Walking in The Light 12.20.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are beginning our studies on the book of I John, please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your beowser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20John%201%20-%203&version=9

Today we will be reading about enjoying fellowship with God; the reality of and remedy for sin; children of God and righteousness; and loving one another. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are to be walking in the light which happens by walking with Jesus.

The book of I John is the 23nd book/18th epistle of the New Testament and contains 5 chapters. The author of the book is John and it was written to Christians who were falling into Satanic deception which was breaking their fellowship with God and other believers. The purpose of the letter was to explain the standards of true fellowship in Jesus Christ. What we are to learn from the book is that true fellowship with God and fellow believers is based on the standards of God's Word and maintained by the principle of confession of sin.

Our Heavenly Father has provided us an incomparable Role Model of all history, Jesus Christ. We are to commit ourselves to following in His example. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (I John 1:5-10). When we walk with Jesus we walk in the light, therefore everything we do we do it without shame. When we are not walking with Jesus we are always in the dark and hide what we do in shame.

There are some who say they have a relationship with Christ, but still walk in darkness. The darkness of the natural mind is always more concerned about one's self, one's well-being, and one's successes. However, the spiritually minded who walk in the light, are first and foremost concerned that Christ who is in their thoughts, conduct, and conversation with others shines through. "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." (3:18-24).

A characteristic of darkness is a desire to be noticed. Such people receive a feeling of supremacy by drawing attention to themselves and seeking to dominate conversations. With others, darkness appears in the form of impatience, a sensitive spirit that is easily offended, a disposition to resent and retaliate when contradicted, or in impulses to criticize. A jealous disposition, a secret spirit of envy, or a tendency to speak of the faults and failings of others rather than of their virtues are also characteristics of darkness. Some walk in darkness with a spirit of discouragement and self-pity and a determination to convey that spirit to everyone who will listen.

Let us daily say to God, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Our material accumulation initially brings great pleasure, but it fades with each passing day. When we strive to hold onto the things of the world it detours us from that which has eternal significance. Lord, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ. Search our hearts and if there is any wickness in us lead us out of it. In Jesus' name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless you and Merry Christmas.
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net