Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ²³  “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Mark 4:21-23.

Matthew 5:14-16 states:  “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  (Emphasis added.) 

Thank you all for letting your light shine!  It inspires me, uplifts me, and helps me in other ways so much to hear the good things that you all are doing.  This devotion is so appropriate after yesterday’s devotion which I feared was too much about me and my Reformed doctrine blog.

We may fear that we are boasting or that we are too proud if we let others see our light.  Although it is true that we should be humble, it does glorify God and help others to see the good things that we are doing. 

First, it draws the lost to the truth.  Like ships lost at sea, it shows the lost ships where the safe haven is. 

Second, it stimulates others to do good works.  It is easier to join a good work than to start your own good work from scratch. 

Third, it knits us all together in communion as the church.  We better see ourselves, not as independent individuals, but as part of the church. 

In the following two paragraphs are three examples. 

A large group of you are Protestant Reformed Church ministers.  You have most faithfully kept preaching and teaching Reformed doctrine entrusted to you.  You let your light shine like a lighthouse beacon to me and others.  I was a like that ship drifting in the sea from church to church, denomination to denomination, doctrine to doctrine, and you brought me back to the truth of Reformed doctrine. 

One of you picks up a small child who has no legs and takes that child “hiking”.  You met this child when you taught her Sunday school, and God developed in you a compassion and a desire to help her further.  You carry her, so that she can experience the beauty and fresh air of the outdoors.  Now, because you told another friend of mine and invited him to go with you, you both go together, and you all can now also bring the girl’s other special needs siblings with you for a group hike.  You tell me that you are the ones who are blessed to be around such children.

Another one of you operates a Christian rescue mission in my county, appropriately called Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, which feeds and clothes the homeless.  I feel that I do not have compassion or desire to help the homeless, but when I talk to you and read your newsletter, I feel like encouraging you, praying for you, and sending you an occasional check to help support your work.  I feel that “we” are fulfilling Christ’s mandate to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger etc.  Thank you for also encouraging me to start my Reformed doctrine blog and for also referring me to your computer specialist so that I could do it!

Thank you all for letting your light shine!