I’m always late. Always.
I know, it’s incredibly annoying. Trust me, I’m annoyed, too. But this is one of the things you need to know about me if we’re going to be new friends.
You also need to know about the piles. There are certain dark corners of our house where we stash, you know—stuff. Stacks of papers to be sorted, piles of assorted things to be put away, boxes of CD’s we don’t know what to do with because we can’t bear to fully embrace the digital music age (raise your hand if you’re still mourning the death of the mixtape). The hallway of our home doesn’t have a light in it, so it’s dark and a little gloomy. This drove me crazy until I realized it helped disguise the piles of folded laundry in the corner.
There’s a kind of unsettled comfort in keeping the messy parts of our lives out of the light. There is comfort, but not peace. When you and I open our Bibles and engage God’s Word, we are also encountering the Living Word, Jesus Christ. We are encountering Light Himself.
Open your Bible to John 1:1–5, and read closely the famous opening lines from John’s gospel. Go back through the passage a second time, this time circling each use of “Word” and underlining the words “life” and “light.”
When we immerse ourselves in the pure truth of God’s Word, its brightness will inevitably reveal our heart’s darkest corners. Like those unlit corners of my messy house, it won’t be pretty. But this conviction of sin—of the heart’s tendency to darkness—is another important role of the Holy Spirit. When we invite the Holy Spirit through prayer to be our guide and companion, we are also inviting Him to bring us into the light of Jesus. It is there that we can confess our sin, repent, receive forgiveness, and be reconciled to God.
Read Proverbs 3:3–12. What can we learn from verses 11–12 about the gift of conviction by the Holy Spirit?
Most of my life, I assumed becoming a “good Christian” was the goal: doing, or appearing to do, all the right things and keeping sin at bay or at least out of the light. Yet, as we travel through the pages of Scripture and grow in the knowledge of God, we find our need for the Gospel does not magically become smaller. Instead, we more clearly see the enormity of our need. Our salvation is an order so tall that only Christ’s perfection can measure up.
Opening our Bibles every day is hard work. It requires discipline and obedience, and it brings us face to face with the ugly reality of our sin. It brings us to our knees in repentance, asking once again for the light of Christ to overcome our darkness. And He does.
Today, let’s ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of conviction.
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347 thoughts on "Engage Truth Prayerfully"
Holy Spirit… please convict me of any sin that I am committing. Please convict me when my heart posture doesn’t line up with the will of God. God, you convict those you love … like a Father does a child. I will lean not in my own understanding and will not reject your reproof. I fall into your arms, your ways, your nature and I seek your guidance. You are Adonai.
Proverbs 3:6 hit home this morning! Amen
let go and let God !!
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” Proverbs 3:6
When we acknowledge God in all the things and trust him there, our path will be straight. Not that bad things won’t happen, but we will have a clear path out. It is when we take our eyes off God that we wander and our paths become crooked.
trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. amen!
God is the light at the end of the tunnel for all of us
Opening my eyes to the truth is the best way to be
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding”
Give it to God, lay your worries and troubles at His feet and He will guide you.
“…for the Lord reproves him who he loves…” ❤️
I loved the verse, “Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.”
Yes I loved this too!!
I never realized how many dark corners I had until I realized how much I needed God to help me on my path. Opening my bible is one of the best choices I could have made.
God is good, lord I Pray that I absorb your word and follow the lighted path to you ❤️
Change is hard and with out change you are stuck in what is “comfortable” to you. I want to grow in my faith but that requires change and discipline. Hard to learn and practice but oh so rewarding
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Thank you for being so mighty, and showing me you care about all parts of my life, even the bad
Although we may try to hide things in our lives from others, nothing is hidden from God. He is all knowing and although there are some things we try to hold on to dearly, the Word of God tells us “Do not despise reproof.” God anything thing that you disapprove of, let me be ok with it because you as my father knows what’s best for me!
He can see your darkness and wants to help you through it. When you dive deep into His Word and have real conversations with Him, that darkness will be overpowered by light, the LIGHT of the world. Lord thank you for being my light❤️
I have a lot of things in the dark. Jesus, give me the strength and the light I need to face it all. Amen.
Amen. I have a lot of stuff that’s in the dark but God can see through my darkness to help me bring the darkness to light.
Amen, I know that I don’t have to hide anything from god because all that he does he does out of love.
I’ve always believed I was basically a good person but I never beginning to understand that I am yet even so I’m still a broken sinner at my core and need God to help me everyday to be better
Amen! God continue to shead your light on us and allow us to come to you for forgiveness and redemption!
Amen! Lord continue to shead your
Amen praise God!! Thank you Jesus!!!
This passage really spoke to me
Definitely needed to hear this!
Needed this today! Thank you
Yes Lord!!! Continue to open my eyes and heart Lord to be able to hear your voice
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5
Amen, todays word really blessed my heart ❤️
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord”!
Does anyone know why the “h” is not capitalized in Proverbs 3:5-6?
I can’t believe that I’m not the only one who struggles with being the “perfect Christian.”
I love how God spoke to me through this. AMEN! Happy Sunday everyone!
All I can keep saying is Wow today truly motivated me!
Lord help me to continue to grown a relationship with you and help me to continually open my bible and show up intentionally
I really enjoyed this reading. And the discuss section and the Bible readings really opened my eyes and makes me want to be a better person and following God’s word and what he has planned for me. And live as one of God’s daughters and be able to spread the word.
Proverbs 3:11-12 really hit home for me. God disciplines those He loves. Being a Christian is not always roses and rainbows. It’s hard. Hiding messes from the world doesn’t mean they are hidden from God’s light. He knows all and loves us anyway.
