Purposeful Light

Matt Miles • June 11, 2020

     We are in the midst of a dark time in our nation and around the world. The pandemic has caused a crisis the likes of which we have not seen in many decades. Our nation is in a battle for its very soul as we confront very difficult issues, aka sin. It seems as though the darkness is all around us and winning. I personally don’t see this as the darkest of times, unless we fail to see the light. I believe there is only one Light that will dispel and drive this darkness away, Jesus Christ, and we must be FOCUSED on the purpose of this Light.

     “Let there be light.” In Genesis 1, on that first day when physical light was created, it had a purpose. When it was revealed, it was separated from darkness. Light is what defines darkness, as darkness is the absence of light. We also see in Scripture that, by His power and glory, the Lord is the Light, and the light shows what the darkness cannot – truth. The Light is truth and righteousness, the absolute standard by which all is referenced. The Lord defines light by His very eternal existence. The same is true in our lives; without light there is no defining line of law from lawlessness. All we measure around us in this world should be in view of His Light.

     As we are surrounded by darkness we must appeal to the Light. He is the only source of goodness and healing. Any ideas, opinions, solutions and legislations apart from the Light may contain some truth (as also many of Satan’s deceptions do), but they cannot be emblazoned with truth. The purpose of the initial light of creation has not changed and will never change. We, however, are a fickle creation that changes often with our selfish desires that are dark or, at best, faint representations of light. We must seek the Light and not our own desires that, as righteous as we may feel or think they are, leave too much room for darkness. I am reminded of 1 John 1:5-10 where it speaks to this truth and reminds us of the Light’s purpose in our lives, to have fellowship with one another and be cleansed from our sins. “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin….” When we reside in the Light of Life, our standing with the Lord is impacted in a way that in turn directly impacts our relationships with our fellow man. Blessings to you as we strive for the eternal Light in the midst of finite darkness.

Signing the Mayflower Compact by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1899
By Ryan Cox March 19, 2026
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
model train engine
By Matt Miles March 19, 2026
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.
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