A City on a Hill

Today's Reading:
Jeremiah 49:23-50:46
Matthew 5:1-26
Proverbs 9:1-12 
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Focus Verses: Matthew 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Insight:
A life lived in worship to God is a light to the world. Good deeds shine with the truth and beauty of God when they are done out of reverence for God. The testimony of a person who wholeheartedly loves and serves God is like a city on a hill that can't be hidden in the dark of night.

Response and Action:
My life can be a light. I will follow Christ with my whole heart. I will commit my energy and efforts to living out my faith through good works and acts of love. I will immerse myself in the study and application of Scripture so that it can teach, rebuke, correct, and train me—making me ready to do the good things God would have me do. My life can point others to the truth and hope of Christ.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Give me the wisdom and the direction I need to live in your ways. Help me to walk with integrity and to do good for others. Let my love and devotion to you result in goodness and grace to everyone around me. Help me to walk so closely with you that my life is a beam of light giving praise to you and witness to the world. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 5:8-10
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

Resources:
Living the Story: Biblical Spirituality for Everyday Christians
by R. Paul Stevens