No need to lie, our flesh loves sin, sin can feel, sound, look, smell, and taste oh so good! Have you ever asked yourself, Lord why everything that seems so good is a sin? The key word here is seems. That’s the deception of the enemy. It has to seem good for us to be tempted. When it comes to owning up to our own sins, the phrases “But I’m not perfect.” Or “God knows my heart” is often used as the go-to justification. I have used them. And I am sure most people have. They are both true statements but should not be used to justify our wrongdoing. God knows we are not perfect, He knows all of our weaknesses. The Apostle Paul understood the struggle. He wrote, “I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Romans 7:22-24) In verse 25 Paul gives us the answer, the answer is in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

God’s intention is for us to have victory over sin, which is why He sent His Son, Jesus to save us. There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. When we mess up and fall short, God shows us grace. Jesus is our advocate, so that sin won’t keep us from our Holy God. We will dwell in God’s shelter, not because of our own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It is not wise to take God’s grace for granted, using “I’m not perfect” or “God knows my heart” as an excuse or to justify our sins. There is a difference between making an occasional mistake and being willfully disobedient to God. We cannot repent and ask for forgiveness but at the same time we are planning our next trip with sin. Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:15-23, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” In other words we can be slaves to sin, or we can be slaves to righteousness. We have a choice. Yes God gives us choices. He does not want puppets on a string. His desire is that His love for us, His mercy and His grace will give us the desire to live right in His eyes. And when we choose to be disobedient there are consequences. Sin separates us from God. The enemy knows this. This is where he wants us to be, away from God who protects us and where we get our strength and authority over him. He can’t come in and and take control when we are under God’s protection. Oh he will attempt too but nothing he tries with prosper. We do not have to run and hide from God when we mess up. In Christ, we have the confident assurance that we are forgiven, loved, and righteous. (Eph. 1:7, Rom. 8:37, 2 Cor. 5:21). Thank God for Jesus, who gives us the strength we need to get the victory over sin that we already have. Yes, we already have the victory over any sin because God said He would always give us a way out. Sometimes we have to tap into it by drawing from Jesus. We can do all things through Him.
When we fall short as we all do, we must not just say “I’m not perfect” or “God knows my heart.” We must sincerely repent, and we will be forgiven as Jesus forgave the woman at the well in John 4:1-42. This story is an example of Jesus’s love, truth, redemption, and acceptance.

This new life we live in the grace of God should not be taken for granted. God’s kindness and goodness toward us, should motivate us to change and have the desire to receive the divine nature, the mind of God. Grace is inseparable from God’s law, and God’s law is inseparable from grace. Both work to produce righteousness in a child of God, keeping us free from sin and death. Love and Blessings…

“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrew 2:17-18)

“Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” (1John 3:6-7)

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:4-8)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

I have heard people say haters motivate them. I thought about that this past week and how the enemy has been trying his best to stop what the Lord has proclaimed for me to do. Every time he takes me down, the Lord pulls me back up. I say to the devil, ha, you lose again! Then I get excited because I know the devil is running scared. Each time the enemy tries and fails, it motivates me. Because it proves the Lord is with me every step of the way! Again I say, Lord, I’m ready, send me!

We sometimes hear stories of God supernaturally, miraculously appearing to people in dreams and visions, which leads them to finding Christ and putting their trust in Him. This is awesome when it happens! But usually the way people hear about Christ is God sends someone like you or I to tell them the Good News of Salvation. Jesus was clear and straightforward to his disciples on what he wanted them to do. The authority was delegated to the disciples to announce the Good News to all and to go out and make disciples. Today God still sends us as His disciples to spread the Gospel. We can tell them about Jesus who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” However Jesus is the only one who can save them and then only if they open their hearts and allow Him too by accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. Every Christian is either someone who God’s send, or someone who God uses to help those He have sent. We too, like the original disciples are fishermen of souls. We throw the rod out (plant the seed) and Jesus will reel them in if they allow Him. God doesn’t need our help, just like He didn’t need the original disciples to save us. It is a privilege to be called to help save lost souls from a Christ-less eternity. God does not want to lose one soul! We don’t want our family, friends, not even our enemies to live a life without Christ, and worst not to experience the joy of everlasting life. Whether it is around the world or across the street, there are people who need to hear the Good News. People need to hear this incredible story of love, sacrifice, and salvation! True disciples strive each day to be Christlike and to do that our words and actions must line up with the Word of God. I pray that the Lord blesses us and makes us worthy disciples as we continue the task He gave to His original disciples. My personal prayer today is Lord use me to save souls, send me! What about you, have you inspired others to follow Jesus? Love and Blessings…

