“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,  “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT

Jesus calls us to follow Him—to travel with Him…

…down the less-traveled path.

…out onto the water’s surface.

…to quiet places where we can rest.

…to places we don’t know to dream about.

…to exciting, but unknown, places we’re afraid to go alone.

…to see life through new eyes and with a fresh perspective.

…to fully experience each day.

We are called to follow Jesus and travel with Him as a child of God.

How would our days look different if we traveled with Jesus in His light?

By Laura Rath
Used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Acquaint Yourself with Him
• Prayer to Follow God
• Follow the Leader

If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

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– So You Can Shine Brightly

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

A three-way light bulb illuminates a room, at various degrees of brightness, depending upon the wattage you choose. For a light bulb to work, you need to fasten it into a socket, have a trustworthy energy source, and switch on the lamp. Without such thought and action, the light remains off, and your room stays dark.

In the same fashion that a light bulb illuminates a room, your life has the power to brighten the lives of those around you. However, to keep your spiritual glow, it’s vital for you to recognize how God wired you and what He has empowered you to do. Knowing which personality type you are, an extrovert or an introvert, will help you live and function at your optimum capacity.

The difference between the two is; extroverts are very social and gain their energy by being around people. They are alive and vibrant when attending events and social gatherings. Left alone, they quickly lose their energy and flare for life. Typically, they shine best at the sparkling 125-watt setting of a three-way light bulb.

On the other hand, introverts are less social, and gain their energy when alone. Being in large crowds and having to attend many activities, absorbs their energy and ability to function well. They’re most effective in smaller settings and require much quiet time to refuel and keep going. Solitude and simplicity are a healthier way of life for introverts. Normally, they shine best at the serene 50–75-watt setting of a three-way light bulb.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”  Romans 12:6 NIV

If you are an extrovert playing it safe by functioning in the role of an introvert, you will quickly become bored, unfulfilled, and lose your vibrant glow. God wired you a certain way and desires that you find the outlet(s) that you can plug into where you can shine brighter and have a wider impact on the lives of others.

If you are an introvert functioning in an extroverts’ setting for a length of time, without appropriate times of rest and renewal, you run the risk of burning out. Thus, it’s wise to allow God to lead you to the good deeds, He desires, according to the grace He gives you; so you won’t burnout. You’ll be happier, and you’ll have the energy to keep shining brightly.

Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, when you permit God’s Holy Spirit to energize you from within, for the various things God empowers you to do, you’ll happily and powerfully shine brightly for the Lord and illuminate the lives around you.

“Lord, You are my lamp; the Lord illuminates my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 HCSB

By Barbara Alpert
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• His Gifts and Powers
• Giving Away Our Gifts
• The Holy Spirit: Giver of Gifts

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“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8,10

It is not easy for us as Christians to keep ourselves pure as we live for Christ. We are bombarded from every side with temptations to sin and compromise. Today, more than ever, we are assaulted by temptation and sin in TV, music, movies, and even games.

What a blessing then, that God gives us such excellent principles to live by that will protect our minds and hearts so that we can live as children of light.

We can Love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds to keep our minds pure Matthew 22:37-38.

We can enjoy good relationships with others as well as harmony in our lives by loving our neighbors as ourselves Matthew 22:38.

We can renew our minds by ridding them of junk – anger, resentment, bitterness and grudges that grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-31.

Jesus said if we truly love Him, we will keep His words, and He and the Father will make their abode with us John 14:12.

What would it look like if you lived as a ‘child of the light’? How do you guard your heart against temptation and sin?

Lord God, help me to follow Your principles by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Keep me humble and walking as a joyful testimony to the exciting truth that You make children of light out of those who truly trust You as Savior. Amen

Action Step: Meditate on these scripture verses and ask God to show you how to live in the Light of Christ.

by Muriel Larson
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  We Plan – God Directs
•  The Re-Knitting Hand of God – What God taught me about ‘little sins’
•  Salvation Explained

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“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew 5:13 (NKJV)

In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus proclaims how Christians are to be like salt and light to the world. Salt acts as a preservative and adds flavor to food. Today, if your faith has been shaken and you’ve lost your spice toward God’s family, refuse to let circumstances or what has taken place, cause you to feel hopeless or irritated with others. God’s word says, “Salts good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other” (Mark 9:5 NLT). As a Jesus follower, it’s important that you remain salty; preserving your faith while enhancing the lives of your sisters and brothers in Christ.

It’s also important to be gracious in your manner when conversing with outsiders, those who are still held in the pepper shaker of darkness. The bible says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NLT). The more you allow Christ to speak and shine through you, you’ll be like an addictive seasoning to those around you. You’ll leave them thirsting and seeking after your genuine and considerate ways of living. In time, perhaps Jesus will win them over and they’ll become a member God’s salt & light family.

