September 14, 2026
— Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity · Source: BDCC, "Theodore Hamburg" by Laura Mason (bdcconline.net)
1 John 1:7, 9 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 cleanses us from all sin. ... If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Standing before a holy God, we often mistakenly believe that piety is built upon our own deeds or worldly achievements. However, Theodore Hamberg's wariness of false conversions and 1 John 1:7, 9 earnestly remind us: the true way out for the soul lies not in boasting, but in genuine repentance. Prayer is not a bargaining chip to seek fame and wealth from God, but a channel to lay down our disguises and confess our guilt. When we dare to step into the light, the cleansing of Jesus' precious blood dispels the darkness, allowing our lives to be thoroughly reconstructed and transformed in His faithfulness and righteousness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for illuminating my heart with Your great, holy light. Forgive my foolishness in often trying to boast in my own deeds, and remove the utilitarianism and worldly desires mixed into my prayers. Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your precious blood shed on the cross; please cleanse me once again from all unrighteousness. I am willing to strip away my disguises and pour out my true weaknesses and guilt at Your feet. May the Holy Spirit create in me a clean heart and reconstruct my soul, so that I may walk uprightly in Your light and in Your will every day. Amen.