Psalm 18 is a song, sung by David, when the Lord delivered him from his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
David is self-described as “a servant of the Lord.” A servant yields to his Master. That’s how David sees himself in light of God’s presence within his weary soul.
When the enemies of my soul seek to destroy me, from the inside out, He comes in and rescues me. When I look to the Lord, everything He promises in His word becomes mine, as He swoops in to rescue my soul from anxieties and distress , caused by worry, fear, physical and emotional pains of life; the common, ordinary struggles that plague every human, from time to time.
The common, ordinary stuff of life, takes on a life of its own, or so it seems. Life without God tends to make mountains out of mole hills, so to speak.
When we attempt to tackle the struggles and storms of life on our own, we become worn out, broken down and zapped of strength and vigor, and our faith takes a hit. When we retreat to our prayer closet, we find:
Our Strength, our Rock and Fortress, our Deliverer.
Then the Lord steps in. We are reminded that He is there. He becomes our strength to lift us up, our shield of faith to help us in our unbelief, in the midst of the unbearable. He becomes our horn of salvation, declaring to every enemy that has set themselves against us, that we (you) belong to Him. He is our Savior and Deliverer. We belong to Him.
As we come to trust in Him once again, he becomes our stronghold, that fortress,that place of safety, and in His strength, he enables us to rise above these attacks from the enemy, seeking to kill, steel and destroy everything God is doing and building within.
Satan can’t attack us on the inside, in the depths of our soul. But he can use the common, every day struggles, storms and trials of life to upend us. Our feelings and emotions can play with our hearts and attempt to invade our head space. When we give into our negative thoughts and emotions and give them space in our heads, that’s when that tricky deceiver , the devil, gets the upper hand in our personal lives. He uses this world around us on the outside, to influence us on the inside, and to hide or darken the Kingdom of God within each of us, at the core of our being.
When the Father, Son and Holy Spirit…the triune God, are given authority by you, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, chases those wolves and predators away. Jesus, our Savior and Deliverer, sets us free. They have no authority in you or over you, and His truth sets you free, and you can see the path before you, as His light is burning bright within your soul again. That’s the Holy Spirit; the light burning bright within you. Yield to His presence and surrender your heart, mind, soul and strength to Him. Jesus will life you up!
Psalms 18:1-17 NKJV
[1] I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
[2] The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
[3] I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.
[4] The pangs of death surrounded me, And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. [5] The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. [6] In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. [7] Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken, Because He was angry. [8] Smoke went up from His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it. [9] He bowed the heavens also, and came down With darkness under His feet. [10] And He rode upon a cherub, and flew; He flew upon the wings of the wind. [11] He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters And thick clouds of the skies. [12] From the brightness before Him, His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire. [13] The Lord thundered from heaven, And the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire. [14] He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them. [15] Then the channels of the sea were seen, The foundations of the world were uncovered At Your rebuke, O Lord, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils. [16] He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. [17] He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me.
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.18.1-17.NKJV
Category: Uncategorized
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When I am weak, the Lord is my strength and I become strong in Him
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Reflections on Psalm 139: the reality of how well my Creator knows me!
Psalms 139:1-6 NLT
[1] O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.139.1-6.NLTHe knows me completely, from the inside out. He understands everything about me, because He is my Creator and my God and I can always count on him to lead and guide my path and my life.
I know He is my God and my Shepherd, because no matter how far I stray, no matter how deeply I wander into darkness, His light shines bright enough for me to know he’s always there. And this is the best thing ever, because He won’t just give up on me or abandon me. He will never leave nor forsake me. He’s never too far away. Like the perfect Father that he is, he gives me the freedom to make choices in my life; to choose for myself which way I will go; the path I will take. And when I’ve gone in the wrong direction and ended up in a bad place, he’s there, with outstretched arms, ready to lead me home.I can identify with the Psalmist completely. David was known to be a man seeking the heart of God; searching and probing his own soul and being deeply and utterly humbled before a Holy God. He finds himself naked and exposed before God. Nothing is hidden from the Almighty! We can try and hide like Adam did in the garden of Eden, when he sinned and became ashamed and filled with guilt and fear.
When we come to the full realization that we can never flee from his presence, no matter how hard we may try, it’s comforting and reassuring to know that He desires to lead us, like a shepherd leads his flock, and that he knows me by name. This is an intimate connection of the deepest and most freeing kind.
There is freedom, forgiveness, and salvation in His name (Acts 4:12)
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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.NLTPsalms 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.NKJVExodus 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.NKJVIsaiah 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.NKJVIsaiah 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.NKJVIsaiah 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.NKJVIsaiah 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 -
How will you use your words today?
Our mouth, tongue, and lips; all are used to form our thoughts and express them into words, which can be used wisely to build others up and encourage them, or wickedly, to tear others down.
How we use our words is a reflection of who has rule over us, including our tongue. When the Spirit of God is dwelling within one’s heart, our thoughts will come under His scrutiny and guidance.
When God is in control, the fruit of the Spirit will give us the proper perspective and attitude; especially when it comes to loving and serving others. If we truly love our neighbor as ourselves, then we will live by the golden rule; treating others as we would like to be treated. We won’t be gossiping or spreading rumors and lies. We won’t bear false witness against our neighbor.
How many of us can say we like it when others do this to us?
How will you use your words today?
