S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

O-bservation:

This statement, made by Jesus, occurred during His sermon on the mount. This happened at the beginning of His ministry on earth and laid down the Christian faith’s basic core values. He was speaking to a mostly Jewish crowd. Jews were known at that time as trying to outdo each other’s righteousness. They paraded their faith around each other. Jesus, on the other hand, was showing that real faith would embrace the whole world, not just a select few. His brand of faith said this, “Light Works Best Where It’s Dark.”

A-pplication:

The beauty of the Christian faith is a real Christian doesn’t believe he or she is better than anyone else. The difference is, they’ve received Jesus as their hope for eternal life. They are driven to share this good news with everyone they meet. But what is the point of sharing real light with people who already have the light? When that happens, it’s as if one is trying to outdo the other’s light! That was the problem with the Pharisees. That was never Jesus’ intent. His purpose was to produce His light in the darkest of places. So wherever spiritual darkness exists, the light of God’s love must travel there, whether that’s in a community, a nation, or the world. Because Jesus showed all of us that “Light Works Best Where It’s Dark.”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

Help me bring my light where it’s dark today. I don’t want to put one more light bulb in a room full of light. Help me help people who are living in darkness with the light of Your good news. Amen