Living As Light

Category: the Lord is my Shepherd

  • Be still and know that He is God!

    When we exalt the name of Jesus in the midst of our weary lives and hearts, He lifts us up to a place of inner peace and joy; something the world can’t give us. This kind of peace comes when we learn to “be still and know that He is God.”

    If he’s exalted in the earth, among the nations, delivering them from evil, then He will do the same in our lives, daily, as we lift Him up; individually in our own lives, and collectively, when we come together as the body of Christ. We won’t be bogged down by the ordinary struggles and trials of life.

    The same message holds true to us today. When we come together and pray, bear one another’s burdens and lift up the Name of the Lord our God, He will move on our hearts, bringing His grace, healing and deliverance.

    Psalms 46:10 NLT
    [10] “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.46.10.NLT

    Psalms 46:10 NKJV
    [10] Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.46.10.NKJV

    Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV
    [13] And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.

    [14] The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/exo.14.13-14.NKJV

    Isaiah 2:11 NKJV
    [11] The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.2.11.NKJV

    Isaiah 2:17 NKJV
    [17] The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

    https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.2.17.NKJV

    Isaiah 33:10 NKJV
    [10] “Now I will rise,” says the Lord; “Now I will be exalted, Now I will lift Myself up.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.33.10.NKJV

    Isaiah 2:10-17 NKJV
    [10] Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty. [11] The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. [12] For the day of the Lord of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up— And it shall be brought low— [13] Upon all the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up, And upon all the oaks of Bashan; [14] Upon all the high mountains, And upon all the hills that are lifted up; [15] Upon every high tower, And upon every fortified wall; [16] Upon all the ships of Tarshish, And upon all the beautiful sloops. [17] The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

    https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.2.10-17.NKJV

  • The Name above all names

    We do not truly know the Name above all names, for if we did, we would find the kind of faith that moves mountains, heals the sick, raises the dead, etc. We would see the kind of miracles we read about in the book of Acts.

    We don’t need the name of a renowned doctor or specialist, we need the Great Physician, Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals. Medical doctors and personnel may help us when we are sick and suffering from physical pain, but all healing is from God.

    Many may say, “I know the name of Jesus.” But do we truly put our faith and trust in Him?

    Here in the book of Acts, which is the birth of the Church, the body of Christ, the apostles are testifying of the name above all names, Jesus Christ. In his name there is repentance, which brings about healing, forgiveness of sin, redemption, salvation, restoration, etc. in and only in His Name! When we put our complete faith and trust in Him, we will see His full work of salvation within our hearts and lives.

    As they are speaking the name of Jesus and testifying of his mighty works, they are running up against persecution; not from the people they are teaching and ministering to, but from the religious establishment; the leaders in their community; the scribes and Pharisees, the Sanhedrin, the chief priests, etc.

    Is it any different or less confrontational today?

    In various parts of the world we see plenty of persecution, even in the United States, where we have “separation of Church and State.”

    Religion and government cannot coexist without ruffling religious and/or certain governmental factions. Can we really separate God from our government?

    God is not mocked, for in due time, we will reap what we sow. When we, as a society, push God out, WATCH OUT!

    We’re seeing this godless, secular scenario play out every day.

    Acts 4:12 NKJV
    [12] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/act.4.12.NKJV

    Acts 3:16 NKJV
    [16] And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/act.3.16.NKJV

    Isaiah 42:6-8 NLT
    [6] “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. [7] You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons. [8] “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.42.6-8.NLT

    I Timothy 2:5-6 NKJV
    [5] For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

    https://bible.com/bible/114/1ti.2.5-6.NKJV

    John 14:6 NKJV
    [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.14.6.NKJV

  • God is our refuge and strength

    Living As Light: Saturday 7/5/2025

    Take refuge in the Lord daily and the worries of this life will not cling to you.

    Everything that the world seeks after will not consume your thoughts or rob you of your peace and joy when you put your faith in trust in God Almighty through Jesus Christ.

    His Spirit will lead you through each day.

    You won’t be worrying about tomorrow because God will keep you focused on today, nor will you be held back by dwelling on the past.

    With eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that is prepared by the Lord daily, to receive the things of God, your plans and intentions will succeed. He will establish all that you set out to do.

    He will be your protection and your shield from the attacks of the enemy who seels to keep your heart and mind occupied with anxiety, fear, guilt and everything the robs, kills, and destroys the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and guards your heart and mind, in Christ Jesus.

    Psalm 5:1-3 ESV
    [1] Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. [2] Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. [3] O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.5.1-3.ESV

    Psalms 5:11-12 NLT
    [11] But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. [12] For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.5.11-12.NLT

    Matthew 6:34 NKJV
    [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.6.34.NKJV

  • We as Peacemakers

    Wele’re called to be peacemakers.


