And his feet like unto fine brass [bronze]…
— Revelation 1:15

In our TV room, we have a large coffee table that sits in the middle of the room. It is covered with large coffee-table-sized books, and right on top of them is a rather large-sized bronze statue of a Russian bear, which, of course, is the symbol of Russia. Often when we are watching television, Denise will ask, “Rick, will you move that bear so I can see the TV screen?” I’m happy to move it, but moving it is a task because it’s bronze — and that means it’s very heavy. Moving an item made of bronze doesn’t happen quickly because of the weight of the object. It takes all my strength to pick it up and move it.

When Denise asks me to move that bronze bear, it often makes me think of Jesus, because Revelation 1:15 says that Jesus’ feet are “like unto fine brass” — actually it’s the Greek word chalkolibanos — a strange word for “bronze.” We’ll look at why it’s a strange word in just a minute. But moving that bronze bear in our TV room, and how much energy and strength it takes to move it, always makes me think how slowly Jesus moves when He takes actions toward judgment.

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Bronze in Scripture represents judgment. This image of Jesus with feet “like unto fine brass [bronze]” tells us that those who resist Jesus’ commands will discover that He will ultimately trample down every plan and purpose of man that stands against the character of God.

However, bronze is heavy, and it is difficult to quickly move an object made of this metal. The fact that Jesus’ feet were like bronze sends the message that when Christ does move to bring judgment, He does so slowly. Even in Revelation 2:21, where Christ is threatening judgment to a woman named Jezebel, He moves slowly because he wants to give her “space to repent.” Christ always prefers repentance to judgment. But if repentance does not occur, He moves in the direction of the offender to bring correction and judgment where it is needed — yet He moves slowly with the hope that repentance will occur before He has to apply his bronze feet of judgment. This is why the symbolism of bronze feet is so important in this vision.

But when John wrote about Jesus’ feet, he further noted that they looked “as if they burned in a furnace.” This tells us the metal had not yet set; in other words, the decision-making process was still being “forged in the crucible.” The metal had been heated and poured forth, but because it still glowed brightly, we know that the hardening process was not yet complete. Lifting one foot at a time, Jesus was moving slowly enough to give each person an opportunity to avoid judgment by repenting before suffering the consequences of continued error or sin.

Let’s consider why chalkolibanos is such a strange word for “bronze.” The first part of the word chalkos means bronze. But it’s the second part of the word that is so unusual, for it is the word libanos — the word for frankincense. It tells us that Christ’s feet carry the golden hue of frankincense because He lives in the atmosphere of prayer, where He intercedes as the Great High Priest for every person He has ever washed in His blood. Although He is poised with potential correction and judgment if necessary, Jesus is, has been, and always will be interceding for the Church — pleading for His people to hear Him and repent before He arrives with judgment.

Just think for a moment of Christians you know who lived wrong for a long time before correction was brought into their lives. Christ did not rush to judge them; rather, He gave them a lot of time to repent and self-correct before He had to do something more radical about it. Jesus always prefers repentance to judgment. That’s why His feet are like bronze — slow-moving. That’s also the reason they are covered in frankincense, because He has prayed for every person to respond to His pleadings so He doesn’t have to bring a stricter form of correction.

Are you a witness to the longsuffering of God in your own life?

If you know someone who is a Christian but is deliberately living in sin, pray for that person to respond to Jesus’ tender mercies that are giving him or her time to self-correct and repent. The fact that Jesus’ bronze feet are covered with the hue of intercessory prayer means He doesn’t want to carry out stronger action. He is therefore moving slowly enough to give him or her time to self-correct before He arrives to apply stronger action. If you know believers who are in this situation, join in prayer for them to hear and repent before stronger action is needed to bring them back to where they ought to be in their walk with God.

That’s what I think of every time Denise asks me to pick up the bronze bear and move it from the top of our coffee-table books. It is a reminder of the tender patience of Jesus — but it is also a stern reminder that a day eventually comes when He arrives to deal with the issues that we haven’t dealt with on our own initiative!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I am deeply moved by what I have read today, and I know that it is the truth. I know that what I have read today is absolutely the way You deal with those whom You love. Today I pray for my Christian friends who are living wrong and just assume that You don’t notice. Now I understand that in Your mercy, You are giving them time to self-correct. Please speak to their hearts and bring them to a place of self-correction and repentance before they must be dealt with in another way. I pray this for myself as well today.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am quick to respond when the Holy Spirit corrects me. I serve God faithfully. I do those things that please Him. When I am inwardly made to know that I am doing something wrong — or if I have intentionally or unintentionally done something that requires correction — I am quick to admit it and to repent. If I must repent to someone else for something I have done wrong to them, I am also quick to do that. The Holy Spirit makes me sensitive to sin and gives me the desire to live a life of holiness.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you think of any Christians who lived in flagrant sin for a long time, and it seemed like it took forever before God arrived on the scene to deal with it? Do you now understand that Christ prefers repentance to judgment and that He was giving them time to self-correct so that a strong form of discipline wouldn’t have to be used?
2. What examples can you think of in the Old or New Testament where God gave someone time to repent before He had to deal with him or her more strongly?
3. Have you been a recipient of God’s longsuffering as He waited for you to make a change in your life? Are you in that situation right now? What is God giving you time to change before He has to take stronger measures to help you? Why are you waiting to make the change He requires of you?

Jesus wept.
— John 11:35

When I was a teenager, we played games in our youth group that helped us memorize Bible verses. Often our Sunday school teacher or youth leader would ask us Bible questions to see how well we really knew God’s Word. A question often asked, and one that nearly everyone in the group could answer, was this: “What is the shortest verse in the Bible?”

Everyone in the group would simultaneously yell out, “I know, I know!” So the teacher would ask, “All right, what is it?” Almost in chorus, the teenagers would shout, “Jesus wept!” Everyone in the group knew the answer to that one!

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This little verse is found in John 11, where Jesus had just received information that Lazarus, one of His dearest friends, had died. Several days later, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the city where Lazarus lived with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. As Jesus approached the city, Mary and other friends who had gathered met Him. John 11:33 tells us, “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.”

The Greek New Testament makes it clear that Jesus was deeply troubled when He arrived in Bethany. Perhaps He was troubled because of the disbelief of those who were present or because of what Satan had attempted to do to His dear friend. But one thing is sure: What Jesus was experiencing wasn’t just a matter of human emotions, for the Bible says He “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.”

The word “troubled” comes from the Greek word taresso, which depicts one who is deeply stirred. This describes a deep, inward form of prayer when Jesus’ spirit hooked up with the Holy Spirit in a powerful, supernatural expression of the Father’s will and released the anointing required to meet the need of that moment. I understand this type of deep stirring even from my own prayer life. There are times when prayer is too deep for words, and it may be expressed as groanings or with tears as the Holy Spirit takes hold together with me and helps me pray from my spirit what my mind cannot articulate (see Romans 8:26). It was in this state of being that Jesus said, “…Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.”

Immediately John 11:35 states: “Jesus wept.”

The word “wept” is the Greek word dakruo, which refers to an abrupt release of tears. So when the Bible says Jesus wept, it means He actually burst into tears and sobbed. It was a torrent of tears. His emotions were gripped by the moment as He looked upon the unbelief of attenders and realized that death that seized His friend. But in that moment, Jesus pushed beyond it all, lifted His voice, and declared, “Lazarus, come forth” (v. 43)!

The Greek here is a command with no hint of a suggestion or any option. What He was commanding, He expected to take place. An interpretive translation of this verse could read: “Lazarus, come out — now!” And just as Jesus had commanded, it came to pass. John 11:44 tells us, “And he that was dead came forth….”

That day was quite revealing about Jesus. It let us know that Jesus was not always stoic about the issues that He faced in His earthly ministry. There were several episodes in the four gospels where Jesus demonstrated emotion: anger with merchants in the temple (see John 2:14-16), sadness that His disciples did not believe (see Matthew 8:26), and joy when His disciples got it right (see Matthew 16:17). We also see that Jesus experienced fleeting moments when He was tempted to be troubled. But rather than give in to that unproductive moment of emotion, Jesus rose above it, took authority over the situation, and turned the moment around for the glory of God. What could have ended in tears ended in victory because Jesus lifted His voice and gave a command!

What are you facing right now? Do you feel the temptation to be gripped with paralyzing emotions? This story lets us know that Jesus was tempted with that too. Do you feel tugged by tears? Tears tugged Jesus’ emotions too. Is your voice of authority needed to bring a change to the situation you have found yourself in right now? Jesus’ voice was needed too. He understands completely when you cry, and He knows what it means when you need to push beyond the emotion in order to release faith into a situation.

