Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: John 8 and Psalm 43

Every human being’s life is in so many ways fashioned by the daily decisions one makes; and one makes those decisions based on certain criteria. One might be guided by one’s desires, one’s needs, one’s ambitions, one’s dreams, one’s principles, or one’s convictions (to name but a few possible criteria).

In John 8:12, Jesus made the bold claim that He is the Light of the World and that if one will fashion one’s life by His will, one will find true life and will never walk in darkness. In other words, if we will take the time to discern and to live our lives in step with what Jesus desires and requires of us, we will truly live, because we will be led by the deeper, life-giving reality of His will.

Jesus said the same thing in different words in v. 31-32, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ Again, Jesus claims that if we will take the time to discern and to live our lives in step with what He desires and requires of us, we will live our lives free of the controlling power our own sinful desires, ambitions and attitudes. We will be truly free (v.36), and we will live our lives as they were designed to be lived – forever (v.51).

Life Application: Is there a tough decision you need to make today about a course of action (in even the smallest-seeming matter) or a direction for your future? Prayerfully measure your possible decisions/directions against what you know of Jesus’ teaching and His will, and let that be the decisive factor. if you’re unsure, bounce it off a trusted brother- or sister-in-Christ. Then, step out in faith and obedience to what you discern.