walking in the light

DEAR GOD: You Are Unparalleled & My Everything~

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Isaiah 25:1, New King James Version (NKJV) | Bible apps, Psalms, Words

In Isaiah 43:11-12, the Lord declares His unique and unparalleled sovereignty: “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore, ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.”

This powerful proclamation reminds us of God’s exclusive role as our Savior and Redeemer. It is a call to recognize His supreme authority and to bear witness to His mighty works. God’s plan and His Omnipotent Power is for all of those who want to “tap into it” by being a follower and believing in His Word and His ways. Our choices in life should be culminative in the overall process of what where when and how we do things. It should incorporate a greater dependence, or more aptly, a full dependence of the LORD. 

As we reflect upon His Word and promises, we grow deeper in our roots, becoming more engrafted with Him each day. Our spiritual walk becomes heightened, and we grow closer to the LORD. In so doing, the enemy flees from us. We have the authority given to us in the name of JESUS to thwart the fiery darts in Jesus’ name.

Engaging in an intimate relationship with the LORD not only helps us in our choices and tasks of life itself, but it invariably will bring peace and joy into our hearts irrespective of what we are facing.

The devastation of the recent hurricane Helene and the aftermath is heartbreaking and surreal. So much pain, suffering and angst. Lives lost, and people incapacitated in functioning, because they’ve lost so much.

May God and His Sovereignty and Omnipotence and great power and glory shine over them now, as He heals their land, and their hearts, and their grieving loss.

May His Word and promises bring hope, light and healing to you all.

I pray this reflection on God’s word, peace and promises will bring you comfort during this horrific and disturbing period in your lives. And may the LORD Jehovah Jireh bring laborers, relief workers, and everything that you need during this time, to piece together your broken hearts, and lives due to Helene. 

Moral Thoughts and Reflective Questions

  1. Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: In a world filled with distractions and false idols, it is crucial to remember that there is no Savior besides the LORD. How often do we place our trust in worldly things instead of God? Reflect on areas in your life where you might be relying on something other than God for your security and salvation.
  2. Witnessing God’s Works: As believers, we are called to be witnesses of God’s saving power. How can we share our testimonies of God’s faithfulness with others? Consider ways you can actively testify to God’s goodness in your daily interactions.
  3. Living in a Wicked World: The world around us often promotes values that are contrary to God’s teachings. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and live righteously amidst such influences? Reflect on the importance of staying rooted in Scripture and prayer to navigate the challenges of a sinful world.

Insightful Thinking for Christians Today

  • Trust in God’s Plan: Trusting in God’s plan requires faith, especially when we face trials and uncertainties. Remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Reflect on how you can surrender your worries and anxieties to Him, trusting that He is in control.
  • Perseverance in Faith: In times of difficulty, it is easy to lose heart. However, we are encouraged to persevere, knowing that our trials produce endurance and strengthen our faith (James 1:2-4). How can you cultivate a spirit of perseverance in your spiritual journey?
  • Hope in God’s Promises: God’s promises are a source of hope and encouragement. Reflect on His promises in Scripture and how they can uplift you during challenging times. For instance, Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

Supportive Scriptures  

  • Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
  • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
  • Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Prayer

 “LORD- You alone are our Savior, and beside You, there is no other. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan and to witness Your mighty works in our lives. Strengthen our faith, especially in times of trial, and guide us to live righteously in a world that often strays from Your truth. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be bold witnesses of Your grace and mercy. We ask for Your peace to calm our anxieties and Your wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder and Meditate Upon

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Blessing 

“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. May you walk in the assurance of His love and the strength of His promises, now and always. In Jesus name, Amen.”

God Bless you all~

August 25, 2022 | CBCPNews

DEAR GOD: Living In Your Light Turning From Darkness In Your Love~

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Turn Your Light On For Jesus

Living in the Light: A Personal Reflection on John 3:20-21

The verses from John 3:20-21 resonate deeply with the essence of Christian living. They draw a stark contrast between those who shun the light due to their evil deeds and those who embrace it, allowing their actions to be seen as works of God. In today’s world, these verses challenge us to examine our lives and our relationship with truth and transparency.

Embracing the Light

Living in the light means more than just avoiding wrongdoing; it involves a conscious decision to live openly and honestly before God and others. It requires courage to let our true selves be seen, flaws and all, trusting that God’s grace covers us. In a society that often values appearances and success over integrity, this can be a daunting task.

The Struggle with Darkness

We all have moments when we prefer to hide our shortcomings, fearing judgment or rejection. This is the essence of what John describes as hating the light. It’s a natural human tendency to protect ourselves from criticism. However, the beauty of the Gospel is that it invites us to step into the light, not to be condemned, but to be healed and transformed.

