Daily Reading: 7-8-16
John 3:16-17; 19-21 The Voice (VOICE)
God sent the Light, Jesus, to expose the darkness of the human heart that exists without the reigning authority of God—Love. Every human heart needs to receive the love of God. Jesus is the answer to our greatest need as humans; otherwise, we will live in a spiritual state of anarchy. Every act of darkness—hatred, lies, greed, violence—grieves my spirit. This morning my heart is grieved by the darkness of the heart—the violence—released against the Dallas Police Officers. Everything in me cries, “We must pray in Jesus’ name!” I pray for those wounded and fighting for their lives to be healed and restored in Jesus’ name. I pray for the families of the fallen officers to be covered and held by the Comforter in Jesus’ name. I pray for truth and justice to rise up and take authority in Jesus’ name. I pray for peace to cover our nation in Jesus’ name, because it is being shaken by darkness.
To pray in Jesus’ name is to ask God for everything to spill forth from the glory of heaven that is consistent with His perfect character and fill the earth. It means as humans we lay our hearts before the Savior and surrender to the work of Love who will cast out darkness from our sinful souls. We must pray consistent with His nature to rule in our individual lives, as well as care about the things that matter to God. I pray for our country and the world to embrace the Love of God found in Jesus Christ, because in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Light overcomes the darkness (John 1:5).
John 3:16-17, 19-21
16 For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. 17 Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.
19 The Light, sent from God, pierced through the world’s darkness to expose ill motives, hatred, gossip, greed, violence, and the like. Still some people preferred the darkness over the light because their actions were dark. 20 Some of humankind hated the light. They scampered hurriedly back into the darkness where vices thrive and wickedness flourishes. 21 Those who abandon deceit and embrace what is true, they will enter into the light where it will be clear that all their deeds come from God.
Prayer: Father, this world belongs to You, but we have not given You the authority to rule it in Love. Please forgive me for the times my actions have betrayed Your Love. I choose Jesus the Light of the World to rule my heart. Change me and fill me with Your Light. Holy Spirit, pray through me so I may pray in the name of Jesus for the things that are important to our Father. I pray for Your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven in Jesus’ name. Amen.