"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness, but rather reprove them"
(Ephesians 5:11)
Sadly, as I take a very close look at my life, I can see many times that I have been guilty of this scripture. Even though my life has been gloriously changed and eternally altered, I still have to take great strides in guarding my heart against the darkness of this world. It's a never ending process.
I can see evidence of unfruitful works in my life. And even though I am a child of the Light - a child of God - it is a daily struggle against the forces of evil that threaten me. A daily battle with my flesh that rises up to wage war with the Spirit of Truth.
The darkness will always be a threat to the light in my life, but I can expose it for what it is and overcome it by the power of the Holy Spirit. But I can't do it on my own. When I try and depend upon my own strength and my own ability to resist this darkness, I fail miserably. It is only through the power of God and by His sweet mercy that I am able to stand firm and overcome.
As my relationship with Jesus grows more intimate, and my walk becomes more 'in-step' with Him, I begin to see more clearly. I am able to take a more defensive stance against the enemy and be more prepared to resist.
The more I learn about Him, the more I love Him. The more I love Him, the more confident I am of His love for me. And as my confidence in Him grows, the clearer I see my own sin. As my relationship with Him deepens, the more He reveals to me about myself and the less veiled my inward gaze becomes.
I desire to look like Christ. I want to act like Him and be like Him in all things. As I allow my unfruitful works to be exposed, I begin to walk more confidently in the true light of His mercy and grace. I begin to produce more fruit of righteousness and holiness and walk worthy of my calling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Lord, that you so lovingly expose those things that are keeping me in the dark so I can move purposefully and confidently into the light of Your love and mercy. Help me to walk like you. Help me to look more like you. Empower me to walk in your ways and be all that you have called me to be. I love you, Father, and I give you all praise and glory for the mighty work you do through me and in me daily.
I can see evidence of unfruitful works in my life. And even though I am a child of the Light - a child of God - it is a daily struggle against the forces of evil that threaten me. A daily battle with my flesh that rises up to wage war with the Spirit of Truth.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places"
(Ephesians 6:12)
The darkness will always be a threat to the light in my life, but I can expose it for what it is and overcome it by the power of the Holy Spirit. But I can't do it on my own. When I try and depend upon my own strength and my own ability to resist this darkness, I fail miserably. It is only through the power of God and by His sweet mercy that I am able to stand firm and overcome.
As my relationship with Jesus grows more intimate, and my walk becomes more 'in-step' with Him, I begin to see more clearly. I am able to take a more defensive stance against the enemy and be more prepared to resist.
The more I learn about Him, the more I love Him. The more I love Him, the more confident I am of His love for me. And as my confidence in Him grows, the clearer I see my own sin. As my relationship with Him deepens, the more He reveals to me about myself and the less veiled my inward gaze becomes.
I desire to look like Christ. I want to act like Him and be like Him in all things. As I allow my unfruitful works to be exposed, I begin to walk more confidently in the true light of His mercy and grace. I begin to produce more fruit of righteousness and holiness and walk worthy of my calling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Lord, that you so lovingly expose those things that are keeping me in the dark so I can move purposefully and confidently into the light of Your love and mercy. Help me to walk like you. Help me to look more like you. Empower me to walk in your ways and be all that you have called me to be. I love you, Father, and I give you all praise and glory for the mighty work you do through me and in me daily.
11 comments:
What a good word.
We have to be on the outlook always, as the deceiver wants us to live in darkness....but we ARE the children of Light. That's where I want to live too.
Beth, thanks for your timely devotions.
I needed this today, Beth. I am so thankful that God knows and meets our needs in such a personal way.
I can't stand it when I realize I have been operating in my own strength. Thankfully, God quickly receives my confession, and I am right back to depending on Him!
I am so thankful for the light of His love.
Hugs to you, and I hope your day is joyful and relaxing.
Becky
I am so thankful for His tender hand as well as His firm hand upon my life. The washing that has begun on the inside of me. May I yield even more today and in the days ahead. Lovingly, Yolanda
Beth, such a wonderful post . . . I always find that the more Light that is revealed the darkness becomes all that much darker. You're right, the battle never ends. We are bombarded with darkness continually and it can quickly sap our souls. Praying that you will find great strength and power in Jesus to break forth in new ways to radiate His Light!!!
Love, hugs, and prayers,
Cherie
Beth,
What a powerful post! While at church last night we sang about this very thing. There is no darkness that the light can't penetrate and breaking FREE into that light brings such VICTORY!!
Seeking Freedom and Light with you!! Love you Beth!
Wonderful words to live by Beth, thank you, it was so good. We all must be so very careful what we do, where we go, what we say and especially what we see. What goes in comes out some way, and if it is of the world it will come out in some worldly way. We must guard our hearts and minds and use them for our lord, oh to be like thee, that should be our earnest prayer.
Yes, Lord! Thank You!
Really Beth, there is nothing I can add to this. These words could be my own.
Thank you for expressing so beautifully, it was such a confirmation in my own heart tonight!
xo
Great thoughts. Last week when facing a medical test, I asked the Lord to reveal areas I needed to repent of. He shined His light in a few dark corners that I was hiding even from myself! I'm so grateful for repentance.
Love
Jen
We do have to be on guard constantly. It's a struggle. I'm so glad He promised to help us when we call to Him in need.
Boy did I need to be reminded of this! Thanks Beth!
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