1. This Week’s Quiet Times: October 31-November 4, 2011
Let Your Light So Shine…
MONDAY
Being a disciple of Jesus, a Christian,
means living a dynamic life possible
only by and through the Holy Spirit we
received at baptism. It means putting His
teachings into practice. Not just nodding or
saying “Amen!” during the sermons on
Sunday, or being humble and submissive
in front of the church. Those convictions
that are forming within you need to be
expressed by your deeds. The Lord needs
to be glorified by what you do, not just by
what you say or believe. Read James 2:14-
18. Is it enough just to know what to do?
Is it enough just to intellectually believe?
What happens if your faith is not accompanied by deeds (actions)? How is your faith
manifested before men? Remember Noah! His conviction was evident because of the
ark he built. That ark was the testimony of his faith. Write Ephesians 2:10 on an
index card and memorize it. Remember: we are not saved by faith plus works, but by
a faith that works!
TUESDAY BEING A LIGHT AT WORK...
“Our light must shine, by doing such good works as men may see. What is between
God and our souls, must be kept to ourselves; but that which is of itself open to the
sight of men, we must study to make suitable to our profession, and praiseworthy. We
must aim at the glory of God.” Matthew Henry You probably believe you have a
profession of some kind. Perhaps you are a laborer of sorts, or a teacher, a doctor,
lawyer, secretary, accountant, or a student. But did you ever think of yourself as
“good news carrier”? A messenger of God? Isn’t that what you really are when you
become a disciple? Read Matthew 5:16. What are these good works? Do you make
an effort to share these good works with those you work with? What is the purpose of
sharing these good works, to glorify yourself? Write Romans 13:12 on an index card
and memorize it. Don’t just stick to doing your job at work; remember to do the
Lord’s work at your job! Get to know someone at work (school) that you haven’t met
before. See to it that your light shines to guide them to the Lord.

2. WEDNESDAY BEING A LIGHT TO STRANGERS...
As you go about your daily business, you come across a lot of people. At work, at the
grocery store, at school, on the road, and even on the internet you deal with many
people. How can you make an effective impression upon these people? Do you
impress yourself upon them or do you impress Jesus upon them? Check out
2 Corinthians 4:5. Make yourself their servant! How many people do you know say
they want to be your servant? Remember Jesus came to serve, not to be served!
Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. What were Paul’s motives when preaching the gospel?
Find out what compelled Paul to preach in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. How did Paul
attempt to win people to the gospel? Do you think Paul was out to make associations
with people or did he set out to make and have relationships with people? Getting
involved with people at work, or with strangers you meet, takes a lot of effort and
time. Be patient and serve!
THURSDAY BEING A LIGHT AT FELLOWSHIPS...
Don’t you have a great time at fellowships? Isn’t it great to be in such a wonderful
family as the family of God? It is a great blessing to be in such a caring environment.
The care we have for one another and the love we show for each other is the most
brilliant light that can shine in this dark, dark world. Read John 13:34-35. “The
whole world is to distinguish Christ's disciples not by mighty acts, but in the kind of
love Jesus exhibited as seen in His disciples' acts of love and concern.” Believer’s
Study Bible. Sometimes, however, attitudes flare up because of selfishness. The light
is dimmed, or becomes cold (like a fluorescent light) because you want to be served
or think you are above others. Read 1 John 2:9-11. Can you possibly be in the light
and hate your brother? Keep in mind that hate is the opposite of love (See 1
Corinthians 13:4-7). See to it that you are walking in the light!
Write 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 on an index card and memorize it. Have you
encouraged someone today?
FRIDAY BEING A LIGHT AT HOME...
The test of true discipleship is how your light shines at home. You might live with
unbelieving parents, or an unbelieving spouse, or children; or you might live with a
believing spouse or brethren. Whatever the situation, these people see you in your
best and worst moments. If it’s tough to be a disciple when you are A-OK, imagine,
then, when you’re not feeling well?! How do you carry your “lighted” self when
you’re sick? When you’re depressed? When you’re angry? When you’re stressed?
Read again Matthew 5:14-15. Jesus’ first compares you to a city on a hill, a light for
those who are far away, to attract them to the Lord. Next however, He compares you
to a light that someone uses in a house! In your house, put that light on a lampstand!
Make sure it’s a real light too. Read Luke 11:35-36. Are there any dark parts in a
light? Are there any dark parts in you? (Remember 1 John 1:7-10 !)
Write Psalm 37:6 on an index card and memorize it.