Foundations Oct 28, 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010 -

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isaiah 1-3 & Ephesians 2

THANKFUL SUBMISSION – Submission of the Heart

SCRIPTURE READING 

John 3:19-21 (ESV); “…the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
 
The Messiah is frequently spoken of in terms of light. Isaiah prophesied Him to be a “light to the nations” – the One who would bring salvation to the entire earth. Solomon said “Your word is a lamp unto my feet” – the Word of God (written and incarnate) guides our paths. John declared God’s light to be an exposure of darkness. God’s holiness comes in the form of light, exposing all that is in darkness. God is a gentleman and gives us reign to accept or decline His purging light, but there is a day of judgment that is coming where the darkness of our deeds, our words and our thoughts will be illuminated. God is so gracious to us, slow to anger and patient to return, giving us time to invite His holy light to reveal darkness, and allow His cleansing blood to heal us and His Spirit to transform us!
 
It can be easy, at least for a time, to put on a show of righteousness. We can treat others kindly and appear to have things together while our thoughts are filled with sin. We smile and hug on the outside while our thoughts are filled with judgment and jealousy. We offer a sympathetic shoulder while our hearts puff up with pride because we are so glad that WE don’t struggle with sin like THAT person. The darkness of our thought life comes in many forms. 
 

PRAYER & MEDITATION

1. Meditate today on God as light. Read John 3:16-21 and 1 John 1. What does the Spirit reveal to you about God through these passages?

2. Allow the Spirit to reveal your thought patters. What does darkness look like in your thoughts? Ask Jesus to illuminate these areas and convict you of things that you need to clean up. How can you be joyfully submissive to Christ’s light today?

3. How can you, now, shine as a light for others today?