The Light of Life

30 / Sun  | Read 1 John 1:5-7

Overview: Lots of things pull at us, telling us that this is the life—success, popularity, power. Yet they can be gone in a flash. Only by resting in the truth of God’s perfect love engulfing us can we find real life.

31 / Mon – Both are good  |  Read Genesis 1:1-5 / Psalm 4:8

At the beginning of the creation story, darkness was everywhere. The very first thing God said was…’ let there be light.’ And it was so. He did not abolish the darkness, however, but instead put boundaries around it and called it night. There must have been a purpose. Can you think of any benefits? In addition, the night sky is rarely pitch-black because of the moon and stars. You know they are there, even if you can’t see them. God is there in the dark, too, even if you can’t see Him.

SEP 01 / Tue – Compassion  |  Read John 8:3-12

Jesus declared he was the light of the world. This woman was living in darkness, and when her deeds were brought to light, the religious leaders used them to advance their own agenda. They had forgotten their own humanity and the secret things they were hiding until their consciences kicked in. Jesus looked past the woman’s shameful deeds, saw her as precious in God’s eyes, and gave her a new beginning. When you see someone living in sin, are you more like Jesus or the others?

02 / Wed – A dead log  |  Read John 1:4-5 / John 3:19-21

Ever turn over a dead log in the forest and see beetles scurry away? Sin is like that. It continues to grow in the dark, but its power is broken when light shines on it. Is there some persistent sin in your life that you can’t seem to conquer? Don’t bury it. Bring it into the light of life Jesus offers. Be willing to confess it – not only to God – but also to a mature Christian you trust. Be honest. Ask them to hold you accountable. It’s a process, but it is the surest path to freedom.

03 / Thu – A different perspective  |  Read Isaiah 55:8-9 / Psalm 25:4-5 / Philippians 2:13

When you were a little kid, did scary stories make you afraid at bedtime because you imagined monsters in the closet?  That probably changed when you grew up. But now maybe, it is life’s tough situations that keep you up at night. If you are dealing with some issue in the present or a fear for the future, why not ask the Lord to give you His perspective? He can certainly help you to see things in a new way. He is your counselor and friend. He may speak to you through a sermon, a song, or a specific scripture verse, so stay alert. Be watching and listening.

04 / Fri – Too far gone?  |  Read Acts 9:1-6 / Luke 18:1

When the light dawns on you, it changes everything. Just ask Paul. Are you praying for someone who has gone so far in the wrong direction that you don’t know if they can be saved? Let this story give you hope. Pray that the light and truth of the gospel will penetrate whatever darkness or blindness is keeping them from seeing Jesus. Your intercession could be the key that unlocks the door. Don’t be afraid to ask for the impossible. And don’t give up.

05 / Sat – Miracles in the dead of night  |  Read Acts 12:6-11 / Acts 16:22-30

These men were all messengers teaching the truth about Jesus. You can bet the devil didn’t like that! James, the brother of John, had been killed, and Peter was facing the same fate. Yet he was able to fall asleep in jail. Paul and Silas could not sleep for their wounds, but see how they used that time? Maybe it was in defiance of what the devil had instigated, but they also knew who was really in control. Praise can loosen the chains of darkness around your soul. Look up instead of around. That is where your hope comes from.