The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

Psalm 27:1

Light, is synonymous with the LORD. That Light offers  faith, holiness, and life, throughout the Bible.  Christians, are called to walk in the light, and to be a light for others.

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“Light” in the Bible, represents peace, along with a positive image or message.  We are keenly aware that “Light” comes from the LORD, our “Father of the heavenly light.” (James 1:17)

 “Thank You for Your glorious Light, and for guiding me all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘LORD, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The technical meaning of the word omission, according to Webster’s Dictionary is: a failure to do something, especially something that one has a moral or legal obligation to do.

Now juxtapose that “legal obligation to do” along side of Jesus’ teachings, telling us to “take care of those in need.” 

So we can therefore have that technical meaning from Webster’s dictionary translate to this:  “ Christians inherently need to act concerning moral issues, and needs, which reflect Jesus Christ’ teachings.”

Are we then going against Christ, if we turn away from someone should they need our help, and we truly have the ability to “help?”  The answer is “Yes.”  According to Jesus’ own words, in Matthew 25:34, He clearly outlines specifically what happens each time we “look away” or “turn away” from someone.

Omission by way of our behavior, can be a dilemma to a person of faith. So many areas can crop up in our life that pertain to Christ’ teachings.

We might pretend not to notice a homeless person, standing with a sign stating “will work for food” as we wait in our car for the light to change, and upon turning green, drive away.

Or we might think about the elderly person down the road, who needs help, but perhaps we don’t want to “intrude,” because someone else, will probably help him/her.

Maybe even see someone in a store who has to put a couple of grocery items back on the shelf, because they don’t have enough money to pay the bill.

There are so many ways we can strengthen our roots of Christianity. If we take the time to look around, we will see many avenues of opportunities that present to us, where we can be a reflection of Christ, through our actions.

“Love one another as I have loved you…(John 13:34-5)” is a sentiment, and a direct command from Jesus Christ.  And one we need to reflect, meditate, but most important—act upon.

When we put Jesus words into action, we are making our Father in heaven very happy, and the blessings will flow.

When we do it from a place of altruistic love,  and with a contrite heart, instead of  a “ritualistic performance wanting to make points,” we are assuring our passage into heaven. Where we will collect our rewards for all eternity, as promised by our Father, over and over again in His Holy Word.

Brothers and Sisters, today hear the words of Christ in your head, feel them in your heart. Then take whatever circumstance you might have, to help spread the love,  as you reflect His light, from within, to without.

“Father, may I always be mindful of Your commandments, and Your precious heart. As I go about my daily life, may I see, hear and act, as a light from within to those in the dark. And may I always honor You, in all my ways, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Why is it so difficult waiting on the LORD?

Well for one thing, God lives beyond time, in an entirely different dimension. And because of that, His ability to see “perfect timing,” for every event, is outside of the realm, in which we can.

Also— He is Omnipotent and Sovereign, and He knows what’s best for us. His timing is not aligned with “our” timing.

But of course, His will and timing,  is perfect, no matter what, when, where or why. Always perfect, and always “on time.”

And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. 

Isaiah 46:4 (KJV)

The Prophet Isaiah, and the Book of Isaiah, is powerful, moving, and provides insight into God’s character. Along with His love, His wrath, His forgiveness, and the foretelling of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, (Immanuel—which is to say…God with us).

Isaiah 46:4 — brings an emotional shaking to my very soul, in a great way, every time I read it.  It’s reassuring, because it states so much, in a relatively “small amount of words.” But make no mistake about the meaning, and the vision it conjures up, in ones mind.

For me, it is a promise, and a continuation of God’s providence, and His unparalleled love.  It’s saying, although we ourselves invariably will grow old, ostensibly, our Father never does.

He is the “Ancient of Days” (Dan. 7-9, 13, 22) and He remains as strong to sustain and nourish us this very day, as He was in all the days prior; such as the days of  Adam, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, David, and Joseph. As He was there for those in days of Old, so too He is there for each of us, today, tomorrow, always.

His incomparable fortitude of strength, and unwavering grace, is our fortress, which guides our faith.  It’s the temperance of Christianity, and the depth of our roots, in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Isaiah 46:9, 10—“I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…”

There have been various guesses, and estimates, that lead us to believe that thirty percent of the Bible, were about future events.

God has repeatedly said to us, through His word, that we should inherently trust, believe in Him, and His Holy Word, the Bible.

Through the course of our acquainting ourselves with His Word, and following His commandments, we can meditate, and live out our lives, according to His will, and purpose.  When we do, peace is surely our neighbor, and love is the threshold of prosperity, as joy embodies our spiritual life.  We build on that foundation, and we stand on the Rock of our Salvation, Jesus Christ.

Do you know the Rock? 