If you have been gripped by emotion in a particular challenge you’re currently facing, I urge you to spend some time today with the Lord and pour out your heart to Him. Once you’ve worked that emotion out of your soul, it will be time for you to lift your voice and take action. Let the authority embedded in your spirit speak! And when your voice releases that authority that is yours by right as a child of God, don’t budge an inch! Speak, as Christ spoke, giving no hint of suggestion or a different option. Command in the name of Jesus what you expect to take place! Just as Jesus rose to the moment, took authority over the situation, and turned it around for the glory of God, this can become your moment to rise to victory. What could have ended in tears can end in victory!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I give You my emotions. I confess that at times they have tried to dominate me and steal my joy. I’ve allowed others to affect me, and I’ve permitted bad situations to impact me. I’m tired of living the way I’ve lived, Father. You have called me to live above defeat, and today I am making the choice to let the power of the Holy Spirit within lift me to a new place of victory I’ve never known before. Rather than just throw in the towel and quit in defeat, I will lift my voice and speak to the need, and I will see the power of God work on my behalf!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I’m not conquered by my emotions or by the situations I am facing in life right now. Jesus is Lord of all in my life! He is Lord over me, my family, my health, my business, my money, my relationships — absolutely everything. I refuse to allow my emotions to dominate my faith and my responses to life. With the Holy Spirit reigning in my spirit, I rise to the moment by the power of God! I speak powerful words of victory that turn potentially bad situations into glorious moments.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. I’m sure you’ve had moments when you felt your emotions trying to take over. How does it affect you to know that Jesus had to face and overcome those same types of challenges with His emotions?
2. After reading today’s Sparkling Gem, what new insights did you gain from John 11 and the words “Jesus wept”?
3. What would you say to someone who is caught in a maze of emotions and needs to rise to a moment of decision?

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
— Matthew 5:15

In yesterday’s Sparkling Gem, we looked at different ways to shine our light into the darkness and positively influence the world around us. God wants you to be a positive influence in all areas of your life. However, to have the kind of colossal effect that God wants you to have on other people, you cannot hide your God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. Instead you must put them on full display so you can be the blessing God intends for you to be!

With this truth in mind, I want us to look at Matthew 5:15 where Jesus said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick….” At first glance, the word “candlestick” in this verse might give the impression of a candle or candlestick like we use today, but these kinds of candles and candlesticks didn’t exist in New Testament times. Rather, the word “candlestick” in Matthew 5:15 is the Greek word luchnia, which refers to an elevated stand on which an oil lamp is placed. These oil lamps were exactly the kind of lamps described in yesterday’s Sparkling Gem.

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The word luchnia, or “candlestick” is used 12 times in the New Testament to depict this kind of elevated lamp stand. In fact, it is precisely the word John used in Revelation 1:12 and 13 to describe the “seven golden candlesticks” he saw during his vision of Jesus. When John recorded that he saw Jesus standing in the “midst of the seven golden candlesticks” (v. 13), it meant that Jesus was standing in the middle of seven golden elevated stands that had oil lamps resting on top of them. Some scholars suggest that these seven golden lamps may be a reference to a Jewish menorah. Whether this is true or not is not verifiable by Scripture, but one thing is sure — the Greek word luchnia means these oil-burning lamps were sitting on some kind of elevated stand so they could give maximum light.

During the time of the New Testament, it was customary for homes, palaces, businesses, and public buildings to place brightly burning lamps on pedestals because a higher position provided superior light that could illuminate the entire environment. The higher the lamp, the less darkness in a room. Thus, when Jesus said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick…,” He was telling us that we must lift our lamps — our gifts, talents, and personal influence — as high as possible. When they are elevated in a highly visible position, God can use us to “give light unto all that are in the house.”

If you keep your light at table level, you’ll illuminate the people around the table. If you keep it in the corner, you’ll illuminate people who are in the corner. But if you lift that same light high, elevate it, put it on a pedestal, and make it visible, it will illuminate everyone in the room where it previously touched only a handful. The amount of light given is the same, but the elevated position of the light makes the light much more effective.

Allow me to share an example from my own life that is integrally tied to the very book you are reading right now. Years ago, I knew God wanted me to write books that would be read around the world. I thought and dreamt about it constantly, but I would also second-guess myself. I would think, Who am I to think people would read something I wrote? Instead of developing my gift and writing books that would shine light into the lives of other people, I only dreamt about it. But one day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and told me that it was time to quit dreaming and to start actually using my gifts — elevating them and believing in them — so they could become a blessing to people.

If I had never dared to write or to elevate and promote what I had written, it is doubtful that you would have ever discovered the book you are holding in your hands right now. For my dream to come to pass, I had to accept that my light was needed in the lives of other people, and then I had to elevate it out of the shadows and allow God to use it in His perfect timing to edify and bless others.

The truth is that there are many people who are more talented writers than I, but they’re not known because their gifts are still hidden under a bushel and they therefore have not reached a larger audience. Although their skills are tremendous and loaded with power, they remain unknown and will remain unknown until they are willing to do whatever is required according to the Lord’s instruction to elevate those gifts and put them on a lamp stand where they will be seen and appreciated. Only then will they begin to affect more than the small handful gathered around the table or the few who are sitting in their corner, metaphorically speaking.

If your light is going to be a blessing to the world, then you must dare to lift your light high and put in on a pedestal where people will see it and be affected by it. Once you’ve silenced intimidation and made that bold decision, you begin to fulfill your dream of reaching and illuminating a larger audience.

The believers who have influence in the world — such as those who write the songs you sing, the books you read, or the sermons you hear preached on TV — are not necessarily the most gifted, talented, or anointed people. The truth is that they had the nerve to step out by faith to elevate their abilities, regardless of how good or inferior their abilities were, and today they are renowned and influential. They had the guts and gumption to get their light out from under a bushel and let it shine — and that’s why they have influence and not someone else. A great part of their success is due to their willingness to step out from obscurity to let their light begin to shine.

Jesus said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:15). Are your gifts, talents, abilities, and influence giving light to the people around you in all spheres of your life, such as your home, your work, your school, or your church? Think of how deeply satisfying it would be for you to know that people were blessed because you let your light shine!

God has given you everything you need to make that kind of difference in the lives of other people. He has given you the oil and the fire of the Spirit, but you are the only one who can decide to put that light out on a lamp stand where it will be a blessing to others. No one can make that decision for you.

So what are you going to do — keep your gifts, talents, and potential influence a secret, or put your light on a pedestal so it can give light to everyone in the house? There’s one thing for sure — a part of the success in God that you dream about will come as a result of your willingness to step out from obscurity and let your light begin to shine!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I know it’s time for me to quit thinking about what I’m going to do and to start doing it. I’ve prayed, dreamed, talked, and thought about stepping out in faith — and now You are telling me that it’s my time to step up and get started. Your Spirit has been tugging at my heart, trying to get me to come out of hiding and into the light, but I’ve been afraid of what would happen if I took a step of faith. It’s time for me to put my fear aside, put my trust in You, and begin to let my light shine. Holy Spirit, help me have the guts and gumption I need to bring my light out from under the bushel so I can begin to shine brighter and further for You!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I will no longer hide in the shadows and conceal the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given to me. I’ve hidden them for too long — and now I am willingly making the decision to step out of the shadows and put my light in a place where it will be the blessing God intended it to be. God has gifted me and anointed me, and the Holy Spirit is now telling me that it is my time to rise up and shine. The day of timidity and complacency has passed! I now have the guts, gumption, and boldness needed to use my gifts and abilities to God’s glory and to let them illuminate and influence the largest audience possible!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. What are the unique gifts, talents, and special abilities God has given you? What kind of positive impact have you seen when you’ve been bold enough to allow these gifts, talents, and abilities to freely operate?
2. Can you think of any individuals whose gifts and talents are not as great as some other people you might know, but because they were daring and bold, they became well-known and influential? What attitudes do they possess that caused them to rise to the top while others remain in obscurity?
3. If you keep doing exactly what you’re doing right now, where will you be one year from now? Will your progress be any different? Will your influence have grown if you keep doing exactly what you are doing right now? What do you need to do differently in order to gain more ground?

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
— Matthew 5:15

Once while in Israel, I took a break from the speaking schedule at a conference we were conducting to enjoy a quick visit to a local archeologist’s office and take a look at ancient oil lamps he had collected throughout the years. I eagerly waited for him to pull those rare lamps out of a box so I could examine them, but I had no idea how many of them he had collected. There were scores of them — and he let me know that this was just the tip of the iceberg compared to the large collection he had put away in storage.

When he saw the surprised look on my face, he immediately began to explain how the soil of Israel is loaded with archeological relics, including ancient oil lamps. “There are so many of these in the ground that you can just about dig anywhere and find an oil lamp,” he said.

*[If you started reading this from your email, begin reading here.]

I asked, “After thousands of years have passed, I thought these would be pretty rare, so why are there still so many of them still being found?”

He answered, “These lamps were the only source of light in the ancient world. As you can see, these lamps aren’t very large. If a person really wanted to light his house or building, he had to use a lot of these lamps. That’s why there are still so many of them scattered in the dirt throughout the land of Israel.”

I reached out to take one of the lamps in my hand. The archeologist told me, “That’s a Herodian lamp that dates to the time of Jesus.” It was small, formed of clay, shaped to hold oil, and had a small opening at the end of the spout where a wick could be inserted into the base of the lamp to soak up oil. In ancient days when it was time to light the lamp, fire was put to the wick. As long as oil was supplied to the base of the lamp, it would keep burning and giving light.

Today that Herodian lamp sits on my desk in Moscow — and every time I stop to look at it, my mind goes to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:15. He said, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”

The word “candle” in this verse gives the impression of a wax candle like we use today, but during the days when Jesus walked the earth, there were no wax candles such as the ones we use. This word “candle” is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word luchnos, a word that refers to an oil lamp exactly like the ones I just described. A literal translation of this verse should read, “Neither do men light an oil lamp and put it under a bushel.…”

In this text, Jesus was exhorting the disciples — and us — to let our light shine before men so we can influence the world around us. He used the example of an oil lamp to make His point, so before we proceed any further, I believe we should delve deeper to see why Jesus used an oil lamp and why this imagery is such a perfect illustration of us!

