The Psalmist wrote, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) He may have been looking forward to Jesus proclaiming to his followers that, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” In 2019 these verses will shape our theme. We will explore and practice what it means to be salt and light; to season and to shine. We will influence and impact our communities as we give taste and visible evidence to the reign of Christ in our lives and his present and coming Kingdom. We want to be very intention in our empowered witness to Christ in our communities with the anticipation that lives will be drawn into relationship with Jesus and his mission.
Psalm 34:8
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Taste: We don’t just want to eat, we want to taste our food and we want to enjoy it in good company. We will consider the use of meals in sharing Christ. We will consider what it means to season a community and what it means to impede the presence of decay.
See: Light is a rich and powerful metaphor for many truths and experiences. Light is necessary to see and to see accurately. There is seeing and there is understanding what is seen. Good lighting can beautify and enhance. How can we brighten our communities and make visible the reality of Christ?
January 27: A Song and a Sword (Psalm 149) There is a Psalm that brings together the vital relationship between worship and ministry. Worship is the essential ingredient that motivates a life of dedicated service. We need a song and we need a sword and we need to keep them together. Let us worship the one who sends us out in mission and ministry. (no audio available)
Devotional thought: What would be your song and your sword?
February 3: Taste and See 1 (Luke 24:13-35) In a remarkable story some individuals have a sudden realization that the meal they are sharing is in the presence of the world’s Lord and Saviour. He opened the Scriptures to them; he walked beside them and chatted with them. However, it was in the breaking of bread, that their eyes were opened. As we come around the table of the Lord today may we afresh, taste and see that Christ Jesus is among us. (no audio available)
Devotional thought: What surprised you the most about this story?
February 10: Taste and See (Psalm 34) – In this Psalm we have a man sharing his experience of the rescuing and present power of the Lord. Through a trying and dangerous crisis, the author tasted the saving work of God and this enabled him to see his Saviour more clearly. The Lord heard and answered his prayers. (no audio available)
Devotional thought: What verse of this Psalm speaks particularly to you?
February 17: Isn’t that what’s his name? (Acts 3) – The church is brand-new and already making its presence known. There is nothing like a changed life to get a community’s attention. Questions are asked and a witnessing opportunity given. What might this look like where we are?
February 24: Priceless (Acts 8:9-25) – The religious soup that exists around us can be baffling. People believe all kinds of things and enter into all kinds of practices. What of our beliefs? There is nothing that satisfies like the real thing and it comes at a very high price. Thank fully God himself picked up the tab. How best to live and share a priceless message?
March 3: Lessons in Prayer (Acts 4:23-37) The early church grew in the midst of a hostile context. It was a dangerous time to live for Jesus. Their response of prayer to the persecution they received is inspiring. What shape do your prayers take when things get tough? This is CBOQ Sunday and we will celebrate the shared ministry of our larger family.