LIGHT IN THESE DARK DAYS
This Saturday, November 14, the 5-day Hindu festival Diwali begins. A billion Hindus in southeast Asia and around the world will participate. It is the biggest, brightest and most elaborate of all the Hindu festivals. People clean their homes, buy new clothes and stock up on special food. They decorate with sparkling lights and colorful flowers. It is called the “Festival of Lights” because they believe the lights represent the inner light. This light is an extension of the divine force in all nature and people. It is similar to “Mother Nature.” New Age beliefs brought this error into our western culture claiming we are all ‘gods.’
Hindus believe the lights make them more aware of this inner power leading to freedom from spiritual darkness and victory over evil. They feel this force defeats demons around them. The people perform ritual worship ceremonies and pray to idols in their homes and temples, asking for good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
How sad it is to see a billion people lost in darkness and turning to a counterfeit substitute that cannot deliver. Darkness is everywhere. People are aware of their need for light but Satan counterfeits God’s true light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Only God can create light (Genesis 1:3). Jesus is the true light (John 8:12; 9:5).
We can recognize their darkness, but it isn’t as easy to see our own. When we look to any person, group, leader or political party for light and deliverance we are sadly disappointed. It is only Jesus that brings the illumination, warmth, guidance, peace and joy to the God created inner soul. Keep your confidence in Him, not any earthly substitute or demonic power. He is in sovereign control of our lives, our country and everything that happens. He alone is light and all who do not follow Him walk in darkness (John 3:19). He still reigns and His light still shines. That is a truth Americans and Hindus need to know and experience.
Fill your mind with His truth in His word. Walk in His presence and He will fill you with His light.
John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9:5 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
Are you discouraged by all the recent events in our country and world? Only Jesus can burn away the doom. Read John 8 and 9, spend time in praise and worship and “turn your eyes upon Jesus.”
Think of southeast Asians you know. What can you do to help them see the true light that is only found in Jesus? Pray for courage, wisdom and an opportunity to share Jesus with them.
I
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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