Today marks an anniversary for me…
Allow me to explain, be somewhat vulnerable but also very honest.
Exactly a year ago today I found myself sitting under some seriously heavy conviction, and not only that, having God reveal to me deep rooted issues that was clearly affecting my life in a number of areas, even though on the outside many might not have thought so.
Backtracking a bit… I have been involved in many sessions counselling other people and especially Christians who are heavily oppressed by demonic spirits and powers. I have been in some dark places in India where I have witnessed the power and authority of Jesus and His spoken Word in ways I had not otherwise. I have seen many people set free from the grip of satan and at the same time I have sadly seen people stay in his bondages. I will not shy away from saying that from these moments and experiences, I believe strongly that Christians can, in fact, have a demon or many dwelling inside them. Now please pause, I did not say, possessing them, rather dwelling in them, as an intruder would inside your home, and for many reasons – to steal, kill and destroy you, to have you walk in darkness and to wreak havoc by taking your eyes off the prize of eternal life – a relationship with Jesus. I know that this is a hard pill to swallow for many, so whereas I would love to take the opportunity to validate more of what I just said, I will get back to MY story and the point of this devotion.
Fast-forwarding… I found myself being led by God’s Spirit with an intense need to write down sins I had done which I had never confessed to anyone. Also moments of darkness I had found myself in for a number of reasons, thought patterns which were still ungodly and unholy according to Phil 4:8, I noted. To cut a long story short, I then felt the need to approach one of the elders from my church at the time and bring what was on this list to light. After meeting at a restaurant to pour these things out, I faced a man who just sat there listening, not judging, and excited too because he knew what God was doing, and so was I. This confession was the first step to walking in greater freedom and in much more of God’s marvellous light. Freedom = Light and visa versa. However, there was still another step… to repent, renounce and reclaim!
A couple of weeks after that initial meeting, we agreed to have a night of prayer to engage in warfare and address these matters once and for all, which we did. And again, to cut this long story even shorter, Jesus came through powerfully and I was freed from things I had no idea was holding me captive. A year ago, I was experiencing freedom in ways I had helped others encounter and experience. Yes, you read that correctly. One of the most incredible things that came from this time, was my understanding of light, the very reason for why I share today’s devotion. The Bible has much more to say about light than the few Scriptures I share below.
It’s exactly one year later, and I am still free, still strong and still walking in the light, knowing that the future will get ever brighter as I continue to cling to my hope in Jesus. How can I say this? Here is why – John 8:36 NIV
There is of course much more I could say and would love to add but I rate that’s enough to drive you to consider you own faith for a moment. Are you truly living in the light? What does it mean? What is that supposed to look like?
‘Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”’ – John 11 vs 9-10 (NIV)
Read Matthew 5:14-16 NIV, Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV, 1 John 1:5-7 NIV, 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 NIV, Acts 13:47 NIV, Job 18:5-6 NIV
In light of these Scriptures consider the following:
- Just because you can see around your house doesn’t mean that it is as light as it needs to be. Eyes adjust to darker rooms.
- However, the faintest light can cause us to see.
- But God’s light shines brightest. The more of Jesus we allow in, the more we will see just how much darkness we have been sitting in.
- A dim room is comfortable and you get used to the level of light.
- The level of light differs per person.
- Coming from a summers day into a dark room is inevitably very noticeable. If you are walking in the light you will pick up who is in darkness and if you are living in darkness you will pick up who is in the light. But very difficult to always see where some are at if you are both in the same lighting. See Luke 11:35 NIV (I guess this is why it’s important to speak to known mature Christians)
- Although both might be in dark rooms with dim lights, it might have become brighter for the one and darker for the other.
- Walk in the light… You will see more, be able to do more.. And remember that just because the lights are on for you doesn’t mean others can see what you see. It might just be that your life is blinding theirs. This is why some will hate you. But let your light shine before all men so that they may see and give your Father in heaven glory.
‘…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ – Matthew 5 vs 16 (NIV)
‘See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.’ – Luke 11 vs 35 (NIV)
I encourage you to meditate further on what it means to live in the light of Jesus, the light of His truth and in the light of the Gospel.
And ask yourself the all important question right now, ‘I AM TRULY LIVING IN THE LIGHT?‘
I challenge you to live in the light, and the first way in which to do this is by bringing everything that is in darkness to light. As you do, you will know the grace of God in a measure you never thought possible. It is available and enabling.
The best is to do it now, rather than later when Christ reveals all. Either way, everything will be brought into the light (Luke 8:17 NIV).
Reach out to someone who fears God, is strong in faith, understands their authority in Jesus and who loves your soul.
There is no need to be afraid.
May you begin to walk and live in greater light.
God bless you all #Abide365
About the author : Jarrod Moore
Jarrod is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, who is fully devoted to the Word of God. Jarrod is married to Tamzyn and together they have one awesome boy, Malachi Josiah.
Very well said Jarrod. Your light is bright and getting brighter. You have God’s favour and it can’t be denied. Bless you Jarrod.
So privileged to have been part of seeing you set free and the light coming into every room in your heart. Stick close to Jesus, listen to His voice and be obedient to all He says.
We miss you guys.
Love
Kev.