We Belong to the Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth). – (Ephesians 5:8-9, NIV)

In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light. This light produces every kind of goodness, right living, and truth. – (Ephesians 5:8-9, ERV)

Because, although you were once the personification of darkness, you are now light in the Lord. So act like children of the light. For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. – (Ephesians 5:8-9, VOICE)

 

This passage from Ephesians 5, reminds us of the transformative power of the light of Christ in our lives. Though we once were full of darkness, when we at last allowed the light of Christ to enter in, the darkness could not remain. Light and darkness cannot coexist. As a light is ignited, darkness disappears. All that was previously hidden under the cloak of shadows in the absence of light, suddenly comes into view when light is allowed in. The light that comes and fills us and transforms us, so that we may bear fruit that is good, right and true. May we ever keep the door of our heart open, so that the light of Christ may flood every corner with His transformative power, producing every kind of goodness, right living and truth.

 

No more in darkness,

In Christ, we are light;

Flooded to bear fruit,

And do what is right.

The fruit is goodness,

The way that we love;

Right living in truth,

Through grace from above.

Leave behind darkness,

Walk full in His light;

Live a life fruitful,

Love well, do what’s right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we invite You in, the darkness disappears, and Your light floods our existence. Thank You that in the light of Your love, we are called to bear the fruit that illuminates Your heart to the world. Thank You that You grow us in righteousness, goodness, and truth as we invest our lives in knowing more of You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to walk in the light that You have called us into. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would live lives that bear Your fruit. Show us how to love those around us with goodness, truth and right living in a way that points people unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we live in the light of Your love and walk in Your goodness, righteousness and truth. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – 1 John 2:10

His Beauty Shines

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body is also full of darkness. – (Luke 11:34, NIV)

 

The only source of light for the body is the eye. When you look at people and want to help them, you are full of light. But when you look at people in a selfish way, you are full of darkness. – (Luke 11:34, ERV)

 

Jesus modeled light and life unto the world. Everywhere He went, His light shone brightly before all mankind. He touched the hurting, healed the sick, spoke to the forgotten, and loved those deemed unloveable by society. Christ was not afraid to associate with sinners, in fact, that is the very reason He came. We live in a world where darkness dwells, yet with Christ in us, His light still shines. “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” – Francis Bacon. We are more glaringly aware of just how brilliantly Christ’s light shines, when we recognize both the darkness in and around us. If we allow His light in, no darkness can remain. For where there is light, darkness disappears. May we allow the light of Christ to so consume us, that we cannot help but reflect His light to the world.

 

The eyes of our heart,

reflect to the world;

Kari Jobe shining for Christ. 🙂

darkness and dismay,

or freedom unfurled.

In one we are trapped,

stuck still in our sin;

the other, by grace,

we’ve let Jesus in.

As Christ dwells in us,

His beauty shall shine;

we can’t help but change,

when touched by Divine.

Through Him there is light,

for eternity;

all darkness dispels,

and we become free.

Free from the darkness,

unchained from despair;

bathed in His glory,

light and life to share.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we come to You in darkness, You willingly and lovingly shine Your light in. Thank You that where Your light shines, no darkness remains. Forgive us for allowing the darkness that surrounds us to block the view of Your light that dwells within us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will shine brightly before all, regardless of situations or circumstances, and trust that You are in control. May Your love and light be what is seen through us, and may many come to trust in You for themselves as a result. Be glorified, Lord God, as we reflect Your radiance before mankind. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21