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Salt and Light

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Daniel Naulty was a former major league baseball player who was a powerful pitcher. But Daniel also used performance-enhancing drugs during his career. A few years ago, he admitted his crime and left baseball for good. But, thats only part of his story.

The other part of the story happened seven years ago when Naultys team won the World Series. What should have been the highlight of his life was instead one of his lowest points. “I thought the World Series was going to be God,” Naulty said. “But I realized after we won that it wasnt salvation.” He began spiraling into a deep depression. Then Daniel began thinking back to what his Christian teammates had shared with him over the years.

They had told Naulty about Gods story of redemption and love through the cross and resurrection of Christ. Daniel finally realized the truth about what was missing from his life. So he asked forgiveness for his sins, and received Jesus into his life.

Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5, “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world.” Like Daniels faithful teammates, you and I can also be salt and light to those around us. Even when we dont see immediate results, God is at work! Just like he was with Daniel Naulty.

Fragrance of Christ

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Second Corinthians chapter 2:14 and 15 is a super verse. It starts with this: “…Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.” Triumphal procession: that means thrilling, successful evangelism that only comes from Christs power. Jesus is the one who does it. He leads us in it. You and I just need to follow His ways, His Word, His voice.

The next part of the verse explains how the Lord leads us in evangelism victory. It says, “Through us [Christ] spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” Thats really what evangelism is – “spreading around the perfume of Jesus Christ.” Thats what you and I are doing – as we walk in the power of Jesus Christ living inside us.

As we talk to people, chat with them, even joking, playing, and working. We are spreading the fragrance of Christ. We are showing our world real love, true joy, inner peace and lasting hope — the blessings that are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

So ask the Lord to help others see Him in you – through the words you speak, the smiles you give, and the reactions you make. Christ takes the lead – and asks you to follow. As you do, youll be spreading His aroma to the people in your world.

He Gives Power

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How many of us want power, fight for power, dream of power, and dream of power? We all long for power – in spiritual areas and in human areas. But do you know how to achieve the kind of power that comes from God?

Jesus Christ tells us how to receive His power in Acts 1:8: He says, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and even to the ends of the world.”

Real power is the power of God indwelling us. When we have His Holy Spirit in us, we have authority to be Christs witnesses to our world. How does this work? As you listen to the Spirit of God, and obey Him, youll be making wise choices.

Youll be speaking winsome and prophetic words. If you do what the Spirit tells you to do, there is authority and theres power as you act with conviction. Youll have a supernatural authority thats delegated from God to you.

And the world will take notice! If you obey the voice of Jesus, there will be power unleashed. And things will happen that you cant even begin to imagine!

The Holy Spirit will give us power to see the impossible accomplished. So dont give up sharing the Good News with your world. Remember, you have power and authority from on high!

He’s at Work

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Galatians 2:20 is one of my absolute favorite verses. “I have been crucified with Christ,” the apostle Paul says, “and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” Notice how plainly Paul puts it: Christ lives in me. Do you realize the magnitude of that reality?

The power of Jesus flows through you and me – every moment of every day – touching people everywhere we go.

In fact, even when youre not aware thats Jesus is working, Hes still at work. Sometimes the best evangelism results come when you dont think youre being used. You walk into a situation, do what youre supposed to do, and suddenly things begin to happen. Its so exciting!

Jesus can work through you anywhere you go – at the office, at the club, in the neighborhood. Just be yourself in Christ and people will notice something different. Its really that simple. You dont have to put on an act. You dont have to pretend that youre a Christian. You are one! Jesus Christ is alive in you today!

So, as you walk with God today, remember that Hes working through – right now! Let the truth of that sink in! May it motivate you to continue reaching your world for Jesus Christ.

The Light of Life

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Jesus Christ says, “I am the light of the world. If anyone follows me they will not walk in darkness but they will have the light of life.” What kind of life is he talking about? Its Eternal Life. Eternal life is the life of God in the soul of man. As this Christmas rolls around, I want you to experience Jesus Christ for yourself.

Friends, there is one who has power to forgive sin and make the light shine. He can change your heart. Jesus Christ wants to give you eternal life. He is the one who assures us by saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”

But, dear friends, you have to make a decision. It isnt enough to say “gee that sounds good.” You have to know him for yourself. Life can change instantly, if you open your heart to Christ.

If you trust His promises, and rest in Him, you will be forgiven. Youll have the peace of God. Youll become a child of God. Youll receive the Holy Spirit. Youll receive eternal life. When you give your heart to Jesus the light of the world fills your soul. Will you give your heart to Jesus Christ today?