Devotionals for July 5, 2022
July is here! Mark your calendar for our Sunday Funday at Sims Park on July 31st from 3:30-7:00pm!
READ
JOHN 3:16-21
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
REFLECT
The love and mercy of God leads to repentance. Stepping into the light doesn’t mean coming into instant judgment. Remember the story of “doubting” Thomas, who refused to believe in the risen Lord unless he saw the proof. When Jesus approached Thomas, the Lord invited him to experience the truth. To come into the light. And Thomas knew right away: “My Lord and my God!”
APPLY
Q: What does avoiding “the light” mean about your heart according to John?
Q: What do you need to confess before God in the light?
Q: Jesus is sharing the above passage with Nicodemus, someone trained in the Scriptures. Why is it important for your knowledge *and* your heart to be in alignment with God’s character?
Q: What do you need to confess before God in the light?
Q: Jesus is sharing the above passage with Nicodemus, someone trained in the Scriptures. Why is it important for your knowledge *and* your heart to be in alignment with God’s character?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, I know you’re returning one day in all righteousness. Until then, reign in me so I grow more and more like your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Lord, I know you’re returning one day in all righteousness. Until then, reign in me so I grow more and more like your Son, Jesus. Amen.