August 7, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Devotional, Monday ODB Message
August 7, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Devotional, Monday ODB Message written by Kenneth Petersen and Insight by J.R. Hudberg
TOPIC: A Thousand Dots of Light
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BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 72–73; Romans 9:1–15
KEY VERSE: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light – Ephesians 5:8
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 5:8–20
INSIGHT
In Ephesians 5, Paul contrasts—as he does elsewhere (see 2:1–10)—who we were before we believed in Jesus with who we are after we believe in Him. Using the metaphors of darkness (before knowing Jesus) and light (after belief), he encourages us to “live as children of light” (5:8).
Then he says that the “fruit of the light” consists of “goodness, righteousness and truth” (v. 9). Goodness refers to an intrinsic quality with emphasis on kindness. Righteousness refers to justice or justness. And truth refers not only to telling the truth but also living an honest life.
August 7, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Devotional MESSAGE:
The Dismals Canyon in northwestern Alabama attracts a number of tourists each year, many in May and June when the gnat larvae hatch and become glowworms. At night, these glowworms cast a brilliant blue luminescence, and thousands of them together create a breathtaking light.
In a way, the apostle Paul writes about believers in Christ as glowworms. He explains that “you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8). But sometimes we wonder how “this little light of mine” can make a difference. Paul suggests it isn’t just a solo act. He calls us “children of light” (v. 8) and explains that we “share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:12). Being light in the world is a collective effort, the work of the body of Christ, the work of the church. Paul reinforces this with the picture of us “glowworms” worshiping together, “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:19).
When we get discouraged, thinking our life testimony is just one little dot in a midnight culture of pitch black, we might take assurance from the Bible. We’re not alone. Together, as God guides us, we make a difference and glow a brilliant light. It seems that a whole congregation of glowworms might attract a whole lot of interest.
Reflect & Pray
How does it encourage you to know you’re not alone in Christ? How can you shine brightly with other believers today?
Dear God, please help me shine Your light with other believers in Jesus.
Our Daily Bread Devotional For August 7, 2023, Monday ODB Message . Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY
