John 8:12(New International Version) - 12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Comparing a flash of lightening and a lit flashlight:
A flash of lightening is quick, not consistent. It can be big and powerful.
A flashlight is continuous and steady.
We are called to be a light to others. We should be a steady, consistent stream of light rather than a quick brilliant light shown every once in a while. It gets people's attention for a mere moment, but that's it. We should be a consistent light unto the world.
Being a light to the world requires surrender and sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:10-31
Samuel informs Saul that God has rejected him as king because he did not fulfill God's command. Saul lashes out, defending his obedience by claiming he did indeed fulfill the sacrificial obligation. But, ultimately Saul's actions reveal his true commitment to God.
We defend ourselves with a list of good things we've done...(good deeds.) But outward show isn't God's chief concern. He desires the commitment of body, mind and soul. As disciples, we have to learn to focus on the condition of our hearts rather than on what others see on the surface.
Examination of the hearts.
We have to learn to make sure our actions reflect our true character.
1 Samuel 16: 1-13
David isn't exactly the ideal picture of royalty. Sweaty from working in the fields all day, he is just a ruddy-faced kid. But he has a pure heart, and that's what God sees when he anoints him as Israel's king.
We are an image-obsessed society.
1Samuel 16:7 (New International Version)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
The anointing knows no face. The Lord doesn't fill you up or choose you because of the way you look or present yourself outwardly. It is what's within that matters. You can look healthy on the outside but on the inside bitterness, anger and/or depression abides.
As leaders we are going to be tested, tempted and desired to be destroyed. We are going to be questioned, doubted but none of that matters..so long as you keep hold of the word and apply it to your life.
God will examine our hearts and reveal things that we've been trying to hide.
Remember: you are constantly being watched from the day that you realized that you were different and began to separate yourself from the world...that's when you began to be examine. You were different. You were that flashlight that continued to shine in steady motion despite the obstacles.
Those that examine and watch us should see Christ in us. Let our motions and actions reflect Christ.
-Tzira
Comparing a flash of lightening and a lit flashlight:
A flash of lightening is quick, not consistent. It can be big and powerful.
A flashlight is continuous and steady.
We are called to be a light to others. We should be a steady, consistent stream of light rather than a quick brilliant light shown every once in a while. It gets people's attention for a mere moment, but that's it. We should be a consistent light unto the world.
Being a light to the world requires surrender and sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:10-31
Samuel informs Saul that God has rejected him as king because he did not fulfill God's command. Saul lashes out, defending his obedience by claiming he did indeed fulfill the sacrificial obligation. But, ultimately Saul's actions reveal his true commitment to God.
We defend ourselves with a list of good things we've done...(good deeds.) But outward show isn't God's chief concern. He desires the commitment of body, mind and soul. As disciples, we have to learn to focus on the condition of our hearts rather than on what others see on the surface.
Examination of the hearts.
We have to learn to make sure our actions reflect our true character.
1 Samuel 16: 1-13
David isn't exactly the ideal picture of royalty. Sweaty from working in the fields all day, he is just a ruddy-faced kid. But he has a pure heart, and that's what God sees when he anoints him as Israel's king.
We are an image-obsessed society.
1Samuel 16:7 (New International Version)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
The anointing knows no face. The Lord doesn't fill you up or choose you because of the way you look or present yourself outwardly. It is what's within that matters. You can look healthy on the outside but on the inside bitterness, anger and/or depression abides.
As leaders we are going to be tested, tempted and desired to be destroyed. We are going to be questioned, doubted but none of that matters..so long as you keep hold of the word and apply it to your life.
God will examine our hearts and reveal things that we've been trying to hide.
Remember: you are constantly being watched from the day that you realized that you were different and began to separate yourself from the world...that's when you began to be examine. You were different. You were that flashlight that continued to shine in steady motion despite the obstacles.
Those that examine and watch us should see Christ in us. Let our motions and actions reflect Christ.
-Tzira
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