Shoot the Light
Posted by Orrin Woodward on July 15, 2012
Recently, I finished several weeks of extensive study of the Gospel of John. What struck me most was the many references to darkness and light scattered throughout the book. Indeed, further research has led me to the conclusion that light and darkness is themed through the entire Bible. Numerous verses direct those who desire mercy to come to the light. In contrast, those who reject the light do so because they desire evil deeds more than mercy.
Take time this Sunday to contemplate your life and work. Every person needs forgiveness; however, only those who come to and live in the light will receive it. I have attached several verses that I pulled together on the subject to write the following poem on light and darkness. It seems that people who love darkness HATE anyone who reflects Christ light. Even so, Christians are commanded to reflect His light anyway and are without excuse for cowardice.
So here is my question for Sunday morning: Are you walking in the light or hiding in the darkness? If in the light, are your reflecting that light into the darkness of the world? Stop hiding in the darkness and shooting at the light; instead, come to the light and receive mercy.
Sincerely,
Proverbs 2:13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
Jeremiah 9:6 You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the LORD.
John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 7: 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 12:46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Shoot the Light
by Orrin Woodward
In Him is life eternal,
casting rays of light,
Hell is a raging infernal,
slaying hope with its might.
Day versus night, cosmic wars
Man must choose – love or hate.
One surrenders, light restores,
One resists, darkened his state.
Men in darkness shoot the Light
Christians kneel grace received.
Truth against lies is the fight.
Satan’s minions are deceived.
Shooting light, Christ reflected,
Quenching rays, hiding deeds.
Denying truth; duty neglected
Darkness blinds a sinner’s needs.
Repent from sin and believe.
Jesus Christ grace and love.
God-man on earth is conceived.
Faith in Him is life above.
82 Responses to “Shoot the Light”
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Mike & Debbie Banks said
Thank you, Orrin. We will continue to reflect His light and reach people with truth. As we walk in that light we’re enjoying sweet fellowship with one another, as well as forgiveness (1 Jn 1:7). True LIFE. God bless you.
Amy Clark said
The light and darkness has always been something I think about. I want the light but my sinful nature pulls me to darkness. There was a time I use to always ask myself, “Are you sowing seeds of light or darkness?” Thank you for the reminder to sow seeds of light for all seeds will reap a harvest? Thank you again for leading from the front. 🙂
Deb Symons said
Reflecting! Reminds me of that 80’s movie statement “Walk to the Light!” Here we are walking towards or are walking in His Light! God Bless Orrin. Thank you for Reflecting His Light upon us all.
PappaBiggs said
Orrin,
Thanks for your post and in particular, “Christians are commanded to reflect His light anyway and are without excuse for cowardice.”
When reading your above mentioned line, I recalled reading, yesterday, Matthew 10:25 “If they have called the master of the house (Jesus) Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!”
Being worthy of being called a Christian by living as Christ lived for the glory of his Father is not easy, but as you say “it’s worth it!”
God Bless, Greg
Kate Amdahl said
AMEN… Light is what spoils darkness’s hiding spots ! When light is shining , it is only then that the darkness (in ones life) can be revealed.. Then one can choose mercy and grace… Thank you for such great food for ones soul and spirit!
Geneva said
Thanks Orrin for this contrast. Light / Dark comparisons are seen in our daily lives. I’ve noticed people who embrace depression withdraws, or isolates, they typically hide in darkness depicted either in room lighting preferences, sleeping patterns, & even clothing attire. When counseling, almost always , they confess to being out of the Word of God, not associating with like believers, therefore wrapping themselves in a “blanket” of darkness. King David would ask himself, “Why are you downcast oh my soul” during times of depression. He then would hope again in God, encourage himself, & sing. Surrounding ourselves in a community provides support while illuminating the darkness with the light of hope.
Blessings
daniel hale said
I love that. Orrin it is so wonderful to know that the leaders I follow are searching Christ and studying the word of God. I pray that God will protect, bless, and give joy into your family. Stay strong, I’m with you 100% not 99% cuz thats not commitment. As I recently learned from a great seminar.
