30 for 30
Day Five
Stop
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name. This morning let’s spend the first few moments of our devotional hallowing the name of God. Tell Him how much you love Him, and tell Him what you love about Him.
Look
Read Matthew 5. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. You may want to make notes, underline in your bible or journal all that God is saying.
Thought of the day
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
These verses come in arguably the most famous sermon ever preached. Jesus, atop a mountain, begins to share about a new way of living in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus writes that we are the light of the world. Think about that. We are the light of the world. People right now are searching for light, searching for hope, searching for home. They’re looking for light in many different areas; thousands of causes, politics, relationships, education – many of which are good, but don’t produce true light.
Jesus says that we are the light of the world. In other words, we are a radically visible, wildly shining outpost of hope in our communities. Impossible to ignore for the light that we produce.
Every area of society should be brightened by the light of the Church.
There is a temptation for many reasons to hide our light. Maybe it’s due to fear of what people may think, or of not having the right things to say – but Jesus encourages us to let our light shine. Letting our light shine despite our worries and concerns and fear is how we truly change the world.
How do we do this? Jesus says that we should let people see our good works – and recognize that God is behind them. It’s amazing to see all the wonderful ways we’re doing this as a church. People are being fed, clothed, and loved; they’re being walked out of debt and dignity is being restored. Our light is shining – let’s burn brighter than ever before!
Pray
Today go for a prayer walk. Even if it’s just around your street. Be present to the environment Jesus has placed you in, and begin to pray for opportunities to live as light in the darkness.
Live
Find a way to demonstrate generosity this week. Maybe pay for someone’s shopping, buy lunch for someone, send a card or an encouraging message. Maybe bring some food to our food bank this week. Live out the call to be light in a practical way.