Living As Light

Author: Davelewis

  • It is Written! The temptations of Jesus in the wilderness

    Jesus victory is our victory

    Matthew 4:1-11

    The living power of God’s word in delivering us from the oppression of the enemy

    There is always a divine purpose in being tried and tested. God ordains every fiery trial and allows Satan to tempt us. But He is with us through it all. God uses these periods in our lives  to refine and purify us, making us fit for the Master’s use. As we endure through prayer, fasting and meditating on the word of God, He gives us faith, patience and guidance to stand up under Him, covered under the shadow of His wings.

    In the temptation of Jesus, we see that He was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness. To be tempted by the devil. Testing and temptation are necessary. Jesus had to be tempted in every way that mankind is tempted, yet without sin, because, He who knew no sin became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

    How could Jesus be qualified to be our eternal, atoning sacrifice; the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, unless he had endured everything we go through as men and women, created in the image of God?

    With every temptation, Jesus used the living power of God’s word to counter Satan’s attacks and attempts to separate Him from the will of God.

    “It is written” appears along with each area of testing; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. These are the three categories or areas of temptation the devil attempts to conquer us with and master in our lives. But Jesus pointed Satan back to the Father, who is God over all, including the devil. The devil cannot operate outside of the boundaries God alone has set up. God Almighty is our Master. Those who are in Christ belong to Him.

    In the same ways Jesus was tempted, you and I are tempted every day. Our victory comes, not in our own best efforts to be good, or to do the best we can, but to abide in God’s word and let Him, through the living power of His word and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, to deliver us from every evil intention of the enemy to trip us up and gain influence over us, causing division in our hearts, and separating us from the love and care of God.

    Two equally important actions appear and precede the use of Scripture in Jesus’s encounter with Satan; fasting and prayer. When we go through these fiery trials, prayer and fasting are necessary. By doing these two things, we’re preparing our body and soul to receive the living power of God’s holy word, which will deliver us from the devil. This is the formula; the secret to overcoming the devil’s wicked schemes;

    Prayer

    Fasting

    Meditating on the Scriptures; the living power of God’s word!

    Do this regularly and The Holy Spirit will equip you with the full armor of God and you will be able to stand firm under the mighty hand of God.

    Each test and fiery trial that you endure will further prepare you for service in the Kingdom of God. Thank God for each and every time you have been enabled by His grace and power, and delivered. You are better equipped to minister to others who are experiencing similar trials in their own lives.

    Matthew 4:1-11 ESV
    [1]  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [5]  Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple [6] and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.4.1-11.ESV

  • Bear fruit in keeping with repentance

    Matthew 3:8 NLT
    [8] Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.3.8.NLT

    Your religion or family heritage and cultural upbringing can not save you. Only as one repents of their sins and believes in the name of above all names, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, can one be saved and bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

    Luke 3:8 NLT
    [8] Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.3.8.NLT

    Being baptized in the name of Jesus is in keeping with repentance.

    Baptism is the first act or sign of repenting of our sins and turning to God through Jesus Christ. The believer is identifying with Christ and taking His name. Bearing fruit in keeping with repentance starts with this obedient step of faith. The repentant believer is declaring the he belongs to Christ

    Acts of the Apostles 2:38 NLT
    [38] Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/act.2.38.NLT

    Paul declares to all that repenting and turning toward God is necessary, in order to perform the good works or deeds that will prove we belong to Christ. Bearing fruit in keeping with repentance is the result of a heart fully surrendered to God through Jesus Christ. The living power of God’s word lives in them through His Holy Spirit.

    We can’t do enough good things on our own to earn salvation. The good things or deeds are the proof or evidence that we belong to Him, that our lives are under His name and control. We are no longer our own, for we have been bought with a great price. Our lives become His testimony of salvation. We now live as citizens of His Kingdom. As such, we are to share this good news with others. In this way, we are bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, by loving and serving others in His name.

