Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

(John 1:5)  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The words of Jesus resonate and reverberate within my soul. as an overwhelming calm embraces my countenance.  That calm, which only Jesus can bring, overrides world circumstances, and societal unrest. Why?  Because God has overcome the world.  And, “Greater is the One in me, than the one in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

With God all things are possible, with man it’s not possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Today, as I read verses, and meditate on His words, in the “Letter He wrote to us, (Bible) the comfort and peace I feel  will take me through all the seconds of the day.  And it doesn’t stop there, as most of you reading this will relate, His word and promises keep me company, in all circumstances.  It can be applied to every given scenario I face today, tomorrow,  and all the days of my life.

There is nothing that is more reassuring, or comforting, than accepting Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, while surrendering to His will, and plans for our lives.

He is the anchor, in the storm, that will bring us into safe harbor.

He is the quintessential salve, for our aching souls.

He is the shield, we find refuge in.

He is our everything, for anything, at any time, and any place.

Have you told Him how grateful you are today? 

If not, I invite you do so right now.  He’s listening.

“Father God, thank You for Your light which illuminates my paths, and guides me all the days of my life, I surrender to You, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 91:1-4 (KJV)

Have you ever been “hugged by God?”

How many of you have felt God’s presence, love & protection?  The purest kind of love that “hugs” you, just when you need it most?

Well, I’m sure most of you reading this, have felt it many times.

Because those of us who have an intimate relationship with the LORD, have a connection that is deeply reciprocal and spiritually responsive to Him, and all that He is.

This current ongoing Pandemic, has created a vortex of misery, for so many. It’s rough and our lives have changed considerably.

And the times can be rougher for some more than others.  Some of these circumstances have been heightened by this horrific virus. Many might be facing ongoing health issues, finances, loneliness, and/or maybe having lost a loved one to this evil cynical life sucking monster of a virus.

Dark times need to be offset by the “Light.”

The source of that light comes from the highest Holy One. The One that can erase the darkness, and send it packing. That powerful Source is our LORD and Savior!

God will always give us a “hug” just when we need it.

I was feeling frustrated, while struggling with the current events of this world, and a family member, who was facing a serious health crisis, along with my medical issues.  I felt both emotionally and physically drained of all energy. In fact, I wanted to curl up into bed, and wrap the covers over my head.   I retreated into my bedroom, Bible in hand, and opened up to Psalm 91:4 (KJV) 

          “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler…”

I then put on Christian music. And what should come on right after  Psalm 91?  “Eagles Wings” by Josh Groban.

It was right then that I immediately felt “God’s loving hug.” 

It was all good.

He was protecting me and I was under His wings of love, and provision.  Amen!

So today, or tomorrow, or the day after that, and even the day after that.  Just when you’ve had enough, or feel sad, dejected, frustrated, upset, hopeless, struggling with pain, finances, or family issues.  Run…don’t walk… to His word, and wait for “His hug.”  You’ll know it the moment you “feel it.”

His word. His promises. His protection.

His wings that shelter. His love.

That is what “life is about” that is what “makes the difference in all that I do, see, feel and hear.

His word.

His promises.

His love.

It’s what I live for.

His “hug”—no words to describe it.

But as a Christian, you’ll know it when you “feel it.”

“My LORD, thank You for the ‘hugs’ you give just when I need them, and all the in between times too, You are my life, my breath, and my everything, I am Yours forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

You know the Psalms repeat “sing praises” throughout most of book. Some of us are gifted with ” singing voices” that were given to us by the LORD. Sadly, some of us sound like screeching cats!  But one thing we all can do ultimately on the same level, is “worship” and praise Him all day long!

When we wake up, “Praise You LORD, for I’m seeing another day!”

When we eat our breakfast, “Praise You LORD, for this food before us!”

When we speak to a family member, “Praise You LORD, for my family!”

When we speak to a friend, “Praise You LORD, for my friends!”

When we are not feeling too well, “Praise You LORD, no matter what!”

When we are feeling discouraged, “Praise You LORD, for never leaving me!”

So on and so forth…

In other words, in all we do…in all we see…in all we have…in all we go through, day after day.

