One of the best ways we can be used by God is by simply being ourselves.

The identity Christ has given us as daughters and sons is meant to shine forth and be a witness to those around us.

May you be encouraged today in your identity in Christ and freed from any unnecessary weight you've been carrying.

Welcome to the First 15 podcast. I'm I'm I'm

The Our scripture for today comes from Matthew chapter 5 verse 16.

Scripture says,

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven.

Jesus teaching on salt and light in the sermon on the Mount is one of my favorite passages

of scripture related to sharing the heart of God with the world around us.

In Matthew 5, verses 13 through 16, Jesus taught, you are the salt of the earth.

But if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

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.

In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your father who is in heaven.

One of the most powerful aspects of this passage is how Jesus begins by speaking identity over us. God doesn't tell us to go get some salt

and share it. He says we are salt. He doesn't tell us to go get a light and shine it. He says we are a light.

Sharing God's heart is a part of who we are.

As believers, we've been redeemed, washed clean,

that we might proclaim the excellencies of our Savior

by living in line with our new identity.

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