Evening Scripture

1 John, Chapter 1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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 sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Evening Reflection 

Ever stood on the edge of a pool, hesitating to jump in? So many stand on the very edges of a deep relationship with Jesus – afraid to step out of the darkness and into the very bright light of Christ. Walking in the light of Christ means we live our lives as He has taught us – a life that is entirely different from the darkness we have been in. So different that Jesus warns us to “count the cost.” (Luke 14:28) It is far more than simple belief – it is a lifelong commitment. A change of life; of who we are – we are a new creation in Him. Imagine exiting the darkness of the cave in which we exist to the sudden bright light of a whole new world – because it is a new world for us. We move into a realm where we live out what we say we believe. Our new world calls us to live in the Truth of Christ – embracing all that means. We are called to follow His teachings – to study and apply those teachings. To live in His righteousness – aligning our lives with His character.

We walk in the acknowledgment of our sin and need for forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. We live in recognition of the new emphasis on the reality of Christ Jesus in our lives. When we walk in the light, we are to study His word and apply those teachings to our lives - living with honesty and integrity. We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves – to be reflected in our behavior and words – showing kindness and compassion to those around us. As we walk out of the darkness and into the light, we should seek to continue growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord – engaging in prayer, worship, and fellowship, avoiding sin, and confessing our sins when we fail.

We are to reflect the light of Christ to others, sharing our faith and the hope we have found in Him. Stepping out of the darkness and into the light of Christ demands commitment – a commitment to obedience, to faith in Christ Jesus, and to loving others. A commitment to display that light in every part of our lives.

Evening Prayer

Father,
Thank you for showing me the true light of your Son. I know I am a sinner, and thank you for the grace and forgiveness He has given me. Please help me to display His light in how I live my life every single day.
Amen.

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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.