“If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13-15)

Don’t talk yourself out of your destiny and purpose believing what you see. Where are you looking? Now is the time more than ever for us to keep our gaze on God and only glance at the world. When you look at the world you see doubt, fear and panic. When you look at God you see your purpose, you see protection and peace. When you look at the world, you see desperation, death, and destruction. When you look at God you see eternal life, you have no fear, because you walk in the authority and power of the Holy Spirit living within you. When you look at the world, you see who society says you are, when you look at God, you know who you are. When you look at the world, you see lies, injustice, and the devil’s schemes. When you look at God, you recieve spiritual strength, discernment, and wisdom to defeat the devil. Keep your gaze on God who has given you power over all things, ALL THINGS! Where are you looking? Love and Blessings…

“So  God created man in his own image
in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

“I  praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Corinthians 16:11)

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)

Last week was challenging to say the least. It took me down. I’m still recovering. I felt like I lost the battle. But then I was reminded that there is always a purpose in our pain and there is always a message in our mess. The Holy Spirit reminded me that we should still rejoice in the mist of the battle because the war has already been won. So I got back up with the help of the Lord and I am prepared to fight again. If you think about it that’s a win when we get back up. You may be thinking make it make sense. A lost is a lost is a lost. Wrong thinking. First you must know that a battle is not a war, a battle is part of a war. You cannot have a war without battles and fights. And if you lose the battle, it does not mean you have lost the war.  

{A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.} “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

When we are in a battle, we need to recognize who we are fighting. It is not our family or friends. It is not our coworkers or spouses. It is not physical, financial or mental issues. It is not the darkness we see happening in our life or in the world, it is the darkness we cannot see, not with our natural eyes. Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that the battles we have in life are not flesh and blood but are evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. In other words the battle is spiritual, not physical. Every day we are in warfare with the enemy. Satan and his demons are working overtime to wreak havoc in our lives by any means necessary. They know our weaknesses and they know our sin patterns, and their job is to exploit them. Every battle or problem we have in the physical, started in the spiritual. Every negative thought in our mind, which is the battlefield, is satan working overtime to discourage our walk with God. The Bible tells us in our fight with this enemy, we must be aware of his tactics. The Apostle Paul tells us the main characteristics of satan. He uses his power for evil and destruction. He is connected with darkness. He has authority to rule the world. We can look around us and see his work in progress with our natural eyes. However, we need spiritual discernment and awareness because Satan and his demons are deceptive, they sometimes can disguise themselves as wolves in sheep’s clothing. We must pray as Elisha, asking God to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see and not be deceived. ( 2 Kings 6:17) We need to be knowledgeable of spiritual warfare and the tricks and schemes of the enemy. Hosea 4:6 tells us that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”( John 15:5)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)

Jesus tells us in Luke, chapter 10:19, that He has given us authority and power over the enemy. The Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ defeated satan and his demons and took away their power. So why does satan who knows he has been defeated continue to attack us? And why is he so determined to rob us of everything the Lord has promised us, which includes eternal life for those who choose to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I will tell you why, we are a threat to the devil’s kingdom. As Believers we have a target on our back. The enemy will attack the strongest and most faithful followers of Christ as well as believers who are not as seasoned. It doesn’t matter if you have big faith or faith as small as a mustard seed. He is relentless because he is scared. Why is he scared? Because he knows the truth! It is vital that we know these truths as well;

1. The devil can only operate within the confines of what God allows him to do. (Job 1:12)  

2. Satan will never be able to attack us or harm us any more than we are capable of handling through Christ. (1 John 4:4)

3. Jesus gave us authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us. (Luke 10:19)

4. God gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ who triumphed over the principalities and powers! (Colossians 2:15, 1Corinthians 15:57)

These truths are why the devil wants to remove us away from God. He knows we cannot fight spiritual warfare in our own strength. He knows if God opens our spiritual eyes we can see exactly what he is up too. We must stay connected to God by seeking Him daily. Tony Evans said it best, “Stand firm in the area that has already brought victory.” Jesus who won the war will also fight our battles. He will protect and strengthen us through our trials and difficulties. In James 4:7 we are reminded to submit to God and to resist the devil and he will flee. The enemy cannot defeat you in his power, he can only defeat you if you give up your power and give him permission. I encourage you to not give up if it looks like you are losing the battle, instead stand firm, push, praise, and pray! Know that it is not over because the war has been won and the enemy has been defeated. Because of Jesus Christ, we have the victory! Love and Blessings…

