Put on the Armor of Light

Dear One ... Breathe deeply and take a few moments to center yourself.  With each breath, remember that you are loved by God.  Trust that God wants to lead you and guide you.   

 

Pray ... Loving Spirit, guide me in my reading and speak your Word to my heart. 

 

Read the passage slowly with a sense of joy and openness

 

Romans 13:8-14     Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.   This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (NLT)

Read the passage again slowly and Reflect.  What word or phrase draws your attention? Turn it over in your mind simply holding the words close to your heart.  Write down your word or phrase as you contemplate what God is saying to you.  

Read the passage again slowly and Respond.   How do you respond to God's still, small voice?  You may find yourself wanting to respond in prayer as you talk to God about what you have heard in this time of quiet.  Write down any action or commitments you desire to make.

Read the passage again and Rest.  

Pray ... Clothe me with your Presence, O God.

Cindy's Reflection ... Put on the armor of light says the NRSV ... so much more beautiful than the shining armor of "right living."  Light attracts ... Right living attracts.  Walk in the light, the way of God ... light, light, shining light.

God of Shining Light, fill me with your light and guide me in right living ... every step.  Let your light reveal the state of my heart and the purity of my life.   My armor, I feel it is lacking.  Give me strength, O God of Life.  Give me the confidence to wear the shining armor of light over my heart and stand strong in your love for me.  Help me stand in the light and always do right!

Amen ...