Mar 20 2022

Ye are the salt of the Earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Salt has been used as a flavor enhancer almost since the beginning of time. Every year, over 250 billion pounds of salt is produced. All living creatures require salt for life and health.

A dash of salt can improve the taste of a savory dish and bring out the sweetness of sweet things. Too much salt can ruin the flavor, and not enough makes the dish taste bland, like something is missing.

In Matthew, as part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells His followers that we are the salt of the Earth. We can understand what that means by studying the qualities of salt.

Salt, for instance, has more than 14,000 specific uses. When our words are placed in God's hands, the possibilities are endless.

Salt is valuable. Throughout history, it has been used as currency. Our salty words can add value to conversations and interactions with others. Without such saltiness, our words can be hollow and empty.

Salt is a purifier. When we speak pure and truthful words, they can bring peace to even the angriest and most hostile situations.

The Scripture warns that there is a danger in losing our saltiness, meaning the qualities that make us most like Him. Along with no longer being salty, we lose our influence and impact that we can make in the world.

In order to stay salty, we must remain close to the heart of the Father. With God's help and guidance, our speech can bring life to those around us.

God, before I speak today, please remind me to use salty words. It can be easy to type or say things that I haven't thought about. Help me to be mindful of how I talk with others. Use my words to bring life to others and help me to remember that I carry your presence with me everywhere I go. In Jesus' name, amen.

Mar 19 2022

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. :

Cartoons and comic strips have visually portrayed the internal struggle we encounter when we face temptation. It's the proverbial angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other. As they each whisper their advice, the listener decides which voice is most worthy of listening to.

That illustration, albeit comical, depicts the battle that happens in our minds whenever we are tempted. One of the critical differences, however, is that in reality God will never tempt us.

When temptation is encountered in the Bible, there is always the option to be faithful to God and His commands, or to follow one's own selfish desires.

When we are tempted to sin, the choice we make reflects our character and demonstrates how willing we are to follow God's ways. Temptation is a strong pull toward something that can temporarily fill our hearts when only God can genuinely satisfy our thirsty souls.

No amount of human wisdom or strength is enough to withstand temptation. We need the Lord to empower us to have clarity of mind.

James 1:13 puts to rest any notion that temptation comes from God. The verse makes it clear that He would never try to pull us away from Him and lead us down a path to destruction. Rather, in moments of temptation we can turn to God, knowing that He will strengthen and guide us in His perfect will for our lives.

God, help me to not allow the enemy to influence me with his lies. I know that temptation does not come from you. Please lead me in your truth and prepare my mind to resist when I am tempted. Teach me to listen to your voice and refuse to listen to the voice of the enemy. In Jesus's name, amen.


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