April 1 - God Wins

Isaiah 13:9-13

I have a confession to make...

This week, whenever anyone asks how I'm doing, my response is usually something in the neighborhood of, "I'm fine."

But.
If I'm honest, I'm not "fine."

This week, I have been an absolute basket case of emotions. I can swing from being grateful for daffodils and sunshine to being absolutely undone--and often overwhelmed to the point of tears--by the latest news report of disease running rampant through our world.

If I'm honest, I'm scared.
I think a lot of us are scared.

But do you know what else I discovered this week? Sitting at the foot of the throne of my Father, pouring out my thoughts almost as fast as the tears poured down my face, I heard three surprising, honest words come out of my own mouth:

"I'm so angry."

I did not even realize that it was true until I said it out loud. But as I began to think about how devastating it is that hardworking people are losing jobs, families are losing loved ones, and students are losing delightful dreams of varsity sports and schoolmates and proms, I realized that I really AM angry. I cry out, "this is not how it was supposed to be!" and seethe with fury at a silent enemy who is threatening to steal, kill, and destroy.

Do you know what?
God is angry, too.

In Isaiah 13, we see God coming in a day described as "a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger." In the face of darkness that overwhelms us, we can be assured that this disease will not have the final victory. God's rage burns against the evil, darkness, and death surrounding us. The fear sweeping our world does not get the last word. The evil one does not get to win.

God wins.

GOD. WINS.

So even though I may not know how long these dark days will last,
Even though I don't know when I get to hug my family again,
Even though I don't know what tomorrow will bring,
I know that in the end, on that Day, all will be made right.

And in that truth,
I find hope.

Thanks be to God.

March 4 - Give to the Poor

Luke 12:32-34

The world is full of people with fears.

Some of us fear pain. So we collect means of safety and security.

Some of us fear insignificance. So we collect opportunities for meaningful contribution to the world.

Some of us fear worthlessness.  So we collect achievements and accolades.

Any threat to our collections is, in essence, a threat to our existence.

These things we collect are not evil in and of themselves. And yet, everything on earth fades, rusts, and decays. There is nothing on earth we can collect that will give everlasting security, meaning, or worth to us, and when we count on them to do so, we will do anything possible to hold on to them—often at the expense of other souls dearly loved by God.

How beautiful these words from Jesus as he reassures us not to be afraid, “for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”! Where God rules and reigns, there is meaning, there is peace, there is justice, there is flourishing, and there is wholeness.

In God’s kingdom we are safe, we are ascribed worth & meaning, and we are loved. This means that we are free to give away our little collections without giving way to our fears, because every fear is stilled in God’s presence, and our greater inheritance of a kingdom of goodness, justice, peace, and wholeness was secured by the blood of the cross.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

The Past is Dead Because He Died

Holy Week Meditation on Wednesday

Death to Life                                                  Luke 24:1-12

Grave yards are places we bury the past. We bury a lot more than bodies these days. We bury bad memories. We cover over hurt feelings, fears, anger, disappointments and shame. We bury them and roll a stone in front of the tomb hoping not to see them or hear from them again. Jesus wants to roll away the stone.

Some of us are alive physically, but we are dead emotionally. We look for life and the living among the dead. Old memories, past hurts and fears. We have pushed down so much that we don’t even know everything that is in there. We want to bury all the secrets of our life and forget they exist.

Jesus wants to give us new life. He wants to heal us and raise us. He wants to empty the tomb so there is nothing to hide, nothing to dread, and nothing to fear. He wants to release the death within us and breathe new life into us.

We cannot change the past but, in His strength, we can face it, so that He can release and cleanse us from it. It is the only way we can be truly free, and alive. The decision before us is whether to stay in our self-made tomb or rise with Christ to New Life.

Joe Valentino

Standing Ready for Jesus

Lenten Midweek Devotion

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10

I remember a time of waiting on the Lord’s arrival. Praying and wishing I could mark the day He would arrive to escort my sweet mom through heavens gates.

