Passage of the Day:
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us, 1 John 1:5-10.
Reflection:
As a disciple, John likely heard Jesus reinforce the need for His leaders to let their faith shine. Meanwhile, Jesus impressed upon His followers that the world will know you by the spiritual fruit that you yield, John 15:8. Subsequently, today’s featured passage builds upon the imagery of light and darkness. If you’re merely going through the motions spiritually, no one will recognize that you’re a Christian. However, if you are eager to make a difference in this world, your faith will ignite actions that will light up the darkness. This begins with an honest assessment of your faith followed by acts of contrition fueled by the Holy Spirit.
Prayerful Action:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house,” Matthew 5:14-15.
Fueling your Faith this Spiritual Season:
As you prepare to join members of your family at Thanksgiving, today is a great time to prepare yourself in prayer. You have 3 days to turn your attention away from yourself and ask God for a desire to develop a faith that lights up the world. Yet, as John realizes, don’t lie to yourself and others. Confession serves as a spark that can ignite your faith like the beginning of the second great awakening. As you become open, honest and vulnerable, you may inspire others with a stagnant faith to do the same. This is all part of the process in developing a faith that lights up the world.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
If integrity is doing what’s right when no one is watching, developing a faith that shines through the darkness in this world begins by taking a risk. May the Holy Spirit give you the courage to stand in the gap, shining the light of Jesus upon your family this Thanksgiving.
by jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 