S) "20 'For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.'"
John 3:20-21 (NASB)
O) Even before I was serving God, I always kind of knew this to be true. When a cop is behind you, it puts you on edge. When a cop is behind you and you have illegal substances in the car, or the car is unregistered... you're a different kind of edgy. When you're trying to hide you're behavior, it's literally easier to do it in the dark. Figuratively speaking, it's also true. However it can be hidden, people will try to hide it; I know I did. And, in the midst of all of my lies that I had to maintain, I was constantly afraid of discovery. Conversely, there is such a tremendous freedom to be had when you practice truth. I love to expose the good works God has done in me, to glorify Him! Remaining humble is key, but anything I am, anything I have, anything I can do - it's all because of God.
A) So, my actions then become acts of praise and worship, as they were intended to be. This also becomes a useful barometer for any so-called gray-areas. Simply determine if I'd like my pastor to know about it. If I have any hesitations, steer clear. If I can't use it to glorify God, as I relate the story to some one, then don't let there be a story. Not everything I do can be an ultra-holy, trumpets blaring, heaven opening-wide, act of worship - but in everything, I should be able to glorify my Maker.
A) So, my actions then become acts of praise and worship, as they were intended to be. This also becomes a useful barometer for any so-called gray-areas. Simply determine if I'd like my pastor to know about it. If I have any hesitations, steer clear. If I can't use it to glorify God, as I relate the story to some one, then don't let there be a story. Not everything I do can be an ultra-holy, trumpets blaring, heaven opening-wide, act of worship - but in everything, I should be able to glorify my Maker.
P) LORD, I want to bless Your holy name! I want to be exposed for my good work, not afraid to step into Your light. I was, as all of Your creations, wrought for a specific purpose. In that purpose, I want to glorify You obviously and boldly. But, in every other situation, I want to be able to reflect who You are, by acting like the man You've created me to be - in all sorts of things. I want my everyday life to be a testament to Your awesome power to change lives. Use me in such a way as that, Father. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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