Living like the King begins with transformational thinking – transforming your mind. Pray today that God would transform your mind over these next several months. Read through Matthew 5:1-16. How does all that Jesus calls us to be make us salt and light?
Matthew 5:1-10 are the Beatitudes, and for me, they are a call to action of how I should act and behave as a Christian. If I practice what Jesus preaches in this sermon, I can show others the light and love of Jesus Christ, and the unbelievable gift and promise that He offers us.
I really like The Message translation of the last part of verses 13-16. (not so much the Beatitudes, though :-)
13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
I'm really glad Jill included the MSG version. This is so powerful. "The God flavors" and "The God Colors" how cool! I've been watching a lot of Extreme Chef on the food network lately and they constantly talk about using salt in the foods to "bring out" the rich flavors. How appropriate for what we can be to the world around us. If we can follow the commands of Jesus we will bring out the richness of the world around us. I also love the mindset that begins with the world is good and like salt we can enhance the world. How different from what life seems to want to teach us!!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think... Take the 5 minutes it will be worth it!!!
I love both your comments, but I'm confused. Aren't we supposed to be doing the DAY ONE question from the green handout from church yesterday? The question I see says: "God's kingdom is a radical departure from the values and ways of the world. The transformation inwardly creates differing standards for different reasons. Take note today of where living with the end in sight leads you." The DAY ONE question you list above is what I did prior to our meeting this past Sunday. So which is correct?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Tim and Kelli. So, here's the deal...when I posted this, I didn't have the green handout with me as it was left in the car yesterday which went to work with Ron this morning. So, I went online to find the daily devotions, and the only set available online is the one that I posted. So, I guess for this week, lets just continue with the questions that are posted online. This also makes the most sense should any of our members not make it to church and not receive one of the green handouts.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the confusion.
Jill
One more thing: Ron and I sent an email to Pastor Steve asking him to clarify what week we should be on for the daily devotions. Stay tuned...
ReplyDeletesince Sam and I don't have a hand-out (ya know, cuz we didn't go to church) we will just press with the devotionals off of Brookside's website. The thing that shakes me in general about Matt 5.10-16 is that I know that I have connections to this world, relationships that I feel that I am preserving by not being "salty" or "lighty". However, living the principles of the other verses (turning the cheek, mercy, peacemaking, pure in heart, thirsting for righteousness) is so revolutionary that the world has to take notice of this saltiness and light.
ReplyDeleteSamantha put it simply that Christ's influence through us is such a contrast to the world, it does not go unnoticed.
They key phrase that Comes to mind as I read this was living IN the world not OF the world. Showing the salt and light of God is sometimes a difficult task to do but with his help and by consistently being in his word He will remind us.
ReplyDeleteI thought all ur comments were great and appreciate u all!