Praise Him continuously.

For all HE IS, and all HE has done, since the beginning of time.

For His magnificence, For His Sovereign Power, For His consuming Love and Passion!

When we worship and praise, we receive blessings from above and we are pleasing in His eyes.

When we  worship and praise, He will shower us with a line of defense, and our enemies will flee from us.

Worship and praise.  The single most powerful thing we can do in terms of our lives.  Given to us, and afforded to us, from the One and Only LORD.

He acknowledges those who worship Him.

How can blessings come from above if we don’t worship Him here?

How do enemies run if we sit in doubt and fear, and ignore our LORD?

How do we get through life, good and bad, without our LORD?

Today…as you go through your busy day, take the time to carve out special moments just to tell Him ” how special He is”

Take the time to “enjoy His presence” as you thank Him.

Take the time to “read His word” and embrace His promises.

When you do, and do it readily every day, the transformation that will emerge while doing so, will be indescribable and life changing!

Go ahead, look up!

He’s waiting to hear from you.

“O’ LORD my love, my everything, thank You for this day, thank You for my life, thank You for Your promises, Your word, Your Love, and Your grace, I live for You, all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power, help us O LORD our God, for we rest on You…”

2 Chronicles 14:11 (NKJV)

What looks daunting and completely impossible to the average person, is truly “nothing” when it comes to the LORD.  When we fight our battles in surrender to the LORD on our knees, we are “victorious” every single time!  With the LORD in our corner we can never lose. How can we lose when we have the most Powerful Sovereign Being in our corner?

No matter what our backgrounds may be, irrespective of our personal histories, or despite things we’ve done, or failed to do…Our Father invites us to repent and seek Him in all we do.  And when we seek Him, we will find Him, every single time.

We are all facing some pretty challenging times these days, with civil unrest, and the Pandemic still going strong, But 2 Chronicles 20:15  states, “Thus says the LORD to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” And that should bring an enormous amount of relief and comfort to anyone who reads it, meditates on it, and grasps the promise of the LORD.

What we’re facing today is adversity, and the LORD uses adversity in lives of the believers for many purposes, all of which are ultimately meant for “good.”  He will limit the amount in which we sustain, each one handling it according to their limits, and He always provides an escape from harsh times.  These become apparent when we live through these trials, and become stronger for it.  And learn and grow exponentially in spirit from each episode.

Fortunately the dark moments last only as long for God to accomplish His purpose in us, and it won’t be long, until the darkness is gone.

That’s power from above.

That’s Love from above.

That’s our Father from above.

And there is none like Him!

“Father God, thank You for Your endless providence over my life, and for honing my spirit through each adversity, I thank You and trust You that all things turn out for good, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence. 

Acts 2:28 (NKJV)

Christians who spend time with the LORD can never find their days “empty.”  Ostensibly, it’s the total opposite when the LORD fills your days.  Life is full of joy and strength, and His promises that will hoister those who are downtrodden, and uplift those who feel desolate.

Following Christ is not without rewards, although we might be mocked along the way, (as told by Jesus) we are inherent heirs of the Messiah, who redeemed us.  Thus, we are awarded, God given inalienable rights, when we partake of Jesus and His commandments.  We are sealed as children of Christ when we accept Him as our LORD and Savior.  The Holy Spirit will guide us, and protect us, and fulfill us in ways that nothing else can.

Days filled with the LORD can be truly amazing in all aspects, each and every second of our lives.

There will be ups and downs, and rough terrain along the way.  But the difference for believers versus non-believers…is that we will get through it and recognize the storm won’t last forever.  We will cling to the One who will always provide and support us through every moment in our lives. And, we will be stronger for it.

“Father God, thank You for Your strength, light, providence, and protection in my life, You are all I need in all I do, and I am filled with joy and fulness because of You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

John 4:8 8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love .

Love is a gift.

Love has been the inspiration for movies, books, poems, art; etc.  It is the conversation that leads most gatherings, and it is the cornerstone of Christianity.

Love.

Love heightens our spiritual intensity, and touches our hearts lending ways to garner strength when needed, and comfort when warranted, and peace that will surpass cataclysmic circumstances.

