Living As Light

Category: the Lord is my Shepherd

  • Why,Why,Why God?

    The answer to the why’s of life are often found in my own accountability before God.

    Why do bad things happen? Because that’s a part of life.

    Why do they seem to get worse and worse? Because we often ignore our problems, blame others, look for excuses, etc.

    The answers to those why’s comes when we face our own truth and reality and humble ourselves before God, admit our own sins and failures and find forgiveness, peace and joy from within.

    God takes away those burdens that cause us to keep asking why? why? why? and replaces them with truth and reality and the way out.

    The devil can’t do anything you don’t allow him to or give him permission to do. That’s the truth. Everything that happens in our lives is a direct result of the choices we make; reaping what we sow. Some things, like your car breaking down and being towed, or losing your job, or having a to go to court, etc, happen out of our own ignorance and stubbornness. But then you get caught in a jam and it looks like the world, and the devil, are out to get you and take you down.

    While it’s true that the enemy is out there, prowling like a roaring lion, seeking to devour you, you’ve always got the power of God’s word to lead you out. So roar louder with the truth and authority of God’s word.


    When we turn our lives fully over to God, on the inside of our heart, there’s no more running. No more excuses. No more running with the devil. Because that’s what we’re doing when we give Satan the keys to our peace and happiness.

    Psalms 16:1-11 NKJV
    [1] Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. [2] O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.” [3] As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” [4] Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips. [5] O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. [6] The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. [7] I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. [8] I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. [9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. [10] For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. [11] You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.16.1-11.NKJV

  • When you reach the end of yourself!

    Pride will keep a man from seeking God. He’ll keep running from God and turning to himself and his own human resources to figure out life’s problems.  Then, when he’s reached the end of his rope, anxiety takes over.  Having run out of answers, he turns to God in desperation.

    I know this feeling and this place. I’ve been there before. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about God over the years is that He’s always there, like a loving father, waiting on His children; especially when they’ve run out of answers, and they’re desperate for help.

    God is our helper; the Holy Spirit is just that; our Helper and Comforter.  Jesus told His disciples, ” I will not leave you hopeless and helpless, like orphans. I will send the Helper in my name, even the Spirit of truth…

    So to those who are in this place, stop running away or turning from God. Seek Him and His kingdom and His righteousness, first and foremost on all that you do. And when life’s problems turn your way, they won’t stress you out. You’ll be enabled by the Holy Spirit to rise above such times.

    There is great joy and peace in keeping God’s word; His commandments, in faithful obedience. May His peace, which surpasses our understanding, guard your heart and mind, in Christ Jesus 🙏 ❤️

    John 14:15-18 NKJV
    [15] “If you love Me, keep My commandments. [16] And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— [17] the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

  • The Lamb is the light

    John 8:12 NKJV
    [12] Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.8.12.NKJV

    I am walking toward a bright light and the nearer I get the brighter it is.
    Dwight L. Moody

    Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

    He is the Light of the world, through whom there is no darkness or shadow of turning.

    In Him, who became sin for us, we become the righteousness of God. He is the propitiation; the substitution that our sin debt deserves. But In His infinite grace and mercy, we have life; forgiveness and freedom.

    Because of the Lamb of God, who willingly gave His life as the scapegoat, God has laid upon Him the sins and iniquity of the world (John 3:16) which includes you and me.

    If you’re still stumbling in darkness, look to the light, as He is one the light. May the light of the Lamb light your way

  • Wise of heart vs prating, babbling fools!

    Proverbs 10:8 ESV
    [8]  The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.10.8.ESV

    Proverbs 10:8 NKJV
    [8] The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.10.8.NKJV

    Matthew 7:24-25 NKJV
    [24] “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: [25] and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.7.24-25.NKJV

    Matthew 7:26-27 NKJV
    [26] “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: [27] and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.7.26-27.NKJV


    A “prating fool” is a person who talks excessively and foolishly, a babbler, lacking wisdom and substance in their speech, often leading to their own downfall.  The term comes from Proverbs 10:8, which contrasts the receptive, wise person with the “prating fool” who comes to ruin.

    Jesus contrasts those who hear and take heed to his teachings, with those who hear and do not take heed. Take heed means to listen intently and put it into practice.

    He compares both to a house; one built on a solid foundation, meaning the word and wisdom of God, which stands even in the most severe storms and winds. The other is built on sand, and has no depth, and when the storms and winds come, that house falls, because it was not built on a solid foundation.

    Taking heed to the word of God means listening intently, meditating, praying and humbly submitting to God’s authority, so that his will and plan may guide your life.

    The prating, babbling fool may hear God’s word, but they don’t take it seriously. Nor do they pray and meditate on scripture, and submitting to God’s will and authority is far from their thoughts and intentions. Instead, they busy themselves with foolish talk, guided by prideful hearts that are too full of themselves and the world.