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

“Love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible. Love always takes time, and time is the one thing hurried people don’t have.” This quote by John Ortberg is on point. I was reminded this morning while reading my devotional of how hurry and love is incompatible. It brought back a memory of a song back in the day by the Supremes called “You Can’t Hurry Love” I get it. Love can be time-consuming. Parents, spouses, and most relationships where there is true love can testify that just like oil and water, love and hurry does not mix. It’s hard to show love when you are in a hurry. Hurry leads to impatience, tension, stress, even anger which are the opposites of love. The Bible tells us what love is:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Just like everything else, in this fast-paced world, worldly love is at a high-tech speed. There’s a reason people talk about “walking with God,” and not “running with God.” God’s love has an inner speed. It is a spiritual speed. Jesus was never in a hurry. Jesus who was living out His purpose still took the time to spend with His disciples and friends. He took the time to show love and compassion. Jesus said “I Love You” with his life by showing up for all of us and giving us hope. We didn’t deserve it which tells us true love should not be conditional. Jesus is a perfect example of how to love. Love is not just a feeling. It is a choice. Sometimes all we need to do is choose to take the time to show up.  

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

Jesus commanded us to love one another. When asked what the greatest commandment in all of Scripture was, he responded with “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength,” but he refused to stop at one command; he added another, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34).  

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

How we relate to the ones we love is important in any relationship. Do we get impatient and agitated when we are in a hurry? It comes as no surprise that in the Apostle Paul’s definition of love, he describes patience first. We make time for those we love. Or we should. Life is busy and full of interruptions. These interruptions should not affect the way we relate to those we love. You can’t hurry love. May the Lord helps us to look for ways to un-hurry and be present for the people we love. Love and Blessings…

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

The Bible says with age comes wisdom and understanding. (Job 12:12) Wisdom is to be shared. I share with you what I have learned about the Sun and THE SON. (Jesus Christ) When the sun is shining, embrace it and enjoy its warmth. And when the storms come, remember that the sun will return and sometimes it even returns with a rainbow! When we experience the storms of life (and we will), instead of focusing on the storm, we must hold on and wait for THE SON. I was taught in school that even when it is storming, the sun does not go anywhere, any more than you or I don’t vanish when we walk behind a building or a large tree that blocks us from view. When it rains the rain comes from clouds, and these clouds are usually thick and you can’t see through them, like that building or tree that blocks us from sight. The sun is still there, it is just being blocked from our view by the rain clouds. The same applies to THE SON. Just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean He is not there.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

Jesus promise is to be with His followers in Spirit and in Truth every minute of every day, until the very end of life and into eternal life beyond. He did not say only when the sun was out but in the storms as well. Even when we don’t feel or see Him, He is there. Whenever we are feeling confused, our hearts will grow weary, and THE SON may seem to disappear. A life storm, be it mentally, physically, financially, or spiritually (warfare) will have you thinking you are alone. But we are not alone. The storm that is surrounding us may keep us from feeling the presence of THE SON, but He sees us, and He is surrounding us in the storm. The devil wants us to believe we are alone. He wants us to doubt and question God. The truth is that THE SON will never leave or forsake us. The truth is Jesus is always working on our behalf even in the mist of the storms. We must keep our mind on the truth, and not the enemies lies! God’s purposes for us are so much infinitely bigger than the confusion, stress, and fear we experience in a storm.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

“Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Sometimes Jesus will stop the storm, and then sometimes He will calm us through the storm. That. Is. His. call. We certainly would prefer if He just removed the storm, but then we may miss the tools we need for our purpose ahead. Jesus knows there are valuable lessons to be learned in a storm. The storms of life teach us patience, perseverance, humility, and most importantly they help us to grow spiritually. The storms of life will draw us closer to our Savior. Whatever is happening, God is good! And no storm of any kind will stop His great plan to replace darkness with light. Nothing will stop or block His love and care for us. Not war, violence, plagues, pandemics, demons, darkness, hurricanes, politics, or even death. All of these things? Their days are numbered. But THE SON remains!  

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

“then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.” (Deuteronomy 30:3)

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Maybe your finances are tight. Maybe you or someone you love is extremely ill. This world is full of darkness and you feel fear rising in your heart and are tempted towards anxiety and despair, ready to give up. Don’t panic! Look through the storm for THE SON and allow Him to remind you of what to do in this dark season; keep the faith, keep praising, and keep giving glory to God! And just like nature’s storms, when it passes, there is sometimes a rainbow in the form of restoration, healing, and peace. Learn the lesson which the sun and THE SON teaches us, they never disappear just because we don’t see or feel them! Love and blessings…

I am sure you have heard people talking to themselves, I am one of those people. Not only have I learned to talk to myself and encourage myself, I have learned to talk to any obstacle the enemy puts in my way! So call me crazy if you want, I call it crazy faith. In Samuel 30, David was greatly distressed, but he encouraged himself in the Lord. And in Mark 11:23, Jesus instructs us to speak to our mountains, “For truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.” Notice Jesus instructs us to “say” not think. Say means to utter aloud, to express in words. Scripture also tells us that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). So what we speak is powerful, good or bad. It is important in our Christ walk that we understand Scripture wasn’t just “inspired’ by God, but “breathed” by God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) All of Scripture can be trusted if we approach God’s Word with wisdom and humility.