    Matthew 5:9 NKJV
    [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.9.NKJV


    We, the sons and daughters of God, filled with the Spirit, spread, among many things, His peace, which surpasses all understanding. That peace comes as the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives, and we pass it on as we minister to those whose paths we cross on a daily basis. It starts with living the golden rule, by loving your neighbor as yourself.

    Jesus gives His peace to those who repent and believe, so that we can pass it on.

    The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness , goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22&23)

  • Who is this King of glory? The King of my heart: Psalm 24

    Psalms 24:7-10 NKJV
    [7] Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. [8] Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. [9] Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. [10] Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.24.7-10.NKJV

    I’ve read Psalm 24 many times and it’s such a blessing whenever I do read it and meditate upon it. I often wonder what the “gates and everlasting doors” means.

    When we open up these doors and everlasting gates, the King of glory comes in.

    I’m convinced that the Psalmist is referring to the door and gate of my heart.

    Revelation 3:20, Jesus says,

    Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.3.20.NKJV

    In the great assembly, the Psalmist is appealing to worshippers who gather together for the purpose of worshipping God. The Psalmist, David in this case, is appealing to each individual person/worshipper to open up the door of their heart and let the King of glory come in.

    Then He will truly be your Lord and Savior, strong and mighty in battle. He will be your everlasting strength, your Redeemer, your Rock and your fortress, your stronghold. He will fight your battles from within.

    Trust Him

    Lean into Him

    Immediately proceeding in this Psalm, we’re asked

    Psalms 24:3-6 NKJV
    [3] Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? [4] He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. [5] He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.24.3-6.NKJV

    Those who desire to ascend the hill of the Lord, and stand in His holy place must have clean hands and a pure heart.

    We cannot obtain this status in the flesh, in our own, sinful nature.

    We must repent and believe in the name of the Lord. We must lift up our heads to Him, yielding to Him as we open up the gates and ancient doors of our hearts. That’s when the King of glory comes in and cleans house with conviction, forgiveness of sin and unrighteousness and brings us His peace which surpasses all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds.

    He is the Lord of hosts; heaven’s armies. He will command His armies to protect and watch over you.

    He will hide you from the enemy, in the shadow of His wings.

  • The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord!

    Proverbs 20:27 NKJV
    [27] The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.20.27.NKJV

    1 Corinthians 2:11 ESV
    [11] For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.2.11.ESV

    What separates the animal population from humans is the fact that only man is created in the image of God. All animals, including mankind, have a soul, but only man has a spirit, which is our inner connection to our Creator.

    It is in our spirit that we are able to discern the voice of God and to communicate with Him, one on one, Mano e Mano. Animals aren’t able to do this. They simply survive and react out of instinct. Only man has an inner thought life and a conscience, with the ability and freewill to choose right or wrong, to do good vs evil.

    When God said, “let us make man in our image” He was putting within him that direct line of inner knowledge and communication. When Adam willfully chose to rebel against God and partake of the forbidden fruit, that “lamp of the Lord” became diminished in power and capacity.

    That inner light is the presence of God’s spirit within each of us, and when we choose wrong over right, evil over good, sin over righteousness, that light becomes darker and darker, causing spiritual blindness. When our inner lamp grows dim, we’re more vulnerable to sin and temptation.  We’re open prey for the enemy, whose influence can overtake us when that light of the Lord is weak.

    That’s why we are to walk in the Spirit. We cannot walk in the Spirit if we’re not filled with the Spirit. We cannot be filled with the Spirit while feeding our flesh, with its lusts and desires. We become like flashlights with weak batteries, not able to see our way before us as easily and straightforward. We stumble and get tripped up. We can, more easily, cave into the demands of our flesh.

    When we spend time in the scriptures daily, we’re recharging our spiritual batteries. With the full power of God’s living word (Hebrews 4:12) we are able to walk the right path that leads to life. The narrow gate that leads to life is found in this inner sanctuary; this dwelling place of the triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    Psalms 119:105 NLT
    [105] Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.105.NLT

    God searches and knows me (Psalm 139). He knows my innermost thoughts and intentions. I can recognize His inner presence, surrender, and walk in His light, or walk in darkness, stumbling my way towards self-destruction..

    This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

    The light within me will shine, when I fully surrender to His presence and His will. what I see and take in with my eyes, affects my outlook on life. When God’s presence illuminates my soul and Spirit within me, my whole body will be filled with His light and I will see what is wrong, evil and not of God, and give into His power and authority and allow Him to guide my life and my daily path.

    Matthew 6:22-23 NLT
    [22]  “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. [23] But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.22-23.NLT

  • One commandment with two facets or sides.

    And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
    Matthew 22:35‭-‬40 ESV
    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.22.35-40.ESV

    Thinking about the greatest commandment, I once heard Billy Graham state that it’s really one commandment with two sides or facets, much like a coin with two sides, heads and tails. You can’t have one side without the other, otherwise the coin is worthless

    In the same manner, one can’t claim to love God, while not loving, even hating, his brother/neighbor (1 John 3:10-15)

    So, the Great commandment is one commandment; to love. Love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor (brother) as yourself.

