DEVOTION / Let there be light!

God's 1st spoken words

Do you remember God's first spoken words to his creation? "Let there be light!" Can you imagine a world of total darkness? A world without light is a world without hope.

Have you ever been on a cave tour where all the lights go out, plunging you into blackness? You can't even see your hand in front of your face. Terrifying!

Our world today is a dark place. The sin and immorality are overwhelming. Murders, abuse, violence, sexual perversity--where does it end? God says it ends in hell for souls who live in darkness.

Praise God for the light! Praise him for the bright sun that rises every day to offer a new beginning to souls gripped in sin, fear, and darkness.

Insights from John 1

Praise God for sending the "Light of the world" — Jesus. John's Gospel makes it clear that although the world does not recognize this amazing gift, the Lord provides rescue from the world's darkness.

John 1:9-13 says, The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Thank you, Lord, for sending light. Thank you, Jesus, for being the Light.

Sharing the Light

Those of us who have seen the Light know that Jesus calls us to be lights. His clear call is found in Matthew 5:15-17. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

That is the goal of 316NOW. To share Jesus, the Light of the world, with millions of Chinese souls trapped in darkness. Please lift these needs to the Father of Heavenly Lights and support us as we strive to share the Gospel Light.

Prayer thought

Father God, you spoke light into existence. When the world was trapped in darkness, you sent Jesus, the Light of the world. Thank you for your grace and goodness. Help our humble, but bold efforts, to share your Light with the world. Amen.