I really enjoyed the verse and the proverbs that was discussed in this section. It really opens your eyes and makes you want to be a better person by following the word of God.
Lord help me to be obedient
Praying for our Heavenly Father to keep shining his light unto us.
I pray for the light to help cast away my sins and secrets. I’m nervous yet excited to be that vulnerable. My heart yearns for this rebirth. Amen.
Very good read! I love being able to pray afterward and ask the Lord to open my eyes so I can understand and see the Truth. Thanks for this!
A great reminder to come humbly before the Lord…
Reading the Bible means being real and raw with yourself. Sometimes it’s not the answers you want, but the answers you need. When reading, I need to realize it’s not a time to be perfect, to have all the answers, or have all the knowledge of the verses I’m going over. There is no textbook definition of a “perfect” Christian. I have to allow myself to be teachable: willing and wanting His knowledge. I need to justify less, listen more, and admit when I don’t know the answers so the Lord may show me that He does.
“Opening our bibles everyday is hard work.” I felt that. Most days I am so wrapped up in managing the lives of my family and dealing with our home that I forget I am a person who also needs work & needs support to function well. I have been in a dark place for a few weeks now and today I sheepishly opened the app after 3 weeks away to find that I am seen in these words. I feel shaken to my bones because I know this is truth. I don’t want to try and hide anymore
Todays passages taught me about being selfless, how Gods light is our life and how Gods gift is our heart.
Because God loves us, he will correct us by either brining our sins to light, showing us our sin and/or preventing us from sining again. If He does not correct us, He does not really love us. I’m so happy that He does.
Reading the Bible is hard work and does require discipline and even starting off kind of religiously in order to get to that place where He shines His light on our dark corners and we respond with awe closer to holiness. Very much a two way process and continual need to engage in the Word.
*measured up with your perfection and goodness. Let your will be done in Jesus name, amen!
Holy Spirit, I pray for conviction and ask for your light to reveal and overcome the darkness within me. Forgive me of my sins and help me forgive myself and those who have harmed me Lord. Equip me God with the wisdom of your Word and use me for your good. Let your light shine in and through me, for my salvation is only measures
I loved the example. I felt the same.
Lord, let me lean on and find comfort in you.
Open my eyes and heart to your instruction and discipline. Reveal to me the darkness I’ve been hiding
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3
Thank you, Lord, that you correct your child that you love.
Open my eyes Lord and my heart to you and my ears to hear you
Blessed Sunday everyone, let’s invite the Holy Spirit in our lives today this moment
Yes Lord. Reveal the darkest parts of me. You are my Light.
Please, Father, correct me, and draw me closer to Your heart❤️
Not through shame are the darkest parts of us revealed, but through love and mercy. May conviction carry me through today. ❤️
There have been many times when I didn’t consider conviction to be a gift. I compare it to a nagging mother. I pray that I may see conviction through a different lens.
The dark corners of my heart is the hardest thing to let go of… but I already know the grace and joy that comes from shining a light on them. Why is it still so hard, and so much natural resistance?
Proverbs 3 is so good!!!
Proverbs 3 is so good
Lord help me to not look to the right or the left but straight my eyes set on you. Help me to crave your word again as before. I’m so thankful your are a loving God !
That’s what go me too!! So good!
I love how the Word can be so gentle yet so firm when reading it.
I absolutely find conviction in reading the Word. I pray that He will direct my paths to follow these convictions.
This was what I needed to hear as I am in a season f dryness with the Lord and not know what to do with my spiritual life. I am thankful to be reminded of the Lord’s conviction and care in the form of discipline in my life. He is so so good and so in charg.
there is comfort, but not peace. OOF that got me!!!
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Not only was this a reminder to put away my laundry pile, but also a reminder to step in the light this morning!
Thank you fir that metaphor. I can really relate & being such a visual person I can see the similarities between why I am at times hesitant to pick up the word (and let new friends in my house). It’s such a good reminder that feeling convicted is not a bad thing. It’s such a blessing & one we should welcome with open arms because it’s loving discipline from our God.
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It is amazing how God never forsakes us even when we leave him out, which I am certainly guilty of. However, it is never to late to praise him. I pray for all.
I am here because of the Holy Spirits prompting and am forever grateful for the guidance and discipline from Him. Even though it is not always pleasant, it is always fruitful. Thank you Father for your loving, yet firm hand of guidance.
I’m grateful that God cares enough about me to still give me the inkling and need for Him. Grateful for this reading today and for Gods conviction and love. ❤️
Amen!
I love that even as the Holy Spirit reveals things, there is no shame. It’s for our benefit.
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Thanks to God for getting me here today. I need to go through the journey He’s put me through in order to grow my faith and start to rely on Him. I ask that He continues to guide us and grace us with love and Holy Spirit ❤️
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Praying for the gift of conviction. ❤️
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Praying for the gift of conviction. Let the Holy Spirit guide me closer to you Jesus!
The light shines in the darkness. I love this picture of Jesus.
I was highly reminded of the importance of sharing gratitude through Proverbs 3:9-10. When we honor him and show our thanks, our lives will be full of immeasurable blessings!! I’m grateful today for my time spent in the scripture and walking through light!
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Beautifully said and a wonderful reminder of our daily need for Jesus.
This has really helped me
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You delight in me lord. Forgive me lord, of any way that I have served darkness instead of the light. I want to own the issue so that I can pursue Him and flourish. I Want freedom. Lord, forgive me.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes” (proverbs 3:7)
Lord, continue to reveal to me what true wisdom looks like and instill in me a desire to discern your word and your spirit.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes” (proverbs 3:7)
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God is revealing areas in my life that are habitually keeping me from drawing closer to him. In times past, my answer to these problems has been escape. Bc it was the only thing I was capable of doing on my own. I believe he calls us to lean on his strength that comes from him and his word. I will always be ill equipped on my own bc he wants to be able to do something mighty.