What kind of love can do all that… you may ask? 

The answer is straight to the point overly obvious to any Christian and person of faith…Our LORD!

God loves us beyond measure.

God loves us with a love that is incomprehensible.

God loves us with a love that cuts to the sunder.

God loves us with a clarity that is easily recognizable.

God loves us with unwavering grace and forgiveness.

And most of all…God is Love.

The USA celebrates Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Its a time of reflection, to give thanks for our blessings, for our family, friends, and for our freedom.

But most of all giving thanks for the LORD, and His unparalleled love.

Loving God, is to be loved, and to experience love.

Love…Love…Love.

He is Love.

His Word is love.

His voice is Love.

Love of the LORD.

There’s nothing like it… 

“My loving Yahweh, thank You for all blessings, and gifts which come straight from above, my Lord and Father of Lights, thank You for caring enough about me, to send Your Son, and thank You for the endless providence You speak over my life, I love YOU Abba Father, now and always in Jesus name, Amen.”

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD Christ. Be he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.  Colossians 3:23-25 (KJV)

We can’t change our past, but we can change the direction of the future, when we’re walking in His will.  Stepping outside the will of God can bring about inescapable consequences as a direct result of living outside the parameters of the “will of God.”

Surrendering to the LORD, and listening to His will and voice, will no doubt, bring about greater rewards, than we could ever imagine were at all possible.

Listening to God, and not “the will of others” or more to the point, individuals, who purport what we “should and should not do,” is not adhering to the purpose, and will of God, for our lives.

Not to say, it isn’t good to “fellowship” with others, sharpening irons together, as we encourage each other in the Word, that is a good thing.  However to “listen to men/women, in place of God’s voice, and purpose, that is not walking in the will of the LORD.  And to do so, will inherently maneuver us in the opposite direction of God’s way, or purpose.

There is always a price to pay, when we step outside of the “will of God”—that is a guarantee.

So many stories in the Bible, can point to the consequences of actions, when we walk outside the will of God; “Adam and Eve;  King David with Bathsheba; and Jonah.  These are a mere few examples,  there are so many others. These individuals carved out a totally different scenario, by not listening to God and His will.

Listening to the LORD, no matter how you might want to go in another direction, thinking it “doesn’t feel right” — stop, and take a deep breath, and trust God, with all your might. (Proverbs 3:5-8) And just be still, know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)

Being disobedient to God, ultimately has repercussions, and can bring us into choppy seas, without a “Master” at the helm. It would be foolish to do so.  And yet, many do just that. Trying to chart waters by our own devices, without listening to “His Will,” could invariably result in a treacherous outcome.

Holding on, when the times get troublesome, can be challenging at best, but knowing what His will is for our lives, is what makes it manageable…and encouraging.  Why? Because God will never leave us, nor deny us His guidance and help.  Why? Because He loves us!

Shhh.  Do you “hear Him?”  Are you listening to His will and purpose for your life?  Tune in to the LORD, and His will, and watch how He could turn your life around in ways that will astound, and amaze you.

Why? Because He is our AMAZING GOD!

“Father God, thank You for Your will for my life, and Your instructions, may I always follow Your voice, and obey Your will all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. 

Micah 7:7 (KJV)

In Micah, Chapter 7, the society in Israel were inherently corrupt. There were individuals that turned their back on God, and facing dark times as the results of their actions.  However, despite the blatant flaws, and sinning that was taking place, God, was still present. In fact, He still promised to lead them out of the dark, and into His precious Light.

Micah, was filled with an abundance of unwavering faith, and his heart was afflicted with pain, due to the circumstances affecting the people.  He waited upon the LORD, and knew that God would not only hear his heart wrenching prayers, but would honor him by saving him too.

This promise of the LORD isn’t just for Micah, its for ALL of us as well, right now…here…and in present day times.  Just as Micah fully realized that God was going to hear, and acknowledge his pleas and prayers, and save him at the right time, so too will He do the same for us!

Even though so many of us are facing hard times. Especially arduous and fundamentally dark times, with the pandemic and civil unrest in the world, can makes us feel frustrated, helpless, and lackluster.  But in the overall equation, and scheme of things, God is in the midst, ever present…and always with us.

