Scripture: Matthew 5.  

OBSERVATION
(Key verses)

Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

15 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.

16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my life today?)

Having done some boating at night, I can easily identify with the imagery here about being a light in a dark world. You see, traveling in the pitch of night and not being able to see what’s ahead of you, or what might be in the water to harm your boat, is a frightening thing. However, being in the same circumstance and seeing the light from a marker or lighthouse ahead of you, gives so much more peace of mind. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like and giving them hope, much light the lighthouse showed me the way in the pitch of night. But why would Jesus tell us about the importance of being a light, do we not automatically stand out as a shining light? I don’t feel there is anything automatic about it, for we still have a free will. Unfortunately we hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak out, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others. Let’s be a beacon of truth—don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world. The light represents Jesus, and we want Him to shine forth in all we say and do, so that others may see that light and accept it as ‘THE’ Light!

PRAYER
(What I will ask of God, in order for me to properly apply His Word to my life)

Lord Jesus, may I stand firm in my commitment to You, and may Your light shine bright in all that I do. May I be a lighthouse through which You will shine each and every day, is my humble prayer.

 

**Words underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
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