Heidi said
What a great read for a Sunday morning. I heard a preacher go into the properties of light once, comparing it to the properties of God. What an amazing God whom we cannot even fathom on all levels that are there. Thanks also for being a leader who leads by example…..to the extreme.
Steven Johnson said
Darkness blinds a sinners needs… Orrin, you hit me in the right place at the right time every time. Thanks.
Peggi Kern said
Thank you, Orrin! In Him, Peggi
Terrence B. Cutler said
Thank you sir for the reminder to be the light.
Richard Kroll Jr. said
Thank you Orrin! I don’t think we can be reminded enough that we truly are in a life and death battle with eternal ramifications. I remember the first time I realized while reading the creation story in the book of Genesis that God divided the light from the dark during the first day of creation. On the third day he created plants, trees, and grass which REQUIRE sun light, but did not make the sun and the stars until the FOURTH day of creation. Which, to me, meant that He wasn’t talking about the “light” that we usually are talking about on the first day. And that the FIRST “light” that was created had the ability to sustain life and it had nothing to do with sunlight! I hope scores of people will take the time to read today’s blog and reflect on the significance of “light and darkness”. And that all would reject darkness and come to know and chose the Light of the world; Jesus Christ.
Windy Stanton said
Oh wow, I never realized that Richard. Wow, I’m going back to read that again.
Barry Quinn said
Kindness and truth shall meet
justice and peace shall kiss
Truth shall spring out of the earth
and justice shall look down from heaven
Psalm 85
GOD Bless
dan white said
Loved the blog! Great verses and a wonderful poem! Thank you so much for your awesome in sight!
Justin Kurtz said
This is sooooo nuts, esp the comment about being Commanded to go out and let our light shine. I was on my way home last night from Seminar and hearing some rousing information from the Macnamara’s (sp?) and the Birttles. I noticed a lady next to me talking to herself, or on a bluetooth. It made me realize talking to myself doesn’t seem so crazy these days. So I began feeding my elephant, and practicing for the day when I’m on stage. Thinking about how to get more enthusiasm into my plans. The main thing that came up was living a life to let my light shine with no excuse. I’ve been so blessed to always live a life I wanted, never had an opportunity before to have finances for some things though that is changing thanks to yourself and the PC. So all night I’m screaming at myself at the top of my lungs about letting my light shine. ARE YOU KIDDING ME How can we not? NOw not only is it commanded by God but we get PAID to go out and live our lives to the greatest potential with NO EXCUSES NO FEAR I’m not gonna hold my light in ANYMORE. I don’t mean to brag but I like to boast, LIFE IS TREMENDOUS and Nobody should hold that back! So glad to know my mind is getting closer to yours everyday!
george guzzardo said
Orrin, Thank you for a great Sunday morning Bible study. God Bless you, your family, and the rest of the LIFE community! George
Matt Mielke said
Thanks Orrin for sharing your personal revelation this week. Iron sharpens iron, so does one man, or woman, sharpen another. God Bless. matt
Christine Fleury said
Absolutely- great post Orrin. Thank you for continually pursuing truth in your own life. Amazing how true this article/post is- even on a small scale (among Christians)- those who do what is wrong hate being around those who do what is right (“a crooked line hates a straight line because it sheds light on its crookedness”)- but what those “crooked lines” don’t understand is that the “straight lines” are only straight because they’ve given in to God’s grace and allow him to work in and through their lives. And all of us have some crookedness in us- the parts we’re still learning to allow God to work out. One of my favorite things about being part of the LIFE community is the opportunity to help people understand this truth and live freely in the liberty God wants to give us- inside/personally, and then in our country and the world around us.
Tex said
Great post, perfect timing!
Never walk in darkness, accept the light of life
Crystal said
Thank you sooo much Orrin. I really needed that. you are the best.
God Bless
Crystal
Brandy Thompson said
Thank you Orrin for the wonderful insight on light and darkness. Your poem was truly inspiring and you are an amazing leader.
