The Light of Life

“Jesus spoke to all the people, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will not walk in darkness. He will have the Light of Life.” John 8:12 (NLV) “…you will have the light that leads to life.” (NLT)

Jesus is the Light of Life. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and follow Him, we receive His Light. We no longer walk in darkness and become light. Our newly changed hearts radiate our beings, bringing out the God-colors in our world. His light gives us and leads us to life.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (MSG)

Accepting the Light of this world is part of God’s purpose for each one of us to shine! We are to share with others the light that leads to life. When we are emitting light, we are sharing the warmth of God’s love.

A tremendous way for others to see the Light of Life radiate within us is by opening up to and sharing with others. When we are generous with our lives — when we take the time to smile, listen, and encourage others —it shows others God’s love leading to a desired relationship with our Father.

The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority]. Hebrews 1:3 (AMP)

The Light of Life gleams with brilliant light, reflecting God’s glory. God is the Light-being. He created light. In order for us to shine, we need Jesus. Jesus is the source of our light. He is the life of all things.

“In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:4 (AMP)

Just as one candle lights another and can light thousands of other candles, so one heart illuminates another heart and can illuminate thousands of other hearts, Leo Tolstoy.

Dear God, brilliant Light-being of all,

Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for illuminating our beings through our newly changed hearts by accepting Jesus as our Savior. Thank you for showing us ways to glow with Your glory so others may come to you. Thank you for a light, the Light of Life, that shines for all eternity.

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

His Timing, Always Perfect

His timing, always perfect. Our Father knows all. He sees the entire journey of our lives, from the moment we are conceived until the time we breathe our last breath.

“But don’t forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord.” 2 Peter 3:8 (TLB) But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. (NLT)

We must learn to be patient and diligently seek Him when we want immediate results. His timing, always perfect, allows the course of whatever we are experiencing to unfold. In this time of waiting and allowing God to work, His time, we are evolving and becoming more like our Maker.

“Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.” Psalm 27:14 (TLB) I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. (MSG)

“But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.” Isaiah 40:31 (NLV)

Our faith and trust in Him flourish and we begin to trust His timing completely as our relationship with Him grows and establishes itself throughout various events and circumstances in our lives. Through the valleys of life, we are in a hurry to reach the mountaintop again. We want to hastily go through whatever is hurting us or changing us at the time. We must learn to embrace these precious moments and wait quietly because this is when God is fine-tuning all the details.

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (AMP)

“But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.” Micah 7:7 (MSG)

Our trust in His timing is the pivotal, defining moment within us where we can be at peace and acknowledge His transcendence and omniscience and allow our Father to graciously work in all aspects of our situations. There are so many factors that our minds do not comprehend, but if we allow His timing to be perfect, when we reach that mountaintop, we are given wisdom, our understanding is enhanced, and we can graciously give God the glory in which our faith and trust significantly grows!

“…But remember, God is greater than our heart. He knows everything.” 1 John 3:20 (NLV)

God, our Father, always works with purpose. There is not one thing He does without reason. Even when our eyes do not see or our hearts do not feel that He is working, He is! This is when our hope carries us through our doubt and sustains us until our trust and faith are confirmed. Our hope lets us be quiet and still in peace with His timing. He is in control and with Him all things are good.

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 (AMP)

The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, to those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word]. It is good that one waits quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 (AMP) “The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him, to those who seek for him. It is good both to hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (TLB)

“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act…” Psalm 37:7 (TLB)

Knowing God directs our paths, enables us to trust His timing being perfect. It gives us hope and assurance that His path and plans for our lives are far better than what we could imagine and plan for ourselves. Let us allow Him to bring us to where He wants us to be rather than to where we would like to be; His best for us. His plan exceeds our expectations because we are aligned with what we are meant to be doing, and not what we expect. When our plans do not work out we have a tendency to become disappointed and question our Father. Let us try to subject ourselves to the path He has pre-planned for us because then we will not be disappointed and are more likely to be thankful, praising Him, which allows us to enjoy each step of our journey throughout our entire lives. This gives us the opportunity to live for today, to be in the moment, and celebrate each day. Today is a gift, tomorrow is a worry which may not be guaranteed.