    They can’t take heed to God’s word, because they’re not listening to His word. They might be going to church, reading their Bibles, but God’s word doesn’t take root and grow. They can’t hear his still small voice on the inside, because they’re too busy feeding on the wisdom and teachings of the world; false teachings, philosophy of the ages, self-help ideologies and other competing voices. Their minds are too cluttered to hear anything God is saying to them. They’re confused and in utter chaos. God is not the author of confusion, Satan is, with his lies, deception, manipulation and trickery. This leads to chaos and turmoil.

    God’s word; his commandments, principles, statutes, teachings, etc, bring truth, freedom and peace.

    The wise of heart will receive His commandments.
    To receive means to surrender my will for what He is saying; to take heed, put into practice. That’s true wisdom, acting upon what we know to be true and right. This is being a doer of the word and not just a hearer. (James 1:22-24)

    Babbling, prating fools will come to ruin. They have no depth. No roots. No solid foundation to stand on. When they fall, they fall hard, with nowhere to go. No hope, no peace, only ruin and destruction.

    But all is not lost, when the lost do fall. God is always there, ready to listen, heal and restore those who are broken and contrite in their heart.

    When the walls of pride and ego come down, and rebellion gives way to repentance and believing on the Lord Jesus.  Great sorrow causes one to turn from their rebellious, wicked ways, that’s when Jesus comes in and turns the prating, babbling fool into a wise man, truly seeking after His wisdom and understanding, to guide their lives.

    Then His word and His commandments will become like hidden treasures, stored in their heart, pushing away the foolish babble.

    This is where true wisdom, peace and happiness and understanding comes from. We need to be quiet for a bit and listen to what God is saying.

  • Is your lamp trimmed and ready?

    Keep oil in your lamps

    Matthew 25:1-13 NKJV
    [1] “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ [7] Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [9] But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. [11] “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ [12] But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ [13] “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.25.1-13.NKJV

    Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
    [1] “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, [3] To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.61.1-3.NKJV

    Things that happen naturally within our human nature:
    Anger
    Greed
    Lust
    Pride and ego
    Jealousy/envy
    Gossip
    Hatred

    It takes the supernatural filling and the indwelling presence of God, through the Holy Spirit, to douse the fiery darts that attempt to strike us on the inside, when circumstances on the outside and surrounding us are allowed to penetrate and intensify, adding fuel to the fire that the enemy seeks to fan into an inferno, burning us from the inside out. This is where the seeds of anger, pride, lust and greed take root and become like rot within our soul.  Like rust, or an infectious disease, like leprosy, eating away at our soul.

    In the parable of the ten virgins. Jesus compares five who kept their lamps trimmed with oil. They had enough oil to keep their lamps burning bright until that day when the Bridegroom arrived for the wedding feast.

    The other five had no oil in their reserve tank. As they were awaiting the Bridegroom’s arrival, their lamps dimmed and started to fade. Instead of being prepared, like the others were, they grew lazy and defiant.

    Our spiritual lives are much like this parable. Some members of the body of Christ keep their lamps filled with oil and burning brightly, so that others can see their lamps and find their way to the wedding feast.
    There are others who know that the wedding feast is near, yet they spend time foolishly, on earthly pursuits; gaining wealth and material prosperity. They become friends with this world; carnal Christians who have become spiritual adulterers and adulteresses. Their lamps or vessels, which are figurative of their soul and spirit, are flickering and fading, because they’re not working out their faith with fear and trembling. They’re not doing anything to grow in the Spirit, so they’re becoming stagnant and unfruitful in their works of faith.


    The five who were ready when the Bridegroom (Christ) returned, went in. The other five were too busy, scrambling at the last minute at what they should have been doing all along; keeping their lamp/vessel, filled with oil and burning brightly.

    One was prepared and ready. The other was not.

    Be prepared. Keep your lamp/vessel trimmed with oil and ready for His return

    Some have said that the ten who had oil, could have given some to the others,afterall, that would be loving their neighbors as themselves.

    But this parable is more about personal accountability and responsibility before God. Everyone of us must workout our own salvation, with fear and trembling.

    We can’t just wait til the last minute and think that we’ll be rewarded for living frivolously and without care and preparation.

    Faith without works is a dead faith, and that’s why these five foolish virgins were denied. No works of faith became a dead faith

    James 2:26 NKJV
    [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.2.26.NKJV

  • Vows made to the Most High God: What does that mean?

    Psalms 65:1-4 NKJV
    [1] Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; And to You the vow shall be performed. [2] O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come. [3] Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them. [4] Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.65.1-4.NKJV

    Psalm 50:14 ESV
    [14]  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.50.14.ESV


    And to you the vow shall be performed


    And perform your vows to the Most High

    Vows = sacred promises
    In a marriage, husband and wife exchange vows. They are making their promises of love and devotion to one another, before God and witnesses.

