Day 11 – 1 John 1 v 5 – 10 (Song – We have often fallen short (Rock))
Bible Reading – 1 John 1 v 5 – 10
Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Opening Prayer
Lord, help us to be aware of the impact of our words. Enable us to hold our tongues in stressful situations. Where we have spoken harsh words encourage us to seek forgiveness as soon as possible and not let bad feelings fester within us. Amen
Reflection
We like to think of ourselves as nice and kind people. Probably most of the time we are but once in a while our frustrations or tempers get the better of us and we speak harsh words.
The reality of our lives is that sometimes we are tempted. Either to do something we know we shouldn’t. Be that in our words or our actions.
I often think it is more likely that we will fall short by our sins of omission. Where we are aware that there is someone we should speak to or who needs our help. In those moments it is sometimes too easy to find reasons why we cannot spare the time or energy to help.
I am sure we have all been in a situation where we are exasperated with someone and let words we immediately regret pass our lips, Long term relationships and friendships shattered in those moments.
I remember once at work one of my staff, after being told by some of her colleagues that she should, coming to me to say sorry for something she had said to me. It was a lovely moment up to the point where she finished off by saying – but it had to be said. Fortunately I saw the funny side of it and we did not have a problem,
It is a wonder of the gospel message that no matter how or why we have failed to live as we should. If we are truly sorry – you are always ready to forgive us time and time again.
A time for your own reflection
Read the passage again and spend a little time thinking of how the passage speaks to you. The wonder of scripture is that there is always something new to discover and each passage speaks to us in our own need and circumstances.
Only if you feel you want to – share your thoughts with someone. God inspires our thoughts and you never know, the person you share with may be waiting to hear what you have to say.
Song
Here is the next song –
“We have often fallen short”
As promised at the start of this series here is the “punky” version of this song. This is the version I created first. I wanted the musical style to reflect the aggressive nature of some aspects of our lives. Especially when we lash out with hurtful words
We had a recent street party and I played this song a couple of times and no one noticed it was a Christian song.
We have often fallen short (Rock)
Words: Chris Hancock
Music: Generated on Suno.com
[Verse 1]
We have often fallen short
In word, and thought, and deed
Living only for ourselves
In selfishness and greed
[Verse 2]
Hurtful words are on our lips
Venom on our tongues
We hate and in return get hate
Careless of what we’ve done
[Chorus]
Mercy poured into the world
As star light blazed above
We have the chance to start again
Through his grace and love
Mercy poured into the world
As star light blazed above
We have the chance to start again
Through his grace and love
[Verse 3]
This child’s birth will offer us
A re-birth of our own
A chance to come before our God
And bow before his throne
[Chorus]
Mercy poured into the world
As star light blazed above
We have the chance to start again
Through his grace and love
Through his grace and love
Through his grace and love
[Instrumental]
[Verse 4]
This child’s birth will offer us
A re-birth of our own
A chance to come before our God
And bow before his throne
[Chorus]
Mercy poured into the world
As star light blazed above
We have the chance to start again
Through his grace and love
Prayer
Light of the World, shine on us and let your light chase the darkness from every corner of our lives.From the depths of our hearts and the dark corners of our minds. We ask that you shine your light around and before us so that we can walk in your light.
We come to say sorry for the things we have done or left undone. For our words, and thoughts, and deeds which have fallen short of your call on our lives. Where compassion, justice and mercy have been missing from within us. Help us guard our tongues and banish harsh, bitter, venomous words from our hearts and lips. Let us only speak words of love.
Shine your light on the things that would tempt us from your path. Fill our hearts, minds and souls and spirit with the light of your presence. Help us to love as you tell us to love. Loving others as we love ourselves. We thank you for the life of Jesus. His coming poured your mercy into the world and gives us the chance to start our lives again in your presence. He showed us the ultimate act of love as he died for us on the cross that we might know the reality of salvation. Amen
Copyrights
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Songs
Words of the songs are by Chris Hancock
Music generated on Suno.com
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Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV)
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Images
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