Have you given yourself to Him? 

Do you know the Word? 

Most important, do you know Him and His love?

If not…may I invite you to open His precious and Holy Book, and get to know Him?

Then sit awhile, and chat with Him, it’s the best time you’ll ever spend this day, tomorrow, or ever!

“Father God, thank You for holding me close from conception, when you knit me in my Mother’s womb, at my birth, and all the days since, I thank You for being with me now, tomorrow and always…in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

A televised Pastor had a great segue into his message. He opened with the following: “When I ask how someone is, and they reply with ‘I’m fine under the circumstances’ that bothers me, because we are not under our circumstances, instead we are over our circumstances.”

And that is true, with Christ we are victorious…and we are overcomers.  Through Him, each of us are conquerors, “under His power” and strength. But of course it’s mainly through His unmerited Grace that we can overcome.  He is with us through it all. Our happy times, our sad times, our anguished times, our grieving times, and during all of our celebrations.  Always.

When we order something out of our lives, and take command of it, by the power of Jesus Christ, we are covered by His blood. He gave us the gift of salvation, and by His stripes we were healed.  (Isaiah 53:5)

Fear shouldn’t be in our lives, when we have Christ.  Christ’ love and Spirit within inherently pushes out “fear” because we were created in perfect love. In love there is no room for fear. (1 John 4:18) His Spirit fills our inner selves to full capacity. With Him, in our life, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.

The world is treacherous at times, but when we are grounded in His foundation, we are sure-footed. throughout our journey. while here in our flesh bodies.

Overcomers have the knowledge, relationship, trust and love in the LORD. and follow His commandments, and seek His face daily, in all we do.  This of course allows for confidence, and inherently sets us up to walk the “narrow” path of righteousness…eventually to gain our rewards in our Eternal home.

Turn to the LORD for a life worth living.

Turn to the LORD for an education about humanity.

Turn to the LORD for a love that’s fulfilling.

Turn to the LORD and give it all to Him every day of your life.

Remember, He loves you, with a capacity in which we cannot comprehend.

His promises are unwavering, and He is with us no matter where we go, no matter where we live, no matter what we do.

He will always hold us up, in all things at all times.

So when someone asks, how are you doing?— instead of saying I’m well under the circumstances,  garner your inner strength, then feel confident, by saying, I’m well over my circumstances.

Don’t ever forget this vitally important fact… there isn’t anything too big or too small for our God to handle and conquer.

With God all things are possible, Amen!

“Father God, may I always realize that You are with me and through You I am victorious, may I always turn to You for all things, and may my spiritual growth continue all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings…”

Psalm 17:8 (NKJV)

Many pastors are speaking on “end times” and concentrating on the Revelation prophecies, as evidenced by what’s happening in the world.  Jesus warns us in all four gospels, to be aware of the times, a to be alert while warning others.

We are currently in tumultuous times.  Christianity is being assaulted more than ever, denigrating behavior towards one another with different viewpoints is on the rise, violence and murder occurs daily throughout the world, some places more than others.  Education is being “realigned” to fit narratives, and social conscience is seemingly gone to the rafters, thrown into the wind by unrest and dubious origins of discourse, promulgating vigorously on all social platforms, media and otherwise. It’s a whirlwind and a vortex of uncertainty in disparaging heights.

Although I am aware of Jesus’ warnings, I  also know of His profound love for us, and His ability to protect and guide us.

I’m aware of our Father’s way of “being an umbrella” that shields us from improprieties, and ghastly situations, that would otherwise destroy us, if not for Him. And His unwavering promises.

I like to be aware each second of the day.  I also want to adhere to His commandments, and secure myself in the net of security, which is to say “the Rock” of my existence, Jesus Christ.

But as seconds tick away of our life here on earth, let’s not forget that there is a place where we shall dwell for all eternity.  That when this life of ours is over, and we have completed the journey in which God intended, we are heading for our permanent home…Heaven.

So while we have a “job to do” while here, let’s do it well…and give all glory and honor, to the One and Only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  However, let’s rejoice that when our life here is over…we will be called home.

Keep going, keep doing what you’re doing.  And do it well.  Live life fully, completely and implicitly involved in goodness, and rejoice in His love. Even with “all that is going on around us” even when things seem bleak, strange…or unfamiliar.  Realize that He is with us, and that we are His, and His alone.

We are the apple of His eye, and no one shall touch us!

For God says so!

“Father, thank You for Your love, protection, provisions, and for the gift of grace and eternal mercy, may I always do all things according to Your will and purpose for my life, may I always be the apple of Your eye,  in Jesus name, Amen.”

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“He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.”

