When we are first saved, we think it is so simple, so wonderful that all our relatives will want to believe on the Savior when we tell them. Instead we find in some cases that they are resentful, suspicious and hostile. They act as if we had betrayed them. Finding ourselves in such an atmosphere, we often respond in ways that actually hinder their coming to Christ. Sometimes we lash back at them, then become distant, moody and withdrawn. Or we criticize them for their unChristian lifestyle, forgetting that they do not have the divine power necessary for meeting Christian standards. It is easy under such circumstances to give them the impression that we consider ourselves superior to them. Since they are likely to accuse us of a "holier than thou" attitude anyway, we should carefully avoid giving them just cause for doing so.Another mistake we often make is to force the Gospel down their throats. In our love for them and our zeal for their souls, we estrange them by our offensive evangelism.One thing leads to another. We fail to show loving submission to our parents, as if our Christian faith released us from any obligation to obey them. Then we increasingly absent ourselves from home, spending the time at church services and with Christians. This, in turn, increases their resentment against church and Christians. When Jesus healed the demoniac, Legion, He told him to go home and tell his friends what great things the Lord had done for him. That is the first thing we should do - give a simple, humble, loving testimony of our conversion.Then this should be coupled with the witness of a changed life. We should let our light so shine before them that they will see our good works, and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).This will mean showing new honor, submission, love and respect for our parents, taking their advice unless it conflicts with Scripture. We should be more helpful at home than we have ever been before - cleaning our room, washing dishes, taking out the trash - and all this without being asked.It will mean taking criticism patiently without retaliating. They will be pleasantly stunned by our spirit of brokenness, especially if they have never seen it before. Little kindnesses help break down opposition - letters of appreciation, greeting cards, phone calls and gifts. Instead of cutting ourselves off from our parents, we should spend time with them in an effort to strengthen relationships. Then they will be more likely to accept an invitation to attend church with us - and eventually to commit themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ.

With reverence, humor and skill, William MacDonald wove a daily devotional tapestry that challenges the reader to think deeply and Biblically, and apply God's Word to their lives.

Truths to Live By - One Day at a Time

"Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." (Mark 5:19)

