Page 25 - Livin Light Issue 81

Wednesday June 28 - The Lord is near
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14a
I wonder how you felt after reading the news today? Threats of war, economic disaster and health care crises can leave us feeling fearful and anxious.
Today’s Bible verse brings the most wonderful news – news with the power to calm our deepest fears, giving us fresh hope and strength! In one short sentence, God reassures us that he is close, very close, and is absolutely for us! He lives among us! God’s desire was always to be near his people – he chose Eden to live among them, then a tent in the desert, then the temple in Jerusalem... and finally he has entered our messy hearts to live in us, his people, by his Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord is near’ (Philippians 4:5).
The love of the Lord Jesus Christ for you and me is very great, and his mercy is deeper than an ocean; ‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things... by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross’ (Colossians 1:19-20).
If we are ‘in Christ’ then nothing can happen to us that is outside his will for us, and his good purposes – we can entrust our life to his goodness. We are never alone, even on our own, and our soul is safe!
Lord, I rejoice in the news that you have chosen and forgiven me. May I know your close, living presence as I read your word each day. Amen.
Thursday June 29 - Jesus, the One and Only
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14b
I was once asked to read the Bible with a lady who had been through some very tough times; she had heard that true joy and peace in life can only come from God, and so wanted to know more about him. After a couple of meetings, she exclaimed in frustration, “I want to know about God, but all you talk about is Jesus!” It took time for her to understand that when we look at Jesus, we are looking at God!
Jesus shows us everything that is true about God: ‘The Son is the exact representation of the invisible God...’ (Colossians 1:15). Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). There is no ‘getting around’ Jesus!
God’s grace (his undeserved favour) can’t be earned – only received, in Jesus. Only Jesus could take our sin’s rightful punishment and instead give us God’s gracious favour and forgiveness! Jesus is God’s grace, and love, and kindness made visible! Jesus’ closest companions confidently proclaimed, “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
‘Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16).
Father God, I confess my failings and sinfulness, and receive with deep thankfulness your gracious forgiveness and mercy in Jesus. You are gracious and kind. Amen.
23
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY