Living As Light

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  • Romans chapter 1: The way we were

    Romans 1:31 ESV

    [31] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

    Romans 1:31 NKJV
    [31] undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.31.NKJV

    Romans 1:31 NLT
    [31] They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.1.31.NLT

    Paul describes the character and nature of all of us who walk according to the flesh; the way we were before we came to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

    The book of Romans is sometimes referred to as the Gospel according to Paul, or the Gospel of Grace.

    Paul’s argument starts with the way we were, and are, without Christ; deeply depraved.

    Romans chapter 1 says that we are without excuse, because what may be known of God is manifest/made known to them (1:19-23) because God has revealed Himself to them. The imprint of our Creator has been stamped upon our hearts and minds. On the inside, at the center of our being, we instinctively know who he is and that he’s present within us. But our inherited sinful nature has edged God out = ego.

    Although we knew Him, we didn’t recognize or honor Him. As time went on and we reached the age of accountability, our hearts became darkened, and as ego took over, our proud and boastful hearts pushed him away, and we became

    Foolish

    Faithless

    Heartless

    Ruthless

    Or as the nkjv renders it

    Romans 1:31 NKJV
    .undiscerning,

    .untrustworthy,

    .unloving,

    .unforgiving,

    .unmerciful;

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.31.NKJV

    The way we were as unbelievers!

    But Romans is the Gospel of Grace

    There, but for the grace of God, go I

    Romans chapter 1 presents the downward spiral of our human depravity. Deeper into darkness and towards destruction we go, as EGO takes over and Edges God Out. Yet He’s not far from any one of us. That clever devil, the enemy and great deceiver and accuser, wants you to believe you’re too far gone, that there is no way God will forgive you or set you free.

    But remember, Romans is the Gospel of Grace, and as Paul wrote to the Ephesians

    Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
    [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/eph.2.8-9.NKJV

  • Restore us O Lord

    Repent and believe in the Lord.

    Psalms 80:19 NKJV
    [19] Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.80.19.NKJV

    Repentance leads to restoration and brings His peace upon and within us, in our hearts.

    When we stray from the Lord, we’re abandoning His peace, which surpasses our understanding, which guards our hearts and minds.

    Often our flesh gets the best of us with its lustful desires and demands. The lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life consume our thoughts, and our feelings and emotions take over and control the outcome.

    As Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, so we are tempted regularly. In such times our best defense is the word of God, just as it was for Jesus. When He was tempted by the devil, he did not argue or reason with the enemy, He went right to the scriptures, “it is written ..” Satan is bound by the word of God. He can twist it and decieve us, but he cannot go beyond the authority and living power of God’s word (Hebrews 4:12).

    So we will do well to abide in God’s word, so that His word abides in us. Storing up His word in our hearts, may very well keep us from committing sin.

    However, when we do give into temptation and commit sin, forgiveness and restoration are only a prayer away

    Often the enemy will deceive us into believing we’re so bad, too bad even for God to forgive. But his mercies are new every morning, and great is His faithfulness toward us.

    Repentance is a lifelong journey into the heart and grace of God. David and other Psalmists recorded their many prayers in the book of Psalms as a testimony and reminder to us all, that God’s anger does not last, and when we do , eventually, turn to Him in faith, confessing our sins before Him He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)

    Psalms 60:1 NKJV
    [1] O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again!

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.60.1.NKJV

    Psalms 85:4 NKJV
    [4] Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.85.4.NKJV

    Lamentations 5:21 NKJV
    [21] Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old,

    https://bible.com/bible/114/lam.5.21.NKJV

  • Immanuel: God with us

    Matthew 28:20 ESV
    [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.28.20.ESV

    Matthew 1:23 ESV
    [23]  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.1.23.ESV

    Matthew 18:20 ESV
    [20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

    https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.18.20.ESV

    John 12:26 ESV
    [26] If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.12.26.ESV

    John 14:3 ESV
    [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.14.3.ESV

    John 17:24 ESV
    [24] Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.17.24.ESV

    Acts 18:10 ESV
    [10] for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

    https://bible.com/bible/59/act.18.10.ESV


    God is always with us. We are always with Him. He is ever-present. Immanuel, God with us.

    Mary was told by the angel, his name shall be called Immanuel, which means, God with us

    Galatians 4:4&5

    To be with him, where He is, we must serve Him and follow Him. The Holy Spirit is our proof that we are His. Through the Holy Spirit, God lives and breathes in us, that is, every person who repents and believes in Christ as Lord and Savior.

    Those who belong to Christ will always be with him, and He with them. This is eternal life. God is with us always, even to the end of the age. He will never leave nor forsake you..

    Observing His commandments is also proof that Immanuel is with us, and we with Him.

    When we gather together for teaching, fellowship, prayer and the breaking of bread, He is there in our midst.

    As Jesus told His disciples,so he tells us even to this very day, “behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

  • We’re more than flesh and bones!

    What is my “flesh”?

    It’s more than the skin and bones that make up my human body.

    It’s more than the bodily systems and  functions that sustain my physical life.

