Is it just me, or does the line between good and evil become sharper every day? And I am not asking this just because of the challenges I am going through, though it certainly contributes.

On the national-international level, it appears that the leaders are more blatant in their manipulations. A little less crafty and a little more in your face. Obama and healthcare, for instance. Making it illegal not to have health insurance. So we lock up the poor and jobless?

In people just in general. Divorce rates are down. Know why? Less people are getting married. More people are cohabitating. Part of this is because of the extent that marriage values have declined, leading us to think that such values are unrealistic, and rather than bother, we cohabitate until we decide to move on.

I am sure you could contribute other scenarios, as could I, but hopefully the point comes across. So, is the grey area fading quickly?

About three years ago, I read (don't remember the author or book, but will look it up if anyone is interested) a chapter titled "Cultural Christianity." In a nutshell, US culture used to be basically moral, and for the most part, a "good" person held to Judeo-Christian values. Even attending church was considered to be good citizenship. So one could be a devoted Christian, a casual Christian, or just a "good" carnal person (I know that's an oxymoron), and you really couldn't tell the difference. Christians sort of "fit-in" with the culture at large.

Not true anymore. The cultural shift has happened so rapidly (and speed is increasing); I'm only 37 and there has been significant change within the time I've been an adult. Now anyone attempting to live for Christ sticks out like a sore thumb, and devoted, committed Christians are especially "peculiar," to quote the Apostle Paul.

I really notice that on my ship. For two months at a time (sometimes longer), I am surrounded by about 80 people, almost none of whom share my values. Profanity, sexually explicit humor, R-rated movies, and such are the order of the day. There are about four others on board who claim the name of Jesus, and about two or three more who have enough respect for me to attempt to control their language in front of me. Our weekly Sunday morning Bible study (average attendance 3) is a rare oasis in a desert of bleak darkness.

But that is when the light has the biggest impact, when the darkness is overwhelming! Jesus is the true Light of the world, and He said that we are also the light of the world. I've seen that impact on my ship; a couple of people have noticed my lifestyle, heard the music playing in my office, and felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory!

P.S. I've read the last page in the Bible, and guess what...THE LIGHT WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!

everything will be ok, just keep your faith on the Lord God, and he shall guide you through. FOR HE IS THE LORD GOD, AND ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH HIM.

Yes! And John 3:19 too