| Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven. — Matthew 5:16  Make a Dent Where They Are Sent by Dave & Ann Wilson, from No Perfect Parents 
 "Make a dent where they are sent" is a phrase we've often used when preaching at our church. We strongly believe that God has strategically placed each one of us to be His light. Jesus said it best when he told His disciples:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven. — Matthew 5:14–16
Jesus was giving His disciples a bull's-eye to shoot for with their lives. It gets better though. The original language of the words "town built on a hill" specifically referred to a town strategically placed that could not be hidden. Jesus was teaching His disciples then — as well as His disciples now — an important truth. Just as a city in those days was strategically placed in a location where others could see it and find it when they were looking for safety and help, we too are strategically placed by God to bring safety and help to those around us who are seeking the same.
Our lives are not simply random. God wants to use us where He has placed us to advance His Kingdom. Make a dent where we are sent. Be and give hope for those who hurt, comfort for those who mourn, food for those who hunger, shelter for those who shiver in the cold, and more.
The question most people want to ask is, "Okay, then, where am I sent?" The answer is profound in its simplicity: you are sent where you are. The job you have, the house or apartment or condo where you're living, the school you're attending, the sports team your kid is playing on — these are where God has strategically placed you right now. Make a difference where you are planted. Make a dent for Jesus.
I was a coach on all three of our sons' football teams from their Pee Wee leagues up through high school. It was one way I chose to be a part of their lives. After our high school games on Friday nights, the coaching staff usually headed to a local pub to talk about the game. As a pastor, I felt that a bar wasn't the best place for me to be seen with my coaching buddies, and yet I knew that God had called me to make a dent where I was being sent — which meant He had sent me to do life with these coaches and their families.
One Friday night after a victory, I called my buddy Rob, a fellow believer on the coaching staff, and said, "We need to be at the bar with the coaches." He agreed, and off we went to drink our Cokes with the guys. When we walked into the bar, the coaches stood up and gave us a standing ovation. They were that excited we had joined them.
I sat next to our special teams coach, Jack. He asked me why I never cussed while coaching the team. Not cussing may be a little thing that doesn't make me more righteous than anyone else, but regardless, it gave me the chance to share how Jesus changes all parts of a person's life. I told him how I had gone from being a man with a foul mouth to the person I was in the present only because of Jesus.
This was the first of many conversations with Jack that led to more questions about faith. A few months later, Jack surrendered his life to Christ. Along with his wife and kids, Jack now serves at our church. God began this change in Jack by leading me to hang with him at the local bar.
God wants to use you and your children right where he has planted you. There is truly no higher calling than to be able to pass on such a vision to your kids in a way that is life-changing for them and for you. Excerpted with permission from No Perfect Parents by Dave & Ann Wilson, copyright Dave & Ann Wilson. Watch video from Dave & Ann
Your Turn
Where are you shining your light? Where are you making a dent? You are sent where you are! Your job, your school, your neighborhood, your gym, your coffee shop. Shine where you are! ~ Devotionals Daily Share this devotion with someone who needs it today.  NEW RELEASE
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For parents and couples preparing to have children, Dave and Ann offer hope and strategies that really work, and some that didn't. No Perfect Parents will let you into the real, even raw, struggles and joys of raising kids that can impact their generation in a powerful way.  Hardcover, Regular: $25.99 eBook price: $12.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $30 or more Raising kids with hearts for Christ may be the hardest thing you ever try to do, but it's also the most important thing.
Packed with funny and honest stories, compelling illustrations, biblical insight, and practical steps you can put into practice today, this hands-on parenting manual will encourage and equip every parent through any stage.
Founders of a multi-campus church and family coaches with 30 years of experience, Dave and Ann share the hard-earned but easy-to-apply principles that ensure a strong parent-to-child relationship and a strong foundation for your child. You'll get a front-row seat to the multidimensional nature of parenting through a conversational back and forth between Mom and Dad and even comments from their adult sons on what worked, what didn't work, and why. An inspiring and resourceful guide, No Perfect Parents will cover essential topics like learning to discipline without losing your mind or causing more chaos, the parenting guilt trip, the teen years, and the top five parenting mistakes.
To get the legacy that you've been praying for, start here. Your kids will thank you later.
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Vertical Marriage by Dave & Ann Wilson  Softcover, Regular: $18.99 eBook price: $8.99 + free U.S. shipping* on orders $30 or more
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