Proverbs 10:19-21 NKJV
[19] In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. [20] The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. [21] The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.10.19-21.NKJVProverbs 10:31-32 NKJV
[31] The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out. [32] The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.10.31-32.NKJVProverbs 12:18 NKJV
[18] There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.18.21.NKJVJames 3:3-10 NKJV
[3] Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. [4] Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. [5] Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. [8] But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. [10] Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.3.3-10.NKJV -
He will never leave you nor forsake you
Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV
[5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”[6] So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.13.5-6.NKJVPsalms 9:10 NKJV
[10] And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.9.10.NKJVTrusting in the name above all names requires walking by faith, not by sight.
When we are experiencing hard times and walking through dark places, it is our faith that leads the way, as we boldly place our trust in a God we cannot see with our eyes. But when we step out in faith, trusting in His holy name, we will see Him with the eyes of our heart. We will hear His still, small voice, as He speaks to us from within, through the Holy Spirit.
When fear, worry and anxiety press in all around us, like an enemy coming at us from every side, we can trust in Him to deliver us. He is our constant and present help in the midst of trouble and the darkest of places. The enemy is no match for Jesus Christ, the Name above all names.
Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV
[9] Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
https://bible.com/bible/114/php.2.9-11.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.NKJVActs 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.NKJVIsaiah 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.
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Beware of your “accuser”
Revelation 12:10 ESV
[10] And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
https://bible.com/bible/59/rev.12.10.ESVBeware of the “accuser” lurking about (Revelation 12:10)
In the Bible, Satan is often portrayed as “the accuser,” particularly of believers before God. This role is highlighted in passages like Revelation 12:10, where he is described as the one who “accuses them day and night before our God”. Satan’s accusations aim to undermine faith, sow doubt, and separate believers from God’s grace and forgiveness.Be aware that Satan, our chief adversary, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Therefore, be conscientious of what others see; especially on social media which can be seen by many, even if your settings are “private.” The enemy loves to accuse and expose those who belong to Christ and err in judgement, allowing their flesh to get the best of them. Many Christians will let their guard down and post pics, selfies, wicked, cruel and evil comments; dark humor can lead in that direction.
When darkness comes into the light, it gets exposed by the truth of God’s word.
Don’t give the enemy fuel for the fire, so to speak. Don’t give Satan an opportunity to accuse you before the True and Living God
Until Christ returns, and the sccuser is thrown down and destroyed, the enemy and accuser of the brethren still roams about seeking to devour the souls of believers.
Don’t let him do it. Repent and believe in the good news of our risen Savior, Christ the Lord!
1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.5.22.KJVI Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV
[22] Abstain from every form of evil.
https://bible.com/bible/114/1th.5.22.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.ESVPsalms 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.NLTMatthew 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 -
True wisdom comes from God and serves others first!
Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV
[7] Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. [8] It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.3.7-8.ESVColossians 4:5-6 ESV
[5] Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.4.5-6.ESVWhen Solomon prayed for wisdom it was to govern the people (Israelites) fairly and justly.
True wisdom comes from God. It’s purpose, like Solomon, is to guide us with wisdom and discretion, prudence and integrity, as we encounter other people on a daily basis. Godly wisdom gives us patience and understanding.
Godly wisdom gives us a sense of humility in the presence of God and other people, and gives us a proper perspective of our own self worth and keeps us from evil by opening the eyes of our heart, so that we can see God first in everything.
True godly wisdom listens more than it speaks, helping us to hold our tongue and hear people out, and to not assume when a person’s words are not clear, or may be spoken out of anger or other negative feelings and emotions. In wisdom we won’t rush to judgement, but learn to truly listen to others, with godly wisdom.
Through godly wisdom, He gives us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that are prepared to receive His wisdom, through His word and His Spirit
True, godly wisdom helps us to be
James 1:19 ESV
…quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.19.ESVHow we use our words is a true testimony to godly wisdom. We’re told in Colossians to use our words graciously, “seasoned with salt.” Jesus referred to His disciples as “salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:13 ESV
[13] “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.13.ESVWhen we learn to use our words wisely, like seasoning salt, we’ll add flavor to the lives of others and help to preserve them as God sprinkles His wisdom and grace on them, through us, as we serve them and minister to them out of love.
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Light Bearing Witnesses: John 1:6-9
John 1:6-9 NKJV
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Malachi 3:1 NKJV
[1] “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.
https://bible.com/bible/114/mal.3.1.NKJV
John the Baptist prepares the way
Matthew 3:1-17
Mark 1:1-11
Luke 3:1-22
John the Baptist bears witness
[7] This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
John 3:25-36
John the Baptist bears witness of the one True Light
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Jesus is the Light of the world
John 1:9
That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
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
Our part as followers and disciples of Jesus Christ is to bear witness of Christ, the Light of the world. Filled with His light, we become the light of the world, like a city set on a hill, that cannot be hidden.Like John the Baptist, we are not that light. We are the bearers of His light, the light of the triune God. The light of God, through the Holy Spirit, living in and shining through us; that is, those who believe in His name and walk in His light and in His love, are filled with the Spirit of God and others will see His good works through us who walk in this True Light that gives light to everyone coming into this world.
When His light shines in and through us, the fruit of the Spirit will be evidence of His presence in us who believe in the power of His name and walk in the truth of His word and the light of His love. We will live our lives in such a way, that others will be drawn to God, illuminating the way to His kingdom.
The road to His kingdom starts in our hearts. When others see His light in us, the path of life and righteousness is exposed, as we love God and our neighbors as ourselves.
The way our light shines reflects His life in and through us.
Do other people see Christ and His kingdom the you?
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
[14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.14-16.NKJV
Living As Light 