A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys though life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. Proverbs 16:9 (AMP) “We should make plans—counting on God to direct us.” (TLB)

“Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow—wait and see what happens.” Proverbs 27:1 (TLB) Do not talk much about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day will bring. (NLV)

“My times are in Your hands…” Psalm 31:15 (NLV)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your timing is always perfect. Please grant us patience while we wait upon You to do what You need to do. Please teach our hearts that You know what is best for each one of us and that we can trust You with our lives and well-being. We pray for patience and for an open heart to Your plan of goodness and to reveal each step for each season in our lives and to know that every day has a purpose. Please help us to surrender our lives to Your process gracefully and to teach us lessons while we wait and focus on your current goodness and blessings, allowing us to be in the moment, enjoying life. Thank you for our faith and trust that grows while we wait on Your timing, always perfect, and are blessed exceedingly.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

We Are All the Same…Christians…One in Christ Jesus

For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized into union with Christ are enveloped by him. We are no longer Jews or Greeks or slaves or free men or even merely men or women, but we are all the same—we are Christians; we are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28 (TLB)

“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (TLB)

“In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.” Colossians 3:11 (TLB)

When we become Christians, have a new life in Jesus, our nationalities, our race, our education, or social positions become insignificant, irrelevant, and indifferent. What matters, what is important, and meaningful is knowing Jesus and that He is equally available to all. God offers His grace, salvation, and forgiveness to everyone, justly and impartially. This is how Jesus unites us and makes us the same; one in Him.

“Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (TLB)

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we have a new way to define ourselves. We become a new being. We are united because Jesus is our commonality. We become one community, one family in Him; God’s family. Our identity in each one of us is found in Jesus because He lives in all of us. He brings us all together. In Him we have togetherness and unity. We become Christians because of Jesus. We become one and all the same.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (TLB)

The world consists of all people, anyone, and everybody, including any and all races, nationalities, levels of education, and professions. God created this world with all its inhabitants with intent and purpose. We are all a part of His creation and plan.

“Now the Lord is not slow about enacting His promise—slow is how some people want to characterize it—no, He is not slow but patient and merciful to you, not wanting anyone to be destroyed, but wanting everyone to turn away from following his own path and to turn toward God’s.” 1 Peter 3:9 (VOICE)

God is patient, waiting for and wanting all to be saved and experience this oneness in Christ Jesus. He wants us all to become members of His family.

Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father. That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. Ephesians 2:16-22 (MSG)

When we are united in togetherness, it brings much joy to our Father. Our oneness demonstrates His love to unbelievers in our world and around us. When accepting Jesus, we are made into a new being. Our origination or how we got to know Jesus is only significant when sharing our story and witnessing to others. When we become Christians, Christ followers, we drop any prejudice and judgment and represent God with love, acceptance, and forgiveness of one another no matter the sin, the race, or occupation. No matter what differences we may have, Jesus brings us together. He is our unification with people, humans of all kinds from every where. We become all the same, Christians, one in Christ Jesus.

Dear Unifying Father, God of All Creation,

Please help us to look at each other, as each one of us being Your children Lord. May we see our similarities created in You rather than focusing on our differences in each other.

Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all. Ephesians 4:3-6 (AMP)

I’m praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they’ll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you’ve sent me and loved them in the same way you’ve loved me. John 17:20-23 (MSG)

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

God’s Righteousness Does Not Grow From Human Anger

“God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger.” James 1:20 (MSG) Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us]. James 1:19-20 (AMP)

“Stop being angry. Turn away from fighting. Do not trouble yourself. It leads only to wrong-doing.” Psalm 37:8 (NLV) “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.” (NLT)

Anger is displeasure in a wrong and sometimes wrath. If manifests, anger will become unhealthy, resulting in animosity, fury, hatred, impatience, irritability, resentment, and even violence. We should be adamant in being calm and pleasant and having ease, good will, joy, love, and patience.

“It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts, so don’t let it begin.” Proverbs 17:14 (TLB)

We are able to turn away and stop being angry. Our rage causes harm, harm to others as well as ourselves. Anger negatively impacts our well-being. It wears on our bodies. Anger damages us spiritually and emotionally.