    It’s more than the five senses that take in life as we know and experience it.

    It’s more than my feelings and emotions.

    It’s more than the span of time I’m alloted to live on this earth.

    My flesh is connected to my human nature, which contains all of the above in a physical, visual sense, but it goes much deeper than that. Even the animal population has all of that.

    What sets us apart from the animal population? It was when God said, “let us make man in our own image” that man became different than all of creation, that is everything on the earth or beneath the earth’s surface, in the waters. Animals, birds of the air, fish of the lakes, streams, rivers and seas, etc.

    Something else that sets mankind apart from animals is the existence of conscience; the knowledge of good and evil.

    We have flesh and bones like the animal population, along with feelings and emotions, to some degree, but animals don’t have a conscience, or the ability to imagine, create, build, write, etc.

    My flesh comprises my earthly tent of flesh and bones, along with my conscience, my will and intellect, my feelings and emotions, and my human nature.

    Animals have their nature, while humans have their nature. Animals react out of their nature. They don’t think about living and breathing, or hunting for food, or building their habitats. They just do what they were created to do.

    If that’s all mankind was made for, we would be no different than the beasts of the field or forest. But God said,

    Genesis 1:26-28 NKJV
    [26] Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [27] So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [28] Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

    https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.1.26-28.NKJV

    So we see from the beginning, man was created with a different purpose than the animals who roam the earth, fly in the skies, or swim in the waters. Man was given dominion over all of the earth; that is, everything that is on the earth.

    So we see that only mankind has the Spirit of God living in them.

    Even though that living spirit was separated from man because of Adam’s sinful rebellion, it was restored through Christ (Romans ch.5).

    There’s my flesh, which is my body ; my physical being

    There’s my human nature, with its thoughts and emotions; conscience, my heart; not the physical organ that pumps in my chest and sustains my physical life, but the seat of my emotions.

    Then there’s my intellect; my mind and the seat of my will; the place where decisions are made. The battle of emotions vs will are fought here, where thoughts can either control me through my emotions (heart) or my will takes over, guided by the Holy Spirit, with wisdom, power, authority and strength, and I’m able to, not only know right from wrong, but to choose the right way that leads to life, over the wrong way, which leads to darkness and destruction.

    This is what it means to worship God in spirit and in truth, and to love Him with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength.

    Only man can choose which way to go. Animals simply react out of instinct, as they were created. God has created us with eternity in our hearts, yet without the ability to know our end of the number of days we will live.

    Our existence as humans goes beyond our flesh and beneath the surface, into the realm of God and eternity and the deepest meaning and purpose of our lives. We were created for so much more than life in the flesh, for the number of years that mark our existence in time and space. There’s an afterlife that begins in our hearts, while we are living in these bags of bones and organs.

    Amen?

  • Hope breeds patience

    Psalms 130:5-6 NKJV
    [5] I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. [6] My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning— Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.130.5-6.NKJV

    Psalm 40:1 ESV
    [1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

    Romans 5:3-4 ESV
    [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

    https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.5.3-4.ESV

    One of the hardest things to learn in life is to have patience in the midst of great challenges and storms. When the problems and uncertainties of life become overwhelming, leaving us with fear, anxiety and stress, it can seem like the answers are far away, out of reach, while we remain entrenched in our circumstances.

    It’s times like these that bring us to our knees in search of peace and comfort, and relief from these enemies that invade our soul, robbing us of our peace, killing our joy and happiness and destroying our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. During such times it can seem like God is far away. But He’s only a prayer away.

    As the Psalmist learned, through many toils and troubles, so let that be our prescription for today: HOPE IN THE LORD!

    I wait for you Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. (Psalm 130:5)

    God has something to say to me in my suffering. I will wait upon Him to renew my strength, and I will mount up on eagle’s wings. Then I will run and not grow weary. I will walk and not grow faint (Isaiah 40:31).

  • How will your light shine brightly if it’s dimmed by sin?

    Matthew 5:14-16

    How will others see the light within you if it’s hidden under a basket?

    Sin has that effect on your soul. While the Holy Spirit never leaves nor forsakes you, the light that is within you can fade and grow dim. Like a flashlight with dying batteries or a lantern with little oil, the light becomes dim and compromised, unable to shine as it was designed to.

    When I give into the temptations that gnaw at my soul, my spiritual batteries become weak and unable to shine brightly. Others won’t see the light of the Spirit within me. They’ll only see me in the flesh; no light, no Spirit, no hope, at least not enough to glorify God. That’s why we’re instructed to keep our lamps ready and trimmed and filled with oil.

    So often we’re caught up with pleasing our own fleshly human nature and the selfish lusts that plague us that we lose sight of what God truly desires to do within and through us. Keeping my light shining brightly requires me to repent and believe, daily confessing my sins before Holy God and denying myself,  taking up my cross, and following Him. Then you will be like that city on a hill, giving light to all, and like a lamp on its stand, lighting the whole room.

    Don’t get caught up on those dark spots and corners, rather expose them as you come into the light of God’s word. Then His word will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, guiding you along your way as you walk through life.

