John 3:20 “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”

For some reason I’ve been referencing verses 18-21 a lot recently! As Intercessors for America was saying just yesterday, the prayer focus for 2023 has been truth and justice. With whistleblowers and the like we’ve been seeing a lot of truth come out, and we need to keep praying for justice. I think the truth of this verse is something everyone has experienced, not just in those around them or in the news, but in their own heart. We don’t like it when the bad stuff we do comes out! That’s why honesty before God is so essential. As came up two days ago, we can’t hide anything from God anyway, so it’s really a matter of being honest with ourselves. If we indeed confess our sins in repentance, He will truly cleanse us from the filth we’ve gotten ourselves into, just as John wrote. (1 John 1:9) When we know we are forgiven and clean, we run joyfully to God to fellowship with Him, which is what we were created for. This verse describes the reverse of that, and it’s absolutely tragic. As we pray for truth and justice in all things, we need to pray God’s mercy for those who have been deceived by the devil. Yesterday I saw a video of a man who seemed like a nice person, but he was convinced of things that are opposite the truth. It takes courage to admit, even to yourself, that you’ve been immersed in a lie! The ultimate answer is of course Jesus, since as He Himself said, He is the Truth. (John 14:6) He is the light in whom we are to walk, just as He says here.

I had the huge advantage of being raised by a man who held Absolute Honesty as one of his foundational principles. Coming to the light has been comparatively easy for me, though there have certainly been things in my life that I can’t brag about and would rather not discuss! However, I must never deny that they have happened, but rather give glory to God and delight in His grace and mercy. The Internet brings me an immense flow of facts, as well as a lot of attempted deception. I must let Holy Spirit be the filter on my eyes, ears, and heart, so that I will not be led astray but stay on God’s path consistently, doing His will on His schedule for His glory.

Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for not discarding me when I refused to follow what I knew You were saying. Help me be a faithful guide to help others likewise walk in Your light, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!