5785 THE YEAR OF DOUBLE GRACE & OPEN WINDOWS FOR DIVINE EXPANSION AND PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT!
Greeting, As we have stepped into a new Hebrew Year of 5785 as well as 2025 on the Georgian calendar, we are stepping into a window of time and opportunity. What does an opportunity mean? An opportunity is an appointed or favorable time to advance forward. In 5784, the Lord showed me that we were in a Revelation 3:8 NKJV season for the Year of the Open Door for Revelation, Realignment and Renewal for Prophetic Fulfillment! According to Revelation 3:8 NKJV… “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
In some ways we are still in that season as we continue to progress from the door to the window. The Lord has been issuing this clarion call to His Church to come up higher. In this place of ascension, there is a new vantage point and, new levels of revelation. As we’ve come through the door and now look through the windows (opportunities). GOD desires to enlarge our vision and break every limitation so we can see clearer. The Lord longs to show us the things to come so we can be prepared and ready to receive them. The verse the Lord gave me for 5785 is Psalms 18:19 KJV… He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. The Theme He gave me for KBCMI is…5785 THE YEAR OF OPEN WINDOWS WITH DOUBLE GRACE FOR DIVINE EXPANSION AND PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT!
In this new Hebrew year 5785, the double fives in this year carry a special emphasis on multiplied grace or the empowerment of GOD. When you put the fives next to each other you get twenty-five, you get the Hebrew word Hen which means to behold. When you think of a window, it’s a prophetic representation of vision. I believe the Lord is increasing our vision, especially in His seers and prophets. As we behold the Lord, He will show us the things to come to declare bold. We must not forget that we are in the decade of the mouth. There is a greater grace and empowerment on the words we speak and declare. This is why since 2020, there often has been a “war of words” concerning many different situations on a personal, national, and international level. It’s important to be mindful and intentional of the words we speak. Not only will we see things to declare but, there will also be situations to behold that will shock us and grip us. There are things coming that we never thought possible. The word unprecedented will become normal to hear it so anchor yourself in the Lord for 5785.
Another insight concerning the five or the Hebrew letter Hei (hey), is that there is an appointed time and season for us to put our hands to the things of GOD, what He has spoken over is. This is not a time to sit back in fear, we must move boldly and confidently. The righteous are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1). It’s time to partner with the word of the Lord, activate it and, see it manifest. This season is one of Double Grace - It Begins with grace and ends with grace.
Right now we’re in a season where the Lord is watching what we do with what we have been given. In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the parable of the talents. In this parable, a man was leaving away on a trip for some time. He decided to gather his three servants and distribute his money to them while he was gone to tend to it. To one he gave five talents, another man he gave two, and the last servant he gave one talent. The servants with five and two talents went out and invested their talents and were able to multiply and double what they had. The servant who had one talent went and buried it in the ground out of fear.
When the man came back from his trip he accessed what the servants had done with the talents. He was happy to see the servants with five and two multiplied what they had been given. He blessed them and promoted them saying, His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matthew 25:21 NKJV
When the servant with one talent told the man that he had buried for fear of losing it, the man was so furious that he gave his talent to another and banished him away. We’re in a time of promotion and demotion. The Lord is weighing his leaders and his people, to see what they have done with what they’ve been given. He’s measuring and judging our faithfulness and stewardship. We should always be increasing and multiplying because, it’s the nature of GOD. You can’t stay small when you’re connected to GOD Isaiah 60:22 NKJV…A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.
Lastly, I want to share some insight for Genesis 8. In Matthew 24:37-39 NKJV Jesus makes an interesting reference back to Noah’s time… 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
This is the way it will be when the Son of Man returns.” Jesus is saying here, what took place back in Noah’s day will take place as the day approaches of his coming. More and more we’re going to see a clear line and distinction between the righteous and unrighteousness. It will not be hard to tell the difference between the godly and ungodly.
One of the things that enabled Noah to be successful and caused him to get through the flood was, he was a righteous man and he was obedient to the voice of GOD. Can you imagine being the only one who was living right for GOD, when everyone around you was living like heathens. Noah continued to live right in the face of such unrighteousness and wickedness. Even though he looked crazy building a big boat and prophesied a rain was coming like never before, he never gave up on the assignment GOD had given him. He had unshakeable faith in GOD. We must be the same way in this time. May the voice of GOD be the loudest voice we hear and believe in this time.
