Today is MAY 24

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

John writes that it is God’s love that compelled the incarnation of Christ – the coming of the light of Christ into the world. But John also writes that while light came into the world... people loved darkness all the more, because people can hide in darkness. What do you think about that? Are there dark things that you are tempted to hide from God... that keep you from entering into His love for you?

This business of darkness and light, and our proclivity to stay in the dark, seems to have a lot to do with fear. When we’re afraid, we hide. Do you remember how in our creation story, Adam and Eve hid from God because they were filled with fear and shame? As you listen to the scripture again, wonder about your own proclivity to hide when you are afraid, or ashamed.

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

God came into the world as Christ, motivated by His Holy Love... to rescue the world. Perhaps today, you feel the need to be rescued from something. Perhaps today, you’ve forgotten the love of God. As we end our time of prayer, take a moment to prayerfully imagine Christ present with you. Imagine the sound of His voice, speaking words of love over you. Cast all your cares onto Him, for He cares for you.

Music Credit:
"You Meet Me Here" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)