Otis T. McMillan ~ Light, Life, and Love
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” —Daniel 6:10
Daniel’s life shows the power of a heart transformed by faith in God. A transformed heart is a grateful heart. A heart filled with gratitude overflows in praise to the Giver of Life. It perceives the world (and the people in it) differently.
It is strengthened in faith, and grows in confidence that God will continue to show himself strong on our behalf. What has God done in your life? How do you see the world differently because of who God is?
Take a moment to pray with me for a life of gratitude: Transform our hearts, O God. Fill us with praise for who You are and gratitude for what You have done. Strengthen our confidence as we worship You with humility and thankfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”—John 8:12
Our eyes are drawn to light. Light in all its forms—a pinprick of light that illuminates a dark room, moving light, changing light—draws our attention. Jesus said that he is the light of the world.
Are our eyes as tuned to spiritual light as they are to physical light? Do we strain to catch a glimpse of Jesus, the Light of the world, whose presence stands out like life-giving light in a dark world? Look for Jesus to go before you today, and follow where he leads.
Take a moment to pray with me again, this time to see the light of Christ: Transform our hearts, O God. Fill us with praise for who You are and gratitude for what You have done. Strengthen our confidence as we worship You with humility and thankfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“We love because he first loved us.” —1 John 4:19
As we come to know whose we are and we become increasingly familiar with God’s character, we cannot help but be overwhelmed at the depth of God’s love for us. His love is a powerful change agent; it permeates our attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions. It transforms our lives, bringing new purpose and meaning.
When we extend his love to others, it transforms them, as well. Are we being so transformed by his love that we find ourselves loving others like Jesus loves us, even if that means loving out of our comfort zone? Who will you love like Jesus today?
Take a moment to pray with me for the love of God to transform your life: Jesus, Your love is transforming our lives, changing us from the inside out. May Your love complete its work within us. Reach into our hearts, revolutionize our thinking, reshape our lives so that we are more like You, living ambassadors of God’s love. Teach us to love like You, we pray in Your name, amen.