In the months leading up to my mother’s death, she lived in our home. It was a rich and very challenging time, as I had two kids and a husband. Mom was on hospice, so I had multiple weekly visitors who attended mom and kept tabs on me too. 

My mom held a deep faith, having received Christ when she was twelve years old. She talked openly about being ready to see her Savior face to face. She also talked about getting to see her mom, who died tragically when she was only eight years old. She would tell of watching her mother being baptized wearing a long white dress, when mom was very young. She knew without a doubt that their reunion would be in heaven. 

My Joe, Josh and Tori loved my mom as much as I did. No one wanted her to leave us, but with failing health, and her desire to see her mother, my dad (her husband), and her longing to stand in the Lord’s presence, we prayed for His angels to come. 

In today’s scripture, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, we are challenged with the realization we will not know when Christ is returning, but as believers, we need to remain prepared and alert. Our victory is knowing that if we have salvation in Him, we will live with Him, whenever He arrives. 

My mom, in her dying days, knew where she was heading, and taught us all that the wait for Christ’s return is worth it. Can you say the same? Are you ready?

Peggy Valentino 

Follow the Path He Made

Psalms 37:1-11

This Psalm is a favorite, notably the instructions presented in verses 3, 4, 5,, 7 and 8 respectively.

• Trust in the Lord and do good
• Take delight in the Lord
• Commit your way to the Lord
• Be still before the Lord
• Refrain from anger and turn from wrath

Practicing these habits will enhance each day. Without trust in God, we only have man to trust in---that's not nearly enough, nor beneficial. We all know that humans are lacking in the perfection department. We are not trustworthy on our own.  Only Jesus can cultivate this trait in us. Because He Died.

Because He Died, we can take delight in Him. We can enjoy how he loves, how he cares for us, and how he guides and protects us.

Doing anything on our own is not productive, nor wise. Even the smallest chore or concern, when shared with Jesus in prayer (or in your journal -- if you are like me), is submitted to Him, not relying on ourselves. He cares about all aspects of our life and each day. Because He Died, we have the freedom to live for Him.

This world is a loud place to live. The TV blares, our phones buzz, Facebook beckons, Instagram share pictures and twitter is alive with opinions. The most profound direction comes from quiet times with God. Daily stillness before the Lord.

The way to cultivate love is to refrain from anger and turn from wrath. This holds true in our family relationships, the workplace and when in public. Love is always the answer and is available Because He Died.

What Did You Do to Deserve This? Nothing!

Midweek Meditation                 Deuteronomy 7:6,    Ephesians 2:6-10

Someone gives you a gift. Do you say, “I don’t deserve this, why would you choose me?” or “How much do I owe you for this gift?” Hopefully not. Hopefully your response is a simple, sincere “Thank you.”

Deuteronomy 7:6 –…The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

You have been given the most extraordinary gift - chosen by God and given His grace, the gift of salvation. You may wonder why…what did you do that was so extraordinary He chose you to be His treasured child? Did your hard work and kind acts earn you enough “points” to receive His grace? Absolutely not! There is nothing you can do to make God choose you and you can’t buy or earn His grace. Grace is a truly free gift.

It’s often hard for us to believe that God would handpick us for such gifts, but He did. Take time to think about that truth – though you did nothing to deserve it, God chose you and gifted you with His grace. Take that in deeply, believe it, own it…then respond to the Sovereign One with gratitude, praise, and joy!

Becki Bork

God's Wonderful Light

1 Peter 2:4-10

Have you ever been ashamed of something you've done?  I know I have, and it's the worst feeling ever.  You want to hide under the covers and hope that no one knows about your awful deed.....and the urge to berate yourself, over and over, is strong.  How could I do that?  I will never forgive myself.  Then there is shame that goes far deeper:  I'm not worthy of any love, any respect, at all.  I'm a worthless human being.

God's people experienced this emotion.  In I Peter 4, we learn about the culture of shame that the Jews experienced. When they broke God's commands (and yes, they did, and often, just as we do) they felt deep shame.  No amount of sacrificing, no amount of guilt offerings, could cover up their sins.

God had a better way:  salvation through his Son.

"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  (v. 10).

All of our good works will be for naught without God's grace.  We all know that, but do our lives reflect that truth?  Do we beat ourselves up when we fall short of God's expectations?  Look at what Peter says in verse 6:

"the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

The way out of the culture of guilt and shame is through the Cross.  During this Lenten season, take time every day to thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus.  Yes, ask for forgiveness when you sin.  And then rejoice in this gift of eternal life that you don't deserve; that you can't ever 'earn.'  And remember these words of encouragement and grace in verse 9:

You are a chosen people [yes, YOU!], a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

If you can, take in a sunrise this week.  (Especially if you can watch it over a lake or an ocean - truly a challenge in central Ohio). It is truly magical to see the arc of the sun burst over the horizon, and the darkness is erased by the bright light of the sun. Don't stay in the darkness - enter His light.

What is your diagnosis?

Midweek Meditation Read: Romans 3:9-18

How did reading these verses make you feel? Did you want to shut this book because the message seems too harsh?

Don’t we have the same reaction when we look in the mirror? We want to look away, ignore the lines on our faces or the extra weight around our bellies.

Don’t we avoid the doctor or ignore the doctor’s advice when we are told to make some changes? It is so much easier to pretend that we are just fine.

We are not fine. Things are not as they should be. We all are self-centered and headed down a path of destruction.

We need to hear the truth from God. He lovingly strips off the masks and shines the light into our deepest, darkest secrets. Why? Because He wants to expose what needs healing.

Today when you peer into the mirror, hear Him say, “Look again. See the face of Jesus looking back at you. He clothes you with His righteousness.”

As your Great Physician, He says, “I came to diagnose and eradicate your deadly disease with My blood, to restore you. You are safe in My arms.”

Prayer: Lord, you see the sin sick person I am, on a path of destruction. Thank You for seeing me as I am in JESUS, washed clean, rescued, and restored, clothed in His righteousness alone!

Mary McGinnis

Leaning on the Learning Tree

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5-8

When I was in school, I didn’t read the same book twice. I learned addition and moved on to multiplication. I learned spelling and moved on to grammar. One thing built upon another, and all was forever absorbed into my sponge-like mind. Though I’ve gone decades without seeing my teachers or reading their books, I can still multiply (even without my smartphone) and i donut right lik thes. 

I wish my battle with sin could be like my education. But it’s not.

The Bible teaches me what is right and good. I understand and agree. I want to live like that. Yet somehow I still sin. I do what I know is wrong even though I want to do what is right. As the Bible says, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” (Romans 7:21-23)

If I then cannot be free of sin by gaining knowledge or setting my will to the purpose, how can I be set free?

The answer lies in relationship with God (very different from knowledge of God). Through regular time reading the Bible, reflecting upon the Scriptures, praying, worshipping, and sharing in the fellowship of Christian community, we can be trained to recognize the voice of the Spirit and obey that voice as the governor of our mind. Without this regular contact, our knowledge of God will bend to our selfish will and sin will govern our lives.

As Jesus puts it, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Remember the Thief

12 Dear ones, don’t be surprised when you experience your trial by fire. It is not something strange and unusual, 13 but it is something you should rejoice in. In it you share the Anointed’s sufferings, and you will be that much more joyful when His glory is revealed. 14 If anyone condemns you for following Jesus as the Anointed One, consider yourself blessed. The glorious Spirit of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 The Voice)

We will all experience our trial by fire at some point in life. Many trials are devastating and take us to our knees. Other trials may impact someone we love, and we are witnesses to the pain. These times too, we fall to our knees, and call upon God to fix things for them.

Lent is a time we remember the trail Jesus faced and we learn from the example He displayed during His arrest, imprisonment, flogging and ultimately His death. He never lashed out at His captors. He didn’t curse those who cursed Him. He even loved them through it all. Remember the thief.

We don’t have the control Jesus had – because He had so much love. Think about how we react to a traffic jam – can you say road rage? We have little self-control . when faced with an infringement of our rights. Love or even tolerance is not a reaction we have when we are cut off in traffic. How could Jesus have the fortitude to let it all unfold like He did?