    You can’t truly love God, without loving your neighbor as yourself and nor can you truly love your neighbor as independent of God; not to the depth that God commands and demonstrates in Christ.

  • God’s faithfulness in the midst of rebellion: Psalm 106

    Psalms 106:1-3 NKJV
    [1] Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. [2] Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise? [3] Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times!

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.106.1-3.NKJV

    Reading Psalm 106 in my daily devotions and I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness and everlasting mercy in the midst of Israel’s constant rebellion. Even after all He brought them through by the hand of Moses, who “stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them.” (Psalm 106:23)

    God led them out of captivity in Egypt, even parting the Red Sea so they could safely escape the Egyptians who pursued them, as Moses led them out. The people murmured and complained, even after God delivered them. Oh, they praised God as they passed through the Sea on dry land, and as they reached the other side, as the waves of the Sea came down on the enemy who was pursuing them. But it wasn’t long after this event that they forgot about God and returned to their rebellious, idolatrous ways.

    This is an accurate picture of mankind and our own rebellion against God. We’re happy and full of praise when He moves in our lives, but as soon as the bad times have passed, and His goodness and mercy have shown upon us and delivered us from evil, it’s not long before we return to our fleshly human nature, and rebel against God again and again, choosing our way over His way and turning our back against Him. Until we hit a rough spot again and call upon Him, and He saves us. When will we choose His way (John 14:6) over our own stubborn, rebellious ways!

    We have one better than Moses, who has stood in the breach; that great gap between God and man; Jesus Christ, the Holy and righteous one.

    As the Israelites looked to Moses in the wilderness, so we look to Christ, who is the One Moses was pointing to. Jesus is our Redeemer and Savior. As we look to Him in the midst of our own stubborn rebellion, He rescues us with His own outstretched arms!

    Remember His faithfulness and his everlasting mercy and peace, which He so richly provides.

  • Deep Roots

    Wickedness and righteousness are often contrasted in the scriptures. In the book of Proverbs we see this as a major theme. In fact, the Word of God, being likened to a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) is able to preserve the righteous, while cutting off the wicked.

    Psalms 92:12-13 NKJV
    [12] The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. [13] Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.92.12-13.NKJV

    Palm trees have very deep roots that grow far into the earth, which is why they often remain in the midst of tropical storms and hurricanes. Even the strongest winds won’t bring them down.

    The godly, righteous ones will have these kinds of roots, planted deeply and grounded into the Kingdom of God. Then we will be like David and all of the saints, who are the righteous and godly people who have gone before us and live among us. Then we will be deeply rooted in God’s word and His love. Our love for God and one another will grow and flourish in the earth, leaving a lasting impression for the next generations that follow us.

    As we continue to love God and live the way he desires, we will move further and further away from the paths of wickedness, as we enter the narrow gate that leads to life. The path that leads to destruction, which many people find and walk on, will be far removed from those who seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

    Proverbs 12:3 ESV
    [3] No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.12.3.ESV

    Proverbs 12:3 NLT
    [3] Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.12.3.NLT

    Proverbs 10:25 ESV
    [25] When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.10.25.ESV

    Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV
    [17] that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— [19] to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/eph.3.17-19.NKJV

    Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
    [12] For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.4.12.NKJV

  • Get busy living or get busy dying

    In the movie Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne, played by Timothy Hutton, made this statement: “either get busy living, or get busy dying.”

    What did he mean when he said this?

    We may feel trapped or powerless, and we may be tempted to give up or resign ourselves to our fate. But Andy’s words remind us that we always have a choice. We can either accept our circumstances and let them define us, or we can take action and try to change them. We can get busy living or get busy dying.

    In my deepest thoughts and prayers, I’m reminded of the Psalmist, who often wrote about the themes of life and death along with the human experiences of stress, anxiety, despair, and the sufferings of daily life.

    In our human nature we worry so much about tomorrow and beyond; what we will do, where we will go, wear, eat, etc. Sometimes we feel trapped or powerless by our present circumstances; perhaps, even, dwelling in the past.

    But putting our faith and trust in God and in the living power of His word (Hebrews 4:12) brings us to the throne room of God, where His mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness abounds to those who look to Him. In his mercy, His grace, His peace and His power become ours, as his life flows through living power of His Holy Spirit.

    When I am weak, His strength picks me up and carries me. I was once powerless, but now my strength is renewed like the eagle’s. (Isaiah 40:31)

    Psalm 116:1-9 ESV
    [1] I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. [2] Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. [3]  The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. [4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” [5]  Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. [6] The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. [7] Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. [8] For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; [9] I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.116.1-9.ESV