In Genesis 8:1 NKJV it says, Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And GOD made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. “When you live righteously and stay obedient to GOD, He will never forget you. I want to encourage you today that GOD has not forgotten you or the promise spoken of for you but, that he has remembered you like he did Noah. As he remembered Noah GOD sent a wind to begin to shift and dry up the waters after a great time of testing. In Genesis 8:6 NKJV it says, So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. On day 41 it was the dawning of a new day.
In 5785, not only it is a window of opportunity but it’s also a new time and season for you. As Noah sent out the dove (Holy Spirit) a few times waiting for the go ahead, it eventually brought back a fresh olive leaf. As you enter into 5785, there’s new vision and fresh oil, for the new place GOD has brought you into. Just as he did for Noah, GOD is establishing new covenant and reminding you of His promises that has been established in the heavens. As Noah followed the instructions of the Lord, he stayed in obedience, and trusted where GOD would lead him and his family. This is what caused him to overcome and endure.
As the elections have passed in the United States the people have spoken and GOD has honored it. The election was simple and it came down to either voting for light or darkness. Light has prevailed… Glory to GOD so let us now be about our Father’s Kingdom business and take back everything the devil has previously stolen from us.
Blessings,
From the desk of Chief Apostle\Prophet L.R.Gooden Jr.
In His Service For His Glory!
Enrich your spiritual life as you study inspirational messages gleaned from the Word of God! The Holy Bible is filled with wisdom that will strengthen your character and deepen your walk with the Lord. As you reflect on key Scripture passages, you will discover encouraging lessons and practical applications woven throughout the Word. Leon Gooden presents an in-depth study of key Bible passages to sharpen your faith and help you grow in your understanding of God. Each chapter explores a different Scripture passage to encourage you in your daily walk with Jesus Christ. In this book, you’ll learn: -How God calls you to be actively involved in His purposes and plans for the world -You are God’s child, accepted and highly favored—made holy and righteous by the blood of Jesus -How the Holy Spirit will empower you to bring life to others who desperately need it -How God wants to sanctify you and move you toward the future He has planned for you -How worship can overcome temptations to sin -When nothing makes sense, God has a perfect handle on things -Why the result of knowing God is an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe This book is ideal to enhance your personal daily devotions, or as a Bible study tool in a small group setting. Short chapters with edifying messages are perfect for livening up your devotions! Start reading your copy of Walking in the Word today—and spark a flame in your heart for real growth as a child of God!
It's released Apostle's new book, get yours today! Walking in the Word: Fifty Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Relationship with God.
In this Bible story we learn that Naomi and Ruth have both become widows.
With limited means, and lacking the protection of husbands, the women face a grim future.
Yet Ruth demonstrates integrity, loyalty, and love when she chooses to forsake her country of Moab after Naomi, her mother-in-law, decides to return home to Judah. Ruth’s decision is incredibly selfless; before her lies an arduous journey and a lifetime of service to Naomi. Naomi encourages Ruth to stay in Moab and find a new husband, but Ruth is not having it.
“Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you,” Ruth doggedly pledges. “Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your GOD, my GOD” (Ruth 1:16).
Don’t miss this: Ruth is ALL IN. In making her decision, Ruth also chooses GOD and His ways without reservation.
GOD blesses Ruth for her humility and servant attitude. He not only gives her a wealthy husband (a relative of Naomi’s, which also restores Naomi’s good fortune and social standing), but also a baby who becomes the grandfather of King David, a direct ancestor of Jesus.
What I love about this story is GOD’s provision. Neither woman, as they imagined their bleak futures, had any inkling that GOD was directing their steps to bless them and accomplish His plans to bring Jesus to earth.
Jealousy is listed by the Apostle Paul as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:20, and will keep one from entering into heaven (Galatians 5:21). Webster defines jealousy as: "resentfully envious." It is a trait that has its roots in darkness (Romans 13:12-13).
When one is filled with jealousy, it keeps them from being rationale about other things that are happening around them. A jealous individual is filled with resentment and often times has a negative outlook on life.
What Causes Jealousy?
There are several things that cause one to become jealous. Some of these things include ignorance (Romans 1:28-29), vainglory (Galatians 5:26), and carnality (1 Corinthians 3:3). But I feel that the number one thing that causes most people to be jealous is selfishness.
Paul wrote: "he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself" (1 Timothy 6:4-5). The self-seeking individual who cares only about himself is usually the one that also becomes engulfed in jealousy.
What Are the Results of Jealousy?
James writes: "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there" (James 3:16). Jealousy keeps one from being rationale and as a result confusion exists. When one becomes confused they are then more likely to succumb to evil deeds. Solomon wrote: "Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4).
