Living As Light

Category: Gospel of Matthew

  • Love your enemies. Bless them. Do good to them. Pray for them.Why should I do that?

    Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV
    [[44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.44-45.NKJV

    Luke 6:27-28 NKJV
    [27] “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.6.27-28.NKJV

    Romans 12:19-21 NKJV
    [19] Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.12.19-21.NKJV

    Luke 23:34 ESV
    [34] And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.23.34.ESV

    Acts 7:60 ESV
    [60] And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/act.7.60.ESV

    1 Peter 3:9 ESV
    [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.3.9.ESV

    Love your enemies. Bless them. Do good to them. Pray for them.Why should I do that?

    So that I’m not overcome by evil, but instead, I am able to overcome evil with good.

    My actions as a Christian, as a follower of Jesus Christ, can either draw people to him, or turn them off and cause them to turn away from God in their own heart and mind. Jesus asks His followers to live as he lived, love as he loved, and serve as he served, thereby glorifying the Father in heaven.

    When someone does me dirty, disrespects me, even lies about me and slanders my name, my first human reaction is to defend myself. The second is to not only take offense, but to become angry, bitter and resentful. The thoughts of getting even and planning my defense and pay back can consume me and take me down a path towards darkness and hatred, which leads to self destruction of my emotional and mental health, which can contribute to my physical health.

    So who am I really hurting and destroying by holding onto all of these negative feelings and emotions?

    Furthermore, am I really hurting the other person by allowing what they said or did to consume me and occupy my heart, mind and soul; aka renting space in my head?

    Freely forgiving others of their trespasses against me does more to free up my heart, mind and soul, than it does for the offender. Furthermore, it puts the whole thing in God’s hands and our faith and trust in Him will allow us to believe that vengeance is His and He will repay accordingly.

    The Bible says that when we forgive others and refrain from getting even, and leave the matter in God’s hands, we’re “heaping coals of fire/shame on their head”

    Is it better to get even, or for the other person to become convicted in their heart and see within themselves, that they’ve offended you, and apologize and ask for forgiveness?

    So often we tend to demonize offenders and exaggerate and embellish the actual offense they have committed against us. If their trespasses against us included anything illegal or against the law, let law enforcement and the courts deal with it. Take it out of your hands and control and let others come to your aid.

    Even if an offense isn’t anything illegal, but merely words and/or actions that are highly offensive and have caused you great pain and agony, don’t allow that to rob you of your own inner peace and joy.
    As much as we’re able to, we’re to live at peace with others; including those we may sharply disagree with, and especially those who disagree with us so much that they become aggressive and controlling, etc. it’s ok to remove yourself from such people and not associate with them.

    If we can’t agree to disagree, and still maintain mutual respect, then unfriend them on social media, even block those who want to argue with you and occupy your mind and rob you of your peace.

  • The power of words

    Our words carry weight

    Proverbs 21:23 NKJV
    [23] Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.21.23.NKJV

    We can use our words wisely, with discretion and discernment, or speak idly, which is to talk, just to talk, with no purpose or anything productive or of value.

    Gossip can be a form of idle talk. Such people are often known as busy bodies, meddling in the affairs of others and not minding their own business. 

    God’s word instructs us to use our words with wisdom; godly wisdom. It’s better to use our words carefully instead of carelessly.

    A wise person will refrain from speaking, even biting their tongue as the Holy Spirit convicts and guides, instead of using their words foolishly.

    Often we speak off the top of our heads, out of our feelings and emotions. When someone says something spiteful or evil to, or against us. The natural tendency is to bite back with our own words of retaliation, to get even.

    Jesus tells us in the Gospels that we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak; that is, every word that comes out of our mouths that is meaningless, or spoken with malicious intent. Every time we speak falsely against someone, or tell stories that aren’t true, every word of gossip or slander, even to get even or retaliate against those who have transgressed against us with their tongue and words .

    Jesus instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to practice the golden rule, which is to treat others the way we want to be treated, freely forgiving others for the things they say against us, which are often spoken out of anger or despair, or lack of understanding. Our words, and that of others, can and often are taken out of context .

    Godliness includes pursuing holiness and righteousness, and a part of that is learning when and when not to speak.

    Our words carry consequences; we will reap what we sow, good or bad. We can use our words wisely, watching the door of our mouths, or we can use them foolishly, blurting things out, without any thought as to who they will hurt or effect. But rest assured, every person will give an account to God on judgement day. If we’ve used our words to hurt others or treat them unfairly, God will hold us accountable.

    If, on the other hand, we’ve watched our words, especially when we’ve heard gossip or false witness against our neighbor, and have avoided joining in, even defending others against such idle chatter, or otherwise letting “talebearers” and gossips know what God’s word says about such things.

