FRIDAY 1 January, 2016
New Year’s Day
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14, 16
As we sit back on this first day of the New Year, I think we need to reflect back on the past year, maybe longer, and honestly examine the affect our lives have made in our homes, our businesses and our communities. Are we open to being used by the Lord? Have we hidden our lights so well, people do not know we are Christians?
With the great persecution we have seen spreading around this world over the past few years, it would be easy to excuse hiding your light. However, in order to truly hide the light of Jesus Christ in your life, you have to deny Him—deny the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about that statement. Judas Iscariot denied the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. He committed suicide without truly repenting. Peter also denied the Lord, three times. When the rooster crowed, he realized his sin against the Lord and he wept bitterly—he had a repentant heart.
Since the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have seen persecution of Christians from the Roman Emperors to the recent atrocities of ISIS. We have also seen men, women and children refuse to deny the Lord. They allowed their light to shine so brightly, the Lord was glorified. They were tortured and killed for their faith and trust in Him, and their lights still shine in those who have come after them. Let your light shine and glorify the Lord this New Year!
When men try to extinguish the light of the Gospel, it burns more brightly.
~Henry T. Mahan~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