    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

  • Let go of what you know and just go!

    II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
    [7] For we walk by faith, not by sight.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.5.7.NKJV

    Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
    [1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.


    Romans 8:24 NKJV
    [24] For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

    https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.8.24.NKJV
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    tps://bible.com/bible/114/heb.11.1.NKJV

    Hebrews 11:7 NKJV
    [7] By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.11.7.NKJV

    II Corinthians 4:18 NKJV
    [18] while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.4.18.NKJV

    When will I let go of everything I know and just go? (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    God calls everyone of us to live by faith. Living by faith means we don’t have it all figured out. Often we have no idea how we will do or carry out what God is asking us to do. God has a purpose and a plan for everyone of us. He doesn’t tell us everything we need to know from the beginning of that call. He asks us to trust Him and obey, like Abraham did when he went to the place God was showing him. Hebrews 11 tells us, Abraham went out, not knowing where he was going. True faith is not a blind faith, it’s a trusting and hopeful faith. It is the evidence of things not seen. It means trusting God to guide our every step; one step at a time.

    His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (psalm 119:105). Being grounded in His word will provide the step by step faith that is necessary to follow Him in His calling. Each step taken in faith invites us to take the next step by faith. Each step of faith leads us to walking by faith. Stepping out in faith and walking in faith are the product of trusting and obeying Him; that still small voice that say,

    “I will guide you my right hand, provide for you and lead you to where you need to be; where I want to go be.”

    Faith obeys and goes. Fear says “stay here where you are, because it’s safe and comfortable.”

  • Call upon Him in truth!

    Psalms 75:1 NKJV
    [1] We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.75.1.NKJV

    Psalms 145:18 NKJV
    [18] The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.145.18.NKJV

    Psalms 104:28 NKJV
    [28] What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.104.28.NKJV

    James 1:17 NKJV
    [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.1.17.NKJV

    His gifts to us are the works of His hands. He draws near to us as we lift up our hands and our hearts to Him. There are times when our greatest needs are beyond ourselves, and God alone can provide.

    Jehovah Jireh, our God provides; in His name is provision. He supplies our every need!

    We might not have everything we want, but He provides what we need, as we draw near to Him. He draws near to those who call upon Him in truth. He searches and knows our heart. He knows our deepest needs. When we pour out our hearts and our deepest grievances, and the stuff that is dragging us down and holding us back, He hears from heaven and sees our anguish and despair. He’s near to the brokenhearted, and great is His promise and His faithfulness. To those who call upon Him in truth, the truth will set them free

  • On Christ the solid Rock I stand

    Psalms 73:26 NLT
    [26] My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.73.26.NLT

    Psalm 40:12 ESV
    [12] For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.40.12.ESV

    Psalm 84:2 ESV
    [2] My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.84.2.ESV


    What goes on, on the inside of me, affects my life on the outside, the perimeter, as well. The world around me can leave me feeling weak and my health may fall, but it’s the inner connection with my Creator that lifts me up above the worldliness around me, and the common anxieties that cause us to stress out and feel overwhelmed.

    Our prayer closet is a sacred place and space where we meet with God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in a holy convocation and conversation. David and the other Psalmists found this inner sanctuary, where the still, small voice of God speaks to our inner life and heart. As psalm 18:2 declares

    Psalm 18:2 ESV
    [2] The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.18.2.ESV

    In times of great struggles and trials, when the storms of life are swirling around us and stirring up our feelings and emotions, attempting to take over our peace and joy, it is God who calms our heart and soul and gives us strength, courage and encouragement to face the obstacles and pitfalls of life.

    When the world around us seems to go on without great toils or troubles, know that they will fail at some point and their help won’t come from their material wealth or the portion they’ve developed for themselves. The world doesn’t care if you sink to the bottom and drown in your sorrows.

    When God is your portion; when He is your source of strength and peace, there will be no clever deceptions of the enemy that will pull the rug out from under you. You will stand on solid ground.

    On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!

  • The righteous shall flourish

    Psalm 72:5-7 ESV
    [5] May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! [6] May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! [7] In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.72.5-7.ESV

    As Solomon prays for Israel, so these words apply to all who live by faith, trusting in the Lord and fear His name, “while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.” (Psalm 72:5)

    So we are to pray for our nation and its leadership; our President, vice President, Congress, Supreme Court, governors, mayors, and all officials, elected or appointed.

    As we pray for our leadership and hold them accountable, we are being faithful and obedient citizens, of both this earthly kingdom and the Kingdom of God. We are temporary citizens in this physical realm, but we are citizens of God’s eternal Kingdom as well.

    Our nation will flourish as we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, while praying for this land, this earthly place of our existence.

    This is how we flourish, as both a nation, and as individuals, living in this world, but knowing that we are not of this world, which is perishing every day.

    When we, the righteous, seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, we will flourish like Palm trees, like the cedars of Lebanon.

    Psalm 92:12-15 ESV
    [12]  The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. [13] They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. [14] They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, [15]  to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.92.12-15.ESV