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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV — The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Father replied, “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV — My son, the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

I’ve included five verses from today’s parable on The Prodigal Son. You can read the full chapter @biblegateway. Celebration and food are often two things that go together. Every year we celebrate holidays, births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and life. Take a moment to envision the celebration over the prodigal son returning. We know how each son felt over this celebration. The one who wandered didn’t feel worthy. The one who stayed didn’t feel his brother was worthy. The father’s love was greater and he chose to forgive, love, and celebrate his son. 

Thankfully our God doesn’t look to our past mistakes. He sees us all as His children, worthy of His forgiveness, love, and celebration.

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for celebrating me even when I do not feel worthy. Thank You for forgiving and loving me. Help me to show that same forgiveness and love to those around me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Often our family likes to celebrate with my easy lasagna recipe.

1 bag of frozen cheese ravioli

1 lb of italian ground sausage

1 jar of preferred spaghetti sauce

1 2-cup bag of preferred shredded cheese

Instructions: Thaw frozen ravioli. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cook ground sausage. Mix prepared sausage with spaghetti sauce. Layer ravioli, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes.