The Light of God in a World of Darkness.

Memory Verse:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  Isaiah 9:2

Monday:  Isaiah 9:1-6
In our gloom and despair, we fear that our sorrows and troubles will never end. We can take comfort in this certainty: although the Lord may not always take us around our troubles, if we follow him wholeheartedly, he will lead us safely through them. And our troubles are short-lived. We are given a hope far beyond what we deserve. In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both Counselor and Mighty God. This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.

Tuesday:  Ephesians 5:8-14 
As children of light, our actions should reflect our faith. We should live above reproach morally so that we will reflect God's goodness to others. Jesus stresses this truth in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5. Take time to read it today. 
While it is important to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness, we must go even further. Paul instructs us to expose these works, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right.

Wednesday:  John 1:4, 5 
"The darkness did not comprehend it" means that the darkness of evil never has and never will overcome or extinguish God's light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life and His life brings light to mankind. In his light, we see ourselves as we really are; sinners in need of a Savior. When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can know how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives. Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine into your life? Let Christ guide your life, and you'll never need to stumble in darkness. Pray and ask God to show you areas of your life that need to be exposed. Ask Him to forgive you for sins hidden in the darkness.  

Thursday:  John 3:19-21
Many people don't want their lives exposed to God's light because they are afraid of what will be revealed. They don't want to be changed. Don't be surprised when these same people are threatened by your desire to obey God and do what is right, because they are afraid that the light in you may expose some of the darkness in their lives. Rather than giving into discouragement, keep praying that they will come to see how much better it is to live in light than in darkness.

Friday:  John 12:35, 36 
Jesus said he would be with them in person for only a short time, and they should take advantage of His presence while they had it. Like a light shining in a dark place, He would point out the way they should walk. If they walked in His light, they would become sons of light, revealing the truth and pointing people to God. As Christians, we are to be Christ's light bearers, letting His light shine through us. How brightly is your light shining? Can others see Christ in your actions?

Closing: 
Look at your own life. Is your light off or on? Stowed away in storage, occasionally used, or often available for others? What are some practical ways you can share the light of Jesus more often as you go through your daily life?