1 John 2:1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence — Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
What of Today’s Verse…
God hates sin. Don’t you? I know I do. But isn’t it amazing how we’ll fall back into the same old traps again and again. This is where John, the tender Shepherd that he was, hits the nail on the head. The goal is to not commit even one sin. But, knowing our struggle against the flesh, John also gives assurance to those of us trying to live faithful and pure lives that when we do sin, the sacrifice for our sins, God’s Son, is also our defence attorney.
Let us Pray:
God, no one and nothing is like you. I did not have to provide a sacrifice for my sins, which broke your heart. You provided that sacrifice. Please use me today as I try to give myself, my life, and my future back to you as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Light a candle…
I am writing this by candlelight. On my desk are two sources of illumination — a computer that is powered by one of the most complex and powerful devices ever made by man, and a candle.
A candle is the essence of simplicity. Just some wax and a string. It is easy to make, easy to use, and easy to understand. Candles give just enough light, but not too much. They are dependable and beautiful.
What is it that draws us to candlelight? We keep vigils with candles, worship with them, dine with them, put them on our birthday cakes, and keep them around as backup illumination.
Perhaps candles are so fascinating because they are a metaphor for life itself. We light them; they burn brightly for a while, then grow dim and finally burn out. They are at the same time robust and fragile. Each candle flickers in its own unique way, and when many of them are burning together the results can be magnificent.
Keep your candle burning brightly!