I pray that I can be a light.
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Try as we might, we can’t hide from God. Even King David felt like hiding in the shadows but realized he couldn’t. Psalm 139
Reminds me of the song Secret Place by the Booth Brothers.
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Open my eyes Lord!
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The tendency to hide I believe comes from the garden of eden. As soon as they realized they were naked and sinned, they hid. My kid’s used to hide if they did something wrong. “If I close my eyes I am invisible!” It’s just as silly right now for us to hide our sim from God as it was back then for my kids to close their eyes “so I couldn’t see them”. He is our loving father.
I agree with previous poster thinking about how we think covering the mess in our lives is comfortable but doesn’t bring real peace.
I am so grateful for God and His Word. We are not perfect, yes we sin. But being the Holy Spirit lives in us, and we can go back to His Word, we are able to ask God for forgiveness and to overcome those dark and ugly places.
It’s funny how we hide things . I think the “ hiding” means there is shame in whatever it is. We know what that hidden thing should be but feel so much shame and then avoid it . God is a god of light . He wants us to live in that light not in the shadows of shame . I am so thankful for his mercy and his forgiveness . Without it, wow there is really only darkness
Thank you Lord for these verses today.
I pray for conviction and that by it I can be a light in others lives to bring them closer to the father!
Thank you Lord for your instruction!
May I see the Truth and remember that the Word is Jesus.
This was one of the best thank you my Lord
Lord thank you for everything. I repent of all my sins. I repent for turning away from you lord. I want to make you famous. Help me to become discipline and obedient in staying in your word. I pray you bring lightness to my darkness. That you break ,y chains that are holding me back. That I’m free from all baggage. thank you lord for everything. Amen
I was struck by the truth of how the thought that darkness covering our mess/ugly is comforting but doesn’t bring us peace.
“Yet, as we travel through the pages of Scripture and grow in the knowledge of God, we find our need for the Gospel does not magically become smaller. Instead, we more clearly see the enormity of our need.” This is exactly where I’m at. Struggling through a heavy burden of doubt and this study has been such a balm. The gift of conviction. That’s exactly what my heart has been crying for but unable to put to words what I felt.
I have many dark places that I try to keep hidden from the light. If they are revealed then others will see my mess and it is only my perfection that keeps them around me. These are the thoughts that go through my head constantly, they were engrained in me as a child growing up in an alcoholic home and perpetuated in a 30 year marriage where the appearance of a happy perfect family was the goal while nobody was actually perfect or happy, nor did we feel the love and closeness that we showed to the world. It is hard and scary to shine the spotlight on the mess, to allow others to see it. What is harder is actually seeing it ourselves, I got so good at hiding it that I refused to look at it as well, creating a cognitive dissonance that would tell me my life was perfect and not to look at the things in the dark even though I could feel the darkness and could see it getting bigger and bigger. It overcame me for a season and I still battle it but God”s word is my spotlight and when I am in it, the darkness cannot win. Thank You Jesus!
This is so good. I really wish I could write on the text itself and highlight and take notes within the text. Because wow. Thank you for all these words.
We can’t hide our sins away and expect there to be peace. If we want to have a relationship with God we have to let him in and let his light in every part of us. In order to have forgiveness, we have to confess our sins and repent of them. Conviction comes from the Father with love. For even when he’s correcting us, there is forgiveness and mercy. If he didn’t love us, he’d just let us go about doing whatever we wanted while making our path straight to Hell. But he doesn’t want that for us, he wants us to come back to Him.
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The Word is healing and refreshment. I seek the light. I am worthy.
Yes!!!
I love remembering that turning away from evil will be healing for my flesh and refreshment to my bones. It seems to easy to justify a subtle or justifiable, worldly sin. but remembering that NOT sinning is not just what God calls To but will provide healing and refreshment is so … peace giving!
so thankful for the gift of conviction! Truly just puts things into perspective! Feels like a true father that’s trying to guide us on the right path!
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This lesson reminded me how healing the path of Christ is. It is SO easy to get caught up in the world and conform to its schemes. God is right beside us, just waiting to be called on to shed pathways of light onto our hearts:)
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Doubt, fear that what I have proclaimed to believe all my life is actually true. Prior to reading this devotion, I did a little Journaling in reference to my worldly struggles. I asked for the Holy Spirit to guide me. And how does this devotion end? Asking the Holy Spirit for the gift of conviction. That is when I doubt and become frightened, when the Lord comes so close to me. “He says, do not fear, for I am with you.” He surely is. Peace and Grace to you all. Prayers to embrace all He is and to not fear His closeness.
Our Hope is in Christ alone friend! Praying for you
Praying for you sister doubt is so normal proud of you for opening up. Sharing this is one step to bring darkness to the light and remove the enemy’s power. Praying the resurrected Jesus will be real to you so you can look to him as your proof that you will be okay because He has made you okay.
Jesus is the light of the world and instead of highlighting my imperfections, his light brings me closer to Him because my darkness, my sin, needs to be exposed for me to turn from it. I don’t have that power on my own and I can see how beautiful my dependence is on Christ.
Leila, keep the faith. Every time an arrow of doubt comes at you, use the word of God to shield and protect yourself. What scripture assures you of Gods love for you? Do you have one that comes to mind now? If so, use that verse, even a thousand times a day, and you will overcome. You are an over comer through Christ who gives you strength. God bless you and this hard time you are going through.
