Living As Light

Category: Uncategorized

  • He is your Helper and your Shield!

    God’s word is His promise.

    His word is pure

    His word is true

    He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him

    We are His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his very own possession

    Proverbs 30:5 NKJV
    [5] Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.5.NKJV

    Psalms 12:6 NLT
    [6] The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.
    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.12.6.NLT

    Psalms 19:8 NLT
    [8] The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.19.8.NLT

    Psalms 119:40 NLT
    [40] I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.40.NLT

    Psalms 18:30 NLT
    [30] God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.18.30.NLT

    Psalms 84:11 NLT
    [11] For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.84.11.NLT

    Psalms 115:9-11 NLT
    [9] O Israel, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. [10] O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. [11] All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.115.9-11.NLT

    O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! (Ps.115:10)

    1 Peter 2:9 NLT
    [9] But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.9.NLT

    Proverbs 30:5 ESV
    [5]  Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.30.5.ESV

    Proverbs 30:5 NLT
    [5] Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.30.5.NLT

  • Like a weaned child is my soul within me: Psalm 131

    Psalms 131:1-3 NKJV
    [1] Lord, my heart is not haughty (proud) , Nor my eyes lofty (arrogant). Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.[2] Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. [3] O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.131.1-3.NKJV

    The psalmist has learned the true meaning of humility and what happens in the heart of those who turn to God in humility and total surrender.

    The phrase “like a weaned child is my soul within me“

    A weaned child is one who no longer relies on its mother’s milk to sustain him. The child is ready and mature enough to eat and drink for himself. He’s ready to feed on the solid food of God’s word.

    Some suggest that this means the age of accountability, while it’s also symbolic of how we, as adults, must become like children; innocent and trusting, impressionable and teachable. Little children accept things more simply, without a lot of questions or scepticism. Little children don’t concern themselves with grand ideas or lofty opinions or sayings; philosophies and ideologies. It’s only as we age and mature that we begin to concern ourselves with great and profound matters.  Yet the Kingdom of God is received as we become like little children; humbled, calm and quiet within.

    A weaned child still needs guidance, discipline, correction and protection from its parents. As a child looks to its parents with love, trust and obedience, so we must look to God, in humility and become poor in spirit.

    Jesus spoke of this concept of becoming like little children .

    Matthew 18:3 NLT
    [3] Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.3.NLT

    “Turn from your sins (converted, repentant) and become like little children.“

    1 Corinthians 14:20 NLT
    [20] Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.14.20.NLT


    Psalms 138:6 NLT
    [6] Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.138.6.NLT

    Isaiah 57:15 NLT
    [15] The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.

    And so, the Kingdom of heaven comes to those who become like little children; weaned from their mother, ready to be fed by God in humility and simplicity

  • Redemption and Forgiveness

    to those who trust in the Lord:

    We cannot hide anything from God. He sees everything; the good and the bad that we do, even our sinful thoughts are known by Him. We cannot pull the wool over the eyes of God. He will hold us accountable. He will judge our sins. But He offers mercy and forgiveness for those who repent and believe in Him.  It is a good thing that he is slow to anger and abundant in mercy.

    When we turn to Him in our guilty status, He looks on us with compassion, like sheep having no shepherd, harassed and helpless, and He is moved with compassion. Then He will come to us with discipline, correction and guidance (Proverbs 3:11-12). When we look to Him, trusting Him with all of our heart and acknowledge Him in all of our ways, He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    Then we are enabled by His grace to walk in the freedom and forgiveness that only he provides. Then we won’t be anxious and filled with worry, doubt and fear.

    Let the redeemed of the Lord testify of His goodness and mercy.

    Psalm 130:3-4 ESV
    [3] If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? [4] But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.130.3-4.ESV

    Nahum 1:6-7 NLT
    [6] Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence. [7] The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.

    Malachi 3:2 NLT
    [2] “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.

    Psalms 143:1-2 NLT
    [1] Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. [2] Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you.

    Psalms 86:5, 15 NLT
    [5] O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
    [15] But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

    Psalm 130:7-8 ESV
    [7] O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. [8] And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.130.7-8.ESV

    Ephesians 6:13 NLT
    [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

  • Chasing Euphoria

    Jehovah Jireh, our God provides!

    Euphoria is a state of intense happiness, well-being and contentment.

    We’re always looking for this pinnacle of the human experience, which the world will tell us is found in our endeavors, material gains and achievements.

    But where does true happiness and contentment come from?

    1 Timothy 6:3-8 NLT
    [3] Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. [4] Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. [5] These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. [6] Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. [7] After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. [8] So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.6.3-8.NLT

    The feelings of happiness, joy and peace that come from material wealth and gain are temporary. Trophies, awards, milestones, etc, are short lived and temporary at best. But true contentment that lasts forever, into eternity comes by knowing that all we have in this life comes from the hand of God. God is our provider. He supplies all our need.

    Jehovah Jireh, our God provides

    Philippians 4:19 NLT
    [19] And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.19.NLT our need.

  • Set your hearts to Zion!

    The road to Zion is in my heart

    Psalm 65:1-4 ESV
    [1] Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. [2] O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. [3] When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. [4]  Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.65.1-4.ESV

    Zion:
    In the Bible, “Zion” primarily refers to Jerusalem, the city of David, and the Land of Israel, but also symbolizes the dwelling place of God and the spiritual heart of Israel, a place of divine presence and refuge.

    Symbolic Meaning:
    Zion became a powerful symbol representing God’s presence, His covenant with Israel, and the hope for a future kingdom of peace and justice. Zion is also seen as a place of refuge and protection, where God’s people can find safety and solace; the place where the glory of God dwells.

    In Christ, Zion is in our hearts, as we turn to Him, repent and believe in His holy name. The road to Zion is in your heart. The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of those who have received Christ and have accepted His atoning sacrifice for their sins; for the sins of the world (John 3:16)

    1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
    [19] Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, [20] for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.6.19-20.NLT

    Zion is the place we must turn to for God’s grace and mercy, to cleanse us of our sins, as we confess our sins daily. He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)

    The road to Zion is in your heart. When Christ is seated on the throne of your heart, as King and Lord of your life, God will draw near to you as you draw near to Him. He has already provided atonement for our sins. But we must choose to walk in that once for all time, eternal sacrifice; the only remedy for the sin of the world, and for each one of us as we receive it by grace through faith.


    Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
    [8] God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.8-9.NLT

    If your heart’s desire is to live freely, without the heavy burden of sin weighing you down, look to Zion. Set your heart towards Zion. The road to Zion is in your heart!

    It’s not about religion, but all about the great romance between God and His creation. The prayers of the Psalmists are evidence of where Zion truly exists. This is about the True road to Zion, God’s holy place, where His glory dwells; in the hearts of men!

  • Jehovah Ezer (God our Help)

    The phrase “Jehovah Ezer,” meaning “Jehovah our help,” is a powerful expression of God’s role as our source of strength, comfort and support. He is our Helper and Comforter; the ever-present present help in times of great trouble, distress, temptation and trials.

    Jesus told His disciples that he would not leave them alone and helpless, but would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to teach, help, counsel and comfort them (and us today) Through the Holy Spirit, he is always with us.

    Psalms 44:26 NLT
    [26] Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.44.26.NLT

    Hebrews 13:6 NLT
    [6] So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.13.6.NLT

    Romans 8:26-27 NLT
    [26] And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.26-27.NLT

    Psalms 27:1 NLT
    [1] The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.27.1.NLT

    Psalms 56:4 NLT
    [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?

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.56.4.NLT

    The Holy Spirit is our Helper

    John 14:26 NLT
    [26] But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.26.NLT

    John 15:26 NLT
    [26]  “But I will send you the Advocate —the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.26.NLT

  • Diligence and hard work vs laziness and a slack hand

    Why do some people seem have more and more, while others can never seem to get ahead? Biblically it’s all about wise stewardship, which is a spiritual discipline.

