Today I want to introduce you to one of my dearest friends, Wendy Blight. I’ve asked her to share a fresh insight from her new Bible study on 1 John, I Am Loved: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Love, because I believe it can impact the way you live your life. And help improve your relationship with God.
One of the many things I love about Wendy is how she speaks the truth with honesty and transparency. Wendy loves Jesus with her entire soul, heart and being! Plus, she has a passion for His Word that is magnetic. Wendy doesn’t sugar-coat Scripture or make her life appear perfect, which is one of the many things I love about her. She’s the real deal and I’m so grateful we get to do ministry together through First5.
Oh, and guess what? Wendy has generously offered to give away an I Am Loved giftset: one study book and DVD teaching guide. I’ll share more about that below, but first, take a moment to savor the truths Wendy wants to share with us today …
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Walk in the Light
John wrote this letter, 1 John, to the church, to believers. He saw that many in the church were choosing to walk in disobedience, walking outside the freedom and fellowship they had gained at the cross. They were avoiding the light. Many immersing themselves deeper and deeper into sin and darkness.
I get it. I’m guilty of this. When I think certain thoughts, or behave in certain ways, hearing a sermon or reading my Bible can make me squirm. Why? Because light exposes darkness. The light of God’s Word exposes my bad behavior. It shines a light on what I desperately try to hide.
Living in the light requires that our hearts, our actions, our words, our thoughts, our values, and even our schedules align with God’s heart and His character, not with our sinful nature and fallen character.
Oh, how I fail at living in light … often. In fact, it happened smack in the middle of writing this study. Of course!
While writing this study, my husband and I took a trip to New York City. The second day found us stranded in a downpour near Central Park, blocks and blocks from our hotel. With everyone trying to escape the deluge, cabs were scarce. We ran into the closest store to wait it out. But the rain continued. We decided to go for it, running in and out of stores, jumping over and around puddles. Soaked from head to toe, my patience wore thin. My husband and I exchanged words. You see, I had suggested heading back as the first dark clouds rolled in. My husband disagreed and persuaded me to stick it out. So, “I told you so” hijacked my heart. My words grew harsher, as did his. And then, I stepped over the line. You may know that line. Part of me wanted to take them back. To grab his hand, look in his eyes and tell him how sorry I was. But the other side of me … the dark side … reasoned how valid my words were in response to his. Guess which side won out?
You guessed it!
We walked into our hotel room and sat in deafening silence. For hours, no words passed between us.
As I sat staring out the window, my eyes wandered to the bedside table. The light from the lamp illuminated my Bible. The words I’d been studying on light and darkness flooded my mind. Sorrow engulfed my heart. I walked over to my husband, touched his shoulder, peeked my head around his, looked in his eyes and asked for forgiveness. I thought it would be hard, but it wasn’t. The illumination of God’s Word penetrated my heart and melted it. My heart ached that my careless words had hurt my husband so deeply.
And although it took a few hours for my husband to fully surrender his hurt, he did. We enjoyed the rest of our time, experiencing the exciting sights and sounds of New York City, sans any more rain … or darkness!
Friend, we all sin. Every day. Many times a day.
Does that mean this whole light and dark thing creates a forever barrier with God? Can we ever have true fellowship? Can we ever stand in the presence of God fully comfortable, fully welcome?
Yes! Absolutely, yes! We can be comfortable in the presence of a holy God. John reminded us of this in verse 7 when he said the blood of Jesus purifies us from all unrighteousness. You see, God doesn’t require sinlessness … in fact, that’s impossible. Only Jesus is sinless.
God doesn’t require perfection. Only Jesus is perfect.
God simply asks for repentance. When we repent of our sins, He forgives us fully and completely.
I love The Voice translation of John’s words in our passage for today, “walk step by step in the light.”
It’s a daily walk. But, we don’t walk alone. We walk with a loving, forgiving Father who empowers us through His Holy Spirit. He invites us to walk in the light. And at times we may take a wrong step away from the light toward darkness. This misstep may interrupt our fellowship with God.
But, the good news is, we need only turn our hearts back toward our heavenly Father and ask forgiveness. He waits with open arms!
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I Am Loved: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Love is for every woman who craves to truly understand, walk confidently in, and live out God’s unconditional, extravagant, lavish love because His love truly changes everything. Watch a sneak peek of the Bible study and download a sample week’s lesson for free HERE.
