Take some time to read Matthew 5:14-16 NIV and Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

I enjoy reading the same scripture in different versions. What do these two versions say to you? The Message version tells us that “by opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God”. When we are ready and willing to share Christ with others, we may have the opportunity to witness and lead others to Christ. Think about the places life will take you today. How can God use you to shine His light today? As you go about your day, keep your eyes and ears open to ways to share Christ. Listen to the conversations around you. Look for opportunities that God presents for you to share Christ with others. While in line at a store, perhaps you chat with the person behind you in line and you have the chance to relate to that person and invite him/her to your church. Perhaps in a restaurant you talk with your waiter/waitress and he/she shares a recent struggle. Be willing to share how you relate to that struggle or even step out on the water and pray with the waiter/waitress. When someone around you sneezes, say “God Bless You” and listen for an opportunity to expound on God’s blessings. Just be ready and willing to shine the light of Christ throughout your day and God will give you the opportunity!

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for trusting me with Your light. Today, I’m going to look for opportunities to shine Your light for others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Take a few moments to listen to this childhood favorite song,  This Little Light of Mine by the Oak Ridge Boys.

John 8:12 NIV —  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Are you a Christian? Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior? If so, you are called to be a light bearer. What does that mean to you? 

For me, being a light bearer means letting the light of Christ shine in all that I say and do. For me, this is a constant aspiration and there are moments each day that I fail. However, being a Christian means that I continue to strive to be more like Christ and point others toward Him. 

What are some simple ways we can share the light of Christ?

1. Hold the door open for others entering before or after you in a store.
2. Smile at those you pass in public.
3. Listen before you speak and then speak with love.
4. Share words of encouragement and affirmation with others.
5. Write notes or send texts of thanksgiving and encouragement to others.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son to be the light of the world. May I shine His light through my words and actions. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV — For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

As Christians we are called to be light bearers. We are called to “live as children of light.” In today’s scripture we are also charged with learning “what pleases the Lord.”

How can we find out what God wants? There is no simple answer. You and I can learn more and more each day about what pleases God by spending time with Him, reading His word, and allowing Him to guide our steps. What are some of your daily practices to hear from God? What do you do to learn what pleases God? Once we learn to walk with God each day, we can better shine His light to others. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, show me Your way. Help me to learn what pleases You so I can live as a child of light. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

On this Mindset Monday spend time reading and meditating on the scriptures for this week. 

John 8:12 NIV

Ephesians 5:8-20 NIV

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

@biblegateway

Spend some time in worship by watching the video and listening to these two songs. 

Let Them See You In Me by Colton Dixon

Less Like Me by Zach Williams

1 Samuel 17:48-50 NIV — As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

On this Finish Friday, let’s remember that we will not have to face the giants alone. God will equip us with all we need to slay the giants in front of us. 

Spend some time meditating on the following quote by Christine Caine — Just as God gave Moses exactly what he needed to accomplish great things, he will equip us in the same way. If he calls us to slay giants, He will make us into giant slayers.

What are you doing to be open to God’s guidance? Open your heart and mind to God’s equipment that He is providing for you to slay the giants ahead of you. Be on the lookout for the slingshot and stones He will provide and watch the giants fall!

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for equipping me to slay the giants I face. Show me Your equipment and give me Your strength to go into battle. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Challenge: Reflect on the list you wrote this week. So far your list includes giants you are facing and ways God has rescued you in the past. Today, write down any ways you see God equipping you. In the days ahead, continue to refer back to your list as you go into battle as a giant slayer with God at your side.

1 Samuel 17:34-37 NIV — But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

David trusted that his Lord, our Lord, would rescue him from the danger of the giant he would face. Do you have that same confidence in God? Take time to reflect over past giants you have faced. How has God equipped you to face those giants? What was the result when you trusted God and allowed Him to give you what you needed? Spend time thanking God for all the times He has rescued you and praise Him for all the times He will rescue you in the future.

Listen to the words of  Rescue by Lauren Daigle and be encouraged by the promise of God rescuing you as you face the giants in front of you.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all the times You have rescued me in the past and all the times You will rescue me in the future. You are my Savior! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Challenge: On the same page you have listed the giants you are facing, make a list of all the giants God has already rescued you from in the past.