Let us embrace this holy season of Lent and practice being better people. To pray more and to read the Bible stories of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, the final act to bring about our salvation. As we travel this road these 40 days, let’s remember the reason for this season. Let us take on the expression of the One who loves us so much. Let us try to be loving and kind during these days; mindful of our ultimate reward.

Jesus, teach us how to act like You did when faced with trials and pain. Forgive us when we fall short. Amen.

  

1 Peter 4:12-18

Because He Died

Genesis 3:19 (NIV)
Ash Wednesday

¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow

you will eat your food

until you return to the ground,

since from it you were taken;

for dust you are

and to dust you will return.”  

Last year this time, Pastor Brodie wrote a devotion for Ash Wednesday. I am using part of that writing here for us to consider and take in as we begin this journey once again. This season is a time to examine ourselves, and our lives together in the Body of Christ. It is a time when many of us try to do something good. Some will give up a favorite food or drink in remembrance of Jesus giving up His life for us. Others will take on a new practice. Perhaps more prayer, improved family time, reading our Bible regularly, or serving others.

The key is to continue these practices after Lent. To carry on with the new behaviors we adopted and see how close we can draw to Jesus and to one another.

"Ash Wednesday is the day that we linger with the bad news instead of rushing to proclaim the Good News. The Good News is so good because the bad news is so bad. Sin will run its course, these human bodies will turn to dust one day, we were made from dust and to dust we will return.

Forty-six days from now we will proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. Until then let us not forget…we were made from dust and to dust we shall return."  --  Pastor Brodie Taphorn

                                                            

Additional reading for today: Mark 9:33-37

Always Remember

The Faithful King

I grew up in a Catholic family, attended parochial grade school and therefore experienced my First Communion as a 4th or 5th grader. This was such a big day for me, as our class studied and prepared for months to take our First Holy Communion together as a class. If I am honest though, I remember this day because I had to share this celebration with my sister and my mom. As luck would have it, my special day also fell on Mother's Day and my sister's birthday.

Now, as an adult, I realize it isn't the day that is special or note worthy, it is the experience. And it isn't an event I can only observe once. No, Holy Communion is celebrated many times though out the year. In fact, that is how God ordained it to be. He instructed His disciples to 'do this in remembrance of Me.'

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. (Mark 14:22-23)

Today, Maundy Thursday we go through all the motions and emotions of Jesus’ Last Supper. But mostly we remember…

Mark 14:22-26

The Surprising King

Mark 8:27-9:1

Because they were looking for a conquering King, many in Jesus' day missed the clear message of Isaiah - that the coming messiah would suffer to bring healing to the people. Peter was one of many in this regard - missing what Jesus was really doing in the world. In fact, it would be until after the resurrection that Peter would fully understand.

Imagine that! Peter spent every day with Jesus. And still, he didn’t understand all that there was to this Messiah who he trusted. Peter’s journey of discovering more and more about Christ would lead him to his great sermon in Acts 2, having for the first time received the Spirit. Then he learns that God wants to save gentiles too in Acts 10. Ultimately, Peter’s story (according to the tradition of the church) ends with his own suffering. Peter dies for his faith, hanging on a cross like he commanded Jesus not to do.

Like Peter, you are never done discovering more of Jesus. We are called to release our demands of Jesus, our pre-conceived notions and our limitations so we can go wherever He will lead us.

Where might Christ be leading you this week? Are you willing to follow anywhere that He leads? Or might you be like Peter, deciding for Jesus what it is He can do?

  

                                                                                Aaron Thompson

A Father's Loving Words

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17)

Anyone who has had a difficult childhood, longs to hear these words. What a priceless moment for Jesus, but also for those who witnessed it. 

Society today encourages us to achieve more and more. We tend to believe that our lifestyle, when successful, defines us. Things are important as we feel the need to acquire the latest gadget or sport the newest styles, drive the fastest car. Living an unobtrusive life isn’t an option for many.

