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“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:3-4, NIV)

Most of what we know of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and power has been commended to us from those who have gone before us; whether from persons noted in the Bible, or from relatives and friends personally known to us.

As disciples of Jesus, we have the privilege and the opportunity to pass along word of God’s “mighty acts” to other generations.

What have you seen God do — either for yourself, or for others?

Based on your personal experience, are you telling the story of His love toward you? Does your life, and your lifestyle, commend Him to those in other generations? – Luther

Tagged bearing witness, the book of Psalms

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“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13, NASB)

When Jesus made this statement in His “Sermon on the Mount,” salt was used as a food preservative, because refrigerators and freezers were unknown at that time.

The disciple of Jesus is a “preservative” in a decaying world. Where there is evil, we do the right thing. Where there is deception, we speak the truth. Where there is grief, we offer comfort. Where there is despair, we provide encouragement and hope.

Without us, the state of the world only gets worse.

If we become salt that has lost its saltiness, we are part of the problem.

The Irish political philosopher, Edmund Burke (1729-1797), said: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

In our decaying, dying world, we are the “good men” (and “good women”). Do not be overcome by evil; overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) – Luther

Tagged bearing witness, Edmund Burke, salt of the earth, the book of Matthew, truth

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Jesus says that you and I are the light of the world. This is not aspirational, as in a state to which you and I should aspire. It is a fact.

We may, through disobedience, dim our light’s brightness, but we have no say in where we are placed. That is God’s prerogative. He may place us in unusual and challenging places. Places where, were it our choice, we would never go.

It should cheer us to know that God has entrusted the illumination of the world to us. By our good deeds God is glorified.

Do good and shine wherever you are today. God has not made us the light to hide us under a bowl. He has made us light to illuminate the world. – Luther

Tagged bearing witness, obedience, the book of Matthew, the book of Psalms