OUR DAILY BREAD : GENTLE LIGHTS

[cimi]

Tuesday November 10


GENTLE LIGHTS

READ:
Matthew 5:16
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Let your light shine
before others, that
they may see your
good deeds and
glorify your Father
in heaven.
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Wang Xiaoying (pronounced Shao-ying) lives in a rural area of China's yunnan province. Due to health problems her husbanf couldn't find work in the fields, causing hardship for the family. Her mother-in-law attributed the trouble to Xiaoying's faith in God. So she mistreated Xiaoying and urged her to go back to the traditional religion of her ancestors.

But because Xiaoying's husband had observed her transformed life, he said, "Mother, it isn't enough for Xiaoying alone to believe n God; we too should put our faith in God!" Because of the noticeable change in his wife, he is now considering the good news of Jesus.

People will watch our walk before listening to our talk. The best witness combines good behavior with appropriate words, reflecting the difference Christ makes in our lives.

This was the apostle Peter's instruction on how we can introduce Jesus to a hostile world. He challenged his readers to be "eager to do good" (1 PETER 3:13), to live obediently in Christ, to have a good conscience, and to be prepared to explain to others why we have such hope (v.15). If we do this, we have no reason to fear when people mistreat or slander us because of our beliefs.

Whatever our situation, let's shine for Jesus where we are. He can provide the grace we need to reach even those who don't agree wiht us. _____________POH FANG CHIA

**Lord, we tend to react defensively when people shun us or attack us for
our faith. Give us Your courage to offer wise and gentle responses.
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The more we live like Jesus, the more others will be drawn to Him.

**********************************Today's Bible Reading __ 1 Peter 3:13-17**********************************
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are
blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with
gentleness and respect, 16 Keeping a clear conscience, so that
those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in
Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 12 For it is better, if it
is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
First Peter was written to those who were
being persecuted because of their faith in Christ. In 1 Peter 2:11-25,
echoing Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:10-16, Peter encourages
the believers to live holy lives and to do good works so that those
who don't believe might be won to the Lord. In today's passage he
encourages followers of Christ to remain faithful, to continue to
"revere Christ as Lord," and to be ready to share the gospel when
the opportunity presents itself (3:14-16),. Paul makes similar calls
to godly living in his other letters (ROM 13:12-14; PHIL. 2:14-16; COL. 45:6;
1 THESS 4:9-12; TITUS 2:7-8). __SIm Kay Tee