Pray that God would reveal to you whether or not you have been slowly losing your spiritual fervor. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you preserve important relationships and act as a God-seasoning ingredient in the lives of others.

By Barbara Alpert
used by permission

RELATED ARTICLES:  Read Essential Topics of Knowing God:

• God’s Plan for My Life – a study
• He is Out to Destroy You!
• Let your light shine, a story of hope

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew. 5:14

Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount along the shores of the Sea of Galilee in the shadow of the highest mountain in Israel on which is located the town of Safad. Because of its height, the lights of the city can be seen from miles away.

He used the city to drive home a point, saying: Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew  5:15

Jesus proceeded here to show them that the very reason why they were enlightened was that others might also see the light, and be benefited by it. When people light a candle, they do not conceal the light, but place it where it may be of use. So it is with religion. Religion is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world.

This passage sets forth instructions regarding the Christian’s light, or influence, in the world: (1) Christ forbade hiding it under a bushel, that is, permitting business and commerce to obscure one’s influence for the truth. (2) He warned against hiding it under a vessel, that is, permitting cares, duties, and obligations of life to take precedence over faith. (3) He prohibited hiding it under the bed of licentiousness, laziness, or idleness.

What then should be done with the light or influence of the Christian’s life? It should be placed upon “the stand.” And, what can this be? It is nothing less than the church of Jesus Christ, namely, the local congregation.

How bright does the light of Jesus burn in your life and in your congregation that others may see the light? The light of Jesus illumination from us is the essence of discipleship.

Do you let the duties of the day to take precedence over our sharing the light? Pray that the light of Jesus may shine brightly in your life so that others may see the essence of the Gospel.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

Further Reading

•   Extending Grace to Others

• Forgiveness is Good for your Health

•  Salvation Explained

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“Jesus said “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

“Jesus also said that “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

Imagine a lamp. God is like the light bulb, the source of light, and we are like the lampshade. While it may seem strange to compare God to a light bulb, we’re told in scripture that “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5). And while I admit it may be difficult to imagine yourself as a lampshade, stay with me.

“You know him [the Holy Spirit],” Jesus tells us, “for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17) God dwells within you. While no one who looks directly at God’s face and His absolute holiness and power could possibly survive (Exodus 33:20), His glory can manifest itself in many ways, including through His children, you and I. Therefore, as much as you are able to allow God’s light to shine through you, His glory will be revealed to the world.

This is why John the Baptist said, regarding Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) John recognized that for Jesus’ interests to shine, John’s own self-interest must decrease. We are like the lampshade to God’s light; the thinner the lampshade is, the more the light will shine through. So let yourself become thinner, weaker, and more transparent, so that God’s light will shine more brightly into the world, and so the world will not be able to ignore it!

The apostle Peter has some excellent practical advice on how to let God’s light shine through your life:

“Be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7b-11, NLT)

Question: How can you see God’s light shining through your life right now? How could you allow it to shine even more?

By Darren Hewer
Used by Permission

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“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

Sometimes, it’s hard to know what other people need. But here’s one thing I can assure you: your neighbor needs a word of encouragement… It could be a mom who’s about at the end of her rope… Or it’s a friend whose husband just lost his job.

Ask the Lord to give you the right words to say. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sharing my faith with someone–and frantically asking God to give me just the right words.  And He puts the very words in my mouth that needed to be said.

Success in witnessing is simply taking the opportunity to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit… Then, leave the results to God.  When you obey God–motivated by love–you cannot fail!

It’s what my husband Bill called, “No-fail witnessing!”

By Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

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[Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

Thought

Our life will not be neutral. We will either point others away from God or show them that allegiance to God is important. Let’s make an intentional effort today to shine the light of God’s holiness and grace in all we do and say.

Prayer

O God, may the words of my mouth, the actions of my life, and the influence of my deeds show others your holiness and grace and lead them to acknowledge your majesty and might. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

By Phil Ware

Used by Permission
Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

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“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”  John 1:4-5

Thought

Life! Not just living, but true, genuine life. Life that gives us light that darkness cannot steal away. That’s why God sent Jesus! Thankfully that light still shines and all of Satan’s horses and all of Satan’s men cannot put their deepest darkest darkness together again! Hallelujah!

Prayer

For every good and perfect gift, for the light I have even in my moments of deepest darkness, for the hope I have of living with you in glorious and unapproachable light, I thank you and praise you with eternal joy, now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Phil Ware

used with permission.
You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

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