Living As Light

Author: Davelewis

  • EGO: Edging God Out

    EGO vs IGO

    EGO = edging God out

    When I go, ego goes and the King of my heart takes over

    Proverbs 18:12 NLT
    [12] Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.12.NLT

    Proverbs 18:12 ESV
    [12]  Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.12.ESV

    Proverbs 15:33 NLT
    [33] Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.15.33.NLT

    Proverbs 16:18 NLT
    [18] Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.16.18.NLT

    Proverbs 11:2 NLT
    [2] Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.2.NLT

    Haughtiness vs humility

    Haughtiness is pride, arrogance, a heart lifted up and rooted in  self-centeredness;

    EGO: Edging God Out.

    Our own sense of self worth, self centeredness, selfish motives, significance and importance; looking out for #1. Self, self, self above everyone and everything else. Haughtiness is an inflated sense of one’s own image. He must increase while I must decrease, if I’m am to truly serve Him and others.

    Humility is the direct opposite of haughtiness. Humility is the practice of surrendering to God daily.

    Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Him (Christ)

    Humility is the act of humbling oneself before the Lord, which is to be poor in spirit, spiritually and morally bankrupt.

    The living power of God’s word (Hebrews 4:12) interrupts my sense of self-importance and takes me off of the throne of my heart, relinquishing the power to Him who alone is worthy. The living power of God’s word convicts me of sin, bringing about a sense of guilt, shame and fear. My response can either be to hide behind these emotions, leading me further away from God, into deeper and darker places, removed from God’s presence. Or confess, forsake and continue on the road to repentance and sanctification in the Holy Spirit .

    Humility cuts through the arrogant, haughtiness that pushes God away and brings about a proper and righteous fear of the Lord, which brings about godly wisdom that will guide our conscience, allowing us the ability to choose the right path

    Haughtiness and pride pushes back and maintains control, ruled by my own flesh and human will. The haughty spirit lifted up in pride says,

    I don’t need God

    God can’t love me or forgive me because my past is ugly and horrible, too much for even God to bear. Haughtiness is rooted in the lies and deception of the enemy and the father of lies, Satan.

    Humility lets go of self so that the Savior can take over and do his mighty work, rooted in His word and His truth.

    Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one can come to the Father except through Me (John 14:6)

    Humility brings us to the eternal Truth of Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Humility means to descend into greatness and take on the mind of Christ, as the Holy Spirit lives in and through me. (Philippians 2:5ff)

  • My old nature vs the new!

    2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NLT
    [16] So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! [17] This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

    https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.16-17.NLT

    When I say good vs bad or evil, I mean the difference between the righteous and the wicked; those who continue to “practice such things” (Galatians 5:19-21) without repenting,  and those who repent and believe in Christ’s redeeming love and forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Every day they deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ.

    The old sinful nature is still there contending with our new nature which is now “in Christ” and guided by the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:17) This spiritual warfare is a daily reality and a reminder of how much we need His grace, mercy and forgiveness. We repent daily because the Holy Spirit continually convicts us when we’ve committed sin, through our thoughts, words and actions. This is how we know we are His, because we are never far from Him. We don’t continue to practice sin. Repentance interrupts the enemy’s plan and reminds of God’s plan of redemption in our daily lives. My flesh wants what it wants, but as I walk in the Spirit, I am able to exercise self control and deny my flesh with its passions and desires, and live under the shadow of His wings.

    Psalms 18:1-3 NLT
    [1] I love you, Lord; you are my strength. [2] The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. [3] I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.18.1-3.NLT

  • What really makes people good or bad?

    I don’t believe people try to be good or bad. It’s merely the outcome of where their heart is with God. Out of the treasure of their hearts their mouths and actions flow. People reap what they sow.

    Sow to the Spirit, reap from the Spirit. Sow to the flesh, reap from the flesh. What we feed grows. Feed the spirit, be filled with and walk in the Spirit. That’s the only way to overcome the human nature that wants to take over and rule my day and my way.

    The fruit of the Spirit is the overflow or produce of a human soul surrendered to the will of God. When we see first His kingdom and His righteousness, everything else will follow. But we’re still sinners saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We still have the propensity to give into temptation and commit sin. The key is to repent daily and believe on the name above all names, Jesus Christ our Savior and Master.

    If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us if our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)

    Galatians 6:7-10 NLT
    [7] Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. [8] Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. [9] So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.7-10.NLT

    Matthew 12:35 NLT
    [35] A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.12.35.NLT

  • Psalm 15: where is God’s sanctuary?

    Psalms 15:1-5 NKJV
    [1] Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? [2] He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; [3] He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; [4] In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; [5] He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.15.1-5.NKJV

    Where is God’s tabernacle or sanctuary?

    Where is His holy hill or mountain?

    It’s not a distant place, far above the clouds, in a place called heaven. Nor is it in a building or structure made with hands, of brick, mortar and stained glass windows. But it’s in the hearts of men where this King dwells. The hearts of men who search deep within and seek the Lord’s presence at the core of their being, although He’s not far from any one of us. This is the place where God our Creator desires to take up residency. He’s created every one of us with that individual capacity to know Him personally and intimately,  the way Adam was created in the beginning. The first man. Adam had a one on one, Mano e Mano connection with God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He walked with God and talked with him daily. They had communion.  (Genesis 1:26-31)

    When Adam sinned, partaking of the forbidden fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, a veil went up, creating a divided heart and a wall of separation between the man, Adam, and God. Sin had entered God’s creation and a second Adam would, one day come, to restore what was lost through Adam, eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:47) In Christ, through His shed blood, the wall of separation was removed. The veil had been rent in two. Mankind was redeemed through Christ’s once for all time atoning sacrifice.

    Now God and man can have that intimate one on one relationship; redeemed and reconciled to God (1 Corinthians 5:18-21)

    Psalms 2:6 NLT
    [6] For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.2.6.NLT

    Jesus is the King of kings, seated upon the throne of every heart that turns to Him, repents and believes in His name. The hearts of people become His Holy sanctuary, His holy hill, the place where his presence and glory dwell.

    Psalms 61:1-4 NLT
    [1] O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! [2] From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, [3] for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. [4] Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.61.1-4.NLT

    This is the place where God speaks to us, ministering to our deepest, darkest times and seasons; the storms, trials and tribulations we all go through. Other people can pray for us, encourage us and serve us in our times of need, but only God, in our inner sanctuary can give us that peace that surpasses all understanding

    Psalms 24:3-6 NLT
    [3] Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? [4] Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. [5] They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. [6] Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.24.3-6.NLT

    But only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who have no other gods or idols before God and live truthfully and honestly with integrity. God knows our hearts. He knows and sees everything. But when our hearts are lifted up in pride, filled with our own selfish motives and desires, our ego takes over and

    Edges

    God

    Out

    Your heart can be His sanctuary, his tabernacle, his dwelling place. When he is the King of your heart, the mountain that stands between you and God will crumble. His Holy hill will be accessible. Make Him your Lord and Savior and the King of your heart and destiny.

  • What is your heart saying about God?

    Psalms 14:1-7 NLT
    [1] Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! [2] The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. [3] But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! [4] Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord. [5] Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him. [6] The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people. [7] Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.14.1-7.NLT

    Romans 3:10-12 ESV
    [10] as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; [11] no one understands; no one seeks for God. [12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

    https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

    Psalm 74:18, 22 ESV
    [18]  Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.
    [22] Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.74.18-22.ESV

    Psalm 10:4 ESV
    [4] In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.10.4.ESV

    Proverbs 14:16 ESV
    [16]  One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.14.16.ESV

    Proverbs 14:22 ESV
    [22] Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.14.22.ESV

    [1] Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”

    They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;

    not one of them does good!

    those who say in their own heart “there is no God” become fools. They become more and more corrupt and tainted by greed, lust and pride. As time goes on and they continue to turn away from God in their heart their hearts become darkened and hardened, calloused over, seared as with a hot iron.
    Their actions turn to evil. They become self-centered, self focused, thinking only of themselves and their own well-being. Such people cannot do the good works that God is seeking to do on the earth, among His people. God is love and those who seek Him will be filled with His love and His light.

