Daily Devotions

Our second Lenten thought for this week comes from Chuck Colsonn. He became an evangelical Christian in 1973. His mid-life religious conversion sparked a radical life change that led to the founding of his non-profit ministry, the Prison Fellowship and three years later, the Prison Fellowship International. His intention was to  focus on teaching and training around the world. He claimed, “Lent affords us the opportunity to search the depths of our sin and experience the heights of God's love." 

Perhaps the one Psalm that constantly challenges me is Psalm 139 and particularly the words “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

This is the unfolding mystery of honestly journeying through Lent, but it can depend on what we call the heights and depths of this path towards Easter. Surely it is the fact that Jesus is the one walks who alongside us whether we are in the deepest darkness or the glorious light of his glory. Let me share another element of this ever present light of Christ, for in 1John 1:5 we read, “This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.” (the Message)

A young girl once consulted with her minister. "I cannot stick it out any longer. I am the only Christian in the factory where I work. I get nothing but taunts and sneers. It is more than I can stand. I am going to resign." 

"Will you tell me," asked the minister, "where lights are placed?" 

"What has that to do with it?" the young Christian asked him rather bluntly.

"Never mind," the minister replied. "Answer my question: Where are lights placed?"

"I suppose in dark places," she replied. "Yes, and that is why you have been put in that factory where there is such spiritual darkness and where there is no other Christian to shine for the Lord."

The young Christian realised for the first time the opportunity that was hers. She felt she could not fail God by allowing her light to go out. She went back to the factory with renewed determination to let her light shine in that dark corner. Before long, she was the means of leading nine other girls to the Light.

Father in Heaven, You made me Your child and called me to walk in the Light of Christ. Free me from darkness and keep me in the Light of Your Truth. The Light of Jesus that has scattered the darkness of hatred and sin. Called to that Light, I ask for Your guidance. Form my life in Your Truth, my heart in Your Love. Through the fellowship of our Holy presence, give me the power of Your Grace that I may walk in the Light of Jesus and serve Him faithfully. Amen