This season we’re correctly embroiled in, should be a time of strength and restoration, through God and His promises.  And this, my dear brothers and sisters,  is when Christians should “rally” and be of good cheer. As God orders us in Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” 

Although our “season” right now, might be far from perfect,  perhaps we’re facing a personal challenge, illness, or a horrific tragedy, we need to stay focused on God, as only He can pull us through our trials and tribulations. He is our anchor in the stormy seas of life. The steadfast omnipotent and overwhelming calming presence of peace.

God sees, and hears us. He feels, and knows our pain. But, just as He delivered Micah, and the people, and saved them. So too, shall He save us, when we lift up our hearts, and countenance, and look to Him, for our saving and divine grace.

Look to the ONE who can and will save. Amen!

“Dear LORD, I know that You are with me always, and that You see all, know all, and hear all, and it is because of this, I am filled with confidence, joy and acceptance of Your will and purpose for my life, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:4-5 (NKJV)

You ever notice that light can shine on “filth” but not get filthy?

Or that light can filter out the darkness in a room…but the darkness doesn’t filter out the light?

Jesus is the Light of the World.

He can touch sin.  But he will not be touched by the sin.

Jesus the Light of the World.  He IS and always will BE the Light.

When times get dark, and darker still, that’s when Jesus’ light gets even brighter.  It engages us, and ignites the spark  we need to get out of the dark spell, in which we are under.

Light is Jesus.

Jesus is Light.

I always feel better in the light. I prefer the long days of summer, and dread the short dark days of winter.  Warmth of summer and its light is a constant reminder of Jesus.

Winter days are short and darkness comes calling early, which makes it colder still without the sunlight.   Again, without Jesus as my light, the days would be dark and cold.

I’m comparing the season to the Light and His love, because essentially He is everywhere and in everything. We really just need to look a little closer and observe a little bit more than we normally do. If you do, you will find Jesus everywhere!

In these days, remember that Light diffuses darkness.  And darkness cannot diffuse light.  So…remember that as a rule of thumb, the LIGHT is indestructible and will always be and never change.

“Lord thank You for Your light, and Your love, may I always look to the light for all I do, and look to You for all I am, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Colossians 3:3 (KJV)

My peace is when I set my mind on things “above,” and not on things here on earth.  Peace is distributed quickly, when I think and meditate on Jesus, and His promises.  That is single-handedly the best balm, for my heart, and soul.  It settles my spirit, and brings me joy, and catapults me from the “noise and nastiness” of the world, and all its ugliness.

When the ugly face of evil, swirls about in media, news, and on the streets of the world, I run to the light…and goodness…and that only comes from our precious and Sovereign LORD.

The LORD is the basic font of security, in the insanity of the world.  The tenets of Christianity, brings about normalcy, within a matter of minutes, and quells the shaking substance of the foundation, to bring refuge and safety.

The harsh cold reality of what’s happening in our world today, is tempered rapidly, by the warmth of His love, and His grace.

His love is the bridge, that holds me up, and gently suspends me, while the raging river angrily swirls under my feet. His Presence is with me, as I stand on the precipice of disaster, which is seemingly all around me, threatening to engulf me, into a spiral of darkness. But because of my faith, and His love…I am showered with light and tranquility.

He is my buckler, in these days of woe, and uncertainty.  He is the life, truth and light that circumvents chaos, and offers peace in its place.

If not for Jesus, and His love, I could never exist in the way the world is today.  The pandemic, along with civil unrest, and election day looming large…is enough for any able bodied individuals to withstand.

But, with God it is so much easier.

Keeping our minds set on things of above, and on Christ…we are able to pull through adversity, and with aplomb…thanks to Jesus!

Do you have your mind set on things above?

Talk with Him.  Open His Book.

It could mean the difference between a calm spirit, verses a anxious flesh body that never rests!

“Father God, I look to You and Your Kingdom, and set my mind on You and things above, thank You for Reigning victorious over the world, and for being my Author of salvation and my peace, in Jesus name, Amen.”