“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
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Compare All Versions: Matthew 5:11-16
3 Days
I would like to share a thought with you that is fundamental to our lives. It’s from Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” This verse teaches us about the Christian life, about what it shouldn’t be. But what should it be?
In this instructive, 3-day devotional, renowned theologian RT Kendall encourages you to stop valuing your reputation with people more than your reputation with God. Based on his book Popular in Heaven, Famous in Hell , these daily readings show you how to live a life that both pleases God and terrifies Satan.
Something’s wrong. When should you speak up? When should you hold your tongue? These biblical reflections help you decide whether it’s the right time to use your voice at work.
Jesus had departed for his final entry into Jerusalem. Death loomed less than two weeks away. In His characteristic and radical unselfishness, Jesus stopped for a final man before reaching Jerusalem. This would be the last healing He would perform before His final entry into the city to face the cross. In this reading pal, we'll take a deeper look at the story of the Bartimaeus and his healing.
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