Shout to the World, “He Lives”

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5: 14)

The knowledge that Jesus Christ is alive and lives in me produces a sense of peace that passes all understanding, especially in times of challenges and trouble.   I look back over my life and see how He has taken me through difficult times and carried my burdens, made my yoke light and protected me. Without this knowledge made known to me by and through Christ, my life would be meaningless, almost unbearable at times. I can’t think of anything better to know in my life! It is a gift that I wouldn’t have today if not shared by someone else. The question I must ask myself is this, “Am I doing my part in sharing this gift of peace with others?”

When I was in the Air Force, a young Lieutenant enthusiastically shared this knowledge with me. Afterwards I wanted to tell all those around me. I joined a local church to grow in my knowledge of the Word of God, became involved in activities at church and Bible studies, made new friends and spent less time with the old group of friends. Outside of church and work, I didn’t make time to do anything else.  I steadily became critical of my old friends and the choices they made.     The tragedy of all of this was that I stopped sharing my faith with those around me. In time, I began reflecting on Christ’s great commission in Matthew 28. He didn’t say to go and hang with the disciples, but instead go and make disciples!   God made me realize that as much as I need to be refreshed in His Word, so did others and they weren’t going to automatically come to Him. I needed to take it to them.

Am I approachable to those who don’t know Christ and are searching for answers?   Do people feel comfortable sharing their burdens with me with no judgment?   Do I make myself available to those outside my group of friends at church? Is my heart broken for those lost, who live in this world without the same peace that dwells within us, whose eternal salvation is hopeless without Christ?

Church is important, a place for enrichment and growth. It is very special to Christ; it is His bride and He loves it.   Does the world know this? Or do we keep the light of the truth hidden?   Bernie Bostwick serves as Vice-President of Ambassador Advisors from Lancaster, PA. Bernie is a contributor to the daily devotional, Real Victory for Real Life

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 5169-5192).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8-9; Matthew 8:1-17

Quote of the day: What we call revival is simply a return to normal New testament Christianity. Vance Havner

Bible Memory: “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.” Psalm 119:89-90