Monday, July 15, 2019 - SALT AND LIGHT

Day 196 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ecclesiastes 9, Psalm 15; Matthew 9:1-13)

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, 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 your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 ESV)

Salt had two purposes in the Middle East of the first century. It was used to preserve food and as a flavor enhancer. Jesus is using this analogy to impress upon His followers the fact that we are to preserve and enhance the lives of those around us. 

Many people are living lives that are devoid of meaning and direction. As God’s people we get to preserve and enhance life in Jesus’ name. And how do we do this? Listen to Jesus again:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  (vs. 16)

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, thank You for shining the light of Your salvation into my life. Now please use me to reflect Your light to others around me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2019 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!