The Memory Verse last week was: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that the may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Plain and simple, we are to be Light bearers – shining the light of Jesus wherever we go.

The study points out the many things that can hinder our light from shining. There are many temptations which will seek to keep us from being the light we are meant to be. Fear has been a big one for me.

But if we truly want to shine, we are going to need to be different. We are not going to fit in. We are not going to think the same way as those in the world. We should expect this to be so.

Look up Ephesians 5:8-14. What does it mean to walk as children of light?

I encourage you to read these verses. I noticed at least three things that it means:

• our lives will bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth (v. 9)
• we will try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord and live that way (v. 10)
• we will expose sinful activities rather than participate in them (v. 11)

What do you think it means to walk as children of light? Let’s talk about this so as to become all we were meant to be and truly shine as brightly as we can!

~*~*~

Our reading this morning is Matthew 5:21-26. Challenging words for sure.

The topic? Murder and anger.

I would be quick to say, “I have not murdered anyone.” But then Jesus comes and redefines the act of murder:

“You see, murder is not just something that happens with a weapon, it is any thought or action that seeks to destroy or tear down other people who have been made in God’s image.” (Sermon on the Mount, page 63)

All of a sudden, I have gone to committing multiple murders, more often than I would care to admit.

And then I thought of how often my thoughts have resulted in my saying a few of those thoughts out loud perhaps to a family member or friend.

How my heart needs constant transformation!

The study asks: What are some ways that we murder the character of another people with our thoughts and words?

When my thoughts turn angry or “murderous”, I want to go straight to the only One who can not only change my heart, but perhaps change the other person as well.

May we open our hearts to being turned upside down, as we let these words of Jesus go down deep.

~*~*~

We closed the week with reading Matthew 5:31-37. The very first line in the study grabbed my attention:

“The Pharisees were famous for searching for loopholes.” (page 71)

And we still search for them.

“Loophole” is defined as: a means of escape or evasion; a means or opportunity of evading a rule, or a law (dictionary.com).

When we take the loophole, it really is a way out of doing something we really don’t want to do. For example, think tax loopholes, which will make a way to avoid paying more money. Sounds good (we hear “save money”) but is it truly honest or pure?

The study brings us to look at marriage and divorce, and brings out how marriage is a display of the covenant relationship of Jesus and the Church. The people in Jesus’ time were looking for any reason to divorce.

As I sat reading and then thinking, I thought of how it is a display of His faithfulness to His promises, to His Word towards us. Every promise is true. Every promise if sure. He will keep every one.

As we think on that, we are reminded the same should be said of us. Our words need to be true. We need to keep our word. People should know that we mean what we say and we say what we mean. Our speech should not have dual meanings, or be deceptive in any way.

It brought to mind Matthew 5:37: “But let your statement be, ”˜Yes, yes ”˜ or ”˜No, no’ anything beyond these is of evil” (NASB).

The study asks: Why do we as people often focus on the loopholes, instead of focusing on the commands? Do you think our view would change if we could grasp that God desires for our good?
What are your thoughts on loopholes? How can we avoid taking any?

~*~*~

We are to shine the light of Jesus wherever we go,
 our words and thoughts toward others pure,
remembering to reflect the One whose word is always true and faithful.

 

 

Photo 1: by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Today I am joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .