HE LIGHTS MY CANDLE by Ray Prinzing

“For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28)

Among the proverbs of Solomon, we read, “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly,” (Prov. 20:27). “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?” (I Cor. 2:11). Although a man’s ‘spirit’ is his ‘candle’, yet he walks in darkness until such a time as God lights that candle, till God quickens us by His holy Spirit, and His light shines within.

Christendom’s tradition teaches that God will light the candle of a few, and take them to heaven, while the vast majority of mankind is doomed to eternity in some hell. But the Word declares, concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, “He was the true Light, which lighteth EVERY man that cometh into the world,” (John 1:9). Though it be “EVERY MAN in his own order”, (I Corinthians 15:23), nevertheless, “by Christ shall ALL be made alive”. God will not abandon His creation with the process only half done – just the natural creation brought forth. “First the natural, afterwards that which is spiritual,” (I Cor. 15:46). Thus, He has purposed “that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even IN Him,” (Eph. 1:10). This purpose shall be fulfilled. Brought into the LIFE of Christ, so that every creature shall know the blessing of that finished work of redemption, the creative work that results in a spiritual creation.

Then shall be fulfilled the promise, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined,” (Isaiah 9:2).

When God lights our candle, it is to make us one with the light, so that in turn He might send us forth to bring light to those who are in darkness. “I will give thee to be a light to the nations, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6).

[Hedz Up] Sing Along

When asking the Lord what was on His mind for this week’s [Hedz Up], He gave me three phrases, all from songs: Call Me, Lean On Me, and Bridge Over Trouble Water. Though you probably already get the meaning, let me make it clear: when trouble comes, Ask, Depend and Rest. One, two or all of these songs may even begin to repeat in your mind. Ask the Lord if He needs some of your time in this regard.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with these songs, I’ve asked the Lord to give you a song that will encourage and lift you up when you need it. He is using this opportunity to not only encourage but to teach us how He speaks to us — any way He wants.

Be ready to turn to Him, and have a great week.