Praying for you Leila. I hope you were able to find some help and security in your salvation perhaps with a pastor or trusted friend.
The Holy Spirit is your advocate. Your salvation has already been purchased. Glad you’re getting into the word in a time of doubt. Praying over you today that your confidence will come from Christ and the word of God would just leap at you from the page and bring you great peace.
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Thank you for this message ❤️❤️
I love how the Bible reminds me of my dependence on the Lord
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He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light! Thank you and amen!❤️
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Thank God for His conviction!!
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Ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of conviction❤️
Love this! When we allow Christ to be in our lives, we can no longer live in darkness anymore because He is the light.
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A word in season, thank you for this reminder of conviction and how necessary it is to not sit in comfortability of our mess. It may bring comfort but it doesn’t bring peace.
Thank you, God, for your living word!
I am grateful for this study. And for the conviction to be in Gods word.
Amazing word again!! I really related to the “dark corners” in our heart because I really do believe I use to have more dark corners than light. I recognized this and God finally woke me up and gave me the push I needed to start ready this plan. Once again thank you for sharing and I feel like I’ve related to this chapter of the plan more than the other ones I’ve read so far.
Thankful for a community that reminds me of the beauty of spending time in the Word and thankful for a God who loves me enough to shed light on my sin because I am HIS daughter.
I have a lot of clutter to sort through. Glad God will be with me through it all;)
It’s only beneficial—God’s Word. The minute I turn it into a to do task is the minute I miss the beauty and power of it all.
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Jesus is the light of this dark world and we as Christians need to cling to him. Lord I pray I fAithfully seek you , May your Holy Spirit convict me always with bringing my mess into the light because it is there that I receive your perfect peace only you provide. In Jesus name, Amen!♥️
Today’s reading is basically telling me that we have these hidden piles of clutter in our soul, and we need to Marie Kondo it out. Only we need to be asking if it is useful or brings joy to God instead of ourselves. It sounds silly, but putting it in such a “today” concept helps me to understand. My hands have been working on my house. Now it’s time for my heart to start working on my soul.
this post gave me comfort I don’t know about you guys!!!??? it made me feel normal and not feel pressured into also want to bring more light into my life i think too that we can be sidetracked by the dark and reminisce about it then actually looking towards the light
Yes- to hear what I need to stop doing and what I should be doing more of
I love this… we all need to be called out… obedience is hard and the word does convict us, however it brings great hope, builds our faith and strengthens our walk…
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All I have to say is WOW! Today was good.
I love the point that keeping things hidden in the darkness provides comfort, but not peace. May we all aim to push the messy parts of our lives into the light so that we may encounter peace.
Lord let your light illuminate the things in my life that need to be refined.
Without some darkness, we forget our need for the light. Through my times when things are tough or not what I expected, I can be reminded about my need for God and all He supplies for me.
I think we all have some deal place with many things we want to keep hidden. Thanks for the reminder to allow the Holy Spirit to shine the light in those dark areas.
I love that saying from your friend – “Love towards the light and the shadows will fall behind you”. ❤️ Thank you for sharing.
This was so good, when we read the Bible, it reads us – it shines light onto the true desires and intentions of our heart. And through the Holy Spirit, our convictions will become stronger and we will desire to live according to God’s Word.
I just love how I can relate to this.. it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with these things ❤️
I too love piles. This was very convicting. Love starting my day with these devos.
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I loved this – one of my friends always said, “love towards the light and the shadows will fall behind you” and it so resonated with my heart and the scripture here also amplifies it that if we live in the Light, life will blossom. It sounds easy, but it means that we should intentionally and purposefully turn away from the darkness in our lives and that is sometimes difficult. But because He has already overcome this world, His power is within us and we van say no to the sin in our lives. We can live a victorious life through Him
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Reading John 1:5 today, thinking about events of this past 12 months, and especially this last week because it’s so fresh, puts in to words something I was saying to my daughter earlier this week. So powerful, He will overcome. The Bible always brings such conviction and comfort, it’s a blessing to be reminded of this ❤️
I often do good because I think than I will get good. But the root of that is sinful, because I do good not for Gods glory, but for my selfish reasons. May I be humble before the Lord, knowing the blood of Jesus saved me, so I should live for Him, even if it means admitting my wrongs and being corrected.
I’ve been blessed to know of the goodness of God all of my life. I cannot remember any time that I did not know who Jesus was and what He did for me. However, I can become distanced from the wondrous beauty in our Lord’s Word. I pray that I would wonder anew over the Scriptures this year. May my heart be softened to God’s presence. ❤️
I am not disciplined whatsoever. I’m making small changes in my everyday life the past couple of days to help change that but I’m still missing a few things. I’ll get there though.
Lord, give me the gift of conviction.
So true❤️
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Thank you Lord !!! You are so good !!
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I desire the light to be shed on my darkness. How great is it that going to the Word of God brings the light?!
Thank You Lord for being a light in the darkness
The fact that the Bible sheds light on our lives is so incredible. Often it’s easier for us to stay in the dark, as the plan stated, “There’s a kind of unsettled comfort in keeping the messy parts of our lives out of the light. There is comfort, but not peace” (Amanda Williams). Comfort in hiding my mistakes, anxiety and sins does not give me peace. It gives me unsettling dread, fear and shame.
The Bible tends to call these things to light and that can make a lot of people uncomfortable. But I am learning that discomfort urges us to take action. As we feel uncomfortable in our sin, we are implored to repent! There is beauty and joy that comes out of it.
Jesus is the Word, the Light and the Life. (John 1:1-5). How incredible is our Lord and Savior?
