BE THE LIGHT GOD PUT INSIDE OF YOU! Dear Beloved, I cant say it any plainer than The Message. [Check out verses 11-12] YOURE BLESSED 5 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3 “Youre blessed when youre at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 “Youre blessed when you feel youve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 “Youre blessed when youre content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that cant be bought. 6 “Youre blessed when youve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal youll ever eat. 7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. 8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. 10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. *11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they dont like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. [See also John 17:14, KJV] SALT AND LIGHT 13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Youve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you dont think Im going to hide you under a bucket, do you? Im putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, youll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. COMPLETING GODS LAW 17-18 “Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working. [Matthew 5:1-18, The Message (MSG)] PRAISE THE LORD; FOR HIS GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY; AND HIS GR-R-REAT LOVE!!! My Hope for You is: Read and study the word of God. Let God renew your mind, daily. May the love of God cause you to grow, mature in your faith; prosper and be in good health, and be content with the things you have; so you can be an effective witness for the kingdom of God; in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:22:01 +0000
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