September 29 – Dispel My Darkness by the Light

Hope for Today: A Daily Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus

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“Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

“That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15

Lord, I desire to shine in good works, the genuine fruits of faith; therefore will I give myself up to You, to purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit. Looking upon myself as Yours, I would not only abstain from evil — but from the very appearance of it. Some are satisfied with knowing that they are blameless, and care not what others think of them; but, for the gospel’s sake, I desire to appear blameless before others, lest some offense should come through me, which as far as in me lies, I would prevent . Your children, O God, are as lights in the world. O pour Your grace, that heavenly oil, into my lamp; and so trim it, that it may give light unto all around, that they may be led to glorify Your holy name. O influence me by the Spirit of Christ, that I may live as Jesus lived and work as Jesus worked. I would be holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners, even as Jesus was. I would let my light so shine before men, that they, seeing my good works, may glorify my Father who is in heaven. O to represent Jesus in my spirit, temper, and whole deportment!

O Lord, my stubborn will subdue,
Create my ruined frame anew,
Dispel my darkness by the light;
Into all truth my spirit guide,
But from my eyes forever hide
All things displeasing in Your sight.

Devotion by Karl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690—1774)