-10:45 p.m.-
-On a rooftop in the red light district of Chiang Mai, Thailand-
-16 of us worshipping…praying…interceding on behalf of our other 10 girls who are out in the bars ministering to prostitutes for the night.-
Sin does not merely lurk, but blatantly chases around every corner.
Millions of western men flocking to fulfill every lust of the flesh.
To chase an illusion. A mirage of intimacy and fulfillment.
Fleeting pleasures.
Millions of Thai women and children…
For sale.
Their priceless bodies offered for less than $10 an hour.
Some unwilling.
Some to feed hungry mouths at home.
Some to gather fortune for the hope of better karma in the next life.
23,988,767 precious souls.
Offering daily sacrifices.
Paying alms.
Devoting their lives to serving a golden calf.
God,
I know you CAN.
And I know you ARE.
But why does the enemy seem to be prevailing?
Why does it seem as though darkness has choked out any evidence of light?
********
‘My Daughter,
Darkness has no power to choke out, engulf or destroy light.
It is merely the absence of light.
Light dispels darkness.
When light appears, darkness must flee.
The two cannot occupy the same space.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16)
Come out of hiding.
Shine.’
*********
-10:55pm-
-On a rooftop in the red light district of Chiang Mai, Thailand-
-16 of us worshipping…praying…interceding on behalf of our other 10 girls who are out in the bars ministering to prostitutes for the night.-
-While staring into the endless expanse of dark night sky hovering over the city,
Three lights begin to rise above one of the skyscrapers.
They float higher and higher. Gracefully. Beautifully.
Captivating all my attention.
Two more appear.
Radiant.
And another.
Mesmerizing.
Shining.
It’s as if they’re coming out of hiding.-
*********
So,
Light of the World (that’s YOU!), I speak to you..
What is your basket?
What is quenching the Fire of God in you?
What is keeping the Light of the World within you hidden?
Fear? Shame? Inadequacy? Worthless idols? Comparison? Selfishness? Laziness? Apathy?
Light of the World (that’s YOU!), I speak to you..
God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
You are not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
You are not living to please men, for if you were still living to please men you would not be a servant of Christ.
You are bold and courageous.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
You are the temple of the Living God.
You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that you would walk in them.
You are Christ’s ambassador. God is making His appeal through you.
You are complete in Him, lacking nothing.
You already have everything you need for life and godliness.
You have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
It is no longer you living, but Christ living through you.
Light of the World (that’s YOU!), I speak to you..
Lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles you.
Fix your eyes on the Author and Perfecter of your faith.
Put away worthless things.
Stop wasting time. Your life is but a midst. Here today and gone tomorrow.
Walk in your purpose.
Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.
Submit to God.
Surrender.
Light of the world (that’s YOU!), I speak to you..
Darkness only prevails when you hide.
COME OUT OF HIDING!
RISE UP!
SHINE!
You dispel the darkness.
You cause it to flee.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and out it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16)