The Lord wants us to encourage ourselves so we can encourage others. He wants us to use our tongue which is powerful to rebuke the enemy. Why is it that we are quick to rebuke people if they say something we don’t agree with but when it comes to using our authority and speaking aloud to the enemy, we are hesitant? Jesus did just that in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33. He commanded “Get behind me, Satan” We know Peter was one of Jesus’s most devoted disciples but Jesus knew even if Peter didn’t, that he was speaking for satan. Sometimes the enemy will try and use our family or friends, and we must not be afraid to speak get thee behind me satan and get away from my loved one! The Bible says resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7) Jesus spoke to things! He spoke to a storm. He spoke to a fig tree. “When He saw a fig tree by the road, He went to it but found nothing on it except leaves. He said to it, “Let no fruit ever grow on you again.” (Mark 11: 12,14,21) The fig tree responded to what He said. You may say, but that was Jesus, the Son of God. While He walked this earth, Jesus was fully human and fully God. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, but Jesus took on human flesh to provide salvation to those under the law. Now He has all Power in heaven and on earth! When Christ left this earth, He left us with this promise in Luke 10:19, “Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing by any means shall hurt you.” He left us with power and the Holy Spirit which lives within us. He tells us in John 14:12 that we are called to greater works. We can be confident that through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to rebuke the devil’s attempts to harm us.

Most Believers get that we should not speak negative, critical, or judgmental. We get that we need to pray. But some don’t get that we also need to speak to our mountains in the name of Jesus, and because of our faith, expect them to disappear. We may look and feel foolish. The world may think we are crazy, but the world does not know the power of Jesus! There is power in our words. We pray and pray about our mountains. That’s a good thing. We should pray, but there comes a time when we must also speak to it. Don’t stop praying. Go one more level and speak to your mountain. When we are faced with a mountain-sized problem, we get scared and run to tell God all about it. That’s good, no better one to run to. But the truth is, He already knows about our problems. He’s already provided everything we need to overcome them. (Corinthians 10:13) So praise the Lord for carrying all of our infirmities on the cross and then command the mountain to bow to Jesus! (Titus 2:15)  

The enemy will attempt to use mountains to make us lose hope and lose faith. He will attempt to use mountains to block our vision of our future. He wants us to get upset with people and get upset with God. If he can do this, then he has won. The Bible says no weapon formed will prosper, it does not say that they would not form. (Isaiah 54:17) So whatever lies the enemy attempts has a name. Cancer, depression, financial burdens, it doesn’t matter what the mountain is, speak to it and rebuke it in the name of Jesus. There is a miracle in your mouth! There is power in your words! There is power in the name of Jesus! Love and Blessings….  

Is this world on a downward spiral or is it that our exposure to negativity has been magnified by our access to the Internet, Social Media, and the News? The exposure to the cruelty of this world and the “anything goes” mentality has some questioning if we are approaching the end of times. This is what the Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1-3, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,”

The Bible does not tell us the time of Jesus’s return, but as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus gives us some important clues for discerning the approach of the end times in Matthew 24:4-8, Jesus answered:

“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that yoare not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

The Bible speaks of an increase in false messiahs, an increase in warfare, and increases in famines, plagues, and natural disasters as signs of the end of times. The Bible is giving us a warning, but Jesus clearly states these events are only the beginning and the end is yet to come.

There is no doubt that the world is changing, and dark times are definitely here. Everything is changing and nothing is certain anymore except God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as revealed in the Bible to us who have hearts that are willing to believe the Truth. Our natural realm is being greatly shaken right in front of our eyes, and as Believers we are also in a constant spiritual war. Spiritual warfare is as real as natural warfare. I would say it is even more challenging because we fight against what we cannot see with our natural vision. We must be in tune with Christ so He can open our spiritual eyes. As Christians, we have tremendous power in the spirit realm. The problem is that many of us forget we are in a war and fail to use our weapons. Ephesians 6:11-13 reads,  