This is an incredible example of how much we need Jesus. Thank you for this encouragement Lauen!
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Discipline and obedience: 2 things I need going in to a new year!!!
I am a physical therapist treating a woman with MS. She hates doing her exercises on her own because it forces her to realize and face the impact the disease has had on her ability to do and be. Sometimes I hate really praying, really sitting down with the Lord because it forces me to face that I am not actually good enough on my own. That I NEED Jesus. It is humbling and hard. But just like my patient loves doing exercises when I am with her, cheering her on, pointing out areas of progress, what a gift we have in the Holy Spirit – there everyday cheering us on, pointed out the fruits of our spirit all while challenging us to draw even closer to our Savior.
Thank you
I never thought about the Bible revealing my convictions to me. I knew if I read my Bible that I would become closer to God and my Holy Spirit would become more pronoun in my life than before. Today’s devotion definitely made me think deeper than I have about the Bible and my relationship with Christ.
Thank you for this ! There is life in the Word!
I am here bawling my eyes out because I have experience the true and amazing conviction of God. God has been so good to me in every way. Reading his word today has allowed me to see how gracious and merciful he is, and it is amazing to experience this true conviction.
It is truly humbling that we can come in sweet communion with Jesus every day. The same God who created the Heavens and the Earth wants me to draw near to Him & walk with Him.
Keep the truth flowing from your pen. Don’t water it down. Thank you for the reminder to let God show us truth through the light of Jesus Christ.
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Oh my heart!! Saturating myself in His Word & light, confessing my sins, repenting, receiving His forgiveness, and being reconciled to Him, what an incredible way to live outside of comfort but blessed in His glorious light!! ❤️❤️
So so true. It can be whatever we are choosing to fill ourselves with at that point. It all comes up empty and leaves us feeling empty.
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Its interesting how when christians read the word “darkness” they automatically assume sin. Darkness can also be depression, or suffering. God’s light overcomes darkness – being in a dark period doesnt always mean there is something to confess.
Love this. God is so amazing to us.❤️
Amen
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Great way to kick of 21 days of Prayer and Fasting
When I seek food instead of God, there is temporary comfort, but not peace. When I buy new things instead of pray, there is temporary comfort, but not peace. When I plop down to watch mindless TV there is temporary comfort, but not peace. I must go to God first, then peace will reign. You can fill in the blank with anything that you want to keep in the dark.
As we dive in deeper into the word of God we realize truly how much we need God.
Love the fact that the Word brings light and exposes our hearts (sin and all). Thankful the Lord loves us so much that he gave us his Word.
Indeed and Amen!
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Amen
Lord, you see the darkest parts of my heart and love me regardless. By your word, illuminate those parts of me which don’t belong to my new life in Christ & empower me through your Spirit to put them to death.
Lord illuminate the dark corners of my heart
Lord help me to grow closer to you each and every day!! ❤️
So good.❤️
“Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart”
Amen! Realigns my view of His holy instruction as an honor versus a punishment.
Thank you Jesus
Asking the Holy Spirit for conviction is so tough, because I know he will do it…and that requires me to do something about the sin he convicts me of. Oh, Lord, give me the strength to flee from sin through your mercy and grace.
Amen!
Today’s text stirs up thankfulness within me that His discipline isn’t just for discipline’s sake but also confirms that I am loved by Him and am one in whom He delights!! This perspective helps to readily embrace His instruction and discipline, knowing that they are coupled to fruitfulness.
I like how “it’s hidden so it makes it appear better,” but we all know the mess is there and the turmoil we face.
Spot on Nikki! I agree!
Wow YESSS
While I’m a neat freak and everything is in its place, my relationship with God is not always that. I pray that I will seek God out everyday. Lord make visible to me my sins. Bless me with the Holy Spirit and guide me in my days.
I look for your comments daily Churchmouse, thank you for sharing so generously.
Reading this on Thursday instead of Wednesday and what an encouragement to keep going
I pray I can accept what comes to light…it’s so easy to hide it in the dark….
Hiding sin— “there is comfort, but not peace.” This really stuck out to me. Comfort is no replacement for peace.
Thank You, Father, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and an obedient heart.
❤️ prayers for you as you handle the news and next steps. He is with you every step of the way.
Thank you lord
Continue to light up my life Lord – every area that is dark & hidden. Help me to be more like You
Praise God and his words
I need this
I pray that He lights up the darkest parts of my heart through his Word so that I can be more like Him.
Going to make psalm 119:18 my prayer for the new month! ❤️
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Lord, open my heart to You, even in my tendency to turn a blind eye when I see my faults. Let me rejoice in Your light rather than cowering from it!
I pray for conviction!!!
So many great takeaways in this one!
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♥️Tina
My god, help me to feel your nearness and love so I may find the strength in my discipline to open my bible every day and be near to you lord.
I pray that through this I will be able to turn to the Bible when I am lost or I need reassurance.
Lord help me to understand that your word is the closest thing to understanding who you want me to be . Jesus allow my heart to accept your salvation . Help me to apply your word into my life . God help me to not feel so shameful of my sins because I will never be a perfect person , while also giving me the strength to live according to your word .
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I love the analogy of messes tugged in here and there in the house where the light is dim. I too have those corners hidden with things in my home I need to declutter, especially with kids and their clutter. And it’s true when we hold on to things, it does not give us peace. Clutters give anxiety and irritation easily, at least for me. May the Light of the Gospel expose those dark corners with clutters in our hearts and minds, and engage us in the processing of purging our old self, to be cleansed and be chiseled into His image daily. May the grace and courage be given so we can face the Truth.