    We reap what we sow. Diligence and hard work leads to prosperity, while slothfulness and a slack hand lead to poverty.

    Jealousy and anger often stem from looking at the prosperity of those who are diligently faithful with what they are given in life; good stewards.

    Instead of being diligent, they begin to covet what the prosperous have. Instead of developing better work habits and learning the principles of stewardship, they’ll become sinful in their desire to have what their neighbor has gained; financially, materially, etc

    Proverbs 29:10 NKJV
    [10] The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.29.10.NKJV

    Genesis 4:5-8 NLT
    [5] but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. [6] “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? [7] You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” [8] One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.4.5-8.NLT

    I John 3:11-12 NKJV
    [11] For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, [12] not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/1jn.3.11-12.NKJV

    Why was Cain’s gift not accepted, but Abel’s was?
    Abel gave the first and best of his flocks to God as an offering.

    Cain gave from his crops,but it wasn’t the first or best from his produce. Basically he gave what was left after the harvest; the inferior; after he had picked out the best for his own cash crop.

    Numbers 18:12-13 NLT
    [12] “I also give you the harvest gifts brought by the people as offerings to the Lord—the best of the olive oil, new wine, and grain. [13] All the first crops of their land that the people present to the Lord belong to you. Any member of your family who is ceremonially clean may eat this food.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/num.18.12-13.NLT

    Bloodthirsty:adjective. blood·thirsty ˈbləd-ˌthər-stē :
    barbaric, cruel, inhuman, sanguinary, savage, slaughterous.

    There was a bit of jealousy causing Cain to become angry towards his brother. Abel’s gift was received and accepted because it was done from the heart of a servant. A servant is one who says in his heart “whatever the Lord requires, that I will do” without question or hesitation.

    Cain gave his second best. He wasn’t focused on serving God, but himself.

    The parable of the lazy servant comes to mind here:

    Matthew 25:14-30

    In this parable, everyone was given a “talent” or money to invest and do their very best with. They all did so, gaining interest with what they were given, except the one who hid what he was given in the ground, instead of investing what he was given. This is stewardship 101. God wants our very best. We reap what we sow. Lazy people have nothing to offer anyone. They rarely have even enough for their own consumption and use. Diligence leads to prosperity while laziness leads one to poverty; to be lacking and in want.

    I’m thinking that Cain’s jealousy may have been motivated by the fact that Abel gave his first and best of his livestock as an offering, instead of offering it to him.

    Cain became “bloodthirsty” out of jealousy, anger and rage; the first motive for murder. How often does this still play out in our day?

    The lazy and slothful become jealous of the diligent, hard workers.

    Proverbs 10:4-6 NKJV
    [4] He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. [5] He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. [6] Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.10.4-6.NKJV

    Proverbs 13:4 ESV
    [4]  The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.13.4.ESV

    Proverbs 12:24 NKJV
    [24] The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.12.24.NKJV






  • The Lord is my Strength and my Shield

    Lift up your shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16)

    Psalms 28:7

    The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

    Read Psalms 28
    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.28.1-9.NKJV

    When going into battle, a soldier would carry a shield in order to protect him from the arrows the enemy would shoot at him. Along with the rest of his armor, his body would be protected.

    When we lift up our shield of faith, we’re arming ourselves with Truth for battle for our heart, mind, soul and strength. We will have the faith necessary to ward off Satan’s attacks with his “fiery darts.”

    “Fiery darts” provides an image or word picture to describe the attempts of the enemy to destroy our faith with worldly teachings, philosophies and ideologies and the “wisdom” of the world. Satan wants you to make friends with this world.

