Lent 2020: Week 5 – Release

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 22nd, 2020

Ephesians 5:8-11

“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

RELEASE: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

• to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude

• to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses

• relief or deliverance from sorrow, suffering, or trouble

Rev. Sam writes on page 27, “Our lives are a delicate balance of darkness and light.” She had references how this process is very much like developing photos via a dark room. Old school film developing.

My own personal experiences of light and darkness have evolved as I have grown and accepted certain truths.

• Light chases darkness away

• Darkness and fear are not the same thing.

When I was a very young child, I experienced fear and darkness together in a single moment that haunted me into adulthood. I allowed that one incident to permanently join fear and darkness together. That singularity of mind caused me a lot of grief through the years. It wasn’t until I was forced to face this obstacle straight-on that I discovered it wasn’t the darkness I feared but the lack of light. That was the simple truth, the light was missing. This is equally applicable in my Christian life; when I begin to feel scared, fearful and afraid I take a look at what I’m doing and what I’m not doing. The questions are: am I reading my Bible; am I getting enough rest; am I eating healthy; am I getting exercise; am I getting outside and soaking up some sunlight.

Best advice:

Spend time in the Sun!

Spend time with the Son!

Practice:

1. Where is the darkness in your life?

2. How has this darkness shaped you?

• Now find a way into the light.

• Sit in the sun or light a candle.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/