Tag: truth

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Walking in the Light

by Kala Loptien

No Darkness

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5, English Standard Version

Our Lutheran school kiddos often sing in church. One of their favorite songs is I want to Walk as a Child of the Light. I love listening to children’s voices, joined together in joyful song. It’s especially sweet when they get to a familiar section. Suddenly, the whole sanctuary echoes with:

In Him, there is no darkness at allThe night and the day are both alikeThe Lamb is the light of the city of GodShine in my heart, Lord Jesus* 

We read about light and darkness throughout scripture. In 1 Thessalonians, we are referred to as children of the light and children of the day. Jesus is very clear in John 8 when He proclaims, “I am the light of the world.” We are promised that we will never walk in darkness when we follow him. The Old testament adds a prophetic exclamation point to this in Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”

The contrast is stark. Light exposes, shines and spreads. It allows for clear vision and highlights the beauty of all God’s creation. On the contrary, darkness covers, confuses, creating unclear paths and heightens fear. When we walk as children of light, we have Jesus, the light of the world, as our guide. He is the way, the truth and the life. In Him there is no darkness at all. Our lives, in turn, should be a reflection of that brilliant, beautiful light.

Lord, thank you for Jesus. Help us shine our light and share the light of the world with others. Amen.

*Thomerson, Kathleen. “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.” 1999

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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PWTE Daily Devotion

The Rite of Confirmation

by Anna Haiar

Confessing our Faith in Christ

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 10:32 (English Standard Version)

For many families, the Rite of Confirmation is a joyful milestone. Our family, in particular, celebrated the confirmation of our oldest child this past Sunday, and there’s much to be thankful for. There were photographs, celebrations, and proud smiles from parents, grandparents, and church members. Yet confirmation is about much more than completing classes or reaching a certain age. At its heart, confirmation is a public confession of faith: a young Christian standing before God and His Church to say, “This is what I believe.”

 The practice of confirmation has a long history within the Christian Church. From the earliest centuries, Christians received instruction in God’s Word so they would understand the faith they had received through Baptism. Some denominations have continued this tradition.  Students spend several years studying Scripture, church doctrine and theology, and the foundational teachings of the Christian faith.

But why is this so important?

Following Christ is not always easy. Every day, we are surrounded by competing voices, shifting values, and messages that challenge the truth of God’s Word. The world tells us that truth is whatever feels right, that morality changes with the times, and that faith should remain private. Young people especially face pressure to fit in, stay silent, or compromise what they believe.

Confirmation helps prepare believers for these challenges. It provides more than knowledge; it builds a foundation. Knowing what we believe and why we believe it gives us confidence when questions arise and strength when our faith is tested. It equips us to recognize error, stand firm in God’s truth, and speak with gentleness and conviction about the hope we have in Christ.

In a world filled with competing voices and shifting beliefs, confirmation reminds us that our faith is built on something unchanging: Jesus Christ and His promises. The goal is not simply to complete a class or pass an examination. The goal is a lifelong relationship with Christ, grounded in Scripture and strengthened through worship, prayer, and participation in the life of the Church.

Confirmation is not the finish line of Christian education. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith, studying God’s Word, and boldly confessing Christ in a world that desperately needs His truth.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Solid Rock

by Kala Loptien

Sinking Sand

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2, English Standard Version

On the surface, rocks seem so simple and ordinary. But what appears to be basic packs a lot of power. We’ve heard of them used as weapons. They stay solid under our feet. They’re used to create a strong base. They are unwavering.

Rocks are used metaphorically throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the Psalms alone, David refers to the Lord as his rock numerous times. He cries out to God, His rock. He wants to hold tightly to that which is higher and steady. He seeks refuge, protection and deliverance. David repeatedly recognizes that God alone is our rock and salvation.

Within the New Testament, rock remains the metaphor for Jesus and is also used when describing the foundation of faith. In Matthew, Jesus very clearly states: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Later, in the same book, He says to Peter: “On this rock, I will build my church.”

Did you happen to have the same song pop into your head when reading about God as our rock? “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” We see this truth play out in the Bible when God’s people try to cling to, lean on or fall upon anything other than Jesus. Sound familiar? Sure does! We see the same struggles and and experience it for ourselves here and now. People fail, idols are folly, success is fleeting and money can quickly rule our hearts. He is our firm foundation. All other ground is sinking sand.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado