Walking as Children of Light - Melissa Compton

Have you ever been in your room at night and think you see something in your room that is scary? Then you hear a noise that sounds like something is there and moving in your room? Next thing you know you're running for the light and when you turn it on you can clearly see it's a familiar object that has always been there and nothing that could bring you harm. 

Satan works in the same way. In his darkness, he makes us see and believe things that aren't real. He distorts our thoughts and vision. Maybe we judge ourselves harshly. We aren't as pretty, as skinny, as smart as other women are? We think we could be a better mother, better wife, better friend?  Maybe we question whether God loves us? When these doubts and fears come into our hearts it is time for us to turn on the light of Jesus. He reveals all things and only speaks truth. His light will cast out the darkness of Satan and make us the person we are meant to be. We are children of the King! We are beautiful, smart and courageous!  We could never do anything to make Him love us less!  

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, "For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." When we accept Christ and put him first in our lives He will shine His light and reveal the true joy that can only be found in him. Today I pray that you will let Jesus in your heart so He can flood the darkness of Satan's lies with the Light of everlasting life. 

Ephesians 5:8

for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

John 8:12

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

Acts 26:18

to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'

Melissa Compton is a Small Group Leader in SURGE Student Ministries at Berean Baptist Church. She is also involved in worship ministries and is proud mom and wife. 

Is God Near to You?

'How close are you to God right now?' seems to be a fairly common question in Christian circles. At a glance the question may appear somewhat ludicrous; isn't God everywhere? How can one person be closer to God than another? At the heart of this question lies a qualitative sense of the word "close" not a spacial sense.

In the Old Testament the nearness of God had a very tangible sense. It represented the manifest presence of the LORD. It was seen in the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day as the nation of Israel wandered through the wilderness. It was seen as the glory of Lord as a cloud which rested over and in the tabernacle and the temple. Israel could visibly see when the LORD was near.

When thinking of the nearness of God Biblically, we must understand that there are two sides of this concept.  The first is the nearness of God that is obtained through salvation. "But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). Redemption and reconciliation through Jesus Christ are the basis for the nearness of God. The holiness of God cannot be near evil but the atonement makes a way for man to be brought back into the presence of his Creator.

Secondly, the concept of the nearness of God has definite applications for the believer, the follower of God in Jesus Christ. James, writing to believing Jews, commands that they should "draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). David prays, "but as for me, the nearness of God is my good" (Psalm 73:28). The author of Hebrews writes, "therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Yes, at the moment of salvation we have been reconciled in our relationship with God, but there remains a responsibility on the part of the believer to be consistently drawing himself near/nearer to the presence of God. "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). "Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). What does this responsibility entail?

James goes on in chapter four after commanding us to "draw near to God," he writes "cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). Purification precedes nearness. When we seek the nearness of God, we must come with a "broken and contrite heart," this He "will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).

Practically, seeking the nearness of God means obeying his commands, devoting times of worship and praise, abiding in Him and His word, calling on Him in prayer, seeking Him in a community setting, serving others, and simply inviting Him to come near. "Be near, O God" should be our daily prayer.

David speaks affirmatively that "the nearness of God is my good." It is a comfort for the hurting, "the LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18), it is strength for the weak (Psalm 73:26), and it provides us with mercy and grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Seeking the nearness of God is of uttermost importance if we are to walk in such a way that pleases Him.

The next time someone asks you 'how close are you to God right now?' May you be able to answer, 'HE IS NEAR!' Today, seek the nearness of God.

"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." ~Hebrews 10:19-22

"Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near." ~Isaiah 55:6