A certain destruction will await all those who are filled with the sin of jealousy. Therefore, cast this evil away (2 Peter 2:1), and learn to love your fellow man. Paul wrote: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Recognize jealousy for what it really is, cast it aside, and live by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
1. When God leads You, He Anoints You despite Your Enemies.
Psalms 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over”.
2. Overflowing anointing (Power) always accompanies the led (Sent)
Luke 10: 1 - After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Luke 10:19 - Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
3. The Anointing sets us Free
(Freedom is never given, it is fought for)
Isaiah 49:24 – 26.....24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?
- A mighty force over thee – e.g. Sickness, depression, Confusion etc
- Lawful Captive – Justice has placed you there. The Devil has a reason
25 But thus SAITH the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
26 And I will feed them that OPPRESS thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob
Psalms 124: 6 – 7....6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
4. The Anointing Establishes us Above our Enemies
Psalms 89: 20 – 25...20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.23 And I will beat down his foesbefore his face, and plague them that hate him.
5. The Anointing gives us Access to Wealth and Peace
24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)…10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The phrase Walk in the Spirit refers to lifestyle. In Biblical terms, to walk means to conduct oneself in a particular manner; pursue a particular course of life.
The Greek word “walk” is peripateo; it is a compound word that is made up of two words – peri means “about, concerning, around;” and the main verb pateo means “to tread, to walk along” – thus peripateo means “to stroll or walk about.”
This Greek term is used ninety-five times in the New Testament as a metaphor for “live,” as illustrated by Paul in Ephesians 2:10). As stated earlier, to “walk in the Spirit” is to live in complete submission to the control of God’s indwelling presence – “We are not to let sin reign in our mortal body that we should obey its lusts, and we are not to present our members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin instead, we are to present ourselves to God as being alive from dead works, and our members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom 6:12-13).
The figurative meaning of “walking” refers to conduct –
~As believers we are to conduct our life in the paths indicated by God (2 Kg 20:3).
~As sons/daughters of righteousness walk in the light, rather than walk in darkness (1 Jn 1:7).
~The sinners way of life is to walk according to the flesh (Rom 8:4; Eph 2:2; 1 Cor 3:3).
~But Believers are to…
•walk in Christ (Col 2:6 – that is our “position” in Christ)
•walk according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4 – according to His leading)
•walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16 – that is the realm in which we are to walk)
•walk in love (Rom 14:15; Eph 5:2; 2 Jn 1:6 – that is the essence of a godly walk)
•walk as children of light (Eph 5:8 – that is the sphere in which we are to walk)
•walk in good works (Eph 2:10 – our lives are to produce fruit)
•walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4 – we are to live in this new reality)
•walk in a way that pleases God (1 Th 4:1 – by obeying God we please Him)
•walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7 – we must trust God and walk accordingly)
•walk in the light and walk in the truth (1 Jn 1:7; 2 Jn 1:4; 3 Jn 1:3 – the whole way one lives proves fellowship with God – 1 Jn 1:6ff; 2:6)
•walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1; 1 Th 2:12; Col 1:10 – conduct your life in a way that corresponds with your holy calling)
We must recognize that praise is one of the most neglected weapons of war, yet it is one of the most effective if not the most effective of all spiritual weapons at our disposal.
But How, one may ask?
· Provokes the flow of Revelation – 2Kgs. 3:15-18/ Is. 30:29-30/ Is. 60:1-22
· Provokes Divine Intervention – 2Chr. 20:22-24/ Ps. 47:5-7
· Provokes Divine Favour – Ps. 119:164/ Ps. 30:5-7
· Provokes Supernatural Blessing – Ps. 67:5-7/ Joel 1:11-12
· Provokes Divine Vengeance – Ps. 149:3-7/ 2 Sam. 6:14-23
· Empowers our access to realms of Signs and Wonders – Exo. 15:11
· Facilitates fulfillment of Prophecies – 2Chr. 20:14-24/ 1Tim. 1:18.
From scriptures, we understand that praise is God’s spiritual habitat (Ps. 22:3).
It is also the conductor through which our battles are handed over to God and we know that God cannot take over what we do not hand over (2 Chr. 20:3-24/ Ps. 149:1-9).
This is why when we engage in praise, God shows up on our behalf and when God shows up, signs and wonders flow. (Ps. 22:3/ Zeph. 3:14/ 2 Chr. 20:22-24)
Also, at every cross road, we usually hear people say, “it will take God…” But whatever will take God will require praise – because it takes praise to provoke divine presence (Ps. 22:3/ Ps. 114:1-9).
Therefore, scripturally when we pray God answers and when we praise, He comes down and when God comes down, our obstacles are turned into miracles (Exo. 15:11).