    The goal of the enemy is to occupy your mind with so much stuff and push the Truth of God’s word and the  reality of God’s presence to the bottom of the barrel, out of our heart and mind so that our feelings and emotions are running the show on the inside of us. When those fiery darts penetrate, they will effect your heart and mind, which is why you must don and wear the full armor of God, including the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, daily. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

    The Lord is and will be your strength and your shield, protecting your heart, mind and soul. Worship him in Spirit and in Truth. Love Him with all of your heart, mind soul and strength. Then you will be equipped for every good work. Able to withstand the enemy’s assaults, because the power and strength of Almighty God will be in you and working through you.

  • Better the devil you know!

    1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
    [8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. [9] Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.8-9.NLT

    Be aware, alert, sober and vigilant, for your enemy, the devil, roams about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour your soul.

    The best defense against an enemy is to be prepared and armed against their attacks. Knowledge is power. Know your enemy. Study him like your life depends on it… because it does!

    We all know our physical bodies will not live forever. You could say we’re born to die, but the other side of looking at that is, we’re born to live beyond these bodies of flesh and blood. These earthly tents come with an expiration date.

    Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
    [11] Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/ecc.3.11.NLT

    When we leave these bodies behind, we’ll enter eternity in one place or the other. It’s all in God’s time, which is the realm of eternity. Eternal life in the presence of God, or eternal death, forever separated from our Creator, banished into darkness, away from Him and everyone who has gone before us.

    Know the enemy who wars against your soul

    Know yourself on the inside, where the enemy’s true target exists. He can’t inhabit your soul on the inside, so his attacks come from the outside, like fiery darts aimed at your heart. So put on the full armor of God; the shield of faith to quench those darts aimed for mayhem and destruction, through guilt, shame, fear, and anxiety.

    Also put on the helmet of salvation. Protect your head space from enemy forces looking to rob you of inner peace, joy and happiness.

    Without the armor of God, your heart is open to every thought, emotion and idea that seems good on the surface, but is really aimed at confusing and compromising you, causing chaos, disorder, dwelling on the past and dragging you down to the pit of destruction. The many voices that compete for space on your head will not stand a chance of penetrating your heart, mind, soul and strength. The breastplate of righteousness will protect your heart, which is the birthplace of deception, worldly ideas and false religion (piety). Here is where the enemy gains victory, little by little. Before you know it, he’s gained a foothold into your soul. But there’s a new Sheriff in this town of your soul, your inner man. SO KICK HIM OUT with the belt of truth girded about your waste, protecting your loins (your manhood) from thoughts that can lead you to sexual immorality of all sorts.

    Ephesians 6:11-18 NLT
    [11] Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.11-18.NLT

  • Fight or flight: Psalms 11

    We need not fear the times we live in, when law and order have pretty much been destroyed and righteousness and justice are very rare; especially in our government, but more importantly in the individual lives of people who have lost hope and vision for a better life and future, for themselves and for the generations to follow.

    Our response to such times is one of either fight or flight. We need not “fly like a bird to the mountains for safety” when the enemies of God shoot their fiery darts at our hearts in an effort to cause chaos, strife, disorder and confusion, bringing about anxiety, fear,  and a lack of hope and faith.

    It’s so easy to take our eyes off of the cross and the victory we have in Christ. We have victory over the many voices that attempt to rob us of our inheritance in Christ, as children of God. When we look at the world around us and how no one seems to care about God’s kingdom, which is built on love; love for God and our neighbors.

    All the while the world around us decays and corrodes as the scales of justice, compassion and mercy are being tipped more and more towards unrighteousness and wickedness.

    In the midst of all of this we, as believers and citizens of God’s Kingdom, shine forth with His light; the Light of the world living in and through us, and the fruit of our works bearing witness of His Spirit dwelling within each of us as we walk with Him daily.

    When others see that we choose to stand firm and fight in the Spirit, armed with the full armor of God and strengthened by His inner peace and joy, they too will be encouraged to stand firm and let God renew their strength like the eagles, so that they may “run and not grow weary, and walk without fainting” (Isaiah 40:31)

    Psalms 11:1-7 NLT
    [1] I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! [2] The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. [3] The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” [4] But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. [5] The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. [6] He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. [7] For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.11.1-7.NLT