Supporting Scriptures

  1. 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
  2. Ephesians 5:8: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”
  3. Matthew 5:14-16: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Reflective Questions

  1. What areas of my life am I tempted to keep in the dark?
  2. How can I practice living more transparently and truthfully?
  3. In what ways can I let my light shine to reflect God’s love and truth to others?

A Prayer for Living in the Light

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us into Your marvelous light. Help us to live transparently, embracing Your truth in every aspect of our lives. Give us the courage to confront our shortcomings and the grace to grow from them. May our lives reflect Your love and truth, drawing others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Ponder Scripture for the Day

Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

A Blessing for the Readers

May you walk in the light of God’s truth, finding peace and joy in His presence. May your life be a beacon of His love, guiding others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ. Amen.

I hope this reflection encourages you to embrace the light and live authentically in God’s truth and love.  How do you feel about these verses and their application in your life?

 
andy at faith: John - The Gospel of Light and Life ~ The Miracles of Jesus

 

DEAR GOD: I Walk In Your Light -Darkness No More~

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Walking in the Light | Rescue the Perishing Magazine

John 8:12 (NLT)

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

This verse is a profound declaration by Jesus, emphasizing His role as the Spiritual light that guides humanity out of darkness. The imagery of light and darkness is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing the contrast between good and evil, truth and falsehood, life and death.

Jesus, as the light of the world, offers clarity, direction, and hope to those who choose to follow Him.

Supportive Scriptures:

Psalm 27:1 (NLT): “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

1 John 1:5 (NLT): “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.”

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT): “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Moral Thoughts:

The moral implications of this verse are profound. By declaring Himself as the light of the world, Jesus invites us to live in truth and righteousness. Following Jesus means rejecting the darkness of sin and embracing a life of integrity, compassion, and love. It is a call to be a tower of hope and goodness in a world that often feels overshadowed by despair and evil, and continuous chaos.

Meditative Thoughts:

As we meditate on this verse, we can reflect on the ways Jesus has illuminated our own lives. How has His light guided us through difficult times? How has it revealed truths about ourselves and the world around us? Meditating on Jesus as the light of the world can bring a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that we are never alone in our journey.

Reflective Questions:

  1. In what areas of my life do I need the light of Jesus to shine more brightly?
  2. How can I be a light to others, reflecting the love and truth of Jesus in my daily interactions?
  3. What steps can I take to ensure that I am walking in the light and not in darkness?

Heartfelt Love for the Lord:

Our love for the Lord is deepened by recognizing His unwavering love for us. Jesus, the light of the world, willingly entered our darkness to bring us into His marvelous light. His love is sacrificial, pure, and eternal. As we grow in our relationship with Him, our hearts overflow with gratitude and love for the One who has redeemed us.

Prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the light of the world, to guide us out of darkness and into Your glorious light. Help us to follow Him faithfully, allowing His light to transform our lives and shine through us to others. May we be beacons of hope, love, and truth in a world that desperately needs Your light. Strengthen our hearts and deepen our love for You each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder for the Day:

Psalm 119:105 (NLT): “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

May this verse remind you of the guiding light of God’s word in your life today, God Bless you~

Walking in the Light - Fellowship - Cornerstone Community Church

DEAR GOD: Your Will & Obedience For My Life~

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Seeking Him: Obeying God

The Blessings of Obedience:  Faith and Divine Favor

The Story of Hannah and Samuel

In a small village nestled among rolling hills, there lived a woman named Hannah. She was known for her unwavering faith and deep devotion to God. Despite her piety, Hannah faced a profound sorrow—she was childless. In her culture, this was a source of great shame and personal anguish.

Every year, Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, traveled to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord. During one such visit, Hannah, overwhelmed by her grief, went to the temple and poured out her heart to God. She prayed fervently, promising that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service for all his days.

Moved by her sincerity, the priest Eli assured her that God had heard her prayer. True to His word, God blessed Hannah with a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning “heard by God.” Hannah kept her promise and, once Samuel was weaned, she brought him to the temple to serve under Eli.

Samuel grew up in the temple, learning the ways of the Lord. His obedience and dedication were evident, and God blessed him abundantly. Samuel became a great prophet, guiding the people of Israel with wisdom and integrity. His life was a testament to the blessings that come from following and obeying God fully.

 The Blessings of Obedience

The story of Hannah and Samuel is a powerful illustration of the blessings that flow from obedience to God. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who experienced God’s favor and blessings because they chose to follow Him wholeheartedly.