Oil lamps were made of clay and were very fragile. In fact, they were so fragile that they could be broken by a mere squeeze of the hand holding them. Even in Jesus’ day, these oil lamps had to be handled carefully lest they break, the oil spill out, and the light be lost.

Now do you see why Jesus used oil lamps to depict you and me? Although our bodies are a miracle created by God, like the oil lamps in this illustration, we are made from the clay of the earth and we are very fragile. The real miracle is that God would choose to put His Spirit inside us. That is why the apostle Paul wrote about it with such wonder in Second Corinthians 4:7. In that verse, he said, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels….”

The example Paul gave in this verse is not exactly the same as the oil lamps in Jesus’ illustration, but the point is precisely the same. In this verse, Paul used the Greek word ostrakinos when he referred to us as being “earthen vessels.” The word ostrakinos describes easily broken pottery made of inferior materials. Shoddy, deficient, substandard pottery is exactly the kind of “earthen vessels” Paul had in mind when he wrote Second Corinthians 4:7. He used the illustration of cheaply made pottery to epitomize us. That explains his amazement that God would place His Spirit in us! Think of what a miracle it is that God would place His Spirit inside you and me!

The lamps in Jesus’ illustration were fragile oil lamps, yet they contained oil that empowered the light. In the Old and New Testaments, oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. Just like the oil in the lamps to which Jesus referred, God has placed His Spirit in us. Although at times we feel fragile, as long as we yield to the Lord, He continually resupplies us with enough of the Holy Spirit’s oil to keep us burning through the night so we can give light to those who are in darkness around us. We have a continual supply of the oil and the fire of the Holy Spirit!

But in Matthew 5:15, Jesus told us, “Neither do men light a candle [i.e., an oil lamp], and put it under a bushel.…” What did He mean when He spoke about putting a lamp under a “bushel,” and what is a “bushel”?

The word “bushel” is the Greek word modios. It refers to a jar or container that was used to measure grain. To put a lamp under a jar or container where there is no oxygen would obviously put out the light. Do you see what a powerful statement Jesus was making? He was driving the point home that it makes no sense to light a lamp and then put it under a bushel where no one can see it. Why would anyone want to do that? Furthermore, putting a lamp under a bushel where there is no oxygen would be sure to smother the light.

By using this example, Jesus strongly admonished us to keep our gifts, talents, and influence out in the open where they can be seen, where they can grow, and where they can provide light to other people.

Why would God give you gifts to benefit others and then have you hide them where no one can see them or appreciate them? God never intended for you to conceal your gifts or to hide your influence. He wants your light to shine brightly!

Maybe you’ve seen yourself as being inferior, or maybe the devil has assaulted your self-image and tempted you to wrongly believe that you have nothing to offer. Perhaps you have felt that you fall short in comparison to others whose gifts and talents shine especially bright. But if you’ve kept your gifts and talents under wraps, you may be shocked to discover how gifted and talented you really are and how much potential influence is inside you just waiting to be tapped. You just have to give yourself the opportunity to shine!

It’s time for you to quit hiding in the shadows! God put His Spirit and supernatural abilities inside you — and that truth alone should bring you out into the open! His Spirit in you is a rich reservoir of oil that will burn long and burn brightly. You have what it takes to be a success!

But for you to be the phenomenal success and influence God knows that you can be, you have to be willing to quit putting yourself down. And then you have to choose to step out of the shadows! It’s time for you to come out from under that bushel where you’ve been hiding and let the Holy Spirit light your wick with a fire that will make you shine for Him! As long as you are willing to keep yielding to the Holy Spirit, He will keep filling and supplying you with enough oil to burn long and burn strong so you can be a source of light and illumination to many people all the days of your life on this earth.

What a waste of time it is for you to buy into the devil’s lies and badger yourself with thoughts that you have nothing to offer! God’s Spirit lives in you, and if you’ll dare to let Him do it, He will burn so brightly in your life that you will become an illuminating force to people all around you. But if you refuse to bring your gifts and talents out from under wraps, no one will ever know what God has put in you. And if you neglect those God-given endowments too long, eventually they will begin to diminish, just like a fire that eventually goes out for lack of oxygen.

So why don’t you make the decision today to get out of the box of insecurity and complacency that has contained you? Stop telling yourself you’re not as good or talented as others, and start using what God has given you for His glory! As you press into Him and put your wick down deep into the oil of the Holy Spirit, you’ll become so saturated with His presence that you’ll begin to burn brighter and brighter for Jesus. Just let your gifts flow, and become the influence He intended you to be! Believe me, friend, you’ve got everything it takes!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, my heart is filled with gratitude today for Your Spirit inside me. What a miracle it is that You would place Your richest treasure in me! Today I want to surrender to You anew, and I ask You to refill me with a full supply of the Holy Spirit’s oil so I may burn long and bright in this life. You have called me, equipped me, and anointed me to do great things in this life. I know I have been guilty of putting my light under a bushel, but I’ll do it no more! I’m making the decision to step out of the shadows and allow God to release my gifts and talents when and how He desires. I choose to shine my light where it will be a benefit to someone else. Jesus, I thank You for helping me realize that it’s time for me to step up and step out so that I can be the godly influence You want me to be in someone else’s life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am stepping out of the shadows. I am releasing my gifts, and I am making the decision to let my light shine so I can be the blessing to others God intends me to be. I am finished badgering myself and putting myself down. I will no longer hide my light and life under a bushel. I am filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit’s oil. His fire is burning brightly in me, and very soon it will be evident for all to see!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you truthfully say that you are using all the gifts and talents that God has given you, or have you been reluctant to step out in faith and let those gifts and talents work? What is stopping you from being all that God has planned for you to be?
2. Think just for a moment about your life, and assess the various ways you are using the gifts and talents God gave you. Where are you using them, how are you using them, and are you using them to your maximum potential? Have you ever considered how your life would change if you actually let God’s gifts fully operate in you?
3. Have you sought the Lord to discover where He might want to position you so your gifts can operate for His purposes? What is the lampstand where your gifts could be best utilized for His glory in this season of your life?

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
— Matthew 5:14

Just a three-mile walk from the town of Nazareth is an ancient city called Sepphoris — a city so elegant in ancient times that it was known as the ornament of Galilee. Although it dates to Greek times, the city of Sepphoris was enhanced at the orders of Herod Antipas concurrent to the time Jesus was growing up three miles away in Nazareth. Many people from Nazareth were engaged in rebuilding this fabulous, wealthy city that was the northern home and administrative center for Herod Antipas.

The remarkable city of Sepphoris also became the center of trade and commerce in the northern region of Israel, and it was one of the largest banking centers of the Middle East. Because of the extreme wealth of this city, it had facilities that would normally be associated only with larger cities, such as a huge theater that had a constant array of dramatic presentations. The city had scores of beautiful upper-class villas to accommodate the wealthy people who lived there, and it was adorned with some of the finest mosaics that existed in the First Century. In fact, even today one can see some of the finest examples of early mosaics lying in the ancient ruins of Sepphoris.

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This city was exquisite in every way. Sophisticated and wealthy, it attracted visitors from around the world. Every day one could experience a wide range of different cultures, ethnic groups, and customs. People could be heard speaking Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic in the streets. It was a tri-lingual city known for being open-minded and for having an emphasis on learning, education, and business. This city was so splendid that it influenced the entire region of Galilee.

Three miles away was Nazareth, a small village occupied mostly by workers who were employed in the enhancement of Sepphoris. It was here that Jesus grew up with His parents. Jesus’ father was a carpenter, from the Greek word teknos — a term that describes not a carpenter as we think of that profession, but a highly skilled craftsman who works in stone. Or it could even be used to depict a construction-site supervisor. Considering the likelihood that a little town such as Nazareth would not have much work available for a man with these skills, it is likely that Joseph was involved in the high level of construction taking place in nearby Sepphoris.

Growing up next door to such a splendid city, there is little doubt that young Jesus stood in Nazareth and gazed upon “the city set on a hill” that was just a short distance away. From that viewpoint, and especially at night, the city of Sepphoris would have been a spectacular sight. The gleaming lights of countless torches and oil lamps would have shone forth from the city. It must have looked splendid as the lights sparkled and glistened from the majestic buildings in the distance.

Everyone who lived in Galilee also fell under the influence of Sepphoris. Its style, its learned culture, its banking system, its mixture of languages — all of these factors had an influence on Galilee. And by reading Jesus’ words in the Gospels, it is clear that this “city set on a hill” had an influence on Jesus too. Although He actually grew up in Nazareth, a small and obscure village, He was familiar and comfortable with words, phrases, and knowledge that would not be customary for a boy from a village.

For example, when Jesus told stories, He used illustrations that included vivid descriptions concerning the lifestyles of the wealthy, including the kind of clothes they wore and the luxury they possessed in their daily lives. He spoke of governmental authorities as if He had personal knowledge of the subject — a level of knowledge He could have attained by observation at nearby Sepphoris. When Jesus spoke about money, He used massive amounts of money in His examples — something a village boy would know nothing about unless he had seen it somewhere. And at times, Jesus even used banking terms when He related His stories.