    In our vows to God, we are declaring our sacred love and devotion to Him alone, first and foremost. We are promising to love, honor and cherish our Bridegroom. The Church is the Bride of Christ. To Him we pledge our lives; to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. 

    In response he fills us with His Holy Spirit, and we can’t help but give Him thanks and praise for all that he has done for us, and continues to do. Not only for the individual believer/worshipper, but for the body of Christ, the church.

    He hears our prayers when our hearts are turned toward Him. In times of great storms and tragedies, all flesh will come to Him, because every human being is created in His image. When we’ve reached the edges of our own humanity, and our hearts are torn, and our faith is stretched beyond limits and our own comprehension, we’re drawn to Him, and His hand reaches out to us, like a loving father, scooping up his little child, He comes to us with open arms, ready to minister to our deepest grievances and struggles.

    We make vows to the One we love, because He first loved us. When we’ve experienced His love and kindness, his mercy and grace, at the deepest level, at the core of our being, the proper and fitting response is to perform our vows to the Most High God.

    Vows are truly excercised during times of stress and great tension and anxiety. When our deepest emotions are involved and fully engaged in whatever trial we are facing.

    Those who have been married for some time, know the experience of exercising our vows that we made when we became husbands and wives. When arguments turn into heated exchanges of words and emotions, and anger arises and our hearts and minds are being stretched to the breaking point, that’s when our vows kick in, and we take a moment to calm down, de-stress, take a deep breath and compose ourselves, and we come together on peace and unity, and Almighty God leads us through to the other side; blissful shores of forgiveness and mercy, and love leads the wsy

    In holy matrimony, we make vows out of love and devotion to one another. In this sacred union between God and man, we make vows to God out of a heart of love that is focused on God’s will and His righteousness and truly putting Him first and seeking Him with all of our being!

  • Love your enemies. Bless them. Do good to them. Pray for them.Why should I do that?

    Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV
    [[44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.44-45.NKJV

    Luke 6:27-28 NKJV
    [27] “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.6.27-28.NKJV

    Romans 12:19-21 NKJV
    [19] Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.12.19-21.NKJV

    Luke 23:34 ESV
    [34] And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.23.34.ESV

    Acts 7:60 ESV
    [60] And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/act.7.60.ESV

    1 Peter 3:9 ESV
    [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.3.9.ESV

    Love your enemies. Bless them. Do good to them. Pray for them.Why should I do that?

    So that I’m not overcome by evil, but instead, I am able to overcome evil with good.

    My actions as a Christian, as a follower of Jesus Christ, can either draw people to him, or turn them off and cause them to turn away from God in their own heart and mind. Jesus asks His followers to live as he lived, love as he loved, and serve as he served, thereby glorifying the Father in heaven.

    When someone does me dirty, disrespects me, even lies about me and slanders my name, my first human reaction is to defend myself. The second is to not only take offense, but to become angry, bitter and resentful. The thoughts of getting even and planning my defense and pay back can consume me and take me down a path towards darkness and hatred, which leads to self destruction of my emotional and mental health, which can contribute to my physical health.

    So who am I really hurting and destroying by holding onto all of these negative feelings and emotions?

    Furthermore, am I really hurting the other person by allowing what they said or did to consume me and occupy my heart, mind and soul; aka renting space in my head?

    Freely forgiving others of their trespasses against me does more to free up my heart, mind and soul, than it does for the offender. Furthermore, it puts the whole thing in God’s hands and our faith and trust in Him will allow us to believe that vengeance is His and He will repay accordingly.

    The Bible says that when we forgive others and refrain from getting even, and leave the matter in God’s hands, we’re “heaping coals of fire/shame on their head”

    Is it better to get even, or for the other person to become convicted in their heart and see within themselves, that they’ve offended you, and apologize and ask for forgiveness?

    So often we tend to demonize offenders and exaggerate and embellish the actual offense they have committed against us. If their trespasses against us included anything illegal or against the law, let law enforcement and the courts deal with it. Take it out of your hands and control and let others come to your aid.

    Even if an offense isn’t anything illegal, but merely words and/or actions that are highly offensive and have caused you great pain and agony, don’t allow that to rob you of your own inner peace and joy.
    As much as we’re able to, we’re to live at peace with others; including those we may sharply disagree with, and especially those who disagree with us so much that they become aggressive and controlling, etc. it’s ok to remove yourself from such people and not associate with them.

    If we can’t agree to disagree, and still maintain mutual respect, then unfriend them on social media, even block those who want to argue with you and occupy your mind and rob you of your peace.

  • This I know: God is on my side!

    Psalms 56:1-13 NLT
    [1] O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. [2] I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.