Matthew 5:1-16Emerson's advice to Lincoln about hitching his wagon to a star - is the lesson Jesus sets for us in the Beatitudes. These blesseds shine like stars far above us, in their brightness and heavenliness. We may say that we never can reach them and that therefore there is no use in our trying to reach them. But the Master would have us strive after the highest attainments.It has been noted, that if the world would make a set of beatitudes, they would be just the reverse of those that Jesus spoke. None of the classes pronounced blessed by Him would be called happy by the world. The poor in spirit, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and holiness - are not the world's favorites. These are not the qualities natural men consider most worthy of quest.The first beatitude is for the humble ones. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." This beatitude is not for the poor in an earthly sense, for one may be very poor - and yet proud ; and one may be rich in worldly goods - and yet be lowly in spirit, in disposition. The Bible everywhere praises humility. God dwells with the humble. Christ refers only once in the Gospels to His own heart, and through the window He opens, it is this picture that we see, "I am gentle and humble in heart" (11:29). To be poor in spirit is to be rich toward God; while pride of heart is spiritual poverty. Humility is the key that opens the gate of prayer; while to the loud knocking of pride, there comes no answer. The kingdom of heaven belongs to the humble. They may wear no earthly crown - but a crown of glory, unseen by men, rests upon their heads even here in this world.<div class="center-it mtb10">The second beatitude is for those who mourn. We do not usually regard mourners as blessed. We pity them and think their condition unenviable. Christ, however, has a special beatitude for those who are sorrowful. Probably He means particularly penitent mourners, those who are sorrowful on account of their sins. In all this world there is nothing so precious in the sight of God - as the tear of contrition. No diamonds or pearls shine with such brilliance, in His sight. It was Jesus Himself who said there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10). Truly blessed, therefore, are those who mourn over their sins. They are comforted with the comfort of God's pardon and peace.</div>But the beatitude refers also to those who are in sorrow. Blessing never is nearer to us, than when we are in affliction, if we submit ourselves to God in love and trust. Someday we shall understand that we have received our best things from heaven, not in the days of our joy and gladness - but in the time of trial and affliction. Tears are lenses through which our eyes see more deeply into heaven and look more clearly upon God's face - than in any other way. Sorrow cleanses our hearts of earthliness, and fertilizes our lives. We grow the best when clouds hang over us, because clouds bear rain and rain refreshes. Then God's comfort is such a rich blessed experience, that it is well worthwhile to endure any sorrow in order to receive it.The third beatitude is for the meek. Meekness is not a popular quality. The world calls it a cowardly spirit, which leads a man to remain quiet under insult, to endure wrong without resentment, to be treated unkindly and then to give kindness in return. Men of the world say that the disposition of meekness is unmanly, that it shows weakness, cowardice, a lack of strength. So it might be - if we looked to the world for our ideal of manhood. But we have a truer, a diviner example for our model of manliness, than any that this world has set up. Jesus Christ is the only perfect man who ever lived in this world, and when we turn to His life - we see that meekness was one of the most marked qualities of His character. He was gentle of disposition, never provoked, patient under wrong, silent under reproach. When He was reviled, He reviled not again. When He suffered, He threatened not. Possessing all power, He never lifted a finger to avenge a personal injury. He answered with tender love, all men's wrath, and on His cross, when the blood was flowing from His wounds - He prayed for His murderers. Meekness is then no cowardly spirit, since in Christ it shone so luminously. Then it is not an impoverishing virtue - but an enriching grace. The meek shall inherit the earth.The fourth beatitude is for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. This, strangely, is a beatitude for dissatisfaction. We know that peace is promised to the Christian, and peace is calm repose and satisfied restfulness. The words hunger and thirst appear to suggest experiences incompatible with rest and peace. But when we think more deeply - we see that spiritual hunger must form a part of all true Christian experience. Hunger is mark of health. It is so in physical life; the loss of appetite indicates disease. So a healthy mind is a hungry one; when one becomes satisfied with one's attainments, one ceases to learn. In spiritual life, too, hunger is health. If we become satisfied with our condition of faith, love, obedience and consecration, we are in an unhappy condition. There is not growth after that. Often invalids die amid plenty, die of starvation; not because they can get no food - but because they have no appetite. There are many professing Christians who are starving their souls in the midst of spiritual provision, because they have no hunger. There is nothing for which we should pray more earnestly, than for spiritual longing and desire.The fifth beatitude is for the merciful. Cruelty is opposed to everything Divine and heavenly. All that is unloving is condemned in the Scriptures. Blessing cannot come to the resentful, the unforgiving, the vindictive, to those who have no sympathy with distress, no hand to help human need. In our Lord's picture of the last judgment, in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, those on the right hand are those who have been kind, gentle, patient, thoughtful, ministering to suffering and need. Jesus Himself set an example of mercifulness. His miracles were for the relief of those who were suffering.We must note in this beatitude also, that we receive in life what we give - the merciful shall obtain mercy. The unmerciful shall find the gates closed upon them, when they cry for help. A boy stood before a perpendicular crag, and when he began to shout he heard the echo of his own voice. When he spoke gently, a gentle voice responded. When he spoke angrily ; he was answered back in angry tones. It is so in life. Those who show kindness to others, receive kindness in return. Those who are bitter, selfish and cruel - find this a loveless world to live in.The sixth beatitude is for the pure in heart. There is no beatitude for anything unholy. There is no room with God for anything that defiles. If we would enter heaven, we must prepare for heaven here. To a child who expressed a wonder how he could get up to heaven, because it was so far away - a wise mother's reply was, "Heaven must first come down to you; heaven must first come into your heart." Heaven must really be in us - before we can enter heaven. Just was we become pure in heart, are we made ready for the heavenly life.But what is heart purity? It is not sinlessness, for none are sinless. A pure heart must be a penitent heart, one that has been forgiven by Christ, cleansed by His grace. It is one also that is kept pure by obedient living, and close communion with Christ. An essential part of true religion before God is, to keep one's self unspotted from the world. It is an evil world in which we live - but if we carefully follow our Master, doing His will, keeping our hearts ever open to the influences of the Holy Spirit, we shall be kept, Divinely kept, from the corruption about us. As the lily grows up pure and unstained amid the soiled waters of the bog - so does the lowly, loving, and patient heart of a Christian, remain pure in the midst of all this world's evil.The seventh beatitude is for the peacemakers. Too many people are not peacemakers. Some people seem to delight in finding differences between neighbors or friends which they try not to heal - but to widen. Christ's beatitude is for those who seek always to make peace. When we find two people in danger of being estranged by some misunderstanding, we should seek to get them together and prevent their falling apart. If we would be true peacemakers, we must never be quarrelsome or easily offended. Paul says that love is not easily provoked, that is, it does not take account of little or great hurts - but is patient and forbearing (see 1 Corinthians 13). It is a great thing to be a peacemaker. Of the peacemakers it is said, "They shall be called sons of God."The eighth beatitude is for those who are "persecuted for righteousness' sake." Some people avoid persecution by conforming to the world, by being very careful never to offend the world. But Christ wants us to be loyal and true to Him, whatever the cost may be. Blessing comes upon those who suffer persecution for Christ's sake. Paul spoke of the wounds and scars he had received in persecution, as marks of Jesus, honorable decorations. We must notice, however, that is it when we are persecuted for righteousness sake - that we get this beatitude. Sometimes people suffer for being ill-natured, but the blessing cannot be claimed in this case. It is when we do the will of God and suffer for it - that we can claim the Divine blessing.We are commanded to rejoice and be exceeding glad when called to suffer reproach and injury for Christ's sake. It is not easy to do this, although many Christians have actually rejoiced in pain and trial, so strong was their faith. Ignatius, on his way to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts, wrote exultantly, "Now I am beginning to be a disciple!"In two striking figures Jesus showed His disciples what they were to be in the world, how they were to bless it by the influence of their lives. "You are the salt of the earth." You are, by living your new life in the world - to preserve it from rotting. This seemed a strange thing to say that day to a little handful of fishermen - but these men and their successors have done just that for the world through the centuries. We know what salt is and what its influence is. We are to be the salt of the earth, not merely in the words we speak - but especially in the influence of our lives. We must take heed therefore that the salt we are - does not lose its savor, its power to bless. We must make sure that the world is purified, sweetened and made better in every way - by our living in it."You are the light of the world." We are lamps which Christ lights and which are to shine upon the world's darkness for its enlightening. We must remember that the light of heaven can reach other lives and brighten the world - only through us. We must see to it, therefore, that the light in us never fails. We must never allow it to be covered up by anything. The object of the shining is not to glorify the lamp - but to honor God. We are not to parade our virtues - but to brighten the world and lead men to love our heavenly Father.

A unique type of devotional from the writings of James Russell Miller, published between 1908 and 1913.

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

Matthew 5:1-16

True Blessedness

Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. § Abstain from every form of evil. § If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you … But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. § Become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. § Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Bind [mercy and truth] around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. § Brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy– meditate on these things.

Daily Light on the Daily Path or Daily Light is a Christian daily devotional scripture reading published by Bagster & Sons about 1875. It has been reprinted continually since then. It consists of brief groupings of scripture passages which speak to prominent Biblical themes—two themes (morning and evening) for each day of the year. It appends no commentary, but simply allows scripture to speak for itself.

Morning Daily Light

 Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. § In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. § That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Jesus of Nazareth … went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. § Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. § That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. § You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 

Blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. § You are the salt of the earth … the light of the world. § Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. I also withheld you from sinning against Me. The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. § I did not do so, because of the fear of God. § [He] gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. § Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 

You know how we exhorted … and charged every one of you … that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. § You may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. § Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. § Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.<h5><a id="verse_1632877443596021" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Peter/1/15">1 Peter 1:15</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443958772" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Thessalonians/2/11">1 Thess. 2:11</a>; <a id="verse_1632877443509331020" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Thessalonians/2/12">12</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443755177" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Peter/2/9">1 Peter 2:9</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443368673" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/5/8">Eph. 5:8</a>; <a id="verse_1632877443337445868" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/5/9">9</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443166063" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/5/10">Eph 5:10</a>; <a id="verse_1632877443238799209" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/5/11">11</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443167188" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Philippians/1/11">Phil. 1:11</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443379913" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Matthew/5/16">Matt. 5:16</a>;  <a id="verse_1632877443159607" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/1-Corinthians/10/31">1 Cor. 10:31</a></h5>

 As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 

Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. § Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. § Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. § Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. § For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Evening Daily Light

 Perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. § As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § The Father … has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. § You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

 Where is the way to the dwelling of light? 

He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” § Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Be imitators of God as dear children. § If children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. The brightness of His glory and the express image of His person. § Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. § These things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. § As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

 You were called into the fellowship of His Son. 

16 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。」

你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。」

马太福音 5:16

 16 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。」

新标点和合本（英语：Chinese Union Version with New Punctuation，缩写：CUNP 或 CUVNP）于1988年出版，由联合圣经公会组织圣经学者、翻译顾问和编辑人员，以《和合本》为基础展开修订。《新标点和合本》在用语和文体上基本没有改动[1]。目前香港圣经公会销售的中文圣经，主要也是以《新标点和合本》和《和合本修订版》为主[2]。1988年《新标点和合本》与1919年《和合本》的关系，就像是1769年《钦定版圣经》与1611年《钦定版圣经》，前者更新了拼写与标点，使之和现代一致。


新标点和合本

 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。」

Matthew 5:16

你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。」

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马太福音 5:16 CUNPSS

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