Jesus is the Light..... Craig Denison

 

Jesus is the Light

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

We live in the reality that there is both light and darkness around us at all times. This world has both good and evil, right and wrong. As believers we must grow in both our acceptance of this reality and our pursuit of the light. We must allow God to mold and shape us into those who rid ourselves of any darkness, become fully known to God, and allow his light to transform us into reflections of his Son. May the Lord open our eyes to see the glorious light before us this week.

Scripture:“Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” Isaiah 60:20

Devotional:

To live in the light is to center our lives wholly around its only true source: Jesus. Jesus powerfully declares in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” As those committed to following Jesus, we are constantly being led by him into the light. He is constantly beckoning us away from the darkness of this world and calling us to a life centered around him and his kingdom.

In and of ourselves, we have no light. Left to our own devices, we would live our entire lives in darkness, void of the abundance of joy and peace available to us in God. But through Jesus the light has come. The Holy Spirit now dwells within us, the glory of God in the hearts of men. If we will simply surrender our lives to God and the light he brings, we will experience a life of freedom and joy founded in his unconditional love. If we will choose to place Jesus at the center of all we do and who we are, we will receive mighty deliverance from the constraints and bonds of darkness.

You see, the path out of darkness always begins by looking to the light. We can’t escape darkness if darkness is all we’re looking toward. We can’t escape sin by just focusing on it and trying to fix it, heal it, or set ourselves free. Freedom comes by turning our attention to the God who conquered sin and death and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. 

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The light of God is within you. Your life as a Christian is hidden in Christ. The darkness will not overcome you. Your freedom has come in the person of Jesus. The love of God is real, available, and powerful enough to set you free from whatever darkness entangles you.

Turn your attention fully toward Jesus today. Center your life around his loving-kindness. Open your ears and heart to this good God who would lay down his life to save yours. Follow him wherever he guides you in full faith that he will only ever lead you into more abundant life. Cease striving for your own freedom and wrap your life up in Jesus that he might be your great deliverer, healer, and source of comfort and strength.

God has abundant grace in store for you today if you will simply position yourself to receive it. Take time in guided prayer to reflect on the light that has come through Jesus, turn your attention completely toward him, and receive the freedom and healing that comes from union with the God of light.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the light that has come through Jesus. Allow Scripture to stir up your desire to truly open your heart and center your life around Jesus.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9

2. Turn your heart completely toward Jesus and focus your attention on him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into an encounter with your Savior.

3. Talk with Jesus about any areas in your life that seem to have darkness. Lay down any sin and darkness at his feet and ask for his forgiveness and healing. Ask the Spirit to help you follow him as he leads you out of the darkness and into the light by focusing on Jesus.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” Isaiah 60:20

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

There is most definitely a place in freedom for discipline and the practicalities of stepping away from that which normally tempts you. But the foundation for freedom will always be encounters with the living God. There is a reason we sin that goes past the temptation to a wound, misconception, or lie that must be healed by God. To not place ourselves in situations that have habitually caused us to stumble is crucial, but it will not provide healing. Look to Jesus today. Come to him continually with your sin and ask him to heal whatever is the root of it. Ask him to correct any lies and heal your pain. May you experience freedom today that comes from seeking the light of Jesus.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 4

Staying Alert Against Temptation..... By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Staying Alert Against Temptation 

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

Temptation can often bring shame into a Christian’s life. We get embarrassed or think, “I shouldn’t be tempted by this again” or “I should be past this temptation by now as a believer.”

But the Bible tells us that being tempted isn’t itself a sin. We know this because Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness after His baptism (Matthew 4) yet Jesus never sinned.

We also know via Hebrews 4:15-16 that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

It should bring freedom and liberation to a Christian to realize that we aren’t in this alone. 1 Corinthians 10:13 points out that every temptation is common to man. You might think your neighbor in the pew isn’t struggling with X, Y or Z, but the Bible assures us otherwise. Some of the specifics of temptations might look different from person to person, but we all struggle with them.

Not only are we riding this same struggle bus with fellow believers, but Jesus Christ Himself understands the battle. Hebrews 4 reminds us that Jesus faced every temptation we do, yet overcame. Because of that, we can draw near to Him. He isn’t standing arms crossed, judging us for being tempted to take that next sip or give that second look. He isn’t shaking His head in disgust as we fight the urge to lie, cheat, or steal our way out of a situation or into success. He sympathizes with our weakness. God Himself—King of Kings, Lord of Lords—condescended into human flesh and can directly relate to our weakness in the flesh. He gets it—He’s been there. And instead of being upset with us for not overcoming as He did, He offers grace and sympathy. What a God we serve!

The sin comes into play, not with the temptation, but when we succumb to it. When we tell the lie. When we look with lust. When we act on the opportunity to steal or cheat. When we lift our heads in pride. When we form that idol. When we down the entire bottle.

James 1:14-15 (ESV) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

So what do we do? Well, the best defense against sin is offense. How? Scripture tells us.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV) I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

James 4:7 (ESV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When we fill our minds with the Word of God, we’re less likely to sin. When we’re submitting to God and not forging our own path, we’re more likely to turn away from temptation. When we’re resisting the devil and refusing to believe his lies that sin brings fulfillment, he leaves us. And with that, temptation leaves us.

