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:
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
Worship:
Oh How I Need You by All Sons and Daughters
Devotional:
In Colossians 1:11-14, Paul prays a powerful prayer in his letter to the church in Colossae, and I believe it’s God’s heart for you and me today. Scripture says,
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
You and I have been redeemed from living bound to darkness and have been given a new name, “saints in light.” We’ve been delivered from the dark things of this world that previously defined us and ushered into a new kingdom filled with the light of God.
Ephesians 5:8 says, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” As “children of light,” we must learn to walk in our new inheritance. We must learn what it is to be disciples marked by the characteristics of our Father’s kingdom. The powerful sacrifice of Jesus has afforded us an opportunity to no longer live as those of the world. We belong to a kingdom that stretches past the span of this life through the unending reach of eternity. God’s kingdom will have no end. His goodness and mercies will never cease. A relationship founded on the good, pleasing principles of his kingdom is eternal.
But while we live on this earth we will experience temptations, trials, and doubts that continually try to pull us out of our new life of eternal inheritance and back into the fleeting ways and pursuits of darkness. We must learn to look past this world and reject that which calls us back to the dark. We must learn to look past the pleasures, glory, possessions, and accolades available to us here and find our satisfaction in the things of God alone.
You have been called by the One True God a “[saint] in light.” You have been ransomed from that which won’t last and brought into the eternal goodness of God’s kingdom. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” All that you desire finds its true fulfillment in the light. All the purpose, joy, passion, pleasure, and provision you seek will be fully satisfied in God if you seek his kingdom first. Turn your life away from anything resembling darkness and commit yourself to living in the light. May God grant you the grace and mercy to seek his kingdom at every turn today that you might know the unfathomable excellencies of unhindered relationship with him.
Guided Prayer:
1. Meditate on your calling to live in the light. Allow Scripture to fill you with perspective on what it is to walk in the light.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
2. What desires are you satisfying in darkness rather than light? Ask God to show you ways in which he wants to satisfy those desires to an even greater measure.
3. Take time to receive God’s presence and be filled with his Spirit. Enjoy the light of God’s love, peace, and goodness. Find satisfaction in who he is and how deeply he cares for you.
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:11-14
We’re not often told of the wonderful satisfaction available to us in God. So much of our faith is based on rules, regulations, and “don’ts” rather than the wealth of life God longs to give us in his kingdom. All God desires us to do or not do is based on his passion for blessing us. All God would lead us away from or into is for the sole purpose of our good. He is not a self-seeking God. He is not a taskmaster. He is a good Father who desires to abundantly bless his children. Life with God is a life filled with the fullness of satisfaction. May you experience the abundant blessing that can only be found in the light of God today.
Extended Reading: 1 Peter 1
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