Alex Obiden said
I have been learning that often in the bible when the word “live”is used, the old greek would literally translate into “walk.” I find that an excellent depiction of life in the light. Example; “walk in the light,” and the same “live in the light.” Not only must we dwell in the light, but make progress with it in life. Light shines, and to sine is an activity, it is not stagnant. We must be the same, shining into the darkness with acts of love.
Rob Robson said
Wow Orrin, what a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing it! It can’t help but make me feel sad to know that so many are lost in darkness. I am so grateful for the light that Jesus Christ has brought into my life through His redeeming sacrifice. I am also grateful for wonderful friends like you, that live out His precepts as you take the roll of holding a flash light in one hand & pulling me along with the other. Thank you for opening your home to me this weekend & thank you for your diligence as a patient guide.
Tim eckardt said
Its so awesome that the information that circulates with in this culture and associations. The subject of the light and darkness in genesis was brought up earlier this week in our group and I hope your Sunday study will bring some light (pun intended) to the discussion. once again Mr. Woodward by gods grace he has spoken through you to me and others. Keep up his good work.
Patrick Lipzinski II said
I love the poem at the end and the relevance of the topic in today’s day and age, I pray that I can model the faith in God that he fully intends me too. This helped, thank you. 🙂
John HATCHELL said
Thanks again for reminding me….you are a master at edifying others in this case Our Saviour and Lord. Kent Hovind made the comment, ” You can have light in darkness, but you cannot have darkness in light.” Have a Jesus blessed day!!
Jeanette said
Beautiful, Orrin! Thank you!
Gordon Gerber said
Great insight of the power of light over darkness. Forever grateful for what Christ has done for me. Share the Light, the Truth, the Way. God bless.
In Christ Alone
Gordon
Kristen Seidl said
Wow Orrin! Fantastic Poem, I would love to say that I am constantly walking in the light and reflecting that light into the darkness of the world but that it’s always the case. It is certainly something I wish to strive for on a consistent basis (just as you do in your life) but I know I am not there yet. Sometimes the disillusionment is that in the darkness we are safer and more protected but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are only safe in Christ’s light and as we go out and shine light on others (who may be trapped in darkness), His protective hand is always with us. I am so thankful for this truth because if it wasn’t for your courage to discuss these topics, I might have never entered the journey of developing a relationship with Christ. Thank you Orrin and God Bless!
Joanne Brandtjen said
Kristen, you are certainly a light in our lives and I see you always striving to rid the world of darkness. We will always be battling the darkness in our world, but we have Christ’s light in us and the truth on our side to fight the good fight! Proud to be on this journey with you and the entire LIFE community as we wage the war on the darkness in our world.
God Bless,
Kurt and Joanne
Stuart Colvin said
AMEN. Thanks Orrin for continuing to reflect & show the light for us. Stuart.
Kim Decker said
Orrin,
Very good reflection for deception in this world. I hope others heed to the word of the LORD as in the bible speaks only truth. How many of us that walk this earth have no idea the words that were spoken so many years ago.
kristine Militello said
It has always intrigued me learning of the light and darkness in this world, that bars often have no windows! They are always dark, but often they are built without windows so that no outside light can even enter! What a visual of the darkness hating the light. More and more the darkness is coming out into the light on the tv and in the movies and our music. The light isn’t shining enough to keep it out. It’s time for all of us to shine brighter with the love and grace of Christ. That’s why I love what we do! Spreading truth and finding more light bearers! Thanks for the great post!
Venkat Varada said
Orrin,
Gospel of John is an amazing study. Like you said, so much has been said by the Lord on light and darkness. It is interesting to notice that in John 10 He takes a different turn as if to give assurance to us once we are in the light how to recognize Him. He not only claims He is our shepherd but actually ‘good’ shepherd and for us who are in the light we recognize Him by His voice. How comforting and exciting is that! The poem totally rocks! God bless you and keep you.
Joyce Brooks said
Thanks, Orrin for being a man that reflects the Truth of God’s Word. You are an example of how we should be reflective as well. Have a great day!
