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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
LIVING AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Matthew 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”
In this verse, Jesus calls us not just to have light within us, but to be the light for a world searching for hope, direction, and truth.
This isn’t just a passive call; it’s an invitation to actively shine, living out our faith so visibly that others are drawn toward Christ.
The light we carry is meant to radiate outward, touching lives around us and reaching into places of doubt, despair, and confusion.
When we embrace our place within the church, we realize it’s not simply a place to gather; it’s a launching point for our mission to reflect Jesus’ love in everything we do.
We’re not just individual lights, but together we become a powerful beacon, illuminating God’s grace and truth in a way that no one person could do alone.
The church was never meant to be hidden, but to stand boldly as an example of God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion to a world that needs it desperately.
Consider the impact of each small act of kindness—a welcoming smile, a comforting word, a helping hand.
Each gesture is like a spark, brightening someone’s day, offering a glimpse of hope, and slowly changing hearts.
In a dark world, even the smallest light makes a difference, and collectively, those small lights can shine with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.
Imagine if every member of the church viewed themselves as a vital part of this mission, committed to serving with genuine love and humility.
Our unity, fueled by Christ’s love, becomes a living testament of His grace to those who are struggling or feel far from God.
Through our unity and dedication, we reflect the fullness of God’s compassion and grace to those who feel unseen or unloved.
When we live this way, we are like a city on a hill—shining brightly, unmistakably, and boldly.
Just as a city on a hill can’t be hidden, our lives, intertwined with Christ and each other, have the power to draw people in.
Others will see something different in us, a light that radiates from a place of peace, hope, and joy in Christ, and they’ll want to know where it comes from.
Our lives become a powerful invitation to the world to experience the love of Jesus firsthand, transforming us into living testimonies of what God’s love can accomplish.
Standing together, unified in purpose and filled with Christ’s light, we become a source of hope and a reflection of His kingdom, drawing others toward the eternal light found only in Him.
This week, find one tangible way to bring God’s light to someone outside our church family.
It might be through an act of kindness like paying for a stranger’s coffee, an encouraging note to a coworker, or simply listening to someone who needs to be heard.
Consider sharing something about your faith, whether it’s a verse that’s meant a lot to you or a personal story of how God’s love has impacted you.
Let your actions and words be a reflection of the hope and peace you’ve found in Christ.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Help me to live out that calling daily, so others may see Your love and truth through me. May my church involvement inspire and strengthen me to be a source of hope and grace to those around me. Use my life as a testimony of Your power to bring peace, joy, and light into even the darkest situations. In Jesus Name, Amen.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Linda Lanier – Broken leg
Donnie Butler Family
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Dale Lake
Danny Jarrard
David Newby
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Darlene Wiggins
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher