Scripture Reading 1 John 1:5-9 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; [7] but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Devotional Thoughts: Years ago I set out to write a song based on 1 John 1:7.  The song is kind of a joyful, happy sounding song; but the theological implications run deep.  It is no surprise to find out that the Apostle John also wrote a verse in the Book of Revelation that parallels the truth of 1 John 1:7.
      Here is a comparison of the two verses:

• 1 John 1:7 If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
• Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.

 Both verses mention the blood of Jesus (Lamb), and our testimony (how we walk).  The conclusion?  We overcome the work of the enemy through the blood of Jesus, (which cleanses us from all sin) and by the true testimony of how we are living our lives.
      Think of the word of your testimony as if you are standing in a courtroom, and you are prepared to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, before the eternal judge who already knows the validity of your testimony.  So, what is the truth concerning your testimony?  In my case, my life does not always measure up to my confession of faith.  (In other words, I stumble)  I make for an easy target for the cosmic prosecutor (Satan) to hit in his accusations before God.  
      However, I have two things going for me: 1) God's Grace; and 2) the Blood of the Lamb. My confession of faith in Jesus has covered my sin through the power of Jesus' blood.  

​Matthew 5:14-20 NASB95 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; [15] nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. [17] “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. [18] For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. [19] Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

     Perhaps with the wisdom that comes with age, I have grasped a new appreciation of putting effort into the people and causes that “live” in my world. I strive to be a better husband to my wife. I strive to be a better parent to my children. I strive to be a better grandparent to my grandchildren. I strive to be a better friend to my friends. I strive to live by the Christ code of being a good Samaritan. In this place, where I live life in real-time, this is the place where I can be a force for all that is good.
      While people have arguments over which political party has the moral high ground; I use my time living life on the real ground doing my best to be an ambassador for Christ. Please know that I have opinions concerning Black Lives Matter, White Privilege, Global Warming, the handling of COVID-19, Foreign Affairs, Free Speech, Social Justice, etc. It is overwhelming and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. But before I strap on my armor and charge another windmill, I think that I simply need to represent Christ in my tiny corner of the world. This is where I live; this is where I make a difference; this is where I can let my little light shine; this is where I can speak the truth with a ton of love; this is my mission field.
      Before you start a quest of changing the world, you should consider giving Christ the opportunity to change you—then, and only then, will you be ready to make a difference in “your” corner of the world. Before you lash me with the criticism of not speaking to the issues happening on the big stage of American Culture, please know that change does not occur through more unwanted rhetoric; change happens when people change, and people change through the influence and love of the people who happen to live in “their” world. So, in the words of Christ, be the salt, be the light, where you live.
Questions to Consider:

1. What would you say is the spiritual impact that your life is making in your sphere of influence?
2. Do you think that being a light in the darkness is more about confronting the darkness or simply being the light?
3. How can you be a more effective light for Christ?

Psalm 119:105-112 NASB  Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. [106] I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances. [107] I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. [108] O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Your ordinances. [109] My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. [110] The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts. [111] I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. [112] I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, even to the end.

       Have you ever been wandering through the house at night and stubbed your toe on an unseen object?  This is where light becomes essential.  Without light we are walking blindly ahead with no "sight" or insight to what lies ahead.  This is an apt description of life without God.
       That said, living without applying God's wisdom is more than simply living without God; for there are many who claim to be Believers in Christ, who live according to their own rules and wisdom rather than relying upon God's wisdom.  This generally does not bode well for the self-made practitioner.
       God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to the path ahead.  Enacting God's wisdom leads to less stubbed toes and accidents.  It saves us from the snares and traps of the Enemy.  It saves us from the so-called brilliance of the self-deceived.