King David knew from experience what it meant to wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14). While David was waiting, he was chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of His promise to reign as king. And, after becoming king, David was chased by his rebellious son Absalom. But, David did not give up, even though he was discouraged at times. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 30: 6 that when David was distressed, he “encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
Waiting on God is not easy, and that is one of the reasons why depression comes. Often it seems God is not answering our prayers or doesn’t understand the urgency of our situation. That kind of thinking, however, implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for. Often God calls us to wait because He uses waiting to refresh, to renew, and to teach us. We should try to make good use of our waiting time by discovering what God may be trying to teach us while we wait.
There are several ways we can wait on God:
Focus directly on the Lord and not on our problem. Praise God for Who He is and read His Word on a regular basis. If we take our focus off of God, we are bound to fail and spiral even further into depression.
Continue in prayer until we receive our answers. God does not always answer our prayers immediately, sometimes it takes a while. What we may not realize is that while we are waiting, our faith and trust in God is becoming stronger.
Thank God for the renewed strength He has given you through your time of waiting on Him. Your renewed strength and your new perspective allows you to see God as greater than your problems. Therefore, the higher you climb spiritually, the smaller your problems will appear.
Since God has all strength, there is no reason for us to quit. Even the strongest people can get tired and become depressed, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired, too depressed or too busy to listen to our prayers. God’s strength is our source of strength. So, when you feel life is weighing you down and you cannot go another step, admit that you cannot solve your problems and turn them over to God. Call upon God and ask for His help, then watch your hope return and receive a renewed strength.
When we become discouraged, we forget God’s mercies and blessings of the past and become fearful of about the future. The enemy will do everything in his power to get us to think that God has forgotten us.
But God says in His Word, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 12:5)
Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
I’m sure you have probably heard someone say before "it’s my life, I can do what I want to." While it is true that the life we have is ours, we cannot do what we want to with it if we really want to be pleasing to God.
The Bible says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" 1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us. God created us and expects us to be obedient to Him in all things.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
We need to understand that we are here only because God created us and that our obligation in life is to make sure that we please Him in all things. Christians have been baptized into Christ and have made a vow before God to live for Christ each day for the rest of our life. Baptism puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and into His body, and the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23).
When we die, our soul will return to God who gave it to us in the first place (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Our eternal resting place will be in heaven or hell, depending on who we have really served while on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 6:24).
Lastly as Christians, we must ensure that we are living our lives for Christ, not for ourselves or others. Jesus will judge us in the last day, nobody else (John 12:48). In the end can it be said that we were REALLY doing the will of the Lord? I say Do the Will of God!
God has promised us that if we are with Him then He will be with us.
Azariah the prophet of God spoke to King Asa and said, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2).
You can read about King Asa in chapters 14-16 of 2 Chronicles.
When Asa sought God then he was blessed in all that he did. He was able to destroy an Egyptian army of a million men because he sought God first.
As a result of his reliance on God, he and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed 35 years of peace. In chapter 16 we learn that God forsook Asa because he began to leave God out of his decisions. In the 41st year of Asa’s reign, he became diseased in his feet and still did not seek the Lord’s help. Asa died having devoted the first 35 years of his life in faithful service to God but unfortunately he made some very foolish decisions, not relying on God as he did earlier in his life and service as the King of Judah.
The life of King Asa should teach all of us something today. Hanani, the prophet spoke these powerful words:
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
We can know that if we will dedicate our life fully and completely to God, then God will prosper us. But if we choose to put anyone or anything ahead of Him, then we will not prosper. To the loyal Christian, God is our strength, hope, and salvation. Stay the course! Continue to be “.....steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We must be faithful until the very end of our life here on earth in order to receive the crown of righteousness (Revelation 2:10).
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)…10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The phrase Walk in the Spirit refers to lifestyle. In Biblical terms, to walk means to conduct oneself in a particular manner; pursue a particular course of life.
The Greek word “walk” is peripateo; it is a compound word that is made up of two words – peri means “about, concerning, around;” and the main verb pateo means “to tread, to walk along” – thus peripateo means “to stroll or walk about.”
This Greek term is used ninety-five times in the New Testament as a metaphor for “live,” as illustrated by Paul in Ephesians 2:10). As stated earlier, to “walk in the Spirit” is to live in complete submission to the control of God’s indwelling presence – “We are not to let sin reign in our mortal body that we should obey its lusts, and we are not to present our members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin instead, we are to present ourselves to God as being alive from dead works, and our members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom 6:12-13).