    Remembering that our words have power can keep us from speaking idly and use our words to glorify God, by lifting others up, strengthening and encouraging them. We can pray for and with others, which is a great way to use our words to bring life instead of death.

    Our words have power! If we would give thought to every word, before they slip off of our tongue, we would avoid unnecessarily offending others. But living that way requires a close knit relationship with the Living God, and allowing the power of His Word to transform us by the renewing of our minds. We need to be intentional about receiving the power of His word, so that we might learn to use our words more wisely.

    Proverbs 18:21 ESV
    [21]  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.21.ESV

    Matthew 12:33-37 NKJV
    [33] “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. [34] Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. [36] But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.12.33-37.NKJV

    Proverbs 4:23-27 NKJV
    [23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. [24] Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. [26] Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.4.23-27.NKJV

    Proverbs 12:17-19 NKJV
    [17] He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. [18] There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. [19] The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.12.17-19.NKJV

  • At the sound of a trumpet, the trumpet of God!

    In Scripture, trumpets hold significant symbolism and practical use, often representing divine communication, divine authority, and God’s intervention in human affairs. They are used to announce God’s presence, call people to worship, guide them in battle, and herald both judgment and redemption.

    Examples in Scripture:
    Numbers 10: Details the use of silver trumpets for various purposes, including calling the assembly, directing the camp, and signaling war.


    Joshua 6: The trumpets blown by the priests brought down the walls of Jericho.


    Revelation 8-11: The seven trumpets unleash divine judgments upon the earth.


    1 Corinthians 15:52: The “last trump” signifies the resurrection and the transformation of believers.

    In essence, the trumpet in Scripture serves as a powerful symbol of God’s presence, His communication with humanity, and His ultimate plan of redemption and victory.

    Psalms 47:1-9 NKJV
    [1] Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! [2] For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. [3] He will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet. [4] He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah

    [5] God has gone up with a shout, The Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

    [6] Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! [7] For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. [8] God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. [9] The princes of the people have gathered together, The people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.47.1-9.NKJV

    Matthew 24:29-31 NKJV
    [29] “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [30] Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.24.29-31.NKJV

    I Thessalonians 4:16 NKJV
    [16] For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/1th.4.16.NKJV

    Do you hear the rallying cry of God? The “last trump” symbolizes the second coming of Christ, when He will come with a shout, and the dead in Christ will rise, and those who are alive when He comes shall also be caught up with Him in heaven.

    Are you ready? No man knows the day or the hour, so it is imperative to be prepared, with oil in your lamps (symbolic if the Holy Spirit) and your ears open to the sound of the trumpet (God’s call to battle and to the final hour of victory).

    No amount of money or riches can save you. They can’t earn you a place in God’s kingdom. Jesus Christ has already won the battle for your soul, once and for all times. All that remains is for each of us to step into that eternal inheritance. Those are the ones who hear His voice and will hear the trumpet of God; the last trump right before the return of the Son of God, in power and great glory!

  • We as Peacemakers

    Wele’re called to be peacemakers.


    Matthew 5:9 NKJV
    [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.9.NKJV


    We, the sons and daughters of God, filled with the Spirit, spread, among many things, His peace, which surpasses all understanding. That peace comes as the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives, and we pass it on as we minister to those whose paths we cross on a daily basis. It starts with living the golden rule, by loving your neighbor as yourself.

    Jesus gives His peace to those who repent and believe, so that we can pass it on.

    The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness , goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22&23)

  • One commandment with two facets or sides.

    And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
    Matthew 22:35‭-‬40 ESV
    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.22.35-40.ESV

    Thinking about the greatest commandment, I once heard Billy Graham state that it’s really one commandment with two sides or facets, much like a coin with two sides, heads and tails. You can’t have one side without the other, otherwise the coin is worthless

    In the same manner, one can’t claim to love God, while not loving, even hating, his brother/neighbor (1 John 3:10-15)

    So, the Great commandment is one commandment; to love. Love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor (brother) as yourself.

    You can’t truly love God, without loving your neighbor as yourself and nor can you truly love your neighbor as independent of God; not to the depth that God commands and demonstrates in Christ.

  • How will your light shine brightly if it’s dimmed by sin?

    Matthew 5:14-16

    How will others see the light within you if it’s hidden under a basket?

    Sin has that effect on your soul. While the Holy Spirit never leaves nor forsakes you, the light that is within you can fade and grow dim. Like a flashlight with dying batteries or a lantern with little oil, the light becomes dim and compromised, unable to shine as it was designed to.

    When I give into the temptations that gnaw at my soul, my spiritual batteries become weak and unable to shine brightly. Others won’t see the light of the Spirit within me. They’ll only see me in the flesh; no light, no Spirit, no hope, at least not enough to glorify God. That’s why we’re instructed to keep our lamps ready and trimmed and filled with oil.

    So often we’re caught up with pleasing our own fleshly human nature and the selfish lusts that plague us that we lose sight of what God truly desires to do within and through us. Keeping my light shining brightly requires me to repent and believe, daily confessing my sins before Holy God and denying myself,  taking up my cross, and following Him. Then you will be like that city on a hill, giving light to all, and like a lamp on its stand, lighting the whole room.

    Don’t get caught up on those dark spots and corners, rather expose them as you come into the light of God’s word. Then His word will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, guiding you along your way as you walk through life.

    Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
    [14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] 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. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.14-16.NKJV

  • It is Written! The temptations of Jesus in the wilderness

    Jesus victory is our victory

    Matthew 4:1-11

    The living power of God’s word in delivering us from the oppression of the enemy

    There is always a divine purpose in being tried and tested. God ordains every fiery trial and allows Satan to tempt us. But He is with us through it all. God uses these periods in our lives  to refine and purify us, making us fit for the Master’s use. As we endure through prayer, fasting and meditating on the word of God, He gives us faith, patience and guidance to stand up under Him, covered under the shadow of His wings.

    In the temptation of Jesus, we see that He was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness. To be tempted by the devil. Testing and temptation are necessary. Jesus had to be tempted in every way that mankind is tempted, yet without sin, because, He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

    How could Jesus be qualified to be our eternal, atoning sacrifice; the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, unless he had endured everything we go through as men and women, created in the image of God?

    With every temptation, Jesus used the living power of God’s word to counter Satan’s attacks and attempts to separate Him from the will of God.

    “It is written” appears along with each area of testing; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. These are the three categories or areas of temptation the devil attempts to conquer us with and master in our lives. But Jesus pointed Satan back to the Father, who is God over all, including the devil. The devil cannot operate outside of the boundaries God alone has set up. God Almighty is our Master. Those who are in Christ belong to Him.

    In the same ways Jesus was tempted, you and I are tempted every day. Our victory comes, not in our own best efforts to be good, or to do the best we can, but to abide in God’s word and let Him, through the living power of His word and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, to deliver us from every evil intention of the enemy to trip us up and gain influence over us, causing division in our hearts, and separating us from the love and care of God.

    Two equally important actions appear and precede the use of Scripture in Jesus’s encounter with Satan; fasting and prayer. When we go through these fiery trials, prayer and fasting are necessary. By doing these two things, we’re preparing our body and soul to receive the living power of God’s holy word, which will deliver us from the devil. This is the formula; the secret to overcoming the devil’s wicked schemes;

    Prayer

    Fasting

    Meditating on the Scriptures; the living power of God’s word!

    Do this regularly and The Holy Spirit will equip you with the full armor of God and you will be able to stand firm under the mighty hand of God.

    Each test and fiery trial that you endure will further prepare you for service in the Kingdom of God. Thank God for each and every time you have been enabled by His grace and power, and delivered. You are better equipped to minister to others who are experiencing similar trials in their own lives.

    Matthew 4:1-11 ESV
    [1]  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [5]  Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple [6] and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.4.1-11.ESV

  • Bear fruit in keeping with repentance

    Matthew 3:8 NLT
    [8] Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.3.8.NLT

    Your religion or family heritage and cultural upbringing can not save you. Only as one repents of their sins and believes in the name of above all names, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, can one be saved and bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

    Luke 3:8 NLT
    [8] Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.3.8.NLT

    Being baptized in the name of Jesus is in keeping with repentance.

    Baptism is the first act or sign of repenting of our sins and turning to God through Jesus Christ. The believer is identifying with Christ and taking His name. Bearing fruit in keeping with repentance starts with this obedient step of faith. The repentant believer is declaring the he belongs to Christ

    Acts of the Apostles 2:38 NLT
    [38] Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/act.2.38.NLT

    Paul declares to all that repenting and turning toward God is necessary, in order to perform the good works or deeds that will prove we belong to Christ. Bearing fruit in keeping with repentance is the result of a heart fully surrendered to God through Jesus Christ. The living power of God’s word lives in them through His Holy Spirit.

    We can’t do enough good things on our own to earn salvation. The good things or deeds are the proof or evidence that we belong to Him, that our lives are under His name and control. We are no longer our own, for we have been bought with a great price. Our lives become His testimony of salvation. We now live as citizens of His Kingdom. As such, we are to share this good news with others. In this way, we are bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, by loving and serving others in His name.

    Acts 26:20 ESV
    [20] but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/act.26.20.ESV