---SHINING BRIGHTLY FOR JESUS ~~

John 17:14-15 (NLT®)
--“I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” --

God’s people should stand out in the world. I don’t mean that we should act weird, or self-righteous, or condemning—but there should be something different about us. There should be a different hope, a different purpose, a different set of values that dictate how we spend our time and our resources. What brings us joy, what breaks our hearts, how we treat others, the aspirations we have for ourselves and our children—all of those things are influenced by the fact that we’re the people of God. God has revealed Himself to us through His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. Jesus asked His Father specifically to keep us safe from the influence of the evil one. With all of these gifts, our lives should be a bright light for Him in the world.

THINK ABOUT IT
--You may have a church, or a doctrine, or a family tradition that goes back generations, but your faith is expressed through your actions. If Jesus is Lord of your life, it will make all the difference in the way you live.

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, may my life demonstrate Your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love in such a way that others will be drawn to Your light within me. I am thankful to be part of the family of God and a source of godly influence in my part of the world. In Jesus’ name, amen. ~~"
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson