into sending money to various ministries who claim that when you give to them, you will become rich. Let me offer a word of advice and encouragement. Set the magazine aside. Turn off the TV. Switch off the radio. And have a sit-down talk with Jesus. Jesus is not going to bully you into anything. He will show you what you should give to whom. Jesus will empower you to give with wisdom, with faith, with joy. He may tell you to give more than you were planning. He may tell you to give less. But if you listen to Him, you can move forward without guilt and without regret.
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. — John 1:9
How much light does it take to see? Not much. At night, I move around the house with only a dim night light. I’ve walked outside with only the light of the moon and a few stars.
I like plenty of light. Especially when I’m trying to clean; I mean you have to be able to see the dirt to remove it. But, to survive, you don’t need much light.
What am I saying?
It’s very clear that not everybody gets the same amount of light. Some people are bathed in the knowledge of the glory of God. Some live in deep darkness. But, to each person, some light is given. This verse tells us that.
Though many people are extraordinarily evil, and though darkness seems to go from bad to worse, that God still somehow seems to navigate through all of that and bring some light to every man. Wherever sin is at work, grace is also at work.
People are troubled by the question, “What about those who have never heard the gospel?” That is a troubling question, because God wants people to hear. The church has paid with blood so that people can hear. But God is not without resources. To each one, some light has been given. Even those who have never heard the name of Jesus are illuminated by the light of His entrance into our world.
The point is, God is not stuck with a problem He can’t solve. Whether through opposition or neglect, some will never hear the gospel. Their lives are not evidence of some flaw in God’s plan or of some inadequacy in His management of the universe. Rather, God has worked out every contingency so we can leave this troubling question with Him, and turn back to the task of winning our world for Christ.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
What happens when you partner with Dwight Clough Ministries?
Victims of violent crimes and survivors of abuse are finding peace,
wholeness, the power to forgive and the strength to set boundaries.
Those ensnared by addictions are finding freedom. Marriages are being
restored. Families are strengthened. Christian brothers and sisters in
restricted lands who face persecution are finding strength and
encouragement. Young believers are learning how to walk with the Lord,
and people are coming into the faith for the first time. None of this
happens as a result of one person’s efforts, but rather this is God’s
work as He blesses the sacrifice of many people including yourself. We
partner with you, with other ministries, and, most significantly, with
the Lord. That’s how the supernatural happens.
Discoveries Devotional – Inspiration in Your Inbox is provided daily by
Dwight Clough Ministries, Inc.
1223 West Main Street #228
Sun Prairie, WI 53590 USA
Dwight Clough Ministries is supported by your donations.
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