GOD’S WORD FOR JUNE 12

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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POINT TO JESUS

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

D.L. MOODY

If a man has not grace to keep his temper, he is not fit to work for God.  If he cannot live uprightly at home, he is not fit for God’s service; and the less he does the better.  But if he CAN  keep his temper, he CAN live uprightly at home, by the grace of God.

ERWIN LUTZER

Moody was concerned about our testimony before others.  Yes, if we are short-tempered, we could drive people away from Christ rather than nudge them toward Him.  We are to let our light shine in a dark world.

The early church attracted some people because of their love, but their commitment to holiness repelled others. Jesus said that men, by nature, love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

Some people will make up their minds about Christ based on their interaction with us.  Christians must guard their testimony.  Light gives us perspective.  As a child on a farm, I would frequently run out in the fields after dark.  I would often take a flashlight because I’d imagine things that weren’t there.  Darkness can be terrifying, misleading, and dangerous.

Our world needs light.  Today’s culture calls darkness light and light darkness.  We have the privilege and responsibility of showing others that there is a light they can confidently follow – a light leading us to the reality of forgiveness and hope.  Suicide is on the rise because of hopeless despair.  Sadly, at the same time, many Christians are hiding their light, fearful of being canceled, ridiculed, or otherwise thought to be odd.

Let’s honestly answer these questions:  Are we good representatives of  Christ’s light in the lives of those who walk in darkness?  What sin is keeping us from letting our light shine?  Are we fearful, hesitant, and unprepared?  Or, as Moody would say, “of a bad temper?”

PRAYER

Father, may I represent Christ without shame and without rancor.  Please help me make my temperament and attitude pleasing in Your sight.

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Proverbs 18:21

    “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” –

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Ephesians 4:29

    “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” –

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Proverbs 16:24

    “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” –

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Colossians 4:6

    “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

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James 1:19

    “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

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Titus 2:7

    “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”

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Matthew 5:16

    “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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Romans 15:2

    “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”

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Galatians 6:2

    “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

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Hebrews 10:24-25

    “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

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