Living As Light

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  • Is God really a mystery?

    I remember a conversation I once had with a Catholic Monk, years ago when I was a teenager, about the meaning of life and various deep probing questions. He told me about the mysteries of God and life, and then He quoted

    Deuteronomy 29:29

    “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/deu.29.29.NKJV

    He went onto tell me how, yes, God is a mystery, but mysteries were made to be solved.

    I find myself, like many, searching for the deeper meaning of life, and for purpose and significance.

    Then there are the deep questions that cause us to wonder; issues of life, death, and the afterlife.

    Where do we go when we die, and when? Is it an immediate transfer from death to eternal life, or is it later on, when Christ returns?

    What about our loved ones; parents, grandparents, siblings, children, pets? Will they see and interact with us and vice versa?

    What will we do in heaven/eternity? What will we look like?

    What about punishment vs rewards?

    These and many other questions consume and plague our minds and imaginations.

    Many thinkers, philosophers, theologians and scholars have written and spoken much about their personal and/or educated opinions, yet many of these deep, probing questions remain a mystery. The more we learn, the more we inquire and dig for reasonable answers that make sense.

    There’s nothing wrong with continuing to ask such questions and seek the answers that might make sense to us, but we need not cling to such opinions, ideologies, theologies, philosophies, etc.

    As Moses wrote in Deuteronomy, so we would do well to incorporate into our thinking and in our quests for more, deeper, understanding and knowledge.

    When we live our lives in a way that pleases God; which is to seek first, His kingdom, and His righteousness, then we will have everything we need.

    It’s good to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking, because then His wisdom, understanding and knowledge will be open to us; to those who continue to thirst for Him.

    It is equally important and necessary to continue in God’s word, the Bible, so that we can know the truth and experience the living power of God’s word. It is through the scriptures that the Holy Spirit teaches, convicts, counsels and equips us for life in God’s kingdom, which starts in our hearts.

    The longer we continue with God, the more he will open our hearts minds, and souls, to everything he wants us to know. But as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, if I have all knowledge and understanding, but without love, it is meaningless and useless.

    Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT
    [29] “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.29.29.NLT

  • Walk in His light or walk in darkness

    I John 1:5-7 NKJV
    [5] This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/1jn.1.5-7.NKJV

    Walking in his light, means that we’re not walking in darkness. When we walk in the light of His word, we have fellowship with one another. When we have true, Spirit filled and led fellowship (koinonia) with one another, we’re fulfilling his great commandment to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves. This could also be said, “love the Lord your God, by loving your neighbor as yourself.”

    Jesus said, “in this way, the world will know that you mine (that you’ve been with me and live according to my will and my way) if you have fervent love for one another.

    Koinonia (κοινωνία) is a Greek word that refers to concepts such as fellowship, sharing, joint participation, and partnership. In the Bible, it describes the ideal spiritual and practical unity within the Christian community, characterized by shared faith, mutual support, and active participation in God’s work.

    When we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we will walk with others who are walking in His light, others who are following Christ and have been grafted into His body, the Church.

    In this way, we share life together, in all of its facets; the ups and downs, the failures and hardships, and the dark shadows and paths we sometimes find ourselves on.

    The best way to escape the dark paths of life is to step into the light which means to expose your sins by confessing to one another and praying for one another.

    True fellowship with God and one another puts us on the path of righteousness. It’s not a path of religion or merely going to church, it’s a path that we must each walk individually, while at the same time, walking together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. In this way, we are bearing each other’s burden or load and helping one another, as we bring our sin and unrighteousness to light, and expose the dark secrets and step out of those dark corners within our soul and conscience, and walk in the peace of God and unity of the Holy Spirit.

    God did not create us to live alone and keep to ourselves. He created us for koinonia, fellowship with Him and one another, simultaneously.

    When we live in this way, we’re truly living like a body, with Christ as the head, and we the church, as members of one another.

    Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV
    [1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. [2] Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [3] For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. [4] But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. [5] For each one shall bear his own load.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.6.1-5.NKJV

  • What does it mean to write God’s word on your heart?

    We delight in doing God’s commandments. It means that, when we read God’s word, including His commandments, the inclination to do them is engraved or inscribed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

    The living power of His word is activated as we are filled with the Spirit and walking in Him and in His will and purpose for our lives. Our conscience is awakened to His presence and guided by His influence; by His mighty hand and His still small voice.

    God’s word, written on our hearts, like an inner light, illuminates the path  before us. His word is a lamp to our feet and a light upon our path. This is the path of righteousness.

    His word, written on our hearts, gives us the wisdom to faithfully obey His commands, his truths, His precepts and instructions. All of this is provided by the Living God, to help, comfort, teach and counsel those who seek Him and His kingdom and righteousness.


