Bible Study & Devotional (January 8, 2021)
Guiding Scripture: John 8:12
🔴 WALKING IN THE LIGHT
Would you deliberately walk in the woods at night without a flashlight?
Living in an evil, sin-filled world without having the Holy Bible to guide us, we would stumble, fall, and fail with no hope of restoration.
When we study the Bible, we get a clear picture of how we live and have a light for us to stay on the right path.
The world offers entanglements and false values to steer us into direct disobedience to what God wants for us. The world paints a picture of success and defines it by the accumulation of wealth, prestige, and carnal conditions by any means necessary.
Worldy mentality: “The one with the gold rules.”
God requires believers to live holy because He is holy. He expects us to show compassion, love, concern, and fairness to everyone. We are no longer children of darkness, and now we should let our light shine for Jesus and tell of His mercy, grace, and how He wants to bless and receive those who will believe into His kingdom.
- By who are you governed?
- Have you checked the batteries of your light?
Recharge and take action to walk successfully with our Lord.
Let’s Pray: Jesus, you are the light of the world. In you, there is no darkness. Please help us express the character you are and have taught us to be in your Word. Teach us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. We pray for this sin-sick earth, and we pray that those who do not believe will come to know you by our lights shining so bright for your glory. Thank you for your light. Amen
~Diana L.W. Coleman
This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
In desperation, we make horrible choices. Lot placed himself in a complicated situation. Choosing the land of Sodom (Gen 13:12)to settle and then moving inside the city(Gen.19:1) put him in opposition to God’s righteousness. Yet, our Heavenly Father is faithful. God repeatedly rescues Abraham’s family because He promised to increase Abraham’s descendants(Gen. 15:4-5).
Our human condition is a pendulum swinging between good and evil. Before we can criticize Lot for the unbelievable circumstances he placed his family in; we must remember Matthew 7:2-5.
We have the power of discernment(discretion, Proverbs 2:11-12), which increases our knowledge of God’s character and helps us govern our thoughts. Abraham’s wisdom and godly motivation is a model for us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking (Gen. 18:23-32, Matt. 7:7-8).
Insightful people train their thoughts to obey Christ and restrain themselves. Proverbs 2:12-13 tells us that discernment will keep us away from evil, and our decisions become manageable when guided by our Father.
Transparency, vulnerability, and obedience to our Lord are significant attributes. Let’s be mindful of our cultivated environments. We can ask God to rescue us from self-serving desires that serve the enemy. May we seek God’s wisdom for all decisions and live wholeheartedly for our Lord.