NT24 FastSample

Day 21 by Aaron Smith, USM 2nd Year Pastor of UPPERROOM

Today’s Reading: 1-3 John, Jude

"This is the message in which we heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all!" (1 John 1:5)

This is a verse that I quote with my kids…the conversation might look something like this:

Rosie: Daddy, can we watch that show? (Insert TV show or movie she sees that has a message that is contradictory to scripture or of God's nature.)

Me: No, Rosie, let's pick a different one.

Rosie: But whhhyyyyy? I want that one!

Me: That one isn't nice, and remember: God is light, and in Him there is what?

Rosie: No darkness! (We've practiced this before!!)

Me: That's right! And so because of that, we want to fill our eyes with things that are like Him, LIGHT!

Now, don't get me wrong...the conversation isn't always that easy. Sometimes, there are tears, complaints, and attempts at making negotiations to get to watch the show with a little darkness in it, but in the end, GOD IS LIGHT, so we do not waver! Once the dust settles, we settle on something that is encouraging and lovely and, in the end, puts the narrative of God before us. I think this is the purpose of John and Jude's writings in 1-3 John and Jude. There is a heavy emphasis on remembering that Jesus is GOD and lives in YOU, and He is greater and better than everything culture is currently calling cool and relevant. I think we all have similar conversations like the one above with our heavenly Father. We plead, pray, and argue with God over something we want or think we need when the reality is that HE IS LIGHT, and there is no darkness in Him.

I don't think darkness is always "sin." In fact, by definition, it is just the absence of light. Therefore, anything 'antichrist' in spirit is simply just the narrative that has removed the presence of GOD - any thought, prayer, circumstance, or show that has removed His Light. Even in fasting, you can remove food from your daily routine, but if you are not factoring in God, then it's just a diet. We are made to be a people that behold the light, live in the light, and are transformed by the light; to be of the light!! I want to remind you today to look to Jesus, the One who is light and the One who builds you up on your most Holy faith! (Jude 20)

Prayer: Jesus! I declare that YOU ARE LIGHT. I repent for where I have looked to other things, even those things that are not inherently bad, yet there was simply the absence of light in it. As I fast, would You open my awareness to see You in all things and live from the love that You so generously lavish upon me? You are the LORD of my life and nothing is off limits from You. Jesus, shine Your light in every area of my life. I love you, Jesus, thank You!!