Where did a boy from Nazareth learn about all of these things?

This “city set on a hill” almost certainly had a great influence on the life of Jesus from His early childhood, during the time He was growing up as a small boy. Living under the influence of that city helped to form His worldview and His appreciation of different cultures. It gave Jesus experience broad enough to enable Him to venture far beyond Nazareth and speak authoritatively to people on every level of life.

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about being an influence in the world. He told them, “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” When Jesus spoke these words, His childhood view of Sepphoris in all likelihood stood out in His mind — the image of a city that shone so brightly that its light could not be hidden. The lights of the city penetrated the darkness and gave light to the night.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus continued to exhort His disciples, saying, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

My friend, let me remind you that God saved you, redeemed you, delivered you, and filled you with the light of His Word. Don’t be ashamed of what God has done in you. It’s time for you to let that light shine brightly so it can penetrate the darkness in the lives of others and give light to guide them through the night they are experiencing right now in their lives.

If you’re like a majority of people, you have probably spent a lot of time putting yourself down and badgering yourself about your failures — and you’ve been tempted to largely forget about the great work God has done in your life. But it’s time for you to put an end to that downward spiral. Stop berating yourself over your missteps, and starting thanking God for the progress you’ve already made! Then reach out to someone else in need so you can become a godly influence to benefit another. That person can be touched, changed, and shaped by the light in your life.

I promise you there are people observing you and taking note of the light that is shining in your life. You may not be aware of it, but that person or group of people are witnessing the way you live, how you act, what you do, and what kind of excellence and attitude you demonstrate in your life. They are watching you — and you are making an impact on their lives.

What an opportunity you have to become a godly influence on someone else who really needs your example. As you lean on the Holy Spirit and do your best to obey Him, that light will begin to shine into someone else’s darkness. As you walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit will use you to demonstrate God’s Word to someone who really needs your influence. You, my friend, are a city on a hill, so let your light shine!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am thankful that You believe I can be a light in someone else’s life! So often I am overly aware of my weaknesses and shortcomings, and I forget what a great work You have already done in me. Forgive me for not expressing my gratitude to You more frequently for the precious changes You have already brought about in my life. Many people sit in darkness and struggle to find their way in life, and today I hear Your Spirit beckoning me to let my light shine before men that they may glorify You and so that I might have a godly influence on someone else’s life. I accept the call of the Spirit, and I will do my best to let Your light in me shine forth to people who are seeking direction for their lives!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that God has done a great work in my life and that I have something I can share and impart to others who are seeking direction for their lives. I am finished with berating myself about what I’ve done wrong. God has done such a precious work in my life. From this moment onward, I will throw back my shoulders, hold my head high, acknowledge the good work that God has done in my life, and let His light in my life shine before all men!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you think of individuals with whom you hold special influence right now? Who are those individuals and in what ways do you think you are influencing their lives?
2. Can you think of someone who is struggling in life right now and needs a good example to follow? Who is that person? How can you help him or her?
3. Can you think of people who influenced you in the past with their godly example? Aren’t you grateful that they allowed God to use them in your life? Who were those individuals? Have you ever taken time to express your gratitude to them? If you haven’t already thanked them, what is stopping you from taking a few minutes to express your appreciation to them today?

Now he which established us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.
— 2 Corinthians 1:21

We once found a building that had great potential to become the headquarters for our ministry in Russia. The size was perfect; the location was ideal; and the price was remarkably low. We knew a deal like this didn’t come along very often, so we quickly moved to contact the seller. When we met him to discuss the building and its legal status, it sounded like everything was in order, so we requested that all the official documents concerning the building be delivered to our office for review.

Soon a huge pile of documents was delivered to our office so we could begin the difficult and laborious process of validating that everything was legally in order. When I saw the stack of documents on the table, I knew the task before us was immense, so we hired a lawyer to immediately get to work on this project. She estimated it could take up to two months to verify the legal status of this building. However, when we were only a few days into the process, we discovered there were serious complications with this property. Everything was not as it first seemed! Day by day, we dug up evidence of a mountain of problems associated with this property.

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First things first! Before I am going to sign a contract and put my reputation on the line, I want to know that the paperwork is in order and be assured there is no risk to the ministry. Then and only then will I sign a deal! In the case of the documents concerning this prospective new building, I had adamantly refused to proceed until all the paperwork was in order — and I’m so glad I did!

Doing “due diligence” is always smart before we finalize a deal and sign our name on a contract that legally binds us. But consider this: God also does “due diligence” before He decides whom He will and will not use. If it is logical to do research before signing a contract involving a large sum of money, think how much more logical it is for God to validate, confirm, and certify that we are ready for a big task before He promotes us into a visible position where we will represent Him before many people.

Let’s apply this to you for a moment. Perhaps you have a big dream in your heart and a desire for God to use you in a significant way. You may feel eager to get started and wish things would start moving faster. But you need to know that God is not focused on the clock as we usually are. He is more concerned about character, integrity, faithfulness, and purity of heart than about the calendar. These deeper issues are the things God focuses on to see if you and I are ready for a new assignment.

Perhaps you’ve heard the old phrase, “Don’t get the cart before the horse.” Nothing could be more applicable to what I am saying right now. God isn’t going to get the cart before the horse. He isn’t going to promote you until He confirms that you are ready and have the inward makings for greater responsibility. This principle is clear in Second Corinthians 1:21, where the apostle Paul wrote, “Now he which established us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.”

Today I want to draw your attention to the word “established” in the first part of this verse. It is the old Greek word bebaios, a word that means firm, durable, dependable, or reliable. By using this word, Paul affirmed that God wants to “establish” us — that is, to make us firm in faith, durable to withstand any spiritual condition, and steadfast, trustworthy, dependable, or reliable. These are traits He wants to produce in every child of God. Aren’t you glad He is steadfastly working to establish you and to make you strong?

You may not feel that you have reached this goal yet, but be assured that God is working deep inside to bring you to this place of firmness, durability, and reliability. Especially if you want God to use you in a mighty way, you must possess these vital character traits. It takes firmness to stand for God. Anyone who is a leader must have durability to resist difficult, painful, awkward, or uncomfortable times. For you to represent God, He must be assured that you are the kind of person on whom He may rely.

But there is another insight regarding the word bebaios that is very significant in the context of this verse. This is extremely important for you to understand because it demonstrates that God doesn’t lay His hand on someone in a mighty way until He has first done “due diligence” to make sure that person is ready for a greater task.

The word bebaios was also a legal term used to depict the lengthy and intensive investigative process involved to validate if a document was trustworthy.

In the ancient world, documents were written by hand. If those writing or copying the documents were not careful, mistakes could be made of great legal consequence. Because these often-occurring mistakes made documents flawed, it was not considered wise to give one’s final approval to a document until it was tested and proven trustworthy. So before a deal was finalized, it was prudent to test the document to validate its reliability. If the document was found to be valid, the contract could be quickly concluded. If the document had errors in it, those errors had to be corrected before the papers were signed and the seal of approval pressed into the hot wax. To sign a document and put one’s seal of approval upon it without first validating it would have been an act of foolishness. You will understand in just a moment why this concept is so important in the study of this verse.

Let’s go further into the verse and look at the word “anointed.” The word “anointed” comes from the Greek word chrio, which means to rub, to bathe, and, in certain contexts, to massage. This word depicted the application of various substances, such as oil, medicine, and water — and in some ancient texts, it even depicted the application of poison. In most cases, however, the word chrio was used to depict the anointing of oil. In the Old and New Testament, the word “anoint” is primarily used to depict a person who is anointed by God with the Holy Spirit.

To get the full grasp of the word “anointing” and how it was used in connection with the application of oil, we must stop and ponder the manner in which oil was applied to a recipient. When a person was anointed with oil in ancient times, a prophet, priest, doctor, or therapist would pour oil into his own hands. Once his hands were doused with oil, he would then place his hands on the subject and begin to massage or press the oil into the person’s head, hair, or flesh. So the word “anoint” didn’t just describe the pouring of oil from an upside-down bottle to drain every drop onto a person. The word depicts the generous application of the oil on a beneficiary by the hands of a master. Oil was very expensive and not to be wasted, so the notion of simply turning a bottle upside down and pouring its contents on a person was almost non-existent. Oil was far too precious to be applied in such a manner.

For a person to be anointed with oil, it required the anointer to put his hands on the anointed. In the truest sense, the word “anoint” describes a “hands-on” experience, for it was nearly impossible to be anointed without someone putting his hands on the recipient in order to apply the oil.

In a religious and political context, the laying on of hands was very important. The moment hands were publicly laid on someone, it was viewed as endorsement or approval. For example, when elected officials were installed into office, the senior body of politicians publicly laid hands on him as a way of declaring that he was officially endorsed and therefore empowered to do his job. In both Old and New Testament writings, we find that the laying on of hands was similarly used to declare support and endorsement of an individual. Especially in the early New Testament, the laying on of hands was so significant that it became an official ordinance of the church that was used when a person was promoted into a public position of leadership. When hands were laid on a person, it was also a public pronouncement of approval.

