As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Let us who are of the faith be encouraging to others, but we are reminded in 1 Corinthians 8:9-10 to be careful, however, that our freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? We must be good examples to those we encourage.
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:8
My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are exposed to many preaching and teaching on Scripture, but are we able to discern what is of God, from what is from spiritual powers of this world? We must be careful what we hear, and most importantly what we repeat, for all teachings and not of God. We must read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God’s word, so that we will not be led astray by false doctrine.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6
“Therefore, do not be partakers with them; for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.”
Is it possible for us to shine a light for others to see in this dark world?
Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 58 that, “If you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. Matthew 4:16
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Isaiah 60:1-2
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let is shine, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine all the time.”
Lord, please kindle a fire within us, that will illumine the whole wide world. Let that flame draw the attention of all those who do not know you, so that they may come, and be warmed by your light, which gives life abundantly.
You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to the father in heaven.”
Hallelujah! Happy are they who fear the Lord and have great delight in his commandments. Psalm 112:1
“The generation of the upright will be blessed; wealth and riches will be in their house and their righteousness will last forever. Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the righteous are merciful and full of compassion, they will not be afraid of any evil rumors, their heart is right and they put their trust in the Lord.”
When you are feeling all alone, when you have nowhere else to turn, call on Jesus; he has been there for me, and he will be there for you also.
“Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy my all, He is my strength from day to day, without him I would fall, when I am sad to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so, when I am sad He makes me glad, He’s my friend. Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I’ll be. Oh, how could I this friend deny, when He’s so true to me? Following Him I know I’m right; He watches o’er me day and night, following Him by day and night, He’s my Friend.”
“Oh Lord of hosts, happy are they who put their trust in you.”
“For the Lord God is both a sun and a shield, he will give you grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right.” Lord please teach us to fear you, so that we may be satisfied in every area of our lives.