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The Giveaway
Leave a comment below and one reader will win a copy of Wendy’s I Am Loved Bible study book and teaching DVD. U.S. Addresses only please.
An invitation for you!
Join us for our Online Bible Study of #IAmLoved at Proverbs 31 Ministries. It started last week (January 22nd), but it’s not too late to join us. You can sign up by clicking HERE.
Wendy Blight is a wife, mother, author, Bible teacher, attorney, and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministry’s First 5 app. Her desire is to help every woman know with confidence she can tackle any problem life presents through God’s Word. Wendy is the author of I Am Loved, I Know His Name, and Living So That Bible studies, and Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. She lives with her husband, Monty, in Charlotte, North Carolina and loves most when her two children, Lauren (24) and Bo (19), come home to visit and fill their home with lots of love and laughter!
Marik says
I totally understand fighting the darker side of us (especially for those of us who are quick to use our tongues in annoying circumstances). Unfortunately that issue played a big part in ruining the relationship with my significant other. Both of us had that weakness and regularly used harsh words against each other. I’ve tried to repent, asking for his forgiveness, for God’s help in controlling my tongue and helping us communicate better (with love and tenderness) but somehow the harsh words that caused the initial crack in unity between us just successes to win and ruin.
I hope God will heal me fully from all the hurt caused by that and will also help me to control my thoughts, reactions and words better in every day life and in a new relationship if He chooses to bless me with one again.
I am glad though that your quick repentance, Wendy, did not ruin the whole trip to NYC and you two can have pleasant memories about it, instead of how the power of certain words may not only potentially ruin a moment but a whole trip :).
Karey says
I am currently doing this study with Proverbs 31 and it is a blessing and game changer in my faith journey.
Amy says
Struggling to really know that I am loved
Leah DiPascal says
Amy, I’ve been there – in the struggle of knowing – and it’s a lonely place to be. The world will give us a million reasons to question whether or not we’re loved. But God is consistent, faithful and relentless in His pursuit of you. He confirms His thoughts towards you over and over again throughout Scripture. He loves you and His love matters most. I’m praying for you today.
Jenni Smith says
Me, too. I feel it’s spiritual warfare after a3 week long successful Daniel Fast.
Rhonda says
I’m loving this bible study! One that I much needed at this time in my life. Walking this journey with all of the amazing people involved in this study! It’s been a true blessing in my life. I have a long way to go living in full obedience but I’m making strides everyday.
Leah DiPascal says
Rhonda, I’m so happy to know you’re loving the #Iamloved study! Wendy is a phenomenal teacher and having a Bible study community to journey along with is icing (and sprinkles) on the cake!
Kimberly says
Everyday I fail God ……Yet He has never failed me.
I have lost everything worldly due to cancer & living the high life without Christ as my center. By the Grace of God my eyes were opened. Losing everything including my family was & still is so painful. The only thing keeping strong is knowing that God loves me. I feel him embracing me the nights Im unable to sleep yearning for my childrens forgiveness , reconciliation but most importantly there salvation. That their eyes are opened to the truth ,
Leah DiPascal says
Kimberly, reading your comments brought tears to my eyes. I’m sorry for your great loss and battle with cancer. I’m so grateful you know Jesus and that He’s sustaining you through His unfailing love and provision. I’m praying for you today.
Amanda says
I would love to win this bible study to be a blessing to a single mom’s group that I support through my job as a Christian preschool teacher and my women’s bible study group. As women I feel this is somethin that is a real struggle as we have a hard time putting our needs above everyone elses
Leah DiPascal says
Amanda, you must be such a gift to those single moms and preschoolers. What a blessing!
Lisa says
I absolutely love Wendy’s Bible studies. “I Am Loved” is definitely one that is speaking to me right now!
Leah DiPascal says
I do too, Lisa! 🙂
Miranda says
Wendy I have read every one of your books . You are a grat Writer. I have learned so much from you. When I look at your face I see the glow of God’s Light. Thank you for showing me how to love and trust in God
Shirley says
I am finding this study to be very enlightening. I have learned a lot in just a week and find Wendy’s questions challenge me to root out my places of darkness so the light can shine through. Thanks for writing this study. I would love to win the teaching series and a copy of the book to share with a friend.