The Holy Spirit brings us into the light of Jesus ☀️ I pray that throughout this journey I am focused and accept guidance from the Holy Spirit so that Jesus can shine through me daily.
Lord, help me to be more convicted to You and Your Word. Help me to show Your love and ways in all I do. Bless my SRT sisters. Amen.
I pray that God will soften my heart so that I will be receptive to his convictions.
Me too! That verse about giving the first fruits of our crops struck me – God spoke to me in that moment also ❤️
Lord, I lift these words to you that you may guide us all through Your words and Shine your Light into our ♡ as we give ourselves to you, to seek you, find comfort in you, and do as you ask. Amen.
I’m glad to be in this study. We all need to remind ourselves that we aren’t perfect, never will be perfect, yet, Jesus still wants us and wants to help us do better❤️
Sending you prayers of strength and love…Thank you so much for today’s scriptures and reading from Amanda. This is a very tough thing for me, to gather and come out with all my darkness. It’s hard to feel worthy at times but I know it would be an amazing step in following his Light…
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.❤️
i read the bible to heal what i already know i am broken from. when i come to the Word i realize how all the more broken i am and yet forgiveness and hope is still offered to me. i love the way Amanda said we come to the bible to shed light on the enormity of our sin yet we receive the Holy Spirit to be decisive and bold in our relationship with Christ.
Love this study!♡
Beautiful devotion. So very true. ❤️
Can anyone tell me how to access the .pdf that Amanda shared?
So much to think about in the idea of light. Light is vital to growth, to seeing things as they are. Light reveals so we can make better decisions. In a world where truth is often hard to sort out, it is comforting to know that Jesus provides us with a solid footing with his Light.
Thank you! I love reading John Piper!
So so good!! Reminds me of how I am as a mother. I guide my son in the right direction and correct him sometimes, because I love him and care about him. It’s exactly what God does for us!
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Wow. I loved this. The Light. And at the moment, it’s a sunshiney (but cold day in Baltimore). I’ve gotten into a habit of reading scripture on my phone exclusively and to open by physical SRT bible this morning was a gift. Thanks for drawing me closer … the Light abounds.
I am loving this reading plan!
Thanks for sharing!
Bless you! Praying with you! ❤️
I always think after skipping a couple days of not reading the Bible . Oh everything is going fine, but I realize once I open my bible each day has much more meaning, I’m constantly looking for & seeing god work through the day.
We so desperately need light in this dark world….that has the ability to pull even Christians into negativity and despair. Let out light shine brightly….wonderful verses to remind me that Christ lights the path, gives lift and is the Word!! Trying to live it boldly…not always easy!
Praying for each one of you and your families. I don’t know you but He does.
Stay strong in Him. Be bold in Him. Love with His love.
As I pray, I am sad that I can’t meet you face to face. I have my community of women and they are vital in my life. We meet weekly and build each one up.
I pray that you, sisters of SRT, that you also have your community and you draw from His well of Truth.
I’ve always been a person who openly shows off those hidden spots so people know I am not perfect, but there are some deep dark things still there.
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This year has made me recognize just how far away from God I was. I was almost in total darkness. When I lost the job I thought I loved, God was saying “You didn’t love this job. Let me show you.” Looking back, I was soooo unhappy and slipping further from God everyday. Four months later, He is bringing me back to him. I know he will provide me with the job He knows I need when the time is right. He is a provider. He is showing me that the only way to get out of the valley to the top of the mountain is through Him. Thank you, Lord for providing the directions to seek and find you again through your convincing words.
This is a wonderful reminder to go to God in prayer.
Such a convicting yet encouraging study! I am thankful for the goodness of the Father and His love that just brings me to my knees.
Convicted even now about tithing like God’s Word talks about in Proverbs 3! We tithe but not consistently-almost! But almost is not complete obedience! I need to make tithing top priority and then everything else after that! Asking God for His help to make this right!
I just read about John 1. I wanted to no why John calls Jesus the Word. Wow! There is a lot here I didn’t think about. Here is a link if you want to know more. It is by John Piper. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/in-the-beginning-was-the-word
I received a hat for Christmas that says, “Ya’ll need Jesus.” I haven’t worn it yet. My friend has a fabric pen that I need to borrow first. Yes – ya’ll do need Jesus but, no more than I do, every moment of every day.
Some people do not want any part of religion because they think it makes a person weak. In some ways, they are correct. The more I am with Him, the more dependent I become for His guidance, direction, protection, and love. I am desperate for Him. Those people are also dead wrong. There is no strength like that of my Savior. His guidance gives wisdom, discernment, and advantages I would never have on my own. In Christ alone is everything.
Paradox is the understanding of the soul how seemingly opposites, can be true. I guess paradox is my word for right now. I shared a few the other day. Here are a few more God is bringing to my heart.
In the beginning, before creation; was the Word. He is also the babe, Jesus, God’s Son; born on this earth.
Darkness seemingly squelched the Light on Calvary, yet darkness cannot overcome the Light.
He dwells within, yet is also the Light that shines out.
Trust in the Lord, not your own wisdom, for good, straight paths.
Give God first, and your barns will overflow.
God’s hard discipline is always a result of His harder love.
The Word represents, Jesus, and the written Word is given us in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is our indwelling Word.
Oh, Father God…may we spend time with you more and more. May 2021 be a year of honor and glory to You alone, the King of Kings and Lord of all. Amen.
I was talking with a friend yesterday about 2020. I’ve noticed the common language around it, is that we should be glad to move on, as if nothing good happened in 2020. However, for me, I found that all the disruption of normal and financial concerns, was used by the Lord to convict me of some areas of sin in my life. He did this lovingly and gently as I had more time in His word. I did a deep study on Sermon on the Mount (Jen Wilkin) which was wonderful and convicting at the same time. God wants my heart to be changed. While this has been a challenging year in many ways, I want to look at it as a growth year. Thank you Lord, for working on my heart this past year in significant ways through your Word.