    ‭2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NLT‬
    [2] The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. [3] Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.


    https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.3.2-3.NLT

    ‭Jeremiah 31:31-33 NLT‬
    [31] “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. [32] This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord. [33] “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 

    https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.31.31-33.NLT

    ‭Hebrews 8:6-13 NLT‬
    [6] But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. [7] If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. [8] But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. [9] This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. [10] But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [11] And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. [12] And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” [13] When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.8.6-13.NLT

  • God of this place


    God of the present. wherever I go, You are there! Not just when I go to church, or even to my prayer closet. You are there in the secret space. You are there in every place.

    When I’m lost in the darkness, when I arise in the morning, with the breaking of dawn, you are there. You are the God of this place. You are ever present, everywhere at all times.

    You are the anchor who holds me in place, when my weary soul wants to wander and my flesh wants to seek its own desires, and the enemy wants to lead me astray.

    I can never flee from you or your presence. You are the God of this place, you are the God of me, on the inside and on the outside. 

    You protect me, lead and guide me. 

    Psalms 139:7-12 NKJV
    [7] Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? [8] If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, [10] Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; [12] Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.139.7-12.NKJV

  • Encountering and experiencing the Living power of God’s word

    One thing I’ve learned about reading the Bible is that there’s a certain way that scripture is revealed to each of us, through the Holy Spirit. It’s like a mystery of faith. More like a spiritual journey that we walk through, with the Holy Spirit leading the way. This is why the Bible instructs us to “walk by faith, not by sight” which means that we don’t know where each step of life will take us. We don’t know what will happen five minutes from now. But we look to God to guide and direct our daily lives. (Proverbs 3:5&6)

    God speaks to each of us, individually, through His holy word, the scriptures. He speaks to us in our hearts, deep on the inside of our soul. When we read the Bible this way, we begin to experience the living power of God’s word.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us about that:

    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

    When we read the Bible with this attitude and mindset, we discover that each Bible passage we read and meditate on, unlocks more biblical principle and practice in our lives.

    There’s an old teaching, which I’ve found to be true when attempting to understand and interpret the Bible for our own lives; that is, scripture interprets scripture.

    When we read, study and meditate on scripture, it’s like a key to understanding and knowledge. One scripture unlocks another, and we begin to see ourselves in the pages of Scripture.  When we see ourselves in the middle of God’s word, His Story becomes entwined with our history, and through the pages and narratives of Scripture, the Holy Spirit truly gains a grip on your heart, mind and soul.  That’s when we find ourselves repenting often, even daily, as the Truth of His word penetrates our human will and breaks us of our worldly mindsets and we desire God more and more, and He feeds us and guides us in our spiritual journey, as the good Shepherd, giving us direction and hope.

    John 10:11, 14 NKJV
    [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
    [14] I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.10.11-14.NKJV

    There are certain characters in the Bible that I identify with, and like a mirror, I see a reflection of who I am in Christ, and the will of God and His purpose for my life unfolds, as I look to Him more and more, and He reveals biblical principles and truths to me in a way that speaks to me at the core of my being; my heart.

    This is God, revealing himself to me, letting me know that He lives on the inside of me, in my heart, as I yield to Him as my King of kings, my Lord of lords, and Savior, my God in whom I trust.

    As you read your Bible daily, you will encounter and experience the living power of God’s word, and you will see Him on the inside, as He reveals Himself to you.

  • He will hide me under the shadow of His wings!

    Psalms 57:1-6 NKJV
    [1] Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. [2] I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me. [3] He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah

    God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. [4] My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men Who are set on fire, Whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. [5] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth. [6] They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They have dug a pit before me; Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.57.1-6.NKJV

    I was reading my morning Bible devotions from Psalm 57 and was meditating on what it means to “hide under the shadow of His wings.” The Bible is filled with imagery, which reveals biblical principles and truths about God and how He desires to love, care, protect and provide for His children (you and me)

    The imagery of hiding under the shadow of His wings reminds me of an eagle, or a hen (Matthew 23:37) watching over its young, protecting them from the dangers of enemies, seeking to devour them; from the wolves who are constantly seeking to ravage them, and the roaring lion, seeking to devour their souls.

    Under the shadow of the adult bird’s wings, there is safety, security, protection and guidance. Young birds aren’t always aware of the dangers that lie ahead. They must learn to trust in their parents to teach and protect them.

    This is the picture we see when reading about “hiding under the shadow of His wings” in various Psalms (17:8, 36:7, 57:1-6) and other books of the Bible (Ruth 2:12).

    In this world, we are exposed, every day to the hidden snares and dangerous plots and ploys of the enemy, roaming about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour them. This is why Jesus tells us, “my kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36)

    We cannot depend upon ourselves, our flesh, or this world to protect us from the evils that dwell therein. We must seek His protection. Then God will hide, each of those who seek Him, and His kingdom, and His righteousness, under the shadow of His wings. When the enemy is out and about, he won’t see those who are protected.

    The full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10ff) is what and how the Holy Spirit protects and helps those who seek the shadow of His wings. When we put that armor on, every day, the enemy will not penetrate the safety, help, and protection the Lord provides to His disciples; the children of God.

    Psalms 17:8 NKJV
    [8] Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.17.8.NKJV

    Psalms 36:7 NKJV
    [7] How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.36.7.NKJV

    Ruth 2:12 NKJV
    [12] The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rut.2.12.NKJV



    Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34 NKJV
    [37] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.23.37.NKJV

  • The power of words

    Our words carry weight

    Proverbs 21:23 NKJV
    [23] Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.21.23.NKJV

    We can use our words wisely, with discretion and discernment, or speak idly, which is to talk, just to talk, with no purpose or anything productive or of value.

    Gossip can be a form of idle talk. Such people are often known as busy bodies, meddling in the affairs of others and not minding their own business. 

    God’s word instructs us to use our words with wisdom; godly wisdom. It’s better to use our words carefully instead of carelessly.

    A wise person will refrain from speaking, even biting their tongue as the Holy Spirit convicts and guides, instead of using their words foolishly.

    Often we speak off the top of our heads, out of our feelings and emotions. When someone says something spiteful or evil to, or against us. The natural tendency is to bite back with our own words of retaliation, to get even.

    Jesus tells us in the Gospels that we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak; that is, every word that comes out of our mouths that is meaningless, or spoken with malicious intent. Every time we speak falsely against someone, or tell stories that aren’t true, every word of gossip or slander, even to get even or retaliate against those who have transgressed against us with their tongue and words .

    Jesus instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to practice the golden rule, which is to treat others the way we want to be treated, freely forgiving others for the things they say against us, which are often spoken out of anger or despair, or lack of understanding. Our words, and that of others, can and often are taken out of context .

    Godliness includes pursuing holiness and righteousness, and a part of that is learning when and when not to speak.

    Our words carry consequences; we will reap what we sow, good or bad. We can use our words wisely, watching the door of our mouths, or we can use them foolishly, blurting things out, without any thought as to who they will hurt or effect. But rest assured, every person will give an account to God on judgement day. If we’ve used our words to hurt others or treat them unfairly, God will hold us accountable.

    If, on the other hand, we’ve watched our words, especially when we’ve heard gossip or false witness against our neighbor, and have avoided joining in, even defending others against such idle chatter, or otherwise letting “talebearers” and gossips know what God’s word says about such things.

    Remembering that our words have power can keep us from speaking idly and use our words to glorify God, by lifting others up, strengthening and encouraging them. We can pray for and with others, which is a great way to use our words to bring life instead of death.

    Our words have power! If we would give thought to every word, before they slip off of our tongue, we would avoid unnecessarily offending others. But living that way requires a close knit relationship with the Living God, and allowing the power of His Word to transform us by the renewing of our minds. We need to be intentional about receiving the power of His word, so that we might learn to use our words more wisely.

    Proverbs 18:21 ESV
    [21]  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.21.ESV

    Matthew 12:33-37 NKJV
    [33] “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. [34] Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. [36] But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it on the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.12.33-37.NKJV

    Proverbs 4:23-27 NKJV
    [23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. [24] Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. [26] Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.4.23-27.NKJV

    Proverbs 12:17-19 NKJV
    [17] He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. [18] There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. [19] The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.12.17-19.NKJV

  • The Lord will be our Guide even to death!

    When we look to God daily, for guidance and strength, instead of this world, or even ourselves, He is there; our God forever and ever. He will guide us, even until we die, like a shepherd leads His sheep, the people of His pasture.

    Psalm 48 speaks of God’s mighty hand in Zion, God’s holy city. Jerusalem is protected by the mighty hand of God. This is not only true of Israel, but of every single person who looks to God in times of great distress, and he guides and protects them, and the world around them, and Satan, the god of this world, has no influence on them.

    Those who put their faith and hope in the Lord will come to know Him as their shepherd and they will lack no good thing. They will be healthy; spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

    They will be prosperous; not necessarily in a worldly, material kind of way, but on the inside, at the core of their being, their soul. They will come to know and develop the mind of Christ, and will exercise sound Wisdom, discretion and discernment.  He will be our God, and we shall be His people.

    His unfailing love shall dwell in temples not made with hands, but in the temples of our hearts, as we come to know Him, deeply and intimately, like Abraham, David, the prophets,and the apostles.  Then we will be able to live in the world, while not being friends with it. We will live as citizens of God’s kingdom, which starts in our hearts and spreads to others, as they see Him at work in us, in our daily lives.