    [3] But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

    [4] I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

    [5] They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. [6] They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me. [7] Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down. [8] You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. [9] My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.

    This I know: God is on my side!

    [10] I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. [11] I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

    [12] I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. [13] For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.56.1-13.NLT

    David, the Psalmist, writes here about the constant and steady attack from his enemies. As a warrior in battle, fighting for Israel, he’s constantly bombarded by those who want to take him down, even take his life.

    But as David declares in this Psalm,

    “This I know: God is in my side.“

    David takes stock in God’s promises to guide and protect him, and he’s enabled him to face everything with courage and fortitude; to step out in faith, knowing that at in his heart, at the core of his being, God’s got his back, and goes before him. He rests in comfort, knowing that God will cause his enemies to retreat.

    Every day you and I are going out to war for our own soul. Other people may come at us, to harm us, but our biggest threat is not other people.

    As David also declares, “I trust in God, what can mere mortals do to me?”

    David knows that God will do as He’s promised, for those who put their full trust and faith in Him and the power of His word.

    God will literally turn our enemies away. He will hide you under the shadow of His wings. He will be your Rock, your Fortress, your mighty defender.

    Yet their is a greater enemy who attacks from the inside; your own heart, which is desperately wicked, which no one truly knows, without God at the center, seated on the throne of your heart.

    When you hear Him knocking, and open the door, He will come in and be your Lord of lords and Savior. He will be your King of kings, your Master and commander.

    My greatest enemies are my thoughts and emotions under my own control, without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, seated on the throne of my heart, leading me by the living power His word, through of the Holy Spirit.

    This, you too can know: God will always be on my side. What can other people do to me?

    He will give you the wisdom to choose good over evil, right over wrong, love over hate, bitterness and holding grudges.

    When you give both your external enemies (other people) and your internal enemies (thoughts, feelings and emotions) over to the authority of God, He will deliver you from every evil, and you will walk in the light of His love, and live in peace  within yourself and with those around you.

    God is on your side!

  • The Lord is my Helper and Comforter: Psalm 55

    Psalms 55:1-2 NLT
    [1] Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! [2] Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.55.1-2.NLT

    Psalms 55:16-17 NLT
    [16] But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. [17] Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.55.16-17.NLT

    My God, who is my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and place of safety, will never get tired of hearing from me when I cry out to Him for help. The inner sanctuary of my heart is His home.

    Day and night it seems like the wicked one, the enemy of my soul, is out to get me; to trip me up, knock me down, and devour my soul like a roaring lion.

    Satan wants to rob, kill and destroy, all that God is doing within me. But if God is for me, who can stand against me? Is it wrong of me to constantly rely on God to rescue and deliver me from the evil plots of the enemy? No! He is my Helper, my comforter, my teacher and counselor. He will hide me under the shadow of His wings. He is my hiding place. He will shield me from the enemy and his relentless pursuit of destruction.

    The Holy Spirit lives in me to sanctify me, which means to mold and shape me to be more like Christ. This is a daily process, as I repent and believe in the good news…more of Him, less of me.

    I’ve tried the world’s way of believing in myself,  and reading worldly teachings and philosophers, self-help remedies, etc. they always come up short and never offer any real, lasting peace and serenity.

    In many of the Psalms, we see the Psalmists pouring their hearts out to God and pleading for His guidance, protection and deliverance from evil.

    Towards the end of the Lord’s prayer, we pray,

    …and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one!

    So we do well when we place our full trust in Him for protection from the enemy.

  • Shall we continue to do what is right before God?

    Psalms 54:1-7 NLT
    [1] Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. [2] Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.

    [3] For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God.[4]But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! [5] May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.

    [6] I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. [7] For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.54.1-7.NLT

    When a person listens to God, hears His word and His call on their lives, and humbles Himself in faithful obedience, rest assured, the enemy will be on the offensive, attempting to steer him off course and to occupy his mind and his time, with the goal of keeping him from fulfilling his God appointed mission and purpose.

    The more you fight to stay the course and continue to do His will, and what is right before God and man, the more intense the opposition will become. Perhaps, even your own family and close friends and associates will come out against you.

    But rest assured, when you make that choice daily to honor, serve, and glorify the Lord, by doing the job God has set out for you to do and complete, he will be right there with you, leading, guiding and protecting you from the threats and opposition being cast your way by the enemy, the god of this world, Satan.

    That old devil wants nothing more than to keep from focusing on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and succeeding in God’s appointed mission for your life, as you seek to make His name known in your daily service to your fellow man, and ultimately to God.

    Like David in the Psalms, praying and looking to God, first and foremost, you can know that God is for you, and that he will never leave nor forsake you.


    Matthew 5:10-12 NLT
    [10]  God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [11]  “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. [12] Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.10-12.NLT