Look now to Jesus, the one who truly is above all and is to be considered superior in every way. Jesus lowered himself to be one of us, to take on human form. Reading the scripture selection for today, it is striking how very powerful these words are; a tremendous witness to the world.

Jesus asked John to baptize Him, as he had been baptizing those who were following him. (Matthew 3:13 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.”) John wasn’t prepared for this and he told Jesus that it should be Him baptizing John. Jesus in all humility responded and asked John to do it anyway. (Matthew 3:15 “Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.”)

Dear God, I want to hear you say the words to me which you said to Your Son, Jesus. I want you to be pleased with me too. Lord show me how to live as Jesus did, with humility and grace. Amen




Matthew 3:13-17

The Crowned King

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He received John’s baptism and the Holy Spirit anointed Him with a visual of a dove descending. Then His Father said, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The King was here and so the Kingdom of God was breaking in.

Sometimes as parents, we associate praise of our children with what they do. “You got an A” or “You scored that goal” or “You cleaned your room.” Jesus had done nothing yet in His ministry, but His Father said “Son, I love You and I am pleased.”

I took a cue from that when my daughter was little and at random times, out of the blue and not connected with anything she had done, I would say “Molly, I love you and I’m so proud of you.” One time she sat quietly in the car as we were driving and then asked “Dad, why do you always say that?” I then told her how I learned that from my heavenly Father.

That’s called grace. John wrote that Jesus came full of grace and truth. It is the mark of His Kingdom. It is God’s great gift to us from His unconditional love. And we have the privilege of being channels of that grace to a world desperate for it.

                                                                                                                           Pastor Buff Delcamp

Mark1:1-15

February 14, 2018

Psalm 19:1-4

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019%3A1-4&version=NIV;NLT

 

 

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day to show how much you love your spouse, your children, or your significant other. Children exchange Valentine’s Day cards at school. Couples go out for dinner. Gifts are given like flowers, candy or jewelry. But this year was different.

 

On February 14, 2018, at about 2:00pm a young man walked into a Florida high school and began shooting. By the time he was done, seventeen people were dead! Where is God in this? How is God revealed through something as senseless as this?

 

David endured much tragedy in his life. He first came on the scene by killing Goliath with his sling shot. He led the armies of the nation of Israel in battle and killed his “tens of thousands”. He became a legend which eventually lead to King Saul trying to kill him by sending his army chasing David around the countryside.

 

Yes, David knew what death and destruction was like. I’m sure he personally knew men who were killed in battle; whose families mourned the loss of their loved ones. After all, war is hell. Yet in Psalm 19 he wrote about the Glory of God and how God is revealed in our world.

 

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard
⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.          NLT

 

So how do we respond after the Valentine’s Day massacre of 2018? Do we put our hands up in the air and cry “Woe is me”? Is it hopeless? Or, like David, do we turn to our Creator and look for how He is revealed in our world?

 

Besides this past Wednesday being Valentine’s Day, it was also Ash Wednesday; the beginning of Lent. Lent quickly takes us to Good Friday and Easter. God showed His love for you and for me by sending His one and only son to die for us. He revealed Himself to us through His son.

 

Death does not have the final word. God does.

 

 

 

Dust and Ashes

The imposition of ashes, this assurance of our physical death, carries two tones that we should consider during Lent - on one hand, this is a somber thought which points us to remembering God's judgement and our own mortality. But on the other hand, there is a freedom in this truth that we also find in Psalm 51 - when we remember our low position, and see the high position of God, we are freed from the need to "keep it together." We can slow down, rest, admit our weakness and find freedom under the reign of King Jesus.

Yesterday, Ash Wednesday, we were reminded that we are but dust, and to dust we will return. The process of receiving ashes is a sobering one, especially if we have recently lost a loved one.  Memories come crashing through, but, when our loved one had a relationship with Jesus, it makes all the difference for us as Christians. While we grieve our loss, and miss that person deeply, we also know that their story doesn't end with their death. It is just the beginning.

The two scripture references below are a good example of repentance (Psalm 51) as well as acknowledging our sinful nature and the need for this repentance all the time. I can certainly relate with Paul as he said, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15)

Father, forgive my weak nature, my sinful ways, and reveal your path for my life, especially during this Lenten Season.  Amen.