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 

Our question should not be if this is the end time, we should be more concerned whether we are ready if it is. Believers should not be changing with the world, we should be standing steadfast in our faith. Believers should not be compromising to fit in when God has set us apart. Believers should not be living in fear but should be confident that God is still in control despite what it looks like? God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, and that is what we are called to be as our hearts cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus” Love and Blessings…

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;” (Acts 17:24)

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelations 22:20)

It seems every day it’s a struggle to maneuver through the darkness of this world. I say that as a person who knows Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. So I can’t imagine how one does it without Jesus at the center of their life. How I get through is to shine God’s light on it. His light is brighter than the darkness! When the darkness of this world tries to envelope me, His Word gives me light. When I am exhausted, His light renews my strength. When nothing makes sense, His light gives me understanding. If I feel lonely, His light lets me know I am not alone. Whatever you are searching for, God’s light will help You find it.

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)”  

As believers we can experience God’s light because we have the Holy Spirit living within us. We have the power through Christ to overcome darkness by shining our light on it. In the physical you can’t see in the dark, and in the spiritual you can’t see in the dark either. However when we shine God’s light on the situation or person, God will open our spiritual eyes and we get discernment. It doesn’t matter how bad the situation is, what report we receive from the doctor, how bad our finances are, whatever the struggle is, we should shine our light on it. The light overpowers darkness and enables us to see God at work. The light helps us to read and understand His Word. The Bible tells us that darkness cannot overcome the light. When we shine out light on it, the darkness has to go! But what if the darkness is internal? The darkness inside you and me contributes to the troubles of this world. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful. (Jeremiah 17:9) It is easier to see the darkness around us instead of inside us. The light of Christ exposes our darkness, but first we have to admit our inner darkness. Then we must make a conscious effort to walk in the light daily. Walking in the light isn’t just being good, it’s bringing our darkness to Jesus over and over, and to one another, to experience his cleansing, purifying light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7)

Let me be clear, the light within us is different from the world’s light shining on us. Author Christine Caine wrote,

“If the light that is ON you is brighter than the light that is IN you, the light that is ON you will destroy you.”

Our main focus should not be on how bright the world’s light shines on us, but how bright the light shines within us for others to see. We should be walking in the light. That is what shows our spiritual maturity and where we are in Christ. You can see the difference in believers who consistently walk in the light and let their light shine on others. The world’s light may not be shining ON them but you can see God’s light shining all THROUGH them. They may be serving behind the scenes, visiting someone in the hospital, or offering their time by just being with a friend in need. Their contribution to building up believers and God’s kingdom may not be flashy, but their character is deep because they have chosen to deny their fleshly darkness and walk in the light. Walking in the light requires obedience to our Lord Jesus. Walking in the light involves the difficult task of dying to self every day. But be encouraged because the light is not only winning, but it has already won. Whenever darkness tries to surround you or enter you, shine your light on it! Love and Blessings…

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5: 16-18)

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Someone asked how I face my challenges without giving up. Giving up is not an option when you believe God’s promises. Faith begins with believing God’s promise that He will work everything for our good. W. Phillip Keller wrote, “I know of nothing which so stimulates my faith in my heavenly Father as to look back and reflect on His faithfulness to me in every crisis and every chilling circumstance of life.”  That part! I believe all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) NIV

If you feel you are ready to give up because your faith has wavered. If your belief in God’s promises has come to a slow burn, maybe what will reignite your passion is a decision to believe what God said is true for you and about you. We can read and study the Scriptures inside and out, however if we don’t believe, we are lost. Believing God’s Word is what sets us free and gives us eternal life. To have faith we must first let go of the unbelief.  

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24) NKJ

Let me be clear, I don’t rejoice because I go through, I rejoice because of Who gets me through. I rejoice because I believe no matter what it feels or looks like, God is faithful. Jesus tells us to anticipate trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33), However, He also makes these promises; He will be with us to the end (Matthew 28:10), He will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19), we are healed by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24), He promises that He will fight for us, and we do not have to be afraid (2 Chronicles 20:17). As believers we know that Jesus is our Savior. (Acts 4:12) In these challenging times, it is crucial that we believe what Jesus, our Savior has promised us.  “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36)

God’s promises may not happen when we think they should, but we must remember that His timing is perfect. God is faithful to fulfill all His promises. This is where belief comes in, against all odds, against circumstances or situations, and especially against time, we must let go of unbelief and take hold of the power of belief to achieve the promises of God. Believing God’s promises is having a firm and unshakable conviction that His promises are true. We have great power when we believe that God is Who He says He is, and that we are who God says we are. When we believe the promises of God, the power of God, and the provisions of God, we are set free in this life and for eternity! Love and Blessings…