So you are in a dark room, do you try to turn on the lights? Firstly, do you try to find a light source so you can see? Secondly, do you feel the walls to find a switch? Thirdly, do you reach for your phone to turn on the flashlight? Fourthly, do you feel around looking for lights or a flashlight? Finally, would you choose to just stay in the dark and stumble around?
Choose to receive and walk in light!
God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths so that we can see where to go.
Choose to be light!
God’s Word tells us to let our light shine, not hiding it or covering it, but rather to let our lights shine so that they can see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “ I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” ‘
John 8:12
In this dark world, let’s make the decision now to call out and invite Jesus into our lives so that we have the Light to help us see. Let’s receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our resurrected Savior who provides us with the Light of life!
So let’s consider what we can learn from and about Jesus:
‘All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. ‘
John 1:3-5
‘Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin].
For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character]; for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible.
For this reason He says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.” ‘
Ephesians 5:6-14
How can we apply today’s verse of the day to being dads who shine the light?
Be a role model:
Lead by example and demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus.
Be consistent:
Live out your faith consistently, both in private and in public, so your family sees your commitment.
Be intentional:
Make time to pray, study the Bible, and worship together as a family.
Be a teacher:
Share your faith with your children and help them understand the importance of following Jesus.
Be a listener:
Take time to listen to your family’s concerns, fears, and joys, and provide guidance and support as needed.
Be patient:
Show patience, kindness, and grace to your family members, even when it’s difficult.
Be forgiving:
Practice forgiveness and reconciliation, both in your own life and in your relationships with others.
Be a servant:
Serve your family and others with humility and love, following Jesus’ example of servant leadership.
Be a protector:
Protect your family from harm, both physical and spiritual, and provide a safe and secure home environment.
Be a source of joy:
Bring joy, laughter, and happiness into your family’s lives, and help them see the joy that comes from following Jesus.