Praying for you, Annette.
Thankful that the gift of conviction is meant to draw us closer to Jesus rather than scare us away. Conviction reminds me that I am a part of God’s family because He corrects those He loves, those that listen for Him. Another thing I’m thankful for is that even when I’m not ready to take steps of obedience and deal with that sin, or ready to hear the conviction, or unwilling to do anything about the conviction, or need more than a few reminders of that sin – He never leaves me. He is faithful. He loves me STILL. I am still a part of God’s family.
But God… what a love. Nothing can pluck me from His hand! Lord I pray for those of us who hear your conviction but just aren’t ready to deal with it yet. I pray that you continue to be faithful and draw us to you and continue to work on our hearts and minds to bring us to a place where we are ready to take that step of obedience, because we know it will make us more like Jesus. Amen <3
Great message and reminder❤️
Enjoying this study so much. Asking God to give me a new desire for the His Word. Love the .pdf you shared with us and I’ve created my space to meet with Him every day, loving it. Thank you so much for making these resources available. Also, enjoying this community, hope to make this a part of my daily life. My goal this year is to loyal and faithful to spending time with Him… God Bless!
Open my eyes Lord to wonderful and challenging things in your Word.
Having your deepest secrets or short comings revealed is hard and scary. But so important to fully embrace God’s love, grace and mercy. This will enable us to better know His love…this is my prayer for all of us that we not hold back. That we fully release this to Him to begin to restore us.
December 30, 2020 at 9:24 am
I have asked to see the depths of my sins. It is easy to play the comparison game and to think I’m not that bad. Sin is sin. God is Holy and takes sin seriously. Jesus wouldn’t have had to pay such an unfathomable price. Like Amanda says: Yet, as we travel through the pages of Scripture and grow in the knowledge of God, we find our need for the Gospel does not magically become smaller. Instead, we more clearly see the enormity of our need. Our salvation is an order so tall that only Christ’s perfection can measure up.
When I see how depraved I am, it’ should bring conviction and repentance, but also such thankfulness, gratitude, and joy because of having a Savior that paid it all. May we all fall more in love and be in awe of Jesus! Amen
So good
I have asked to see the depths of my sins. It is easy to play the comparison game and to think I’m not that bad. Sin is sin. God is Holy and takes sin seriously. Jesus wouldn’t have had to pay such an unfathomable price. Like Amanda says: Yet, as we travel through the pages of Scripture and grow in the knowledge of God, we find our need for the Gospel does not magically become smaller. Instead, we more clearly see the enormity of our need. Our salvation is an order so tall that only Christ’s perfection can measure up.
When I see how depraved I am, it’ should bring conviction and repentance, but also such thankfulness, gratitude, and joy because of having a Savior that paid it all. May we all fall more in love and be in awe of Jesus! Amen
I find it very hard to balance conviction and guilt. Praying for guidance and healthy response today. Praise God for His grace, His wisdom, and that He is the Righteous and Perfectly Loving Judge. ❤️
Praying for conviction is scary, especially for someone who constantly struggles with feelings of not being enough and fears of not being wanted. Thank you for the reminder that in God we find loving conviction, whose goal is to draw us back to Him.
I have always been convicted by the verse that a man who thinks that he is without sin is like someone who walks away from a mirror and forgets their appearance. I do this ALL the time. I know I’m not alone.
Amen to that!
Friends, I’m entering the new year committed to lay aside the things beside Christ that I’ve gone to for comfort and to escape- TV and alcohol. The Holy Spirit has turned the light on in these areas. Praying for strength.
“the GIFT of conviction” what a good reminder..letting the light in is tough but it is an absolute privilege that we are able to do so safely.
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Love this verse Beth! Thank you for sharing!!
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I can totally relate to this. Even now it’s not easy, but I want to spend time in the Word like I used to. My desire is to be closer to God with each passing day, and time in the Word should be like consuming a meal. Praying for you right now Estelle:)
This is a painful one to address because it’s SO EASY to allow ourselves our little pet sins! I’m not talking about “big” ones like adultery or stealing, but things like not being purposeful with our days, watching a show that ehhhhh… we know doesn’t feed our spirit, getting angry in the wrong way with our children. There are specific admonitions for each of these things in the Bible, and yet it’s not something we see as sin, but it is! It’s disobedience to a God that is so clear about what He expects from His children. These are the dark corner sins that God is dealing with in my heart this morning… praying for full repentance and a desire for Him greater than anything the world has to offer.
Amen!!! And I too miss mix tapes and have those ‘piles of comfort’ that are in dark corners.. I see them in my life daily, and most especially in my spiritual life and walk with God. I pray everyday for HIS Light to shine on those “secret” places so that the Glory of God may be revealed!!
….Just yesterday I was talking with my Mum about how God has been showing me that being “comfortable” on our journey and in our walks with Him is NOT a good thing.. it means we have become stagnant… something I struggle with, but at the same time NEVER want to be in my relationship with God. My desire is to always be drawing closer to Him, no matter the cost!! It’s not a very popular way to walk with God nor is it very neat and tidy, but it is “black & white” and for THAT I am super grateful!!! So THANK YOU Jesus for the UNCOMFORTABLENESS of my life and walk with You, it helps me know that You’re there guiding and instructing me, always! And as horrible as it feels to be outside of my “comfort zone” I find JOY in it because I know You’re revealing things that need to be revealed. To YOU be all the Glory!!! Forever and ever AMEN!!!