    Acts 26:20 ESV
    [20] but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/act.26.20.ESV

  • Proverbs 15

    A Proverb per day drives the enemy away and keeps him at bay!

    Wisdom comes to those who seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness daily. This is their first priority every day, to put on the full armor of God, being filled with and walking in the Spirit. Then they will be equipped to follow the narrow path that leads to life.

    One tool to use and keep in your spiritual tool box is to read a Psalm and chapter of Proverbs per day. Not as a ritual or mere exercise for the sake of doing it, but reading and meditating through each chapter and verse, praying through it, with the eyes of your heart open to receive the spiritual truths that God wants to impart to you, through the living power of His word. Then the wisdom that flows through Proverbs will take on life inside of you, in your heart, transforming you by the renewing of your mind. When your heart and mind are prepared to walk in God’s kingdom, you will be at peace with yourself and others.

    When I come to the realization that God sees and hears everything I think, say and do, I can turn away from God in prideful lust or surrender to Him in humility, humbling myself in His sight, so that He can lift me up into places he has chosen, walking through doors he has opened to me. He guides the paths of those who seek Him with all of their heart, desiring to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

    Proverbs 15:3 NKJV
    [3] The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.15.3.NKJV

    Proverbs 5:21 NLT
    [21] For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.5.21.NLT

    Every day I have a choice, to seek His Kingdom or continue to walk in my own ways. My flesh can’t and won’t seek after God, because it is not subject to the Kingdom of God, nor can it be.

    Romans 8:7-8 NKJV
    [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. [8] So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.7-8.NKJV

    2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT
    [9] The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/2ch.16.9.NLT

    Job 34:21-27 NLT
    [21] “For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. [22] No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes. [23] We don’t set the time when we will come before God in judgment. [24] He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone, and he sets up others in their place. [25] He knows what they do, and in the night he overturns and destroys them. [26] He strikes them down because they are wicked, doing it openly for all to see. [27] For they turned away from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/job.34.21-27.NLT

    Hebrews 4:13 NLT
    [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.13.NLT

  • The fruit of our ways: reaping what you sow!

    Don’t blame God, when you are merely experiencing “the fruit of your ways.”

    Proverbs 14:14 ESV
    [14] The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.14.14.ESV

    The backslider in heart vs the good man; both will reap what they’ve sown. Truth is, everyone of us has the propensity of walking one way or the other. The battle takes place within our hearts. The heart that is surrendered and submitted to the will of God will be filled with the Spirit. The good man is the one who repents and believes in the name of the Lord. The good man recognizes that there is nothing good in him at all.

    The backslider in heart is one who turns away from God to live his own life, his own way, without God.

    It’s not hard to leave the presence of God in our lives. Many times it’s merely a matter of priorities and being overwhelmed by the world and its demands on our time, energy and resources. When our personal relationship with God becomes like stale religion and our attention is drawn away by life’s challenges and problems, our human nature will turn to worldly philosophies and the  “wisdom” of the day. Popular self-help books, seminars and conferences and online resources become preferable and more palatable to the natural man that still exists within each believer, as opposed to the Truth and Wisdom that comes from the word of God. These biblical truths often (usually do) conflict with worldly teachings and ideas.  When one is filled with the Spirit and abiding in the presence of Almighty God, his heart and mindset will be different, more focused on the will of God and not on himself and his own well-being and personal gain .

    Proverbs 12:14 NLT
    [14] Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.12.14.NLT

    Quite often, when a man leaves the truth and wisdom of God’s word and the light within him starts to flicker, and darkness tries to overtake his soul, he’ll blame God when his plans go awry and his world around him starts to crumble. However, when we stick to biblical principles and our heart and soul are nsync with the truth of God’s word, His Spirit will illuminate our way, and we’ll continue on the path of righteousness, which leads to good works and the fruit of our works will be the result.

    Proverbs 1:31 NLT
    [31] Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.1.31.NLT

    However, when a man leaves the safety and protection of abiding in living power of God’s word (Hebrews 4:12) he will experience the fruit of his own choices and living his own way, independent of God’s influence or that of His body, the church.

    This is why we often see people move away from church attendance and participating in the work of the body of Christ. Then they become more like the hypocrites Jesus often spoke of in the Gospels, simply doing good deeds, even praying to be noticed by other people in the world; especially influential people.

    Matthew 6:2 NLT
    [2] When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.2.NLT

    Matthew 6:5 NLT
    [5]  “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.5.NLT

    So don’t blame God, when you are merely experiencing “the fruit of your ways.”

  • Hosanna in the Highest: blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

    Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David

    Matthew 21:9 ESV
    [9] And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.21.9.ESV

    Revelation 7:10 NLT
    [10] And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.7.10.NLT

    Psalms 118:25-26 NLT
    [25] Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. [26] Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.118.25-26.NLT

    Matthew 20:30 NLT
    [30] Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.20.30.NLT

    The Davidic Covenant, as established in 2 Samuel 7, is a promise from God to David that his lineage would be a source of kingship and everlasting reign. In Christian theology, this promise is understood to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate descendant of David and the true heir to the throne.

    Scripture indicates that Christ will fulfill the Davidic Covenant by reigning over a kingdom that is political in nature. First, Isaiah 9:6–7 states that when the Messiah sits on David’s throne ruling His kingdom, the government will be upon His shoulder, and the increase of His government will have no end.

    The Fulfillment of God’s Covenants with Abraham and David

    https://bible.org/seriespage/7-fulfillment-davidic-covenant

    In Christ, we have the fulfillment of these eternal promises (covenants) made through Abraham, King David and others, that the Heir of the promise has come, and we, as joint heirs with Christ, become the beneficiaries of the fulfilled promises, which is the salvation and redemption of God’s chosen people, the children of God. Those who repent and believe in Him, in His name, are adopted as children of God; children and joint heirs with Christ of eternity.

    Galatians 3:27-29 NLT
    [27] And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. [28] There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.3.27-29.NLT

  • Your King is coming!

    Palm Sunday: is it more than an annual ritual that we observe the week before Easter?

    What does Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem mean to us today in 2025?

    John 12:12-15 NKJV
    [12] The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [13] took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” [14] Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: [15] “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.12.12-15.NKJV

    Matthew 21:4-5 NKJV
    [4] All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: [5] “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.21.4-5.NKJV

    Zechariah 9:9 NLT
    [9] Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/zec.9.9.NLT

    The King is coming (song by Newsboys)

    Make a way for the King
    The King is comin’

    Empty hearts are fillin’ up
    Wicked ways are comin’ undone
    Every eye is lookin’ out for You
    City lights are burnin’ out
    Freedom’s song is ringin’ loud
    Dead men wakin’ up to the sound of You
    And all our hearts can sing
    All our hearts can sing
    Is make a way for-
    Make a way for-
    Make a way for the King
    The King is comin’

    Split the sky with your glory
    Bring to life an awakening
    Burn away everything that’s not for You
    Hear our voices cryin’ out
    We won’t stop ’til Heaven’s come down
    We won’t stop ’til every knee bows to You
    And all our hearts will sing
    Is make a way for- (make a way for-)
    Make a way for (make a way for-)
    Make a way for the King
    The King is comin’
    Make a way for- (make a way for-)
    Make a way for- (make a way for-)
    Make a way for the King
    The King is comin’
    Open up the doors
    Open up the doors
    Open up the doors
    Our King is comin’
    Open up the doors
    Open up the doors
    Lift your eyes to see
    Our King is comin’
    Make a way for- (make a way for-)
    Make a way for- (make a way for-)
    Make a way for the King
    Our King is comin’

    Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

    The prophesy of Zechariah chapter 9 is unfolding, as Jesus enters Jerusalem, aka, Zion, God’s holy city. A new kingdom will be established; one not made with hands, nor one of this world, but the Kingdom of God, which is not of this world. This is the Kingdom that Jesus would usher in as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the first born from the dead.

    Colossians 1:18 NLT
    [18] Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.

    The Israelites, were hoping for a king who would deliver them from the tyranny and oppression of the Roman government, but the King they were receiving, as He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, in the manner and custom that a king would be received by the people, has come to to redeem them, and all of  mankind, from the enemy, Satan, as prophesied in Genesis 3:14-16.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.18.NLT

    Revelation 1:5 NLT
    [5] and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.1.5.NLT

  • Help, O Lord, for the godly are MIA

    Psalm 12

    The treachery of Man vs the constancy of God

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.7.12.NLT

    It often seems overwhelming when we look at the world and how it operates. Many times it seems like religious people aren’t any better. They claim to be Christians and followers of Christ, but act like everyone else in the world. This is way the world has been operating from the beginning, when Adam and Eve sinned and were booted out of the garden. The goal of Satan from the beginning was to deceive us, destroy us and keep us separated from God.

    When Adam sinned and fell away from God, he immediately experienced separation from God, fracturing his one on one relationship with God, which was eventually restored through the finished work of Christ on the cross (Romans 5:14-19)

    The Psalmist, David, reflecting on the depraved nature of man vs the constancy and pure nature of God, came to the realization that all men are liars, murderers and thieves in their hearts; that the heart of man is desperately wicked and the only way to escape this foolishness and folly is to put their faith and trust in the promises of God and His word, which produces fruit leading to righteousness, holiness, justice and goodness. These are the traits of those who are citizens of God’s Kingdom. The kingdoms of this world operate according to its god, Satan, and his wicked ways, entrenched in darkness and deception.

    It’s not a new thing, nor a sign of the times, that the godly seem to be MIA and quickly disappearing from the earth.

    It has been said that evil thrives when good men stand by and do nothing. I would venture to say that these “good men” may not even be paying attention, because they’re caught up with the treacherous ways of this world,  compromised, and not focused on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, which is what true Christians seek first. When we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first in our lives, the wicked schemes and treacherous ways of this world become more noticeable and less desirable, as we’re transformed by the renewing of our minds, day to day.

    As we continue to feed on the word of God, our spirit will grow and our flesh will starve. The works of the flesh will have nowhere to go or grow and will give way to the Holy Spirit, working on the inside of our soul.

    Psalms 12:1-8 NLT
    [1] Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! [2] Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. [3] May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. [4] They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?” [5] The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” [6] The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. [7] Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, [8] even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.12.1-8.NLT

    Micah 7:2-3 NLT
    [2] The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on the earth. They are all murderers, setting traps even for their own brothers. [3] Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mic.7.2-3.NLT

    Isaiah 57:1 NLT
    [1] Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.57.1.NLT

  • You can’t buy your way into heaven!

    Only living a life a righteousness, by faith in Christ will deliver you from death

    Proverbs 11:4 NKJV
    [4] Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.11.4.NKJV

    The day of wrath: the day when God’s righteous anger is displayed; judgement day!

    This day of wrath or judgement has more than one context. There is a a final day of wrath where the whole earth will be judged and a new heaven and earth will emerge.

    Then there is the wrath or judgement that comes upon each one of us, on our soul. Those who know and have received Christ are being judged daily. When we come to Christ by faith, the righteous hand of God separates us. He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies those who have repented and have believed in His name.

    Romans 8:30 NLT
    [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.


    There is a daily judgement of each believer, in their heart. And there is a future day of wrath where God will judge everyone, the whole earth, both the living and the dead. Those who are in Christ, have passed the first judgement

    John 5:24 NLT
    [24]  “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.5.24.NLT

    Romans 8:1 NLT
    [1] So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.1.NLT

    The Prophet Zephaniah prophesies of a coming day of judgement, when the wrath of God will be poured out

    Zephaniah 1:15 NLT
    [15] It will be a day when the Lord’s anger is poured out— a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,

    https://bible.com/bible/116/zep.1.15.NLT

    But in Christ, that day of judgement has already begun. The whole earth is being judged. We cannot buy a right standing before a holy and righteous God. All we can do is receive the free gift of salvation, through the once for all time atoning sacrifice of Jesus y the Lamb of God, who has taken away the sin of the world. Living a life of righteousness, through faith in Christ, is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6)

    Revelation 6:17 NKJV
    [17] For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.6.17.NKJV

  • Blessed be the Lord forever, Amen!

    Many of the Psalms end with a similar benediction or final words, which is the theme of the book of Psalms.

    Praise and worship of the Lord our God and Savior, forever, from everlasting to everlasting. God has always been present in the redemption of His people, from the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, to the book of Revelation. From beginning to end, God has been an ever-present help in time of need and great trouble.

    The Gospels record the time when Christ came, “in the fullness of time, to redeem those who were born under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5). The Gospels are the fulfillment of the law, the prophets and the Psalms, which is why many of the Psalms conclude with such words of praise and adoration. (See Luke 1:68ff)

    All of the Psalms, at some point, contain such words of praise, adoration, and recollection and reflection of God’s glory on His people.

    It is good for us to begin and end each day with our own words of praise, worship and thanksgiving. When our hearts and minds are in a right place to worship Him in spirit and in truth, then our prayers will be properly aligned with His heart and mind. Our prayers will then become more focused on God and His will, as opposed to our own will. Then we will truly be “servants of the Lord.”

    Psalms 41:13 NKJV
    [13] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.41.13.NKJV

    Luke 1:68-75 NLT
    [68] “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. [69] He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, [70] just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. [71] Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. [72] He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— [73] the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. [74] We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, [75] in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.1.68-75.NLT

    Psalms 72:18-19 NLT
    [18] Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. [19] Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.72.18-19.NLT

    Psalms 89:52 NKJV
    [52] Blessed be the Lord forevermore! Amen and Amen.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.89.52.NKJV

  • I’m just a ship in the night seeking safe harbor!

    The Lord is my stronghold, my shelter, my refuge and strength!

    Psalms 9:9-10 NLT
    [9] The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. [10] Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.9.9-10.NLT

    Psalms 91:2-4 NLT
    [2] This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [3] For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.91.2-4.NLT

    Psalms 46:1 NLT
    [1] God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.46.1.NLT

    Psalms 32:7 NLT
    [7] For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.32.7.NLT

    2 Samuel 22:3 NLT
    [3] my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.22.3.NLT

    These terms of expression by the Psalmist appear frequently in the books Psalms, Proverbs and throughout the Old and New Testaments. There are many words used to describe God’s attributes and character, as well as the benefits towards those who call on His name and put their faith and trust in Him.

    Every human, when faced with troubling and trying times, needs a place of safety and protection. That place is found in the deepest caverns of our heart, which is the place where the glory of God manifests in each of us. He is there, standing at the door knocking, waiting for you to open up and let Him in (revelation 3:20)

    When you open the door of your heart to His abiding presence, He will open the eyes of your heart and will transform you daily, by the renewing of your mind, as you seek Him daily in your life, as King of kings and Lord of lords of your heart, mind and soul. Then He will be your source of strength and encouragement for daily living.

    He will be your Stronghold, breaking down every lofty idea, argument, philosophy and worldly thought that comes at you night and day.

    He will be your shelter and refuge; a place of safety and protection against the attacks of the enemy, warring against your soul, attempting to make you a prisoner in chains, addicted to this world, robbing you of your soul and strength. Let Him be your shelter from the raging storms and tumultuous troubles that strive to upend you. Let Him hide you under the shadow of His wings.

    This is the promise to those who turn to Him, trusting in Him.

    In Him every obstacle becomes a pathway to victory. Every failure becomes an opportunity for Him to bless you with His mercy and grace. Lean on Him and His everlasting arms. Whatever you are holding onto in your heart and mind, as heavy burdens, let Him deliver you through His word and its living power in you through the Holy Spirit, dwelling in your heart. He will guide you safely to shore, like a ship in the night, seeking safe harbor.