From Pastor Derwin Anderson
“How does the impact of my life become a teachable moment that culminates in shining bright for Jesus in a dark and confused world?”
“Heaven is my passion and the prize. The goal on which I firmly fix my eyes. The reward of the faithful, the desire of the wise. Heaven is my passion and prize.”
“Happiness comes from a life that is lived in obedience to God.”
“If you stand for righteousness, and if you stand for Jesus, you are standing in the same place.”
Jesus taught about how we should live our lives and shine for Jesus in a life that reflects Christ in Matthew 5:1-16. Matthew 5:3-12 is called the Beatitudes because these verses express blessedness and share about happiness and well-being. To oppressed people, Jesus delivered an encouraging teaching. To the people in Christ’s time, this expression of being blessed carried a deep religious meaning of being full of divine joy and perfect happiness.
The first four of the Beatitudes focus on our needs and God’s blessing. They reflect on how we are poor and need to have help connecting with God spiritually. They reflect on our need for comfort from God when we are mourning. They reflect on our need for God to give us strength when we are weak. They reflect the need for God’s justice and righteousness in a world that is not just and righteous.
The following four beatitudes focus on calling us, as God’s people, to an active response. We are called to be merciful. We are called to be pure in heart. We are called to be peacemakers. We are called to remain faithful when we are persecuted and to actually rejoice and be glad because our reward will be great in heaven.
Jesus demonstrated that His message and His kingdom were countercultural and different from what the world teaches. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus goes on to challenge the people to be salt and light to a lost world. As salt and light, we as followers of Christ are to make choices that make us distinctive from the world. We are not to settle for conforming to the world or compromising what we believe, but we are to remaining obedient disciples of Jesus. In this way, we will stand out and God will use us to reach neighbors and nations with the Gospel message.
Following Jesus is not easy and may involve being persecuted, but it is the way to live and be full of true, divine blessings. This blessing is not only for our time here on earth, but it will be a blessing throughout eternity. As we live out the Beatitudes and boldly share our faith, we will be a blessing to our families, our friends and those around us.
How does the impact of my life become a teachable moment that culminates in shining bright for Jesus in a dark and confused world?
Shine is to glow or be bright with reflected light. We are to be reflections of Jesus, who is the source of light.
The word “blessed” means happy, fortunate or blissful and is not based on emotion; it is the distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.
We will ultimately shine for Christ if we are hungering for the things of God that come from a heart that is relinquished to Him.
We will ultimately shine for Christ if we are living in a genuine relationship with God and others.
We will ultimately shine for Christ if we are taking constant inventory and assessment of our lives.
Reflect
Reflect on the ways that God has blessed you throughout your life. Then focus on ways that God could use you to reflect, show and teach God’s blessings to others. Think of ways you could share the love of Jesus as you shine before others. Let others see that you are salt and light in a tasteless and dark world. Pray for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love and blessings. In this way, people who do not know Jesus will see, through the shining example as you are living your life, how wonderful it is to be loved and blessed by God. Especially pray for those who are not yet believers, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit they might come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savor.
Lord, we come to you as the great teacher. We know we need to be taught how to live our lives so that we can shine for you and reflect your glory— not only so that we will be followers of you, but because you have challenged us to be the salt and light to the world. Let our lives be different from those around us who do not believe in you. Let our lives have favor that will help us share our faith and win others to you. Help us to be light in a dark world that is not blessed and missing out on a relationship with you. Give us opportunities to be in relationships and encourage others as we live for you and serve you every day.
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» June 3-4
HAMILTON THROUGH THE EYES OF THE GOSPEL| Nothing to Something| Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» June 10-11
HAMILTON THROUGH THE EYES OF THE GOSPEL| Forgiveness and Faith| Guest Preacher Ed Stetzer
» June 3-4
HAMILTON THROUGH THE EYES OF THE GOSPEL| Nothing to Something| Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» June 10-11
HAMILTON THROUGH THE EYES OF THE GOSPEL| Forgiveness and Faith| Guest Preacher Ed Stetzer
Tuesday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m.
From art studios and game rooms to comfy lounges and a professional stage, come find out why we love our new home in the Rink! Plus, meet our caring, professional staff and hear about exciting programs that make Community Art Connection a fun, safe haven for adults with disabilities.
June 12 through July 28 at 8:30 a.m.
Designed specifically for adults with exceptional needs, our fun-in-the-sun day camp combines professionally-led art classes with exciting summer themes, like Staycation and Music Mania! Campers will also enjoy sports, games and group challenges to make this a summer to remember! Space is limited, so sign up now and choose one day per week or all five!
Mondays, August 7 through December 22 at 8:30 a.m.
Ready to improve your chances for vocational opportunities and personal independence? Beginning August 7, sign up for our new Life Skills Track to improve your problem-solving, critical thinking and time management skills. We can’t wait to watch you grow! (More details coming soon.)
