160th BDS – 5/1/2025

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:13-16

If you’re reading this, then thank GOD that He granted you another day, another moment, another chance to fulfill His will for your life. You are still breathing, you are still moving and you are still living. We are encouraged in the Scriptures that while we are still here, being living examples of GOD’s grace includes making the choice to become more and more like JESUS every day.

So let’s dive in!

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This may just seem harsh to and for some, but JESUS spoke it and Matthew wrote it. JESUS encouraged His followers that they were essential, necessary and highly important to the World around them. Just as we are that truly believe in, have chosen to turn from a life filled with disobedience to Him, are born again through Baptism in His Name and are filled with His Holy Spirit. Having that confidence, we know that we are atmosphere changers and just the mere mention of His Name even the demons in places that we go themselves shake with fear.

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV

JESUS proceeds to ask, if we lose our faith in Him, do not set the example of Him, do not live like Him and/or handle situations like Him, how will the World around us ever know Him and/or want to be like Him as well? He then says, “What are we good for?” if by Him, in Him and through Him we ourselves are not changed in our way of thinking, acting, in our conversations and/or in our moral beliefs. He says that those that do not live by His example but, out of their mouth say that He is their LORD, are of no help to The Kingdom.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

JESUS says that His Children of The Light do not live in darkness though darkness is all around them. He says that we are to be a light to others so that when they see us, when they encounter us, when they hear us, they will know that there is something very different about us. We are not to run and hide until He returns nor are we to be overwhelming to those who do not know the truth and/or have not chosen to follow Him yet. We cannot be hidden, we should not choose to be silent, nor allow anyone to silence us from speaking the truth of His Word and we most certainly are not to compromise, add to or take anything away from His Eternal Word.

“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭12‬:‭32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

JESUS says that those that He has placed His Light inside of through the Holy Spirit are like candles used to brighten every secret corner, back alley, street corner, courthouse, office space, gymnasium, mansion, apartment, condo and more. We wouldn’t put a cover over a candle if it was the only way that we could see our way around. So then, why would we shy away from any and every opportunity to witness of the goodness of GOD everywhere we go? Not just during a specified time period on a Sunday wherein most that are in the sanctuary either fully know GOD or have chosen to follow Him! If His Light is truly in you then let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!!!

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

JESUS said in everything that we do, make sure that in whatever it is or may be, that it is all done so that our Father GOD in Heaven will get the glory! We are to do this not for self recognition, to be noticed by others and/or to chase our own agendas.. but rather, it is so that from the things that GOD appoints us to, sets the stage for and operates through us to accomplish, so that others will see His Light in us and they too begin to praise and worship Him through JESUS CHRIST our LORD!!!

Final Thought: “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

JESUS says that time is nothing that we should even consider that we have. His Word alone is the lamp in darkness to guide us and He is The Light to lead us to His Path of Righteousness. While there is still time, knowing what His Word has spoken to each and every one of us and that life itself is short, keep what JESUS Himself told us in your heart. BUT, WHILE YOU’RE STILL HERE… (you fill in the rest…)

-Minister Marchand, Founder and Overseer of JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRIES-JIGM and JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY-JIGMIA