Becoming Like Jesus: Scripture MemorizationSample

His Wonderful Light

When sin and darkness invaded, we were taken captive, our relationship with God was broken, and our purpose was lost. Our lives were left in ruins. Our relationships were wrecked. And God’s good world was ravaged. We were left with emptiness. Wandering. Searching for the “more” that, deep down, we all know we were made for.

Thankfully, Jesus stepped in and changed everything. He came to rescue what was stolen, repair what was broken, and restore what was lost. Today, we’re going to read about Jesus rescuing us from darkness so that we could once again walk in the light.

Pray ...

Father, Your love is too much to even begin to understand. You created the entire universe so You could have a relationship with us. Even after we sinned against You, You still sent Jesus to die for us. And even now, You call us Your sons and daughters. You broke the powers of darkness and You have invited us into Your kingdom. Help me to live a life worthy of the calling You’ve given me and the love You’ve shown me. I don’t take it for granted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read ...

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 NIV

Consider ...

The Scripture above is a prayer the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians living in Colossae. He longs for them to be filled with wisdom, live lives that please God, and be strengthened with God’s power.

This prayer was written to them, but it is also for you. Although Paul was the one who put pen to paper, it was the Holy Spirit who inspired him to do so.

Just like these early Christians got to share in the inheritance of God’s holy people in the kingdom of light, so do we. The kingdom of God is a place where the light shines and darkness flees. Why? Because God's kingdom is the realm where He rules, and He is the light. When Jesus came, He brought light back into the world. Light is not just something He carries or controls—it's who He is. Wherever Jesus is, there is light and life. And now, the same thing is true about us! We are filled with the Spirit of God, we are growing in the knowledge of God, and we are citizens of the kingdom of God. Wherever we go, light goes with us.

Because of Jesus, we have been rescued from sin, death, and darkness. Now, we get to live in the light of God’s love. Our past has been forgiven. Our future is secure. As redeemed and forgiven people, we let our light shine so that others will see our changed lives and give themselves over to the mercy of God.

Think about what your life was like before you met Jesus. What were your struggles? How did you view yourself? What moments most stand out to you about this period of your life? Think about how Jesus has changed your life since then. Where have you seen victory in your life? How has your view of yourself changed? What has God done that you are most grateful for?

Practice ...

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

First, write these words down in your journal, on a piece of paper, or on a note card. Next, close your eyes and try to say these words from memory. After that, read these words again slowly and out loud. Then, write them down one more time. Finally, pray and ask God to help you internalize the truth of these words.

Listen ...

Start by setting a timer for 5–10 minutes.

Then, create space in your mind and heart to hear from God. Lead into your listening by using those verses from 1 Peter as a prayer:

God, thank You for choosing me to be Yours. Because of Your relentless grace, You have made me a member of Your priesthood, a citizen of Your holy nation, and Your own special possession. Once I was trapped in darkness, but You have called me into Your wonderful light. So I’m going to declare Your praises to anyone and everyone who will listen. Once, I was lost and alone. But now, I am a part of Your family. Once, I was a mess of my own making, but now I am made new by Your mercy. Today, I commit to serving You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next, ask God to speak to you. And then, simply listen.

When you get distracted, come back to Jesus by reading the verses or repeating the prayer above. Say them out loud. Focus on each line and let the truth you are learning redirect your thoughts.