Shaun DeWitt said
Strong poem Orrin, really represents the reality of the war we face and our responsibility to obey God, not our feelings. Thanks for being the example of walking the straight and narrow while achieving great success as a true blue Christian. God bless,
Shaun DeWitt
Tim Miller said
Thanks for being so open with the truth from God’s word. First time I ever heard the gospel clearly explained in a poetry.
Kurt & Joanne Brandtjen said
Thank you for this post and poem Orrin. I am oftentimes in awe at how blessed we are to have the honor of being a part of this movement with you and Laurie, the entire PC and all our leaders. If God is with us, who can be against us. Christ’s light truly shines in you and all you do, thank you for your leadership and example!
God Bless!
Bill Eder said
Thanks Orrin: I appreciate the insight and verses regarding light and darkness. Since “THE FALL” God has been thruogh his word to show His chidren the light of faith. Finally the Father sent the true light, His Son who revealed it. Jesus told us “I am the way,the truth, and the Light. I few years ago (13)I penned a poem about light. All though not as eloquent
as yours. It speaks my thoughts over a decade ago where is the elusive light. The poem is titled LIGHT AND PEACE.
LIGHT AND PEACE
EACH DAY IS BORN IN DARKNESS. IT’S HOW LIFE BEGINS. IN LONELY
DARK AND FEARFUL PLACES THE SEED OF LIFE AND NEWNESS STARTS IT’S UNFOLDING AND SEARCH FOR LIGHT AND PEACE.
WHERE IS THE LIGHT THAT WILL BRING PEACE? IS IT SOMEWHERE UNKNOWN? THE SEARCH BEGINS IN DARKNESS BUT WILL END IN LIGHT AND PEACE.
EACH DAY WE TRY TO FIND IT,
YET IT IS ALWAYS THERE. LOOK
DEEP WITHIN IF YOU DARE AND
BE AWAKEN BY THE GLARE.
Just some thoughts from a senior Conviction Team member.
Thanks again for yet another beautiful insight to God’s word to Jis children.
kristen seidl said
Bill, your wisdom is always inspiring, thanks for walking in the light and shining that light on others.
Imelda Roman said
Bill, I like it very much, thanks for sharing your God given talent. Keep shining your light, us young-lings can certainly use all the direction we can get from true Light following leaders.
Mike Kolp said
Orrin,
Awesome observation and poem. Shoot The Light!!! Amen
Mike
jimmy varghese said
wow orrin. your poem was awesome! LIFE is helping me so much to be a better Christian because I am realizing that I have been a spiritually depressed person. That I have been living in the shame of the sin instead of living in the light of the victory that Christ has secured for me! Very powerful. So thankful that you and the rest of PC created LIFE. I never have felt so passionately that i am truly creating a legacy and following my purpose in life. Amen brother! Have a great sunday!
robert wilcox said
Fantastic timing Orrin! I have a habit of reading alot of blogs before work in the morning. Most of them consist of Rascals from LIFE. A quote by Moody … cannot remember what blog i read it on I will go back and check. “The bible will keep you from sin or the sin will keep you from the bible” I feel this is directly correlated at least at a personal level. If we choose to stick with our study of the Bible and come to the idea that our Life is a gift and we should fight against the “dark” or sin simply because we are a miracle a child of GOD a Gift! I make a point to read and study the bible and when I lapse and fall behind it seems like it is a little bit easier to “forget” that we are a gift that our life needs to have a purpose and that man is a sinner by nature … but we do have the tools to stay on track …. The bible and the study of this History! If i could only thank you for one thing in life Orrin woodward and the PC … I would thank you for leading me to ask the right questions and to do my own study of The Bible and its history! 🙂
Trish Rusiecki said
Orrin thank you so much for your Awesome poem, “Shoot the light” I feel it truly reflects what happens when a person chooses darkness over Light. Christ is the light of the world!! : ) I feel TEAM/LIFE is a community of light shiners!! : ) May God Bless you Orrin, your family and the community of TEAM/LIFE who lights up the world!! : )
Keith Sieracki said
What a site it will be when one million reborn men stand and search for darkness to reflect the light of Christ!
Jeremy Pethke said
Orrin, I want to thank you for that morning refresher! I read it this morning before I went to church. It truly has once again opened my eyes wider to the love that our God truly has for us. Understanding faith on a deeper level made me weep this morning at the service seeing a new child of Christ being baptised in His sweet name. I was right in the front row about three feet from the baptismal font and when I saw the baby look into Pastor Chuck’s eyes and smile while he held his hand on her head it truly brought me to tears of joy to see another soul brought to Christ. I pray that she is brought up into a strong convicting faith. I also pray that more people one day begin to understand the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.
May God Truly Bless You and Your Work Orrin!
Jeremy Pethke
Randy Donais said
Thanks for the research in ”John” Orrin. Great points on light and darkness. For us in LIFE the choice is obvious and its not the easiest thing in the world to walk the straight and narrow path. Thanks for sharing on this Sunday. Any correlation between scripture and LIFE is a definite plus for all of us students!
Kristen Seidl said
Great point Randy, we have no excuse not to be that beacon of light for others. Thanks for your courage to take the road less traveled.
titus jumper said
Fired up.
Darlene Wiggins said
Thank you for an awesome poem. As the children’s song goes – This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Titi Woki said
Orrin,
Thank you for sharing the timeless truths found in the book of John! Surely darkness and light cannot exist together! Amen
Titi
Steve Callarman said
An outstanding leader once said, “We’re in a battle. But the battle is the easy part. Preparing yourself and going out – that’s the tough part.” Thanks Orrin for the reminder that we are truly in a “cosmic war” with “Satan’s minions”. And before we can go out every day and battle the darkness, we have to prepare ourselves in the Light. Thank God for you and all the leaders on this team.
Farrah Sargent said
Wow Orrin, You are always out front leading us on a blessed path =) I also just finished uniform of leader again this morning. I feel like your post is how we put that message from Chris Brady into action. You two are a dynamite team. Thank you so much for the sacrifices you have made to get here and for continuing to forge ahead and lead us in every area of our lives! Love and blessings, Farrah
Rob Crichlow said
When I was in seminary, I did a lot of studying of the writings of John, and the Gospel of John became my favorite new testament book. Thanks for the insight on we are Christ’s examples in the world … we need to be the light for all those around us. Orrin … thanks for being our ‘light’.
Carol said
Thank you Orrin. We are so blessed to have a Godly leader. Blessings to you and your family.
Wes Smith said
Orrin,
Great message! Sometime we forget that darkness is the absence of light. It feels good to be reminded.
Kevin Bixler said
Thanks Orrin. It sounds so simple to let your light shine but it something we need to decide daily. This is one of the greatest things about LIFE, I am able to be in contact, or let my light shine, with people I would have never even met outside this business. After all this is why we are still here! Thanks again.
Marc said
Thank you for the reminder to “shine anyway.” I know after repeated affronts from those in the dark I tend not to shine in their direction. That will change. Thank you.
Mathieu Catellier said
Thanks to team my faith is stronger than it’s ever been,
God bless
Robby Palmer said
That’s poetry!!!
Josh Dames said
Wow!!! Thanks Orrin for the great message and poem!!! We all thank you for leading such a worthy cause!! God bless
Abraham said
Thank you for the quick but great post. A wonderful reminder to fend off the dark and embrace His light. How is that we can feel so dark though we aim for and dream of the light? Why at times do we succumb to the dim lit pits in life…?
Christine Fleury said
just saw this comment from you- Abraham, i love your words “embrace His light”. i agree, and think all of us can relate with your words at different times. i know i do often. i am so blessed to be your wife, to be under your headship in our home, and i know our team is blessed to be under your leadership as well. thank you for your continued willingness to fight the darkness and embrace the light, in your own life and in helping others do the same.
Paul said
Right on Orrin, it all comes down to our purpose of reflecting Christs love to others.
Kayla Krumm said
Thank you for this article. I have been going to a womens bible study and we are going thru the Gospel of John! It just shows me that we are all learning and growning and we are some how aligned together.
Kayla
Dick & Kandy said
We have chosen to reflect the light of Christ. Going to Uganda this Sept./Oct to spread that light. Pray that hearts be prepared to receive the truth that they might be set free!