Deuteronomy 32:10

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

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The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

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So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16

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See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 3:1

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No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Do not be preoccupied with an evildoer who succeeds in his way when he carries out his schemes.
 Let go of anger, and leave rage behind.
Do not be preoccupied.
It only leads to evil.
 Evildoers will be cut off from their inheritance,
but those who wait with hope for the Lord, will inherit the land.

Psalm 37:7-9 (GW)

When we surrender to the LORD we are acknowledging our deep abiding faith, and inherent trust in Him.  We are relinquishing control, and thereby submitting to His power, authority, and unconditional love.

Jesus, in the NT, came to fulfill the scriptures, to essentially live and die for us, surrendered His rights, and prerogatives, as the second person of the Trinity, yielding to the will, purpose, and plans, of His Father. You can certainly see and read this in Philippians 2:6-8.

We are advised throughout the Bible,  to surrender our lives, in order to accept the “free gift of salvation” —that was paid in full in horrific…albeit, loving fashion, by Christ, our LORD and Savior.

We are to called to pursue, an altruistic, consistent daily walk of faith, by giving up our sinful and prideful nature, while adhering to the LORD’s will, and purpose for our lives.  When we do so, we are pleasing our Father, showing and expressing inwardly, that truth, love, and His ways, are above all else.  Nothing else should come before Him. Nothing should be more important than Him. Nothing should be more satisfying to our soul than Christ!

Christ willingly and completely emptied Himself of anything, and everything, that stood in the way of the glory, and gain of His Father, through Him.

If Christ is the “truth, way & the Life“(John 14:6)— how can we not consciously aspire to be according to the “will of our Father?”   If Christ surrendered to the Father, how can we not aspire to His standards and therefore acquiesce to our Father in Heaven?

Life is tough enough with our faith fully intact.  However, thinking about  the complexities of “life,” it really becomes so much easier, when we “turn it over and surrender completely, and place it into the hands of our wise and Almighty Father!”   

“Father, may I always be mindful that You are in control of all things, I surrender to You fully and ask for Your daily guidance and strength all the days of my life, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalm 23:5 (KJV)

The LORD, continues to give His people, what they need, and does so in abundance, especially in the midst of trials, and tribulations.

His blessings are throughout the Bible, and not limited to “material” ones.  No, in fact there are a myriad of ways the LORD can bless each of us. These blessings, include the Holy Spirit’s outpouring, of all who ask. (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:1-4)

The Father’s promises, love, blessings, and power, pour over those who reciprocate His love, accept Him, and give witness to His glory.

Many supernatural things were manifested, as told throughout the Bible, when people of faith, were filled with the Holy Spirit.( Luke 1:67; Acts 4:31)

Our cup will overflow, when we are in compliance with the LORD, and are filled with the Spirit, and surrender to Jesus, as our LORD and Savior.  (Psalm 23:5)

But it is vitally important, in fact, critically imperative, that we are not filled with sinful pride, or self-righteous behavior.  Understand that before we can have an overflowing cup, we have to empty ourselves of anything, and everything, that could thwart the Spirit, from working in us.

When our hearts are contrite, and true to the LORD, we then will be able to accomplish what the Father wishes to get done, utilizing us in the process, as His servant, and dedicated follower. Going and doing all things according to His will and plan.

His love has absolutely no limits, its infinite.  His grace is a gift, and ever faithful to those whose hearts, mind, and soul are set wholly on Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

He truly enjoys giving us rewards of being faithful, and obedient to Him, and His word.  He wants to fill our “cups” to overflowing, and He longs to fill us with His Spirit.

In and through Christ. we have joy, love and peace. We begin a growth that will result in fruits, that will extend beyond our time here on earth.

Paul, in Ephesians 3:20, says “God is the One who is able to do so much more that we can possibly realize of begin to imagine.”

And in Romans 8:37, it states, we are “more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”

God’s love, and incomparable Omnipotence, and providence, is reflected in His Word, from Genesis (OT) to  Revelation (NT)  His generosity, along with His unapparelled love, and divine mercy, is echoed over and over throughout His Holy Word.

His blessings aren’t merely confined to the temporal  (2 Corinthians 4:18) but which is not seen…our eternal home.

Have you looked at your cup lately? 

Is it clean inside, as well as out?

Remember that in and through Christ, all of us can experience an overflow of joy, peace, and love.  His grace reaches out to anyone who wants to accept it, and His love is unlimited to all who readily open their hearts to it.

His cup is waiting for you, take it…then get ready to experience the biggest, and most phenomenal gift, you’ll ever receive in your life!

I say, “overflow cup, overflow.  Thank you Jesus!  Amen.”

“Dear Lord, may Your Spirit, fill the hearts of those who don’t know You yet, and continue to fill the cups to overflowing, of those who DO know You, in Jesus name I give You thanks, glory and honor, Amen.”