Light Shining

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16

My Christian life and ministry changed nearly 3 years after I my salvation when through this verse and others like it I discovered I was still living wrongly. What we do in life from worship to family to career is supposed to be about glorifying God not ourselves. Life itself is about God, not you.

Messiah = Savior

Matthew 24:5 – “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.”

There have been many (I did not count them but Wikipedia has a list that looks like about 60-70) and there will be many more unless the Lord returns today. Knowing the real Messiah and the truth about Him is the best defense against being deceived by the false claimants. Read you Bible and pray every day.

Affirmation

Matthew 16:16 - Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

 
A simple encouragement for you today: consider affirming Peter’s statement every day. See what a difference it will make in your relationship with Jesus.

Daily Faith

Matthew 9:22 - But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." At once the woman was made well.

Faith itself did not make the woman (or us) well. Faith in Jesus allows God in His sovereign will to heal us both physically and spiritually. Keep your faith focused no matter what. Reach out for Jesus every day.

Glorify Him

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16 NASB

We are supposed to be doing good works (not for salvation but as a result thereof) and we supposed to let others see that we are (not ostentatiously as the hypocritical Pharisees), but when observed the purpose it to bring glory to the Father. Go. Do. Glorify Him.

Lover or Tax Collector?

“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” - Matthew 5:46 NASB

This is one of Jesus’ many teachings on the need to love everyone. Is there someone in your life that is just plain hard to get along with? Or that you have no desire to be with? Today, right now, tell God that you love him or her and that you will treat that person with love and respect.

Treasure Focus

…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21

What has been the focus of your life in the last month or so? In tune with God or more leaning toward what you want? What are you living for? Heaven and the things above or earthly matters? You know where it should be, so refocus. Let God take care of you.

Salty?

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”
- Matthew 5:13

As salt we are to add flavor to the world around us. How do you do that? Know and love your neighbors (not just your friends) or support mission efforts? There are thousands of ways you can be salt; Jesus is saying do it!

Focus on the One

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Matthew 6:33

As I said on Sunday, bringing glory to the Father gave Jesus great joy. We too can experience joy because we have followed after Him, obeyed Him, and finished His purpose for us. The only way to do all that is to keep our focus. Oh, and if you need help re-focusing, He’ll help with that too… seek Him first.