Pam says
When Wendy speaks the light of God’s truth into my heart, she reveals the darkness of my disobedience in the shadows of selfisness. I am convicted and sad at my continued sin in the light of God’s love and forgiveness. She drives me to Him and His Word where I find hope that even I can be changed and freely walk in the Light once again. 💖
Julie Overstreet says
I AM LOVED by Wendy Blight is such an awesome study. It will bless you in more ways than you can imagine. I hope everyone gets a chance to get in on the study now at P31 OBS now or in the future. You will love this one so much!!!!
What an awesome giveaway!!! God Bless!!!
Wendy Blight says
Thank you for your kind words, Julie! It means so much to know how 1 John and the study have connected with your heart. Answered prayers for sure.
Blessings,
Wendy
jeanne says
Thank you so much for the giveaway. I need very tangible reminders of God’s love, because in my life, I seldom get any kind of affirmation. I NEED to learn that God and God alone is the One whom I must look to for love, affirmation, and kindness.
Wendy Blight says
Oh Jeanne, I ‘m so sorry you don’t receive words of affirmation. As women, we need those so much. When we don’t get them, it is wonderful to know we have a Father who loves us, who created us and knows just what we need, when we need it. I am putting a link to a declaration I wrote a few years ago of who we are in Christ here. I pray it blesses and equips you to speak God’s Words of affirmation over your heart. I pray they remind you of how incredibly beautiful and special you are. Handcrafted by God for a purpose on this earth where He has placed you.
http://wendyblight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Faith-Declaration.pdf
Thank you for taking the time to share from your heart.
Blessings,
Wendy
Patricia says
Love this study! It has gotten me back into memorizing scripture and is helping me to see Gods love for me. Love Wendy’s transparency !
Wendy Blight says
This makes me so happy that the study ignited your heart to memorize Scripture again. Answered prayer for me. It’s hard to memorize, but when we have God’s Word hidden in our heart, it’s THE best feeling. We have a promise when we need it and when we need to share it. 🙂
Blessings,
Wendy
Carol says
I would really like to have this study for myself and to share with others. I want to share with my Mom as well as lead this as a small group in my community.
Leah DiPascal says
Carol, I’m so excited that you’ve chosen #iamloved as your next small group study! I’ll be sure to let Wendy know.
Wendy Blight says
Carol, I would be honored for you to share this with friends, your mom and women in a small group!! Thank you.
Blessings,
Wendy
Michelle Ralston says
Thank you for this! I needed reminding of how much He loves me!
Wendy Blight says
Michelle, I’m so thankful God brought you this reminder just when you needed it. His timing is always perfect, sweet friend.
Wendy
Sharon says
This journey of #Iamloved has left me in awe. I asked a few girls to join in on the study and God has been speaking some amazing truths into their lives. I’m looking forward to do this study with my local small group when we are done with our current one. Thank you for this awesome giveaway!!
Leah DiPascal says
Sharon, thank you for sharing these nuggets of joy with us. We’re so glad you’re enjoying the #Iamloved study!
Wendy Blight says
Sharon, it means so much to me that you have invited women you work with to do it with you and that you are leading a small group in your church soon. There truly is no greater compliment you can give me as a Bible teacher than to share the study. It blesses me to know it is ministering to your heart. I love studying God’s Word with you. 🙂
Wendy
Colleen says
I LOVE what I just read and would really appreciate this bible study. I have been struggling with a lot lately. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
Wendy Blight says
Colleen, I pray that as you open God’s Word that He would speak into those hard places where you are struggling. I’m not sure if God has you in a wait., but I wanted to leave you this passage. I pray it encourages you.
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
‘therefore I will hope in him.’
The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul that seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
Blessings,
Wendy
Gracie Adcock says
The sweet girls of my bible study and I want to begin this study once we have completed our current one! We would ❤️ to win a copy! We’re also big fans of the entire First5 team! We have now traveled to see Lysa T. andWhitney C., and we hosted Karen E. at a conference last year. We love you ladies and think of you as our dearest friends (even though we’ve never met)! But waking up to y’all every morning tends to do that to a girl. 🤗
Leah DiPascal says
We love you too, Gracie! Thank you for joining us on the F5 journey!!