Now let’s take this truth and apply it to the principle we’re studying in Second Corinthians 1:21. In this verse, we find that God does not lay His hands on a person and thereby endorse him or her until He has first validated that the person is trustworthy of such an anointing. God does not quickly lay hands on anyone in this way. Furthermore, the moment God lays His hands on someone is the moment the oil of the Holy Spirit is imparted in a greater way. That oil is applied to a person’s life with God’s very own hands. This act is so holy that God does not carry it out before doing “due diligence” to validate that a person is trustworthy of a greater anointing.

The apostle Paul wrote that we are “epistles” that are read and known of all men (see 2 Corinthians 3:2). That means you are a living document — and God is reading the pages of your life to observe how you live, how you speak, how you treat others, and so on. He is doing investigative research to determine if you are ready for a promotion or a greater anointing. Don’t be too surprised if God finds a few errors that need correction, for none of us is perfect. If there are issues that need correcting — and I’m certain there are — you must allow the Holy Spirit to put you through a process to correct those flaws before you get the big break you’ve been dreaming of or before God promotes you to a higher level of responsibility. Remember, God is more concerned about character, integrity, faithfulness, morality, and purity of heart than He is about meeting your schedule requirements! God needs leaders who are firm, durable, reliable, sound, and trustworthy.

Rather than get in too big of a hurry and rush forward to seize positions you’re not ready for, it would be wise for you to take time to get established and work on eradicating errors in your life that would later discredit you, weaken you, or put your ministry, business, or dream at risk. Make it your goal to let God establish you and work these ingredients into your life so He can afterward put His hand on you and thereby anoint you for greater assignments.

First things first! Never forget that the anointing is serious to God — and before He gives you more, He first wants to validate that you are ready for a new dose of the Holy Spirit!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I ask You to work deeply in my life to make me the kind of person I need to be. You know how I desire for You to use me. Your Spirit has filled my heart with dreams of greatness, and I long for the day when You trust me enough to give me a bigger assignment in life. For now, I ask You to delve deep into my life — into my character, my level of integrity, my faithfulness, and my personal purity — to show me any areas that are weak and deficient. Rather than complain that it’s taking too long to get started at fulfilling my dream, help me realize that this is a God-given time to strengthen my foundation and to make sure I am ready for the big assignment when it finally comes along!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am allowing God’s Spirit to examine my heart in order to find any areas that could potentially discredit me, weaken me, or spoil my God-given dream. It is good that God has given me this time to look at my heart and to prepare myself. It is an opportunity to strengthen my foundation so that in the future, my life can support the great work that God will entrust to me. I don’t complain that it is taking too long or grumble that this time of waiting is difficult. Instead, I embrace this season of preparation as a gift from God to make sure that I am right, that my foundation is right, and that I am ready for the long-awaited assignments that He will give to me.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you think of any areas in your life right now that could potentially weaken you or even “take you down” later in life if you don’t deal with it and correct it immediately?
2. Have you ever made a list of the areas in your life that you need to be improving and changing? Before you get too busy today, I recommend you take a few minutes to pray and make a list of those areas that need your attention. It won’t take too long to do it, but it will help you focus on areas where you need to change.
3. Can you think of a person who was promoted too high or too quickly, and he came tumbling down because of flaws in his life that had never been corrected? Who was that person, and what can you learn by contemplating what he experienced?

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
— 2 Timothy 1:6

Do you ever struggle to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in your heart? Perhaps it sometimes feels like all that is left burning are a few small embers — or perhaps even the embers are starting to die out and become cold! How do you stoke that fire inside you so that it begins burning in your heart again? That’s what I want to talk to you about today. But let me begin by turning to a story from our family’s earliest days in the former USSR and what we learned about keeping the fire burning.

We had purchased an abandoned apartment in the heart of our city. It was in miserable condition — so ruined that it should have been condemned. But after restoration work was complete, the apartment was just as elegant as it had been in the years before the Soviet occupation. Before restoration, the apartment was a morass of mold, collapsed ceilings, and plaster falling off the walls. But when the work was complete, the walls were covered with fine wallpaper, and magnificent chandeliers hung once again from giant, hand-carved medallions in the center of the ceilings. The giant crown molding that wrapped around the ceilings of each room had been meticulously restored. Every room had beautiful, new parquet floors to match those that had existed before the Revolution. And the nine fireplaces — one for each big room and in each bedroom — were the most magnificent features of all. Once restored, they looked like something that belonged in a museum! Meanwhile, every other apartment in the building still remained in a state of devastation and abandonment.

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Eventually the whole building would be beautifully restored, but when we moved into our apartment, the other apartments and the central staircase of the building looked like something that had been bombed in World War II. It looked so abandoned that derelicts slept in our entry way. We were told by city authorities that the city-wide heating system would be connected to the building before winter, so we installed new pipes to carry the heat to every room in preparation of wonderful heat. But as the weather turned cold and winter approached, it was apparent that heat was not coming that year and our family would be living in freezing temperatures inside our apartment. This was a serious problem, because that city got very cold in the winter.

Suddenly those museum-quality fireplaces became necessities — and we started using those lavish fireplaces to provide heat for our home. Transporting wood was difficult because we lived downtown and there was no nearby source of wood. But in that desperate situation, our young sons — Paul, Philip, and Joel — came up with an idea about where we could get wood so our family would have heat for the winter. When it’s really cold, that’s a good time to get creative! So our sons, out of their desire not to feel cold, thought of something Denise and I would have never thought of in a million years.

The apartment directly below us was in such a horrible condition and it was owned by no one. When we first purchased our own apartment, it was so ruined that the bathroom had a hole next to the toilet. Men had “missed” the toilet for so many years that the urine had eaten a hole through the floor! That apartment under us was so unkempt and so destroyed that nothing could be salvaged. Walls were half gone; fireplaces were destroyed; and there was no glass in the windows! That latter feature was especially bad for us because our apartment, located directly above, felt the effect of the freezing winter wind blowing through the apartment beneath our floor.

The floors of that lower apartment had once been splendid parquet with all types of inlaid exotic woods and designs. But those same floors had become ruined from water leaks, and the parquet tiles were half ripped up and lying all over the apartment in irreparable, shattered pieces.

One morning when Denise and I were pondering what to do with the cold temperatures that were getting worse by the day and hour, our three sons disappeared — but they soon reappeared, walking through the front door of our apartment with armloads of 100-year-old parquet flooring that they had gathered from the devastated apartment below. Denise and I watched as the two older boys shoved that old parquet into the doors of our fireplaces and then lit each fire. They worked on them until a blaze was going strong in each of those old museum pieces all over the apartment. The wood was so old and dry that it began quickly popping and burning. Soon our apartment was warming up in every room, fueled by the wood from the apartment below that our sons had collected and put on the fire.

When it started to get cold again, we’d throw open the door to the fireplaces to see if the fire was going out, and if we saw that there was nothing left but embers, our sons would throw on their jackets, rush down two flights of steps to the abandoned apartment below, and rip up more flooring (which any eventual buyer would have had to replace anyway). Soon they’d be back with armloads of antique parquet flooring. First, the boys would break it into smaller pieces; then they would shove it through the fireplace doors into the fire, and almost immediately the house would start warming up again.

As long as wood was on the fire, we could be assured that we would have heat. But if there was no wood left to burn or if only embers were left, it was certain that the fire would go out unless we took action. Fuel was essential to keep those fireplaces going, for when fuel of any sort is depleted, the fire eventually goes out.

Often there was enough wood to keep the fire burning, but it needed to be stoked — moved around and repositioned with a long poker. We’d insert that long iron rod into the wood and embers; then we’d rigorously rake them back and forth and side to side to provide more oxygen for the embers so the fire would keep burning longer. In fact, if we didn’t regularly stoke those embers and fan the flames, we discovered that the fire could go out even if there was enough wood to keep it burning. Those embers had to be tended to regularly to keep the fire going.

As I personally took my turns to stoke the embers, I regularly meditated on Paul’s words to Timothy in Second Timothy 1:6. In that verse, Paul wrote, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”

The words “stir up” are from the Greek word anadzoopureoo, a triple compound of the Greek words, ana, zoos, and pur. The word ana carries the idea of repeating an earlier action or doing something again. The word zoos is from the word zao, which means to be enthusiastic, to be fervent, to be passionate, to be vigorous, to be wholehearted, or to be zealous. The word pur is the Greek word for fire — but it must be noted that in Classical Greek, fire was a life-giving force. Fire was used on the hearths of every ancient home to keep people warm; it was used in matters related to the divine and supernatural; and it was used as a force to defeat enemies. Fire was central to life and considered both practically and spiritually essential for one’s existence.

When these three words are compounded, they form the Greek word anadzoopureoo — which is the very word Paul used in Second Timothy 1:6 when he told the younger minister to “stir up” the gift of God that was in him. It implies that the fire in Timothy’s heart had ebbed to embers on a low burn. Hence, Paul told the younger minister to passionately and rigorously begin again to stoke and stir up the gift of God in his life, just as one would stoke the embers of a fire in a hearth or fireplace. Paul was not just kindly suggesting that Timothy take action; the apostle was commanding Timothy to spiritually reach within and begin to rekindle the fire in his heart.

At the time Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy, this young man was surrounded by confusion resulting from the intense persecution that was taking place. Is it possible that he was exhausted and that his own fire was beginning to wane? Most likely the answer is yes. But regardless of Timothy’s current state, Paul told him to take action before the fire went out. Timothy was to open the door to his heart, look inside to determine the condition of his inward fire, and then take action to “put more wood on the fire” and stir up the gift of God inside him. This would not occur accidentally but would require a proactive response. If Timothy would obey Paul’s command, that inward fire would blaze again and Timothy would once again have fire burning in the center of his being. The younger minister would be reconnected to the supernatural power of God and provided with a weapon that would consume his spiritual adversaries. Wow!

