Daily Devotional

Micah 7:8

Both Israel and Judah went through some pretty dark times. Can you relate? Have you felt so low you feel swallowed by the darkness? Living in a fallen world means that there is no escaping times of trial. Yet even in the worst of situations, when we focus on God instead of our circumstances, He will shine His light of hope and redemption on all who love Him. And we can trust that whatever we are going through, God has a purpose for our pain and promises to use all things, even the bad, for our benefit. (Rom.8:28)

Exodus 34:30

After spending 40 days and nights on Mt Sinai talking with God, when Moses finally descended his face radiated with the shekinah glory of God. The Israelites knew something spectacular had happened on that mountain by how brilliantly Moses shone. That’s how I want to be. I want to shine so brightly that everyone can see that something spectacular happened from my time with God. I want to glow from being in His holy presence, and become a reflection of His grace and love for the world to see.

Colossians 1:12

Did you know that you are royalty? The moment we receive Christ as our Savior, we become co-heirs with Jesus into God’s family. No longer are we slaves chained in darkness, but Princes and Princesses in the kingdom of God.(Gal. 4:7) We are the beloved children of the most High who because of His grace, not only allows us to share in the sufferings of Jesus, but also in His glory. (Rom. 8:17) So remember your worth, hold your head high, and proudly represent the majesty of your Father in heaven!

1 John 1:5

The light of the sun is so pure and so bright, that staring into it can literally burn the exposed tissue of your retina. God too, because He is perfect, holy, sinless, and true, shines so brightly that just gazing upon Him causes instant death. (Ex. 33:20) But thankfully just as we can enjoy the goodness of the sun through its rays, so too can we enjoy the goodness of God through His Son Jesus, the true light. (John 1:9) When we receive Christ as our Savior no longer do we have to walk in darkness, but instead the Lord surrounds us with His loving, glorious light.

Isaiah 60:1

Have you ever felt deeply despaired? And when no matter what you did or how hard you tried, you couldn’t find your way out of the darkness? The people of Israel knew that feeling. They were conquered, exiled from their land, and their beloved city of Jerusalem was destroyed. Yet in their ruin, God remembered His people and pulled them out of the shadows. He shined His light of grace and redemption upon them, and promises to do the same for us. Surrender to the Lord. Lay all your sufferings at the feet of Jesus. Take of the coat of darkness. Arise! Shine! And let His glory rise upon you.

Psalm 18:28

For me one the hardest things about living in the country is the complete blackness of the night. With neither city lights nor neighbor’s porch lights, once the sun sets the darkness envelops everything it touches. If not for my trusty lantern, getting lost in the dark would be certain. Jesus is our eternal lantern. He lights the way in a darkened world, shining His glory on the path of truth, righteousness, and everlasting life. Are you letting Him lead you on His path of love and light? Are you reflecting the light of Jesus’ lantern for others to follow?

Oct. 8th – Daniel 12:36

Jesus knew His time on earth was growing short. And His warning to Israel is the same warning He gives to us. Time is growing short. Don’t wait! Receive Him as your Savior and accept His free gift of Salvation. Become a “son of Light” so that the darkness of this world will neither overtake nor overcome you. I truly believe we are living in the last days. Jesus loves you and longs to call you His own. He died so that you can live. And what He wants most of all is a close, personal relationship with you. Have you received the light of Jesus? Have you welcomed Him into your heart?

Oct. 7 – Daniel 12:3

Living in the country affords me the opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful starry nights. There’s nothing quite like gazing up at the glow from a million stars and getting lost in the expanse. When we walk in obedience with the Lord and have the light of Jesus inside of us, we shine as brightly as the night sky. And when we lead others to Christ, we shine with the brilliance of a star. Are you shining brightly for the Lord? Is your life a beacon lighting the path to Jesus for those lost in the darkness?

Oct. 6  – Romans 13:12

Jesus tells us that His glorious return is soon at hand. And in the meantime we are to turn aside from sin and wickedness, becoming living examples of our Lord. How? By putting on the armor of light, Jesus Christ. Paul tells us, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Rom. 13:14) As they days grow dark, we are to be reflections of His shining light for all to see. The world is watching. Are you not only talking the talk but walking the walk? Do your actions line up with your profession of faith?

Oct. 5 – Matthew 5:15

In my lifetime I can’t recall a period where people were more afraid to speak the truth than in today’s current climate. Whether it’s their choice of political candidate or their stand on moral issues, Christians are being attacked for their beliefs. Are you dimming your light? Hiding it under a basket? Paul encourages us by saying, “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” (2 Tim. 1:7-8)