Psalm 16:1-6

Romans 7:14-25

Jesus is a guilt offering

 ApriL  11

Read Isaiah 53:4-11and reflect on the passage.

Isaiah 53 gives a rundown of hardship, blame, wounds, oppression, sorrow, sin, suffering, and death. As I read it, I want to yell, “YOU’VE GOT THE WRONG GUY, GOD! I’m the guilty one.”

In the Old Testament, when a neighbor sinned he made restitution to the victim, and gave a guilt offering to the Lord because sin against neighbor = disobedience to God and indebtedness to Him, too. This offering was a precursor to Jesus giving His own innocent body as a guilt offering to restore the broken relationship we have with God.

We owe the Lord a debt far greater than we could repay. But we do not need to pay. The Son of Man gave His life as a “ransom for many” paying our debt for us. Jesus says we must simply write off the debts that others owe us. This demand is modeled on and empowered by God’s love toward us: we must forgive and restore as He does.

God had the right guy in Isaiah 53—the only guy willing and able to do the job of carrying the crushing weight of our sin. Because of the joy set before Him, Jesus “endured the cross, scorning its shame.”

To learn more about the biblical concepts of Sacrifice and Atonement, I encourage you to watch this excellent video from the Bible Project: http://bit.ly/SacrificeAtonement

Questions

1. What “debt” does someone owe you? Who has hurt or offended you?

2. What steps can you take today to simply write off that debt, empowered by the love of Jesus?

Prayer

Jesus, You covered my debt saving me from the penalty and power of sin. Make me ready to forgive; gracious and merciful like You.

—Jane Bruns

Jesus is a lamb without blemish

10 ApriL                         

Read 1 Peter 1:17-20 and reflect on the passage.

As a child, I viewed lent as a time for sadness. I was taught that it was my bad behavior that crucified Jesus. But is that what Lent is really about? Am I to be walking with my head down, contemplating what my sin has done, or is Lent a season for a reality check—a time to come face-to-face with my mortal side and prepare accordingly?

A few years ago, I decided to observe this holy season by growing and exploring my faith. I longed to be closer to Jesus and to change some of my behaviors which fell short of His example. I discovered that Lent is a time to admit my shortcomings and turn to Jesus, the Spotless Lamb, for forgiveness.

When we are amazed in His presence, we seek to be holy as He is holy. It becomes clear the reason Palm Sunday was and is such a celebration, is because having Jesus in our lives is all the reason we need to celebrate and wave palm branches. Perhaps Lent is not about me at all, but about the One who loves me more than life itself.

Questions

1. What burdens your heart when you spend time examining your life? What do you want to change?

2. Do you experience a “reverent fear” as you journey through Lent? What does this mean to you?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, fill me with a passion for pursuing You every day of my life. Give me wisdom and a contrite heart in Your presence.

—Judy Webb

Walk in the light

 ApriL  4

Read 1 John 1:5-10 and reflect on the passage.

Admitting I am wrong—it’s no fun. In fact, it’s just plain painful.

The great thinkers of this world understand the universality of this truth, and so summoning all their worldly wisdom they give us an out. It’s called moral relativism, a philosophy that empowers the individual to decide for himself what is wrong or right. There are no absolutes; it’s all a matter of personal opinion. What wonderful work of human ingenuity! Why, with this philosophy two people can take opposite positions on any moral question and no one has to admit being wrong!

Sound too good to be true? The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Today’s passage declares us all sinners. I haven’t met a Christian yet who claimed to be without sin, yet I’ve witnessed many conversations where Christians took opposite positions on a moral question and neither admitted to being wrong.

So, is there a definitive wrong and right? A darkness and a light? 1 John says there is, and all of Scripture defines it (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Questions

1. Is there a question of darkness and light about which the Spirit convicts you?

2. What area of your life stands unexposed to the light?

Prayer

Holy God, wherever there is darkness in my life, convict me so that I may confess, receive Your mercy, and walk in Your perfect light.

—Star Bradley