In those early days of living in the former Soviet Union, the Renner family learned that if we intended to have heat in our freezing apartment, we would have to become proactive to make it happen. We had to find fuel; we had to carry it upstairs; we had to open the door to the fireplaces; we had to put the fuel into the fire; and we had to stoke the fuel regularly throughout the day to keep it burning. And if we started to hit a low burn, it meant we had to begin the process all over. Our choices were to be proactive and do what was required or to freeze.

It is the same for you. If your “fire” is at a low burn or close to going out, it’s time for you to take Paul’s words to heart “to stir up” the gift of God that is inside you. You cannot depend on someone else to do something so vital for you. So ask the Holy Spirit how to do it — how to open the door to your heart and take an honest look on the inside to assess your need. Then let Him show you how to proceed in fueling your fire and stirring up those embers so that you will once again become a bright blazing inferno for Jesus Christ!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I confess that I need to stir up the gift of God that is in me. There was a time when it seemed the fires burned much brighter, but for one reason or another, I’ve allowed the flame in my spirit to grow colder. I take responsibility for this, as it is my heart, and I ask You to forgive me for letting my condition go this far. Today I am accepting responsibility, and I will look at my heart and determine the truth. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will begin to actively and vigorously rekindle that glorious spiritual fire that You intended to burn inside me. Help me, Holy Spirit, to do this not just once, but to continually put spiritual fuel into my heart and stoke the embers.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that my heart is a hearth for the fire of the Holy Spirit. It is God’s will for my heart to be spiritually ablaze, and today I will begin to do what I must do to rekindle the flame to burn as it once did and to blaze even brighter. I will not allow distractions — whether they come from my own busy schedule, from others, or even from myself — to take my attention off my spiritual condition ever again. I recognize my failure to tend to the fire has affected me, and I declare that from this moment onward, I will dutifully stoke the fire and the gifts of God that have been placed inside me. I will find fuel for the fire and I will take responsibility to make certain it is placed on the hearth of my heart regularly so that the fire burns bright continuously.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you remember a time when your heart was literally “ablaze” with the things of God? What happened along the way to affect that fire? Have you ever stopped to ponder what you could have done differently to keep it burning regardless of the events that occurred around you?
2. What is your source of spiritual fuel? What feeds you? What keeps your heart on track and ablaze? It would be good for you to take a few minutes to write down the sources that regularly feed your heart and keep you stirred up as you serve Jesus.
3. How long has it been since you paused long enough to really look inside the door of your heart to see how much fuel is still there? Do you spend time with God daily and allow the Holy Spirit to do an inventory of your spiritual condition? If not, why not? This is important enough that you should start doing it every day.

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Revelation 2:6

So hast thou also them that hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Revelation 2:15

I personally think the word “hate” should rarely be used. But in Revelation 2:6 and 15, Jesus used the word “hate” twice when He referred to the teachings and deeds of a group of erring spiritual leaders that were finding some success in the churches at Ephesus and Pergamum. He referred to these erring leaders as Nicolaitans. (I suggest you read pages 631-635 in Sparkling Gems 1, to learn more about the Nicolaitans and their origins.)

The word “hate” in these verses is from the Greek word miseo, which means to hate, to abhor, or to find utterly repulsive. It describes a deep-seated animosity to something that one finds to be completely objectionable. A person experiencing this level of miseo not only loathes the object of his animosity, but he rejects it entirely. This is not just a dislike; it is a case of actual hatred.

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Christ didn’t hate these individuals whom He called Nicolaitans, but He certainly hated what they were teaching — which was a doctrine of inclusiveness and compromise to the Church. Unfortunately, this doctrine has reemerged in recent years. In the Christian world today, there are some spiritual leaders who, like the Nicolaitans of the past, seek a dangerous truce with the world under the guise of inclusiveness and compromise. Many of these emerging spiritual leaders once held strong doctrinal positions, upholding the Bible as true and absolute — but over time, they have shaped their beliefs to meld with the changing moral climate of society, and in the process, they have produced a Gospel very different from the one presented in the Bible.

Although the world may change, Hebrews 13:8 teaches that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever — and truth does not change based on societal trends. Truth is truth, regardless of the particular brand of immorality society has labeled “acceptable.” Today, just as before, whenever believers take a firm stand on absolute truth, they are viewed by the world as intolerant. But when it comes to the eternal truth of God’s Word, there is no room to mitigate or adapt one’s beliefs.

Those who practice spiritual compromise generally believe that Christ is just one of many acceptable types of faith. The big issue to them is not truth, but respect. As such, truth takes a second seat to equally honoring the beliefs of other people, even if those beliefs are diametrically opposed to the doctrines of the Bible. Ultimately, Christ is demoted in their minds, viewed as just one option among many. According to this inclusive mindset, everyone is right and no one is wrong. This modern belief system harbors dangerous similarities with both the pagan mindset of the Roman Empire and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans that Christ “hated.”

As the problem of worldly compromise continues to spread in the Church and to be promoted by some of today’s most visible Christian leaders, it is vital for believers to be able to recognize the modern signs that point to a rise of Nicolaitanism in the Church today. The following list doesn’t necessarily represent every indicator of modern Nicolaitanism. However, it provides sufficient evidence to prove a direct parallel in modern times to the spiritual error that was developing in congregations in the latter years of the First Century.

No emphasis on living holy and separated from the world.

Modern Nicolaitanism dresses itself in the guise of inclusivity. Rather than living separately from the world, those who espouse this view reason, “Since everyone is right and no one wrong both spiritually and morally, why should there be a need for separation?” Leading denominational churches have taken the position that the time has come to help lesbians and homosexuals blend into the church community and lead “holy” lives along with other church members. This sentiment mirrors the teaching of the Nicolaitans of the First Century, for these modern-day church leaders promote a message that will make them more acceptable with the multitude instead of one that will put them in opposition with the expectations of modern society.

No emphasis on the doctrinal teaching of the Bible.

Modern Nicolaitanism dresses itself in the guise of progressiveness, dismissing much of the Bible as being too restrictive or exclusive of other people’s beliefs. Instead of being a guide to absolute truth, the Bible is used merely as a reference for illustrations, motivational sermons, inspirational ideas, principles to build a marriage or business, and so on.

Today this trend is so rampant in the Church that the basic tenets of the Christian faith are largely not known by most churchgoers, especially by those who are younger. Basic Bible doctrines such as the virgin birth, the sinlessness of Christ, sin, salvation, holiness, and eternal judgment are often unknown, inadequately taught, or considered optional. Where modern Nicolaitanism prevails, sound doctrine is replaced with social action, social justice, and an attempt to appeal to mass audiences by making people feel better about themselves. Thus, true doctrinal teaching of the Bible is diminished, replaced by different variants of watered-down, “politically correct” instruction.

No emphasis on absolute truth or absolute biblical morality.

Modern Nicolaitanism dresses itself in the guise of being open-minded. It cries that it is unfair and unjust to assert that beliefs alone are the absolute foundation for truth. Even if we believe what we believe, it makes allowances that we may be wrong or that others are equally right but with a different approach. To demonstrate how deeply this damaging influence has already permeated the Church, it is a statistical fact that more than half of evangelical Christians do not believe in absolute truth. These statistics — which reflect a general change in society and in the Church — are growing at such an alarming rate that they will no doubt be out of date by the time the first issue of this book is published. To understand where this trend is headed, just hold an honest conversation with young people under the age of 25, and you will learn firsthand that many young people, even young Christian men and women, hold a negative view of people who adhere to absolute truth or absolute morality.

No exclusionary belief that Christ alone is the Way to Heaven.

Modern Nicolaitanism dresses itself in the guise of tolerance, asserting that everyone has a piece of the truth. It ultimately levels the playing field and makes Christianity simply “a truth” among other truths. If the doctrine of Nicolaitanism is followed to its logical conclusion, it eventually leads to universalism, which is the belief that everyone and everything — even Satan and hell — will ultimately be reconciled to God. In fact, it is a pagan premise that there are many roads leading to the same eventual destination in the afterlife and that every person should therefore be able to find his own way.

According to this mindset, to categorically declare that Christ alone is the way to Heaven is to be nonsensical and intolerant. Christians who adhere to some Nicolaitan principles have not usually followed this teaching to its ultimate conclusion and would be shocked if they did. Yet the doctrine of universalism is the inevitable destination at which this doctrine must eventually arrive. A recent survey conducted among one of the most Bible-based groups reveals that more than one-third of young Christians in America believe that adherence to the teachings of Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, and other religious leaders all lead to Heaven. We are often reminded that young people are the leaders of the next generation. If this is so, what then are the implications of these statistics for the next generation of the Church?

There are many other indicators of modern Nicolaitanism, but these are the primary signs. These faulty beliefs reveal doctrinal ignorance and result in a powerless, weakened version of Christianity where sin is tolerated, separation is ignored, and the need for ongoing repentance is disregarded.

Jesus was repulsed by the teachings of the Nicolaitans and loathed their presence in the churches at Ephesus and Pergamum. While He loved them as individuals, He found their teachings to be utterly objectionable.

Although the Bible instructs us to love everyone, we must think like Jesus thinks when it comes to any teachings that result in a diluted, powerless, compromised version of Christianity. If we are to be like Jesus, we must think like Jesus — and what Jesus hates, we also must hate. Now, that’s something for you to think about today.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I know that we are living in the last times, and during these days, false teachers will arise that will lure many people into compromise with the world. I ask You to heighten my spiritual discernment, make me sensitive to what I see and hear, and keep my spirit alert so that I will not consume strange doctrines that can only produce powerlessness and weaken my spiritual life. Help me love what You love and loathe what You loathe. As You do, I choose to have a loving attitude toward every person, and I draw on Your love in me to love people even if I loathe what they represent and teach.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I have nothing to do with teachings that will lure people into a powerless, weakened version of Christianity where sin is tolerated, separation is ignored, and the need for ongoing repentance is disregarded. I love everyone, but like Jesus, I do not appreciate or tolerate teachings that suggest there is no need for repentance or that we never need to change or be transformed. Holy Spirit, I know that You are calling us to be different from the world, and I declare my intention to You to cooperate with Your sanctifying work of holiness inside me. My deepest desire is to be like Jesus and not to tolerate the things of the world in my life.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Based on what you have read in today’s Sparkling Gem, do you recognize anyone who is teaching and leading others in the error of the Nicolaitanism?
2. How will you pray for those you think may be teaching or following this error?
3. Think of those whom you allow to influence you. Do they encourage you to live a life of holiness, separation from worldly attitudes and actions, and repentance? Or do they suggest that these qualities are unnecessary? Your answer to this question is very important, so think deeply about it.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.
— Hebrews 10:24,25

When I was growing up, every time the door was open for a church event, the Renner clan was there. But my all-time favorite event of the week involved eating Bobbie Jo’s biscuits. I’m talking about the large, fluffy, butter-covered biscuits that were baked and then served by the church cook each week at our church’s Wednesday night supper before the midweek service.

To a young Rick Renner, there was just nothing in the world to compare to Bobbie Jo’s golden, fluffy biscuits. Although it’s been many decades since I’ve eaten one of them, I can still hear her yelling, “RICKY RENNER — get out of this kitchen and keep your hands off the biscuits!” I was always trying to sneak an extra biscuit before or after dinner was served!

*[If you started reading this from your email, begin reading here.]

The Wednesday night church meal included regular servings of ketchup-covered meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes with heavy brown gravy, and cherry or apple pie. But for me, Bobbie Jo’s biscuits were the “grand slam” of everything on the menu. However, what really indelibly marked my life, more than those biscuits, was the rich fellowship that transpired around those tables each Wednesday night among the people who ate together at our church supper. Those people were pillars in our church — people we knew would always be there; those on whom we could depend; people we knew really loved us. They were such consistent examples to me as a young boy. Around those tables of fellowship, these men and women spoke strength into each other’s lives. Much of what I believe about church fellowship was formed in those Wednesday night suppers. Fellowship — what a gift from God it is to you and me and to our local churches!

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Apparently there were already some believers in the First Century who were skipping church. People tend to stay away from church and other believers when they get discouraged. Perhaps these Christians are embarrassed that their faith isn’t working as well as they think it should. Perhaps they’re ashamed that they’re still struggling with problems that they believe should have been conquered long ago. They don’t want anyone to know they’re still wrestling with the same old issues, so they disappear from sight.

The writer of Hebrews used a Greek word that tells us why most Christians start “forsaking” the assembling of themselves together. In Greek, the word “forsaking” is egkataleipontes, which is a compound of three different Greek words: ek, kata, and leipo. The word ek means out; the down kata means down; and the word leipo means behind or to be lacking. When these three words are compounded, the new word pictures a person who feels out, down, and behind. In other words, he feels like he’s outside the circle of his group; he feels discouraged or depressed; and he feels like everyone else has surpassed him. This word describes someone who feels extremely left out and defeated. He feels like he’s trailing far behind everyone else in his spiritual life or in his life in general. To him, it seems like everyone is succeeding but him. Yet rather than go to church to be encouraged and strengthened, this person allows his emotions to control him and he starts missing church meetings. In other words, he “forsakes” the assembly of believers.

Have you noticed that when Christians need encouragement the most, it’s often the time they start running from church? They decide to skip church, stay home, and do something else instead. They isolate themselves when they’re in their greatest need of encouragement!

Hebrews 10:25 says it’s important that we meet because we need “exhorting” from one another. The word “exhorting” in Greek is parakaleo, a compound of the words para and kaleo. Para means alongside, and kaleo means to call, to beckon, or to speak to someone. When these two words are compounded, the new word depicts someone who comes right alongside a person, urging him, beseeching him, and begging him to make some kind of correct decision.

In the ancient Greek world, the word parakaleo was often used by military leaders before they sent their troops into battle. Rather than hide from the painful reality of war, the leaders would summon their troops together and speak straightforwardly with them about the potential dangers of the battlefield. The leaders would also tell their troops about the glories of winning a major victory.

Instead of ignoring these clear-cut dangers of battle, these officers came right alongside their troops and urged, exhorted, beseeched, begged, and pleaded with them to stand tall, throwback their shoulders, look the enemy straight on, eyeball to eyeball, and face their battles bravely. All these ideas are contained in the word “exhort” in Hebrews 10:25.

If you know someone who is discouraged because his fight isn’t won yet, speak to that person truthfully and forthrightly, the way a commanding officer would speak to his troops. Remind that person of others who have stood the test of time and won their battles. Be sure to remind him of the sweetness of victory when the battle is over. He needs to hear a passionate, heartfelt word of exhortation from you!

I think that this is the real reason I loved Wednesday night suppers at our church when I was growing up. Sure, Bobbie Jo’s biscuits were terrific. But even those big fluffy, buttery biscuits could not compare to the fellowship, encouragement, and love that was exchanged across those tables as people ate together. It was truly a weekly love feast.

Although decades have passed and people have moved away to various places, most of these church members still stay in touch and deeply love one another. They were real troops who encouraged each other — and if someone disappeared, we looked until we found them! We weren’t going to let them fall out of fellowship simply because they were discouraged! That’s when they needed us the most!

Maybe you know someone who has forsaken the assembling of himself with other believers in church. Maybe you’ve even done it. I want to encourage you today: Stay in fellowship, and don’t forsake the assembling of yourself together with other believers. If you’re feeling “out, down, and behind,” confess that to someone you trust spiritually and let that person pray with you. And if you notice that someone has recently been missing from church, realize that the devil may be assaulting his mind. Or perhaps his faith feels a little tired, and that person needs some strengthening from someone like you. So make it your aim today to find that individual and speak words of encouragement to him to get him back to the table of rich fellowship with the brethren!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I thank You for my church family and for the encouragement I receive from other church members. You have called us to be a body. I don’t want to allow myself to be disconnected when discouragement tries to wage war against my mind and emotions. Help me run to fellowship in times like that instead of letting the devil talk me into staying away. The devil knows that fellowship will strengthen me and others. That is why he tries to keep us apart from each other during the times when we need each other the most. So today I take a firm stand against this diabolical strategy and declare that I will stay connected to my church family and other believers — and I will do all I can to keep others connected as well because we are stronger together!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that the enemy’s plan to separate me from others will not work! God’s Word plainly says that I am not to forsake the assembling of myself with other believers, and I will obey what the Word tells me to do. Even if I am under assault emotionally, assembling to fellowship with others is one thing I simply will not negotiate. Nothing will keep me from gathering with other believers to receive and to give supernatural strength. Furthermore, I choose to be a voice that speaks encouragement to others who are feeling outside, let down, or left behind. Rather than focus on myself and my own needs, I will focus on how to become a source of strength to others who are around me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Have there been moments in your life when you ran from Christian fellowship because you were discouraged? What happened in your thinking to convince you that you should stay away from other believers in such a moment?
2. Do you know anyone right now who has disappeared from church? Have you wondered where that person is? Do you know if anyone has checked on him or her? Is the Holy Spirit speaking to you today, encouraging you to seek out that person?
3. Most churches don’t have Wednesday night suppers anymore. What other avenues of fellowship — Sunday school, small-group studies, etc. — does your church offer that you can take advantage of? Have you looked to see what is available for you to attend in order to receive and give strength to others?

Ye are the salt of the earth….
— Matthew 5:13

In the verse above, Jesus taught that we are to be the salt of the earth. Considering the various uses of salt in the ancient world and how important salt was in that time, this statement carried great weight. When He likened His listeners to salt, all kinds of images flashed through their minds, and they understood the many connotations that salt carried with it. By using this illustration of salt, Jesus was teaching about the influence that we are supposed to have upon the world in which we live.

The word “salt” in Greek is the word halas, and it describes salt exactly like the salt we use in our homes and kitchens today. Today salt is so common that it can easily be purchased in any grocery store. But in New Testament times, salt was an expensive and treasured commodity that was crucial and needed in many spheres of life, as you will see in today’s Sparkling Gem.

High-quality salt could only be found in a few places in Israel. One location was the Hill of Salt, a seven-mile stretch located on the southwest coast of the Dead Sea. Salt could also be collected from the marshes situated along the embankment of the Dead Sea, or it could be gathered from salt pits near the Dead Sea. In each of these locations, the gathering of salt was an expensive process, which made the salt very costly. It was a commodity so rare that it was seldom wasted, sparingly used, and highly valued.

