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.

Hand in sand image
By Matt Miles April 19, 2026
In Genesis 12 the Lord calls Abraham (Abram) to be the father of a great nation. This all happened to Abraham at 75 years old. Some might say that is too late in life to start something new, especially a calling of that magnitude. Yet that was not the overwhelming part to me; that would come in verse 7 when the Lord said the land would be his offspring’s. Wait, what?! The Lord had a plan and His Providence would guide Abraham, even when Abraham did not have offspring and did not wait on the Lord. I have to wonder how I would have reacted to such a call and covenant. As we know from Psalms, the Lord guides and sustains all by His Providence for His name sake, which we are focusing on this year. But does Providence act on our timing? When God called Abraham, he had no children. Yet the promise given was that his offspring would be a great nation in a land saved for them. What we know now is that Abraham wouldn’t have his son Isaac until he was 100 years old, a full 25 years after the covenant was made. Most of the time we expect the Lord’s hand working in our life to be immediate, but that is not always the case. In some cases it might take years to experience the Providence coming to fruition. Remember Genesis 21:2 states Isaac’s birth was at the “appointed time.” This understanding should give us peace as we rely on Providence and, at times, are called to patience. Providence was again on display for us to understand that even in obedient sacrifice He will be glorified, as Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac, who was inherently tied to the covenant of the Lord. Abraham was faithful in all aspects, even when most of us might say “no way” to that sacrifice to the Lord. Yet at the right time, through faithfulness in Abraham’s obedience, there was Providence providing behind him in the ram. Our faithful obedience sometimes feels like a tough ask from the Lord, but rest assured He is there, ready to lift up His name through us. Providence continued through time, 100 years later, after Isaac had his sons, Jacob and Esau. Then Jacob was blessed by the Lord with 12 sons, one of which was Joseph, who was sold to Egypt by his brothers. You probably recall all the ups and downs of Joseph’s life, yet he was faithful to the Lord throughout them all. Remember, there was a covenant at stake. The Lord, through His Providence, made sure he had Joseph where He needed him to save the great nation of Israel from famine. This Providence secured the covenant line to continue to Christ. Many times throughout history Providence has guided and protected His covenant, and now you and I can be blessed with inclusion in His great nation through Christ. If it had not been so, then we literally have no assurance of our salvation. Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ that His Providence is faithful for all eternity, so we may know peace and have confidence in the promised destiny. Our ministry here at CTF has always emphasized the importance of Genesis 12, Abraham’s covenant. We share there is no difference in importance of Genesis 1-11 over chapter 12 and through the entirety of the Bible. The whole Bible is inspired to be trustworthy and to show His Providence throughout history for His name’s sake and also for our salvation. Blessings.
Fort Necessity, also known as the Battle of the Great Meadows
By Ryan Cox April 19, 2026
Fort Necessity, also known as the Battle of the Great Meadows
Show More