Elizabeth said
Orrin, thank you for your insight, your indepth study and your commitment to walk in the light. It is a privilege and blessing to be fighting the good fight alongside you and the rest of the PC.
Carolyn Serpe/Chris Serpe - TEAM Freedom Builders said
Thank you for the reminder to reflect on our decisions. It is a constant battle that we all face in life. We all intend to do good things with our lives, but we are born sinners and make poor decisions along the way. Doing good in the eyes of the Lord is what is important for my wife and I. It used to be what was good in the eyes of our peers. We now realize that there is only One who has the right to judge, and it isn’t us or our peers.
We appreciate your courage and the courage of the rest of the leaders with TEAM to share the Truth.
God Bless,
Chris Serpe
Greg Johnson said
I thank GOD each new day I wake to see the light.
Kevin Hamm said
Thanks Orrin,
You inspire me to keep striving. I have had the privilege of preaching through the book of Philippians over the past year outlining the main theme as “participation in the gospel” mentioned in 1:5. Results of that action is the joy and unity and other fruits that the book also mentions. This Sunday I am covering 3:12-21. Verse 17 reads “Brethren, join in following my example and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” You walk according to Paul’s pattern and I am honored to observe you. Thank you.
Kevin Hamm
MICHAEL DAVIES said
Orrin
The LIFE leaders have hit on something that millions of people don’t know, but should: Christ taught the Lost and Wicked of His day (everyone) that He was the only way and He was the Light of the World, and no one comes to the Father unless He calls Him first. Those of us who have been called, have a command to become “Rascals” and take His word into the dens and under the rocks and into the pit of darkness, and bring them the good news of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
We also have a task, and that is to bring the “good news” of LIFE into the same places and show the world, that there is a better way to live, with character and using principals taught in the Bible by the Lord Jesus thousands of years ago. Our message is simple: do everything to glorify Him, and not for ourselves; in everyway and everyday of our lives.
Thanks for this message on a beautiful start to the journey to reach a million stout hearted souls to change the way things are.
Bless you and the rest of the Policy Coucil for this influencing us in such a positive way.
Michael
Sharon Marlow said
Wow, what a great comparison between light and darkness. I am often amazed by other people’s perspective–and this is one of those times. Either we are “shooting the light” out, or we “shoot the light” back through the reflection of Christ in us. It’s our control over the light switch. We can’t hide in the light; we become completely exposed. Thank you Orrin.
Greg Mazur said
Thanks Orrin,
Makes you think.
Greg
Scott Gray said
The light is truth. Choose truth.
Windy Stanton said
This is a very interesting topic. I especially like Richard Kroll’s comment regarding God dividing the darkness from the light(not sunlight) on the first day. Orrin, one of your verses describes Jesus as the light of the world. So, Jesus (the light of the world) was separated out on the very first day! He has always been here. That God knew us before He created us and saved us on the first day of creation is so mind boggling. Wow! Something to think about.
Paul Brown said
Wow! Thank you, Orrin! Exactly what we need to hear in this hour. We, as Christ Followers, need to stand up and “Shoot the Light” and let it shine throughout all the earth. This is exactly what we are doing and need to continue to do to restore our families, our communities, our country and our culture! May God continue to bless you, Orrin! God Bless!
Maria Elena Galan said
Orrin…your message was awesome, all my life that the way i thought of having a christan life. I know that this business and having God in control will expand in many ways. Thank you for what you are doing and allowing God to be part of it. Makes a big differant…God was there yesterday morning and he moved in many ways..thank you again…have a great day..God bless you and your family…
John Yoder said
Thank you Orrin that is definitely a great reminder of the role that I need to strive for ( reflecting Christ’s light) in the midst of this sometimes dark world.
Eric Schilling said
Great message Orrin! Thank-you for your leadership and vision.
Wildtarg said
A new bud has appeared on this tree of Leadership excellence.
Great ideas and contemplations, Orrin; this will be a good article to come back to for study and meditation.
Keep going we’re coming…