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Monday, March 3, 2014
“New Week, New Opportunities”
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- Email: robert@thelightnetwork.tv
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Episode Transcript:
It’s Monday, March 3, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!
“You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat. 5:14-16).
For Christians, new days are about new opportunities. I look at Mondays as a fresh start to the work week. Now’s my chance to make righteous decisions that will honor God. Now is when I can be a good influence on my coworkers. It all begins today, with this very moment.
Now that I’m a Christian, every day is about God, not just Sundays and Wednesdays. I like Revelation 4:11 which says “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Why are you here? Well, to serve God. If you and I will keep that in mind today, then we will be amazed at what we will do. We won’t be as selfish with other people. We’ll look for opportunities to shed Christian light on any situation. In so doing, we will be “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mat. 6:33).
You are a light. I know you may not feel like it sometimes. I don’t always, either. May God forgive us when our lights are dimmer than they ought to be. Remember that you don’t originate the light that you are to shine. You are merely a reflector of the light from heaven. The Bible says that our light is “in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). Revelation makes it clear that, in heaven, there is no need for the sun or the moon because “the glory of God” illuminates it. “The Lamb is its light.” You shine the spiritual light by acting like Jesus. By walking like Jesus, talking like Jesus, and even thinking like Jesus (true change, after all, begins on the inside – in the heart – and then manifests itself outwardly).
Further, you should note that the light you shine is not for your own glory. It isn’t as though, by your shining the bright spiritual light of Jesus that you are to draw attention to yourself. Christianity is portrayed in its purest form when we get out of the way and let the Lord shine through in our lives. He deserves all of the glory. That’s why Jesus said that, when men see our good works, they ought to be motivated to glorify God in heaven.
One evening a friend of mine and I had been preaching in a town we had never visited before. We were not familiar with the roads in that area, but managed to arrive ok to preach. Later, however, the story was much different. It was pitch black – hardly any street lights on that little road, and our vehicle was quickly running out of gas. We went up and down hills pressing the accelerator with a big toe so as not to use too much fuel! Cell phone signal was low, and we weren’t sure what we would do if the vehicle went kaput. But we rejoiced as we topped one of those hills. There were LIGHTS! A city was within reach! We coasted into the gas station of fumes, rejoicing that our adventure was over.
Jesus said it: you can’t hide a city on a hill. When the light of Christ shines in our dark world, people are going to notice. Not everyone will appreciate you turning on the light. Others, though, will rejoice in it.
Let’s wrap it up: Don’t miss this week’s opportunities! Decide right now that you are going to be a light to others. You are going to be like Christ, our perfect example. By your doing so, others will come to know Him, too!
Memory Verse: Each week, we’re going to work on a new memory verse. I know, it sounds a little childish, but it’s far from it. I think this week’s memory verse will help us to see that fact. Here it is: now, I’m going to say it twice, once to you, then the second time I’ll ask you to repeat it with me.
Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”
Sometime today: Pick up your New Testament and head over to Philippians 3:13-14. As you read, think about this question: what does this passage tell me about marching forward as a Christian? We’ll discuss that tomorrow.
Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.
Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now either by email or by phone, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming Saturday broadcast. The email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.
I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.
You have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, adopted into God’s family, and given a brand new name. You’re a Christian! Go be THE NEW YOU!