Salt was used as a preservative.

Especially in the warm temperatures of Israel, meat would quickly rot, spoil, and decay. But when salt was added, it acted as a preservative. Therefore, salt was very important in the preservation of meats and other kinds of perishable foods.

Those who heard Jesus’ teaching that we are to be “the salt of the earth” therefore understood that He meant that through our influence, we should be a preserving force in a world that is filled with rot, spoil, and decay. God’s Word working in our lives causes us to be like salt, and our very presence helps abate the corruption that is eating away at the world.

Salt was used as a flavor enhancer.

Salt is one of the most profound enhancers of taste that exists in the culinary world. An eater quickly becomes aware of how powerful this flavor enhancer is when he eats food that contains no salt. Unsalted food is often monotonous, bland, and uninteresting, but when salt is added, the flavor is ignited. Just like today, salt was used in the ancient world to give food a stronger and richer flavor. It was considered essential for the long-term preservation of food and for the enhancement of taste. Therefore, it was vital in every kitchen.

This tells us that not only should our presence abate the evil in the world, but our presence should also change the flavor of society as we bring the savor of Christ to our surroundings wherever we go.

In light of this, let me ask you: In what ways does your personal presence make a difference in your world? Are you doing your job as the salt of the earth?

Salt was used as an antiseptic.

In the ancient world where dirt and disease were common enemies to health, salt was used as an antiseptic. Especially in areas considered unclean, tainted, or contaminated — areas so filthy that it could potentially become hazardous to one’s health — it was believed that salt would work like a disinfectant. If properly applied in heavy doses, salt sanitized, hygienically cleansed, and made a location relatively germ-free. The application of salt in such circumstances was considered to be enormously advantageous because people believed such an application of salt sterilized non-sterile environments.

If a rapidly spreading disease was known to exist in a village, the sick people were cleared out and relocated, and salt was immediately spread to disinfect the contaminated area and to prevent the further spread of disease. Salt was such a powerful cleansing force that the ancient world believed it would assist in freeing the environment of infection.

As an antiseptic, salt was used in the fodder of barns and barnyards — places where sickness and disease could swiftly spread among animals. A small dose of salt scattered on the fodder of a barn or barnyard served as a deterrent to the proliferation of sickness and disease among animals.

Therefore, when Jesus said we are to be “the salt of the earth,” those who heard Him understood that through our influence, we are called to be a kind of spiritual antiseptic to a world that is diseased with sin. Even a small dose of the spiritual salt we carry within ourselves is such a powerful disinfecting agent that if scattered in society, it will help deter the spread of sin and moral decay.

You see, if you are doing your job as “the salt of the earth,” your very presence can hinder the proliferation of sin and its effects. So when you look at your life and the things that surround you, do you see any evidence that your personal presence is making a difference and that you are helping to promote a more spiritually sanitized environment? Are you doing your job as the salt of the earth?

Salt was used as a medicinal and healing agent.

Salt was also a very important ingredient for physicians and those employed in the field of medicine, for they used salt as a healing agent. For instance, if a person was severely wounded, salt was poured into the wound to sanitize the wound from germs, to stop the spread of infection, to stop the bleeding, and to speed up the healing of the wound. It is a fact that salt has healing properties that cause wounds to heal more readily.

In the ancient world where medications were rare, salt was an indispensable product in every doctor’s medical bag, and it was especially valuable in cases where there was an open wound. In every home, business, and public place, salt was kept close at hand in case it was needed for the treatment of an open wound or sore. It was always kept nearby for emergency treatments.

When Jesus said that His people were to be “the salt of the earth,” those who heard Him understood that through our influence, we should be carriers of physical healing to a world that is suffering with all manner of sickness and ailments. Through the preaching of God’s Word and personal ministry to those who are physically ill, we are supposed to be “the salt of the earth” that brings healing those who are physically suffering. The fact is, the power of the Holy Spirit that we carry within ourselves is fully sufficient to administer physical healing to those afflicted with sickness and disease — always, of course, in the authority given to us in the Name of Jesus!

As “the salt of the earth,” you are a vehicle God has chosen to carry healing power to those who are struggling physically. When you look around you, is there evidence to show that you are carrying this power to those who are physically infirm or challenged in some way, just as Jesus has asked you to do? Are you doing your job as the salt of the earth?

Salt was used to give protection from and to drive away evil spirits.

In the ancient world, salt was also a very important ingredient used in pagan religious rituals to give protection from and to drive away evil spirits. At the time Jesus said we are to be “the salt of the earth,” Israel was subject to Rome, and because of this, they regularly witnessed the pagan practices of Roman religions. One practice of the Romans and other pagan religions of the time was rubbing salt over a newborn baby in order to protect that child from evil spirits or to drive evil spirits away from that child. It was commonly believed in many pagan nations that salt had magical powers to protect one from evil and to drive away evil spirits.

The Romans and other pagans believed so wholeheartedly in the magical, protective powers of salt that they regularly administered heavy quantities of salt to the thresholds of their homes and businesses, believing it would create a strong barrier that evil spirits could not cross. They also spread salt on their windowsills, believing that salt could keep evil spirits from entering their homes or places of business through the windows.

So those who heard Jesus say that Christians were to be “the salt of the earth” understood that through our influence, we are to be a source of spiritual protection, deliverance, safety, and freedom to people who have been assaulted by demonic powers. By using Jesus’ name and spreading God’s Word, we can create spiritual barriers so strong that Satan is unable to successfully attack those standing on God’s promises. We are to be carriers of protection, safety, and deliverance!

When you look around at the people who are near you, do you see that they are spiritually protected, experiencing deliverance, safety, and freedom from the attacks of the enemy? Are their lives different, safer, and better because of you?

Salt was used as a fertilizer.

Salt was also a very important ingredient used by farmers to enrich and fertilize their soil in order to produce larger crops of a higher quality. Even a small amount of salt scattered sparingly on the ground could improve the quality of the soil and result in bigger harvests and healthier crops. Therefore, it was viewed as an essential ingredient in the farming industry. The best salt nourished and stimulated the earth to produce better crops.

When Jesus said we were to be “the salt of the earth,” it could actually be translated “the salt of the soil.” The implication is that through our influence, we should affect the world in which we live. In other words, our very presence should enhance life and make this world a better place to live. The world we touch should become productive and our godly presence should positively impact the quality of life for those around us. That is how much power we have as believers!

So as the “salt of the earth,” we are to enrich the atmosphere wherever we go through our influence, simply because we carry the life of God within us. As carriers of His presence, we make life better for those around us. When we walk into a situation, the environment surrounding us is filled with more peace, joy, and hope than it was before we arrived! As the salt of the earth, we have the power to make a difference everywhere we are scattered.

Are you making a difference in every place where you find yourself?

In Colossians 4:6, the apostle Paul also used the word “salt” to tell us that our conversation should be “seasoned with salt.” In light of what you have read today, this means that instead of speaking complaining, critical, negative words with the rest of the world, you can exert a spiritually positive influence on your environment. When you’re seasoned with salt, you will speak:

• Words that bring preservation.
• Words that flavor life and make it “taste” better.
• Words that bring healing to the sick.
• Words that “disinfect” and free those who were once were contaminated.
• Word that are filled with protection, safety, and deliverance.
• Words that are so faith-filled, they create a blessed environment around us.

Jesus plainly taught that we are supposed to be the salt of the earth! Considering the various ways salt was used in the ancient world, can you see how powerful Jesus’ point is?

If you are doing your job as “the salt of the earth,” there should be fruit all around you to show that God’s “salt” in you is doing its job. As you take a look around your life, can you see visible proofs of your “salty” influence?

Before you do anything else today, why don’t you take a few minutes to reflect on your life to see if you are having the kind of influence on your world that Jesus wants you to have. The Holy Spirit will help you honestly assess your fruit so you can see if you are doing your job as “the salt of the earth” the way God has called and equipped you to do!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am so thankful that You called me to be “the salt of the earth.” Today I want to step forward and surrender to be the salt of the earth that You intended me to be. Help me guard my mouth so that I speak words that bring preservation; words that make life better; words that bring healing to the sick; words that disinfect and free people who once were contaminated by evil; words that are filled with protection, safety, and deliverance; and words so faith-filled they create a blessed environment everywhere I go. Jesus has called me to be the salt of the earth, and that is exactly what I am going to be!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I declare that I am what God’s Word says I am — and Jesus called me the salt of the earth, so that is exactly what I am. Because of who He is in me, I am a preserving, healing, delivering, life-enhancing force that positively affects every person every place I go. It isn’t me, but it’s the Greater One who lives in me that makes such a powerful difference in my environment. Because He lives in me, I am able to positively influence everyone my life touches. I am the salt of the earth!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. What did you learn new from today’s Sparkling Gem? What made the greatest impact on you about what it means to be the salt of the earth?
2. Can you think of ways you are acting like salt in the lives of other people in the lives of others in your family, church, community, or workplace? How have others changed in those environments because of your presence?
3. When you listen to the words that come out of your mouth, can you honestly say that your words are “seasoned with salt”? Is your mouth regularly filled with words of preservation, healing, freedom, cleansing, protection, safety, deliverance, and faith? Do your words create a changed, positive environment, or do your words have a contrary effect?