For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
—Ephesians 5:8-20

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Living in the Light
By Jennifer Kane

We once were shadows, veiled and dim,
Our hearts asleep, our hope grown thin.
But Light broke through the heavy night—
Now we are children, bathed in Light.

Like lanterns lit with Heaven’s flame,
We play no longer sin’s old game.
We laugh with joy, we sing with grace,
Reflecting mercy on each face.

We dance on streets where gloom once spread,
Our steps reviving hearts long dead.
Each hand we touch, each song we raise,
Turns silent dusk to dawns of praise.

One child, aglow, begins to run—
A spark passed on from Son to son.
Through crowds of dark, the Light takes flight,
A holy plague that conquers night.

We do not drink from wells run dry,
Nor chase the thrills that make truth lie.
Instead, we drink the Spirit’s wine,
And glow with joy—pure, warm, divine.

No vulgar jest, no whispered greed
Can dim the Light we’ve now received.
Our speech is filled with grateful songs—
A chorus where the weak grow strong.

So wake, O sleeper—rise and see!
The Light of Christ now shines in thee.
No longer lost, no longer blind—
The Light has come. Leave fear behind.

Let goodness bloom, let wisdom grow,
Let every moment brightly glow.
For we were darkness—now we shine,
Alive in Christ, the Light divine.

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Scriptures: Ephesians 5:8-20

There’s something sacred about light. It reveals, it warms, it guides. In this passage, Paul reminds us that we were once darkness—not just in it, but part of it. But now, through Christ, we are light in the Lord. This isn’t a small shift—it’s a complete transformation of identity, purpose, and behavior.

Living as “children of light” means leaving behind the shadows: sin, shame, and secrecy. Instead, we’re called to walk in goodness, righteousness, and truth (v. 9). The light of Christ doesn’t just clean us up; it changes the way we see everything.

Are we guarding our speech, avoiding coarse talk, and instead offering words of gratitude (v. 4)? Are we exposing darkness—not through judgmental harshness, but by the clarity of our example (v. 11)? When we walk in light, we shine truth without even needing to speak.

Paul then gives us a wake-up call: “Awake, sleeper, rise from the dead!” (v. 14). The world lulls us to spiritual sleep through distraction, compromise, and dull routine. But Christ calls us to rise—to live alert, wise, and intentional lives. That means being mindful of how we use our time, knowing that the days are evil (v. 16). Each moment we’re given is an opportunity to glorify God.

And then Paul points us to what fills us: not wine or worldly pleasures, but the Holy Spirit (v. 18). Being filled with the Spirit transforms how we worship, how we relate to others, and how we thank God in all things. Joyful singing and grateful hearts become the rhythm of a Spirit-filled life.

Am I living as a child of light, or are there areas where I’m still walking in shadows?
How am I making the most of the time I’ve been given?
Am I more filled with distractions or with the Holy Spirit?

Take one practical step today to walk in the light—whether it’s confessing a hidden sin, using your time more wisely, replacing negative talk with praise, or expressing heartfelt gratitude. Let your light shine!

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Lord, thank You for rescuing me from darkness and making me light in You. Help me walk as a child of light—rejecting sin, living with wisdom, and making the most of each day. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my life overflows with joy, worship, and thankfulness. May others see Your light in me and be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

July 18, 2025