1. The Promise of Blessings

In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, God promises blessings for obedience: “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”

This passage highlights that God’s blessings are not random but are a direct result of our obedience. When we align our lives with His will, we open ourselves to His favor and protection.

2. The Example of Abraham

Abraham’s life is another profound example. In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham’s willingness to obey, even in such a difficult command, demonstrated his deep trust in God. As a result, God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac and blessed Abraham, promising that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 22:17-18).

3. The Rewards of Obedience

Obedience to God brings both spiritual and material blessings. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we trust and obey God, He guides us, providing clarity and direction in our lives.

4. The Peace of Obedience

Obedience also brings peace. Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” When we follow God’s commands, we experience a deep sense of peace, knowing that we are walking in His will.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I demonstrate my obedience to God in my daily life?
  2. What areas of my life do I need to surrender to God’s will?
  3. How have I experienced God’s blessings as a result of my obedience?

Moral Thoughts

  • Trust and Obey: Trusting God means believing that His plans are better than ours. Obedience is an act of faith, showing that we trust His wisdom and love.
  • Faith in Action: Obedience is faith in action. It is not enough to believe in God; we must also follow His commands and live according to His word.
  • Blessings Through Obedience: God’s blessings are often tied to our obedience. When we follow His commands, we position ourselves to receive His favor.

Meditative Takeaways

  • Align Your Heart with God’s Will: Seek to understand and follow God’s commands. Let your actions reflect your faith and trust in Him.
  • Embrace the Journey of Obedience: Obedience is a journey, not a destination. Continuously seek to grow in your faith and understanding of God’s will.
  • Experience God’s Peace: Trust that obedience to God will bring peace and blessings into your life. Rest in the assurance that He is guiding your steps.

Unified Prayer

“Dear LORD -Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your endless love and mercy. We thank You for the blessings that come from following and obeying You. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, even when the path is difficult. Lord, we ask for the strength to obey Your commands and to live according to Your will. Teach us to surrender our desires and plans to You, knowing that Your plans are far greater than ours. Fill our hearts with peace as we walk in obedience to Your word.

We pray for the courage to follow You wholeheartedly, just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to Your service and Abraham trusted You with his most precious gift. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness and the blessings that come from living in obedience to You.

Guide us, Lord, in our journey of faith. Help us to grow in our understanding of Your righteous judgments and to praise You with upright hearts. May we experience the fullness of Your blessings as we walk in Your ways.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

 

Take Away thought for the day:

As society evolves and new challenges arise, the core of Christianity remains steadfast: God’s love and His truth. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This verse reassures us that, despite the uncertainties and shifts in our world, God’s character and promises are unwavering – enjoy the day in Christ my brothers and sisters…

 

Seeking Him: Obeying God

DEAR GOD: Show Us Our Purpose & Love~

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Christ's Amazing Love (Rewards Me) - YouTube

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful- Colossians 3:15 

As children of God, we are to reflect His light to those in darkness, and in so doing, we’re called to a higher purpose in fulfilling His commandments. By living as an example to those who might otherwise be “lost,” we’re walking the path in which we’re called. Saving even the “one sheep” is cause for a celebration, to which the angels sing and rejoice…but most especially, to our Father, who shall be well pleased with us.

Christ’ goodness inherently is in within those who believes.  He dwells in us.  Should we not then be compelled and honored at once to subsidize His love and purity from within?  His love is beyond the scope of all understanding, His pure love is a welcome balm to our very souls.

His love is the love that withstands all time and adheres to our souls and sustains us in all kinds of storms. He is the umbrella to the harsh elements, He is the Captain of our ship, He is the light shining in the darkness, He is the One that holds our hearts in His hands with a gentle kindness and sincerity that eclipses all else.

He is the one constant source in which we seek reinforcement on a daily basis that borders on redundancy…in a good way…it is fresh, and new, with each breath we take. With each day the formation of His love and Daily Bread transforms us to another level of understanding.  So, although a passage is well known, one never knows when it will “quicken” our spirit and bring forth a “new meaning” to absorb and share with others.

Breathe deep and aspire to His Word and His commandments. Follow Him, the Spotless Lamb of God as we go through our life here on earth. Each act of love is another solidification of our obedience, in which we strive together, in this race toward our inherent goals and promises spoken by our LORD- that is to say -eternal rewards!

“Blessed Father, King of the Universe, and Creator of all things, give us the ability, share Your insight and bring us to where we should be according to Your purpose, help us daily, and keep us from evil O’ Lord, in Jesus’ beautiful name, Amen…”