The figurative meaning of “walking” refers to conduct –
~As believers we are to conduct our life in the paths indicated by God (2 Kg 20:3).
~As sons/daughters of righteousness walk in the light, rather than walk in darkness (1 Jn 1:7).
~The sinners way of life is to walk according to the flesh (Rom 8:4; Eph 2:2; 1 Cor 3:3).
~But Believers are to…
•walk in Christ (Col 2:6 – that is our “position” in Christ)
•walk according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4 – according to His leading)
•walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16 – that is the realm in which we are to walk)
•walk in love (Rom 14:15; Eph 5:2; 2 Jn 1:6 – that is the essence of a godly walk)
•walk as children of light (Eph 5:8 – that is the sphere in which we are to walk)
•walk in good works (Eph 2:10 – our lives are to produce fruit)
•walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4 – we are to live in this new reality)
•walk in a way that pleases God (1 Th 4:1 – by obeying God we please Him)
•walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7 – we must trust God and walk accordingly)
•walk in the light and walk in the truth (1 Jn 1:7; 2 Jn 1:4; 3 Jn 1:3 – the whole way one lives proves fellowship with God – 1 Jn 1:6ff; 2:6)
•walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1; 1 Th 2:12; Col 1:10 – conduct your life in a way that corresponds with your holy calling)
Jesus made a statement in Matthew 5:16 that should help us realize how glorious and remarkable it is to be a Christian. He told us, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.”
Exactly what did Jesus mean when He said to let our light shine? He simply meant that the lifestyle and behavior that we display to others is our light. Our light shines when we act or react in ways that are consistent with Christ (His teachings and His ways), which is in contrasts with the world and its ways.
Jesus said He is the Light of the world (John 8:12). As we read and study the life of Christ, we see that Jesus’ life contrasted sharply with the lives of the Pharisees and other religious leaders. His light shone brightly, and the people could easily see it in His actions and they could hear it in His words.
Through Jesus Christ, we have not only received light, but we have been made light. We have become transmitters of light to fallen mankind. Jesus did not say, You are the light of the Church. He said, You are the light of the world. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are placed into the Kingdom of Light. Therefore, we are to live in a way becoming of that position and not as if we were the children of darkness. We are to live in such a way that people will be attracted to God, just as tourists are attracted to the Northern Lights. The light within us should be shining daily through the darkness in the world.
We know that we are followers of Christ, but some may still wonder how do we shine our lights in this world? Our light is noticed in several ways:
In the workplace : People see the difference in you when you are different from the way they are. God expects us to show our light and to be an example by performing our jobs with a spirit of excellence. That is the best witness for Jesus that we can possibly give in the workplace because most people today are not giving their one hundred percent on their jobs. Christians should do everything as unto the Lord and be honest and reliable on the job. Then, our work performance will truly be noticed by both our co-workers as well as our employers.
In our response to others: Jesus commanded that we love one another (1 John 13: 34-35). It was the second great commandment of the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:18). However, this commandment had been so corrupted by Jewish traditions that it was considered new to those hearing it. Laws of revenge and retaliation and self-love were so common that the law of brotherly love was obsolete. Jewish religious leaders taught that to love one’s neighbors simply meant to love those of your own nationality and religion. These leaders taught that Jewish people were not obligated to love Gentiles nor to help them or rescue them if their lives were in danger. Loving others as much as Christ loved others is what made Jesus’ commandment new. Jesus did not just talk about His love, He proved His loved. He did more than just love those who loved Him. He initiated love rather than to just respond to it.
Godly love is not a shallow sentimental emotion that a Christian tries to “work up”in order to get along with others. It is an attitude of the will that reveals itself in action. Agape, or Christian love, is not an emotion. Christian love is treating others the way God treats us. God loves us when we have done well and when we have not done well. He loves us when we mess up and even when we have done terrible things.
The greatest evidence of our shining light is not in carrying a Bible, going to Church, singing in the choir, or exercising spiritual gifts but in loving others as Jesus did. However, unless the Holy Spirit is permitted to fill our hearts with His love, our carnal nature will dominate. Only when we learn to abide in Christ will His love permeate through us. The more we spend time in fellowship with God and His Word, the more we submit to His will for our lives and the more we will grow in our love for others. Our compassion for others is an accurate gauge of our devotion to God.
Through our praising God in difficult situations: When we are placed in difficult situations, we must remember that people are watching our reactions. It is during these times that we need to have hearts overflowing with praise and ask God to bring His light into our dark moments. When others ask us how we can go through tough times without falling apart, we can testify to them about God’s goodness to us.
