Mar 08 2022

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is one of the deepest known parts in all of Earth's oceans. It is more than 36,070 feet below sea level. No natural light can reach the depths of this astounding trench--but it is teeming with life. One creature that lives in these dark depths of the ocean is the anglerfish. This predator fish has a unique luminescent organ that entices prey to come close before it overtakes them.

God, our amazing Creator, created a species of fish equipped with a built-light that helps them survive in the deepest, darkest ocean.

The world without Jesus is dark and hopeless, but God created a plan to ensure His light was spread to every corner of the world.

Matthew 5:16 reminds us that each of us has a part in shining our light and spreading the Gospel of Jesus. We are called to shine, but not in our own power. It can be exhausting and futile to try to shine on our own, but when we ask God for His power, it flows through us.

God is calling us to influence the world and reach the lost for His glory. In order to make an impact, we have to live differently than the rest of the world. We should reflect the love of God through the good that we do. With God's light shining through us, He can use us to transform the world into a place of healing, love, and holiness.

God, every day, I have the opportunity to shine your light in the world around me. Let my life speak of your goodness and holiness. When Jesus was on Earth, His life was a reflection of your love. I ask that you use my actions to point others to you. In Jesus's name, amen.

Mar 07 2022

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.:

In Paul's Epistle to Titus, he explains the new character that should be seen in a person's life when they accept Christ. Before we were saved, our sin kept us from enjoying a relationship with God. When we gave our hearts to Him, the transformation in our lives began.

God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but change should take place. This change isn't something that we can bring about on our own. We need God's help; otherwise, the change won't be permanent.

Many people feel the need to change themselves and clean up their lives before they come to Christ. They may actually succeed in producing some amount of change in themselves, but they are incapable of changing their heart to become more like Christ—only He can do that for them.

God doesn't save us because we can change ourselves. He also doesn't redeem us because of our good deeds. Without His guidance, our efforts to do good and be good are in vain. Nothing we could ever do qualifies us to receive salvation; it isn't based on us at all. Salvation is a gift of grace from God.

When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit works in our lives to show us our sin and help us change. This gentle nudging enables us to see our weaknesses and sinful nature as we allow God to correct us and make us more like Him.

While we are on Earth, God will continue to transform us into His image through the renewing of the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful gift!

Dear Lord, Only you can see the real intent of every word I speak and the motivation of my actions. I desire to honor you. I know that no matter how good I try to be, I cannot save myself. I am redeemed by what you accomplished when you died and rose from the grave. As I live to honor you, let my motivation be my love for you. I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifice you made for me, and I will show my appreciation by how I live. In Jesus' name, amen.
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