Encouragement

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The Light Of The World
(Matthew 5:14-16)

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV)

When the Holy Spirit first fell on the disciples of Jesus in the upper room, they were set ablaze with the fire of God (Acts 2). Their lives were transformed by the presence of the Holy Spirit and this became apparent to all who were around them. People saw the signs and wonders following them and were drawn to Jesus. The same is true for us. When the Holy Spirit comes upon our lives, it is because we were meant to burn with a fiery flame. We were not meant to live lukewarm lives fulfilling a religious pattern, but to burn with a passion for Jesus and His Kingdom. Here are some points to ponder.

1. You are the light of the world. People/Christians often look for direction and guidance from other sources, but God wants to remind you that you are the light of the world. Because the Fiery Flame lives in you, He sheds His light on the things of this life for you, and He also causes you to be a guiding light for those who cannot see the way. In John 8:12, Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When the Holy Spirit fills us, we begin to partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and begin to be to the world what Jesus is to us - the light! The life we live is a witness (for good or for bad!) to the world around us. We can make it a witness of light and life when we live in partnership with the Holy Spirit and yield to Him in all things.

2. You are the light of the world. You may be looking back on your life and thinking of a time when you led many people to God, or when you were a source of strength and encouragement to those around you. Or perhaps you are looking ahead and believing that you will be an active witness once your challenges are all out of the way. Maybe you look at other people and wish you could live the life of witness they do. The truth is that you are equipped and empowered to shine for Jesus, and to shine today and now because He lives in you and is causing you to burn brightly for the glory of His name. Because He is the light of the world, you are too!

3. You are the light of the world. There is a world out there in darkness, and one has to only listen to the daily news to see how bad things are. Jesus said “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Blessing brings with it a responsibility. When we receive the awesome presence of the mighty Holy Spirit into our lives, it is the most amazing experience to get to know His voice and His ways and to learn to yield to Him and experience Him. However, His presence in us is not only for us to enjoy but is also meant to be a blessing to others. There are people living in confusion and pain, and Jesus wants to shine through us and touch their lives. He wants us to shine by manifesting His love. He wants us to show Him to the world by letting signs and wonders follow us. There is no greater proof of the reality of Jesus than for someone to be healed by His power and to feel His love. It is time to look outside of ourselves and see the needy ones around us. The Holy Spirit wants to be let out!

We will look at this passage of Scripture again next week, but let me leave you with these thoughts from the heart of the Father, who says to you: “You are the light of the world. You may be seeing yourself through your struggles but I see you as the light. I see you as good and complete and filled with my power. Begin to see yourself as I see you. Then we will be in perfect agreement and see great things happen, which is what I really want for you.”

You are chosen, you are awesome, and you are filled with heavenly light! Be blessed and shine; you are the light of the world!

Minoli Haththotuwa, 30 June 2014
www.risingonwings.org

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