    Those who say in their own heart, “there is no God” are not able to live out the Great commandment, to love God with all of their heart, mind soul and strength, nor their neighbor as themselves. Such fools only seek after folly, which is foolishness and a total lack of wisdom. Folly is the direct opposite of wisdom. Such thoughts bring about a total disregard towards God, His word, His kingdom and His people.

    Everyone of us in our heart has that crossroads, that fork in the road, that valley of decision where we must decide for ourselves which way we will go. When we make no room in our hearts for God and His righteousness, we’ll merely stumble in darkness. Chaos and confusion become the result. Every decision we make will lead us further away from the heart of God and closer to this world and its God. We become compromised and easily swayed by every wind that comes along. We have no firm foundation, no anchor in the midst of the storms of life.

    Truth be told, there is no true wisdom outside of following God and putting Him, His Kingdom and righteousness first. In our human nature, our natural man does not seek after God or know Him, for it is foolishness to him. Only in the Spirit can we escape this foolishness and folly that consumes our hearts when we follow this world, its god, and its ways

    1 Corinthians 2:13-16 NLT
    [13] When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. [14] But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. [15] Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. [16] For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.2.13-16.NLT

  • Light and joy vs darkness and despair

    Walking as children of light!

    Proverbs 13:9 NLT
    [9] The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.13.9.NLT

    Proverbs 24:19-20 ESV
    [19]  Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, [20] for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.24.19-20.ESV

    Job 18:5-6 ESV
    [5] “Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of his fire does not shine. [6] The light is dark in his tent, and his lamp above him is put out.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/job.18.5-6.ESV

    As we live our lives daily, we have a choice to walk in the light of God’s love as we repent and believe in the good news of God’s saving grace, or we can walk in the flesh, rejecting the light and stumble in darkness.

    At times it can seem like the wicked aren’t really suffering, but enjoying the pleasures of life and prospering. But when calamity strikes they have nowhere to turn. They search within themselves yet come up empty.

    The difference between the godly and the wicked is the difference between light and darkness. Those who repent of their wicked deeds and ways and seek God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy and believe in His name will receive eternal life. The light of God will shine in and through them. In Christ we become children of light

    Ephesians 5:8-9 ESV
    [8] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light [9] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),

    https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.5.8-9.ESV

    Walking as children of light gives us direction for the path we are on as our heavenly Father guides us. The light of God’s word illuminates our way within us as we seek him daily, and around us as we go about our daily lives, interacting with others. We are able to love our neighbors as ourselves and live out the golden rule of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, because of the light of God illuminating our soul

    Walking as children of light keeps us from wandering around with no direction and gives us wisdom and discernment as we make our daily choices and decisions.

    Walking as children of light, we become the light of the world, glorifying God in the way that we live, love and serve Him and others, especially our enemies. His light shines within us, lighting, not only our own way, but providing light to lost, dark souls. When we encounter those who are stumbling in darkness and reach out to them with love and serve them, we can spread His light, like one candle lighting another, before their light is snuffed out (Proverbs 13:9)

    Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
    [14]  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.14-16.ESV

  • Who owns your tongue and determines its course?

    The deceitful, hurtful words of men

    Psalm 12:2-4, 6 ESV
    [2] Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. [3] May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, [4] those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?”
    [6]  The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.12.2-6.ESV

    The words of men guided by the wisdom of God

    Proverbs 12:17-22 ESV
    [17]  Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. [18]  There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. [19] Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. [20] Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. [21]  No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. [22]  Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.12.17-22.ESV

    There is a contrast here in the words of man and how they are used, along with what is in a man’s heart.

    Luke 6:45 ESV
    [45] The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.6.45.ESV

    What we store in our hearts determines the course of our tongues. As the small rutter on a large ship is operated by the will of its driver determining which way the ship will go, so our tongue guides the course of our lives.

    James 3:2-10 ESV
    [2] For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. [3] If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. [4] Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. [5] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.3.2-10.ESV

    The living power of God’s word has the ability to capture our tongues and hold back the words we would like to say, and often do when we speak out of our emotions, without thinking about what we’re going to say or how we will use our words.

    In our natural state we tend to use our words to our advantage, to do and get what we want. When our tongues are guided by our own nature man, there is little or no discipline or discretion. But the man who is filled with and walking in the Spirit will discipline his tongue under the mighty hand of God. Such a man thinks more about other people and their needs and good will, than he does about what he wants. He’ll learn to discipline and curb his tongue as he feeds and meditates on God’s word. His desire to love and serve others will overcome his urge to speak his mind or to use his words idly to serve himself first

    Will you use your words for your own selfish motives? Or will you allow the Holy Spirit to discipline and guide your every word? This means taking every thought captive and placing it under the microscope of God’s word, allowing Him to bridle your tongue and keep you from using your words to hurt others.

  • The cry of the humble and afflicted reaches the ears of God.

    Who are the humble and afflicted? What does this mean in our lives; for those who repent and believe, who turn their hearts towards God?

    Psalms 10:17-18 NKJV
    [17] Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, [18] To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.10.17-18.NKJV

    Psalm 10:17-18 ESV
    [17] O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear [18] to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.10.17-18.ESV

    1 Chronicles 29:18 ESV
    [18] O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/1ch.29.18.ESV

    Psalm 82:3 ESV
    [3]  Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.82.3.ESV

    Isaiah 1:16-17 ESV
    [16]  Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, [17] learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.1.16-17.ESV

    Isaiah 11:4 ESV
    [4] but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.11.4.ESV

    Psalm 9:9-10 ESV
    [9] The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. [10] And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.9.9-10.ESV

    Psalm 9:17-20 ESV
    [17] The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. [18] For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. [19]  Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! [20] Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.9.17-20.

    Psalm 17:13-14 ESV
    [13] Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, [14] from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.17.13-14.ESV


    The cry of the humble and afflicted reaches the ears of God.

    He inclines His ear to hear the humble cries of the afflicted souls who are in great pain, distress and misery.

    God hears the desire of the humble. He hears and prepares the heart of those who have been afflicted.

    Afflicted:
    a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery: caused by others who are influenced and used by the god of this world.

    The oppression of the people of this world, those who don’t know God, care about God or those who believe in God and seek His Kingdom. God hears and sees it all. The state of the fatherless and the oppressed don’t go unnoticed. People of this world have no heart for God. They cannot see or hear God. They think that God does not see them, that they can keep on living in the ways of this world, treating people with contempt and disrespect. The wicked people of this world use and abuse others. Their major concern or care is their own well-being and personal gain. But God brings justice to the fatherless and oppressed. He hears their cause and maintains what is right for the weak and destitute. Those who are treated or judged unfairly, persecuted or tyrannized, God will vindicate, because they keep their eyes on God, the eyes of their heart that is.
    Romans 8:31 ESV
    [31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

    https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.8.31.ESV

    1 John 4:4 ESV
    [4] Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.4.4.ESV

    The enemy uses men of this world to oppress, take advantage of and persecute those who put their faith and trust in God, in His justice and mercy, in his mighty hands, who has all power to deliver those who look to Him.

    The enemy’s agenda and goal  is to wear you down and break you and to keep you in bondage to anxiety and fear of man, O man of God.  Satan cannot attack you on the inside, but he uses the people of this world to do his bidding

    Father God, may souls be loose from bondage and be brought into Your healing and light from every demonic realm in Jesus mighty name! Amen

  • God’s word does not return empty

    No empty promises when we minister to others through God’s word, the scriptures.

    Isaiah 55:11 ESV
    [11] so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.55.11.ESV

    God’s word “doesn’t return void/empty” means that when God speaks, his word will always have an effect and will not come back without accomplishing its purpose, essentially signifying that God’s promises are reliable and will always be fulfilled; this phrase is based on Isaiah 55:11
    Meaning, God’s word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and will always achieve its intended goal.  This verse is often used to emphasize the trustworthiness of God’s promises and the importance of actively sharing his word with others.

    Every time we step out in faith, in obedience to God’s call to share His word with others, we can rest assured that it will serve a purpose, in a time that we may not see right away. But in God’s time it will bear fruit.

    Whenever we come along side of someone who is hurting or struggling with life and allow God to minister to them , through us, love will win. Loving your neighbor as yourself creates an avenue for sharing the Gospel.

    When we extend ourselves and take these God given opportunities to love and serve others, He will open their hearts to receive His word to them for that moment; that hurt, burden or grievance they are carrying within their own heart, that is wearing them down, causing anxiety and distress. And they will find help, peace and comfort through the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper and Comforter.

    The living power of God’s word equips us to be obedient to His commands to love Him, as we loving our neighbors as ourselves.

    Matthew 24:35 ESV
    [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.24.35.ESV

    Isaiah 46:8-11 ESV
    [8] “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, [9] remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10]  declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ [11]  calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.46.8-11.ESV

  • God of Wonders Beyond our Galaxy!

    Psalms 8:1, 9 NKJV
    [1] O Lord, our Lord, How excellent (majestic) is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
    [9] O Lord, our Lord, How excellent (majestic) is Your name in all the earth!

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.8.1-9.NKJV

    Psalm 148:13 ESV
    [13]  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.148.13.ESV

    Isaiah 12:4 ESV
    [4] And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.12.4.ESV

    Exodus 34:5 ESV
    [5] The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/exo.34.5.ESV

    Psalm 113:4-6 ESV
    [4] The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! [5]  Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, [6] who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.113.4-6.ESV

    Majestic:
    Majestic means something is impressive, grand, or beautiful, and often evokes a sense of awe or admiration.
    Synonyms for majestic:
    grand, magnificent, impressive, superb, noble, imperial, kingly, royal, regal, and splendid.

    The Psalmist is struck with a deep sense of awe and wonder when he looks into the heavens and gazes upon the beauty of the moon and stars, the work of God’s fingers.

    “God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are holy, holy!”


    Psalm 19 immediately comes to mind here.
    Psalm 19:1-6 ESV
    [1]  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. [2] Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. [3] There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. [4]  Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, [5]  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. [6] Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.19.1-6.ESV

    It is mind boggling to think and even believe that the God who created the universe and all that is in it,  has time to consider mankind. Yet, God who created man in His image gave man the authority and responsibility over the works of His hands; that is, everything that lives and breathes on the earth. Yet man has no authority or control over anything beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Beyond gravity, man cannot exist, let alone have power and dominion.
    This is proof that God alone controls and watches over everything in the heavens and on earth. He’s given mankind the task and responsibility of stewardship, that is, managing what God has created and put under the authority of mankind. God is the Creator, mankind is merely the caretaker.
    God exists in Majesty and splendor far above the earth into eternity and infinity. God is not limited to time or gravity, which he created for man.

    Man without God thinks he can control and manipulate that which exists in the earth, and that which is beyond the earth’s atmosphere, even things like the weather and climate. Man has no control of any of that, not even life and death. Everything is under the Mighty hand of Almighty God, but He gives man the task and responsibility of managing all of that.

    When mankind puts it all into proper perspective, God first and foremost over everything, including that which God alone has put under the authority of mankind, then comes order and discipline and good stewardship. Out of stewardship comes servanthood. Recognizing that everything comes from God and that God alone has given man this awesome responsibility, puts everything into proper perspective and order.


    I’m wondering if pride is what got in Adam’s way, as busy managing God’s garden of Eden, paradise. God gave Adam the awesome task of tending to everything under the sun. Perhaps Adam started thinking, “look what I’ve done.” Maybe that’s why when Eve listened to the serpent (the devil in disguise) and ate the forbidden fruit, Adam was not able to immediately discern what his wife had done and, without hesitation, partook of the forbidden fruit. Adam took his eyes off of God and the eyes of his heart were overshadowed by his sense of sight. The eyes are the lamp to the body and soul, and when the eyes are bad, everything they see becomes tainted by greed and lust; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life distort the eyes of our heart, making Truth cloudy and hard to see over what exists in front of our eyes in the physical realm.

    Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you,
    To see you High and lifted up, shining in the light of your Glory

    This is the fitting response of man when he looks deeper into his own heart and sees how sinful he is and how far mankind falls short of God’s glory