Devotional

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. [15] If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. [16] Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven".


I've been so excited to see the pictures of the team getting their hands dirty this week as they serve the church and the local community in Sao Paulo. Jesus tells us that we are to be 'light-bearers' that shine the generous light of the gospel of Jesus Christ into a world full of shadows.

It might be easier to stay within the safe confines of the church walls or our homes, but you only have to see the joy and light that is shining on the faces of our team and those they are serving to get a glimpse of what Jesus is talking about..!! The light of Christ is shining brightly, a light that will continue to shine in those churches and homes, long after the team return to the UK. Such are the gracious ways of God!

The challenge for us all is to continue to live in this way: do our faces express what our mouths
say we believe? Let us practice the way of Jesus and 'keep open house, being generous with our lives', prompting those around us to see Christ, the true and living light in our midst..!!

Chris, Stella, Elaine, Val, Jacqui, Neil, Norah and Claire - we love you and praise God for the work He is doing through your presence in Sao Paulo. May God strengthen you for the last leg of the trip and bring you safely home rejoicing in the wonders he has shown you.

Grace and peace

Richard