Wendy Blight says
Gracie, this makes me smile!! I LOVE that you journey with us through the Bible through First 5. We love ya’ll too. You are why we do what we do. Thank you for taking time to share from your heart. And, I’m honored you want to study 1 John with “I Am Loved.” Message me when you start. I would love to pray for you and your group.
Wendy
Kathy says
I am going through this study with a very small group of precious ladies. One of them lost her Mom this week and so we are lifting her up in prayer. She commented last week that she had found renewed light in her darkness, which made my heart happy. This has been an awesome study. This give-away would be so useful in my current and future groups. Thank you for the opportunity to comment here.
Leah DiPascal says
Kathy, I’m so glad your friend is experiencing the light of Christ during her time of grief. I’m praying for her and your small group today.
Wendy Blight says
Kathy, I can’t tell you how much it means that you shared how walking through 1 John has brought hope to your friend in her grief. Beautiful answered prayer for me because as I wrote the study I prayed God would take it to the women who needed a Word of hope, healing and equipping from Him. Thank you for sharing this book with your friends and using it in small groups. It’s my favorite way for women to use it … in circles with each other. 🙂
Blessings,
Wendy
Heidi says
I am working through this bible study right now and I’d love to win the dvd to reference in the future! Thanks ladies— you are both such a blessing in my spiritual journey!
Leah says
Heidi, I’m so glad you’re taking the journey of #IAmLoved!
Wendy Blight says
Thank you for your kind words, Heidi It’s fun to connect with friends who are going through the book!! I love working with Leah. She is one of the most gifted Bible teachers I know.
Wendy
Missy says
I have really enjoyed the study so far! The insite Wendy has has really made me think!
Leah says
Missy, I agree! Wendy is such a wise woman!!
Wendy Blight says
Missy, so fun to connect with you! It means so much to hear the Lord is giving you fresh words and insights as you open 1 John. Answered prayer for us both! 🙂
Wendy
Therese Parker says
My eyes watered as I read about your New York trip and the “I told you so” comments and actions – and it was good to read that I do not have to be perfect because sooooo many times when I fail to be perfect, especially with my loving husband, I feel shame – that God is going to condemn me because of the times I chose to say “I told you so”, etc. – instead of choosing God’s love through my words, actions, thoughts – I do my best to pray daily for God to “capture” my thoughts, actions, words, etc. – so that I can live in God’s love and help others by sharing that love in my thoughts, actions and words….”You must not set yourself up as a judge-that is God’s right alone-your only mission is to be an angel of peace.” Thank you for sharing your “dark” moments – it helps me to stay in the “light”. God Bless….
Wendy Blight says
You are so welcome!! We don’t have to be perfect. Thank goodness. Jesus is the perfect one. He is our role model. He lives in us. In Him, we can work toward acting and living more and more like Him. It’s a process and every step forward is a win!! And when we take a few steps back, we receiving grace. It is a daily walk, step-by-step. It means being intentional. I love what you said about praying for God to “capture” our thoughts. SO good. I’m thankful my story helped you stay in the light. 🙂
Therese Parker says
Thank you – you are an amazing gifted woman who brightens the world and hearts and spirits of so many.
Gratefully,
Therese
Michelle Vasquez says
Thank you so much for that reminder! I have wanted to do this study!
Jill says
Feeling loved is difficult for me most days. I know God loves me and I know he will never leave me, but I can’t shake the feeling of not being loveable.
Leah says
Jill, I hear what you’re saying. I’ve learned over time that feelings can get us to believe things about ourselves that simply aren’t true. To combat that “not loveable” feeling, we have to keep returning to what God says is true. We are loved and because we are securely placed in Christ, we are always “in” Love.
Jill says
Thank you <3
Wendy Blight says
Jill, I too know that feeling. I have someone close to me that has rejected me. It broke my heart. And no matter what I say or do, she will not speak to me. God has shown me that I have done all I can. It is about her. I cannot put that unlovable label on myself because I am a child of God and so are you. Below is a link to a declaration I wrote a few years ago. I would love for you to read, study, pray and declare over your heart and mind each time you feel unloveable. Because, sweet friend, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and PRECIOUS IN YOUR FATHER’S EYES!!
http://wendyblight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Faith-Declaration.pdf
Blessings,
Wendy
Jill says
Thank you~
Angela Thornton says
I always need a reminder that I am loved!
Wendy Blight says
So glad we were the vessels to remind you of that today. 🙂
Blessings,
Wendy