When temptation knocks, remember—it’s wearing a cloak of deception. It won’t fill you up or make you feel better or alleviate the pain. Maybe for a minute…but that’s the lie. Sin always makes a believer feel worse afterward.

The next time temptation comes, have a plan in place. Know what you’re going to do, what you’re going to say, and where you’re going to go to get away from it. God promises in 1 Corinthians 10 there is a way of escape. Find it, take it, and run. You’ll never regret it.

Rotten Fruit..... By Ryan Duncan

 Rotten Fruit

By Ryan Duncan

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2

During my time in college, I met another student who considered himself a very devout Christian. In terms of practice, this student couldn’t be criticized for his dedication. He read the Bible each morning, attended chapel like clockwork, and never broke a rule during his time at the university. In terms of spirit though, he represented the worst Christianity had to offer. He was proud and judgmental, always calling out others on what he considered to be “sins”.

When guys got together to play a game of Halo, he accused them of putting video games before God. Once, when a guy kissed his girlfriend goodbye on the cheek, he railed for an hour about sexual immorality. When one girl stood up to him and told him to mind his own business, he called her “deaf to the Holy Spirit.” Things finally hit a major low one night at a Bible Study where, after being ignored by some of the other members, he declared that a prophet like himself was wasting his time with these reprobates. He left the university shortly after, and no one was sad to see him go.

Now, the reason I’m writing this isn’t to shame him, God knows I’ve done plenty of stupid things in my time too. What bothered me though was the fact that, despite much evidence to the contrary, this student was certain he was doing the right thing. In fact, there are many so-called Christians who do and say terrible things, all in the name of God. In cases like these, it’s vital to remember what Matthew wrote about bearing fruit.

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” – Matthew 7:15-23

At some point, every Christian needs to look at their life and examine the fruit they’ve been harvesting. Are there bushels full of harsh words, proud actions, and vindictive thoughts, or does their bounty include selfless gestures and a gracious heart? Remember, God will judge us by what we sow in the hearts of others, be careful you’re fruit isn’t rotten.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Take a moment to examine how you have been treating others. Are you truly approaching them as Christ would?

Further Reading
Luke 6:31

A Prayer for a Spirit of Boldness..... By: Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for a Spirit of Boldness

By: Kristine Brown

“Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.” (2 Corinthians 3:12 NLT)

I’ve never thought of myself as a bold person. Honestly, sometimes I feel like the opposite of bold. In the past, I’ve held back from following God’s leading for fear of being thought of as pushy or overbearing. But maybe I’ve misunderstood what being bold really means.

In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he encouraged believers with this truth, “Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.” The word boldness can be defined as a willingness to take risks. A bold person has the courage to do the things she feels called by God to do. That’s the kind of boldness I want. The kind that shows with certainty, the sinless Savior of the world is at work in my life. The kind that draws others to God when I reach out in love to share His goodness with hurting people.

This new boldness Paul talks about doesn’t come from self-confidence. Paul explained earlier in his letter, “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5) When we speak and act with bold faith based on God’s power instead of our own, we display grace, mercy, and freedom that is only possible with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3:17 goes on to say, “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Let’s pray together and ask God for the kind of boldness we need to share His faithful love with a lost world. We can be very bold knowing the Spirit is leading us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe there is freedom through your son Jesus Christ. He is my Savior, my Rock, and my Redeemer. I want to tell everyone I know about the renewed life found through a relationship with Him, but I feel like I lack the boldness to do what you’ve called me to do. Help me have boldness through the power of your Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul encouraged us with this truth, “Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.” (2 Corinthians 3:12 NLT) The “new way” Paul describes is faith through your Son, who died on the cross and was raised to life again. Because of Him, we can speak and act with courage and confidence, always showing compassion and unconditional love to everyone.

Thank you for making this incredible power available to us. Thank you that with the Holy Spirit leading us, we can live with boldness for you. 

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

A Prayer for a Thankful Heart..... by Debbie Przybylski

 A Prayer for a Thankful Heart

by Debbie Przybylski

My cup overflows with your blessings – Psalm 23:5

It is not easy to give thanks in every circumstance. But when we choose to thank God in the midst of difficulty, it defeats the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. When we thank God for every gift He has given us even when things are hard, the enemy loses the battle against us. He is stopped in his tracks when we come to God with a thankful heart.

Learn to be thankful for every blessing from God in your life. It is of great significance to Him if in the midst of great trials, we can be thankful. There is a way of looking at life from the standpoint of eternity. The reality of eternal life and eternal glory that far exceeds this life is a priceless treasure. Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

A Prayer for a Thankful Heart

Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. I long to bring pleasure to Your heart daily. Break the power of the enemy in my life. Defeat Him through my sacrifice of praise. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances. I thank You for… [Name a difficult circumstance in your life presently and thank God for it.]

Jesus, I want to be like You who obeyed the Father without complaint. You embraced the chains of humanity when You walked this earth. Convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart.

‘I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens’ (Psalm 7:17-18:1). In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”