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Minerva First Christian Church

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Dale Devotionals

“What Does Jesus Expect Of Disciples?”

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matthew 6:14-15) ESV 

Jesus has one expectation here for disciples...that baskets will be removed and stands discovered. In my experience there are at least two definite “baskets” that stand as obstacles to our shining as lights...the basket of indifference and the basket of inconsistency. 

The indifferent Christian is the greatest contradiction you can find. Indifference and discipleship do not belong together. Do you show indifference to the things of God? If we do we’re putting our “light” under a basket...we’re a contradiction in terms. 

Inconsistency is probably the most common means of hiding our light and testimony. Are you a disciple some days but not others? Are you a disciple some places but not others? Are you developing a consistent walk with Jesus? 

What’s the difference between putting our light under a basket and placing it on a stand? A “stand” Christian takes every opportunity to shine. A “basket” Christian hides his light every time he is faced with an opportunity to shine. A stand gives the light a very strategic position - “it gives light to all in the house.” 

A Christian looks for the best and most strategic place to shine! That’s the expectation Jesus has for us, “Get out from under the basket, climb up on your stand, and shine for me!” So brothers and sisters, look for the most strategic place, discover how to shine the most light, avoid the obstacles, take the opportunities to shine, and acknowledge your  responsibility   to  the  Kingdom … and sing with me “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it Shine”! 

“And the Lord will be King over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and His name one.” (Zechariah 14:9) ESV

  God Bless!

Pastor Dale

Ralph’s Reflection

I’m looking forward to seeing my new grandson, Brooks, this week. Before the Thanksgiving/Christmas season starts in earnest, I’ll be heading to Iowa to visit my wonderful, ninety-one year old mother and Andre’s growing family. Since I’m preaching next Sunday night, it has to be a short trip, but family is important. 

Our church family is also very important. I can’t imagine celebrating Christmas without my brothers and sisters in Christ. This season is definitely the time to be thankful for those special relationships that we share because of Jesus. How sad that millions of families celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every other family event without Christ. 

Just recently I heard about a family that specifically requested that the preacher NOT read any scripture at their loved one’s funeral. The wise pastor suggested the 23^rd Psalm as a reading. Their reply was “O.K.” They thought it was a nice poem. 

The Christmas story is also more than a nice story of a humble birth with visiting shepherds, singing angels, and gift-bearing wise men. It is our family story — the story of our brother, Jesus, who brought us the gift of eternal life from our father who is in heaven. 

As we prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we should gather each Sunday with our church family and enjoy our Christian kinship. 

Luke 2:19: “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” 

‘Tis the Season to Ponder! 

Pastor Ralph