    As the salt of the earth and the light of the world, we will season this world with flavor and preserve those who become salted. As they see the good works that God is doing in and through us, our lives will shine brightly, glorifying God in heaven.

    Psalms 48:9-10 NLT
    [9] O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. [10] As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.48.9-10.NLT

    Psalms 48:14 NKJV
    [14] For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.48.14.NKJV

    Psalms 48:14 NLT
    [14] For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.48.14.NLT


    Isaiah 58:11 NKJV
    [11] The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.58.11.NKJV

    Psalms 1:1-3 NLT
    [1] Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. [2] But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. [3] They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.1.1-3.NLT


    Psalm 23:3-4 ESV
    [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.23.3-4.ESV

  • At the sound of a trumpet, the trumpet of God!

    In Scripture, trumpets hold significant symbolism and practical use, often representing divine communication, divine authority, and God’s intervention in human affairs. They are used to announce God’s presence, call people to worship, guide them in battle, and herald both judgment and redemption.

    Examples in Scripture:
    Numbers 10: Details the use of silver trumpets for various purposes, including calling the assembly, directing the camp, and signaling war.


    Joshua 6: The trumpets blown by the priests brought down the walls of Jericho.


    Revelation 8-11: The seven trumpets unleash divine judgments upon the earth.


    1 Corinthians 15:52: The “last trump” signifies the resurrection and the transformation of believers.

    In essence, the trumpet in Scripture serves as a powerful symbol of God’s presence, His communication with humanity, and His ultimate plan of redemption and victory.

    Psalms 47:1-9 NKJV
    [1] Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! [2] For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. [3] He will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet. [4] He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah

    [5] God has gone up with a shout, The Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

    [6] Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! [7] For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. [8] God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. [9] The princes of the people have gathered together, The people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.47.1-9.NKJV

    Matthew 24:29-31 NKJV
    [29] “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [30] Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.24.29-31.NKJV

    I Thessalonians 4:16 NKJV
    [16] For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/1th.4.16.NKJV

    Do you hear the rallying cry of God? The “last trump” symbolizes the second coming of Christ, when He will come with a shout, and the dead in Christ will rise, and those who are alive when He comes shall also be caught up with Him in heaven.

    Are you ready? No man knows the day or the hour, so it is imperative to be prepared, with oil in your lamps (symbolic if the Holy Spirit) and your ears open to the sound of the trumpet (God’s call to battle and to the final hour of victory).

    No amount of money or riches can save you. They can’t earn you a place in God’s kingdom. Jesus Christ has already won the battle for your soul, once and for all times. All that remains is for each of us to step into that eternal inheritance. Those are the ones who hear His voice and will hear the trumpet of God; the last trump right before the return of the Son of God, in power and great glory!

  • Who is the King of your heart?

    2 Samuel ch. 22

    I am reminded of King Saul in the Bible, 2 Samuel chapter 22, and how he became so jealous of David, killed all of the priests so they could no longer bless and anoint David, the God appointed heir to the throne of Israel.

    King Saul became so enraged with jealousy, he even attempted to kill David. All because David continued to grow in favor with both God and man, while the people, the Israelites grew more and more weary of King Saul.

    In all of his efforts to oppose David, he only made it worse for himself, because he failed to honor and serve God. Instead, he became increasingly full of himself, and his ego
    Edged
    God
    Out.

    In the end he failed miserably, and all of his “get David” efforts only proved to lift David up, more and more before God. David’s heart was fully committed to God’s will and authority. Therefore, David succeeded in his service to God and the Israelites,  while Saul failed, continuously and miserably. This narrative serves as a biblical example of successful leadership, and how God Almighty puts kings and presidents and all heads of state and government leadership into place, holds them accountable, and removes them when they fail to serve the people He places in their charge!

    This is also true of all of us as the head of our own internal kingdom, the one that starts in our hearts. Here we must decide, every day, whom we will serve; either ourselves in our own self-centered world, or relinquish the throne of our hearts to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

    When Christ is seated on the throne of our hearts, as He was with David, we will become “servants of the Lord” instead of just serving ourselves and attempting to control our own destiny. In Christ, we have the Holy Spirit, who equips us with the ability to produce fruit in our lives.

    Among this fruit of the Spirit is, self control, which literally means the God given authority and ability the control one’s own life; appetites, emotions and actions. In Christ, we are taking every single thought captive and submitting it to the authority of Christ, the King of our hearts. Instead of being controlled by our hearts, the Holy Spirit develops within each of us, the mind of Christ, and we are enabled to exercise that Spirit led fruit of self-control

    Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
    [22] But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

    https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.22-23.NLT