Perhaps John 1:10 is one of the saddest verses in the Bible. “He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him.” Jesus came into the world and presented Himself to the very people who should have been laser focused in looking for Him. They were the chosen people who knew the Messiah was to come. Yet they did not recognize Him when He was right in front of them.
I recognize Him more clearly when I stay in the Word more faithfully. I don’t want to miss a single revelation of Himself in my life. From a stunning sunrise to a Sunday sermon, I want to recognize His daily coming to me. I pray none of us overlook Him or ignore Him in 2021. Open blind eyes, Lord.
I’ve not thought of conviction as a gift before! Thanks for that perspective.
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“Lean not on your own understanding…” He won’t leave me without any ANY understanding… I feel like this longtime favorite verse is a new promise to me today. Bring me Your understanding, today, Lord, as I “contemplate Your instruction.” Such a good and needed word for me today…
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, LORD God of Armies. Jeremiah 15:16.
Oh, that I might find delight in your word as food is to my body. Pure nourishment.
I find it so easy to read Christian authors and study their books. But I confess I am replacing Bible reading with them. And while these books are excellent, they don’t replace The Word of God. Praying for conviction and a desire to read my Bible every day.
Lord, shine the light of Your Word on the dark places of my life and my heart. Bring them into the light and Holy Spirit give me a burning desire to give those areas to Jesus. To seek forgiveness and correction. This is my prayer.
“Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”
“In Him was life and the life was the light of man.”
Two of my favorite verses and I love being able to reflect on them together this morning!
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May I cling to your Word and walk into the light.
@Amanda, YES to all of it…incl.missing mixtapes ;)
“Most of my life, I assumed becoming a “good Christian” was the goal…”
I need transformation. Oh Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
So thankful that God shines a light on our junk piles in our heart. And that he gives and offers us Grace and mercy to start fresh everyday.
Proverbs 3:5 really struck me. One of my struggles is trying to understand every thing instead of pausing and leaning into the Lord. This may have become my verse for 2021. “ 5Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” I pray we can all lean into God more this year and trust his plan.
I thank God for His mercies that are new every morning
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Thank you, Tina. Your authentic and heartfelt words are an encouragement ❣️
Great message this morning. Oh how I try to keep the light from shining on all the messy parts of my life but I find freedom when it does.
Proverbs 3:5-6 are my verses for 2021. I will lean not on my own understanding but acknowledge Him and His ways as better than my own. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness in leading me back to your way when I so frequently wander off. Forgive me Lord, please! I love you and am so thankful for your mercy and grace to straighten my path and draw me ever closer to you. I love you, Lord!
Favorite verse:
18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
I think many times I fear opening the Bible because I know I sinned that day. But, instead, I need to find hope in the Bible instead of punishment. God wants me to just keep trying instead of feeling guilty, which is a waste of time. Such a good word!
Opening my Bible is not “work.” It’s my lifeline. I need it like I need air. On the other hand, applying the Truth to my life is work. Facing my sin is work.
Jesus is the Word made flesh. So thankful for the Light of the world who does not leave us in darkness but transforms us to reflect His light, to speak and share His love so our little light can bring His kindness, mercy and grace and together in Him and through Him we can be a beacon of light! Thank you Jesus!
Thank you Lord for your Word.
Lord thank you for your word!
Proverbs 3:3 reminded me… Some years ago I had the daunting pleasure of praying and ‘hearing’ for one of our lead pastors wife… I say daunting, because this was a woman who could preach, talk the talk, was annointed.. and well she was a pastors wife. !
Me, a mere fish in the vast ocean of wannabes!
As I approached her I told her I was not one of those that God spoke to,I apologised in advance..!( ugh, the enemy)
I kid you not, no sooner had I closed my eyes to pray, I saw a picture of a heart shaped bible, and this bible was where the pastors wifes heart was..
God is good, so very good!
Before I comment some more, I pray that picture over each and every one here, actually I’M CLAIMING IT FOR US! That our hearts will hold to overflowing the living word of God, that is alive, if we but take it to our hearts. Amen..
When my boys were inches long, I fed them.. until they were both over a year old, they suckled..thank you Lord that I was able to do that, because they,( obviously) are not inches long anymore, they are both over 6’2..
I can see the benefits of home grown milk, they have grown into well proportioned , well nourished healthy and fit men..
If I could be as well proportioned, well nourished, healthy in and from my bible reading and time spent with the Lord, I reckon, I would be over 25foot tall!!!
I would reach the heavens!
But God..
Dearest wonderful, faithful ‘I hold you close, no matter what’ God..
He feeds me His Word, in my connection with Him, as I need food to grow in mind and body, so,He feeds me. So, He feeds my spirit, so He feeds my soul, He feeds me in places food, ordinary every day food, could never reach, could never satisfy.
His Word my hope secures, as the hymn goes..
As the old school report used to say..(could) I will do better!!
Praying Dearest Father God, that I will never part from your word, that though it is sometimes a struggle, or even a battle against ‘doing life’, Lord, I prayfully ask, you bring me back to you in those times, reminding me that your Word is good and life changing, life transforming, life enhancing, enriching, satisfying, life providing..
Thank you Lord God. Thank you for your Word..
Amen..
Praying the Father’s love and blessings wrapped around you this winter Wednesday..❤
Yes Jeni…exactly that!!
The beauty and truth of the word has been so nourishing each day of this study. Thank you!
Oh Amanda, this is SO good!!
There’s something sweet about conviction…knowing that God is bringing us closer to Himself through it. This is what makes me welcome discipline in my life. I want nothing more than to be close to Him!