Anger in itself is not sin. How we utilize anger, what manifests from anger, can be sin. We are able to use anger positively to fulfill a purpose peacefully; to move to take action for the unjust or to correct a situation that rooted our anger. Anger becomes a sin when we let anger control us, our behavior.

It is wise to acknowledge and accept our anger as opposed to ignoring it, then we we are better able to deal with it and not let it grow into resentment and bitterness or even rage and violence. When rooted, anger becomes destructive. It causes damage to our bodies, causing harm, and reducing the value of our lives. It may result in destruction, hardship, illness, and suffering. Sinful anger, holding a grudge, results in irritability and depression. We should strive for betterment and improve of our beings; to beautify, cure, and enhance ourselves. Forgiveness is the key factor in alleviating, overcoming, and controlling any potential sinful anger.

Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]…Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Ephesians 4:26-27 & 31 (AMP) “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the devil that kind of foothold in your life.” (MSG vs. 26-27)

Positive, appropriate anger is passion and energy. It is the God-given characteristic to pursue and help solve problems and defend others. Sinful anger is usually motivated by selfishness and pride. Let us attempt to respond in an appropriate manner until it becomes a habit that glorifies God. Let us not attack the person as opposed to the root of the problem.

“Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (AMP) “Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (TLB)

When we have been hurt, often times we want the person who hurt us to feel the pain we feel. We may lash out and retaliate or resent the person who offended us. However, that is not God’s best for us. He wants us to show love and forgive others to create peace, peace in our beings as well as with others. Where there is no peace, there is strife and bitterness. We cannot control how people treat us, but we can determine and regulate how we react and respond to one another.

Forgiving one another is not based on how we feel. It is commanded by God and is an action, a conscious effort to willingly strive for peace. As with any habit formed, it becomes easier the more we practice forgiveness. It will be instilled in our hearts and we will long for that peace and that joy, His peace and joy, once we become familiar with it!

It helps to acknowledge that others are God’s chosen too and we should treat them with kindness. He loves them just as much as He loves each one of us. We must demonstrate His love through forgiveness and with grace, seeking peace. Not only is this beneficial for us and them, it also shows unbelievers God’s characteristics within us when we behave in this habitude. We allow God to help others recognize of His presence in our lives by how we respond. He will guide us to do so through each situation.

When anger is a weakness and we struggle to overcome infuriation, we are able to and can ask our Lord to help us and He will. He is always willing to and able to help us overcome our flaws. In our shortcomings we are made stronger because of His power and grace.

But He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.’ Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP)

When we acknowledge that we need help, we pray about it and thank Him in advance for helping us. When we do this, His peace fills our beings and we are better able to control our angered thoughts and feelings. He replaces and embraces our bitterness and hurt with His ultimate peace so that our minds and hearts can rest in His care.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB)

Anger often times takes root and becomes sin by dwelling and repeatedly thinking of the wrongdoing. We are able to take captive of those thoughts and instead ponder and think of good beneficial, healthy thoughts; even good things in others.

“We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NLV)

“…Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.” Philippians 4:8 (TLB) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. (AMP)

Sometimes we remain angry and hold onto anger as a means of self-protection; we do not want to get hurt again. God knows this. Forgiving a wrongdoer takes courage and strength and is a brave act. We need to trust that our Maker intends His best for us, for each one of us by way of forgiveness. He is a compassionate God, wise and all-knowing, caring so much about our hearts and hurts. We can trust His Word and Him to bring us healing, comfort, strength, and peace as we bravely step out and obey.

“He consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (VOICE)

Once the healing manifests, we are able to comfort others and share excitedly what our amazing Lord has done within us to better glorify His kingdom. Forgiving others, overcoming and letting go of any human anger is challenging but rewards us, blesses others, and reaches unbelievers so that they may know Him and experience His grace.

When our words and actions reflect God’s love, His image is clearly seen. The more our character lines up with His Word, the more we resemble our Father. Our purpose is to reflect His goodness to the world around us.

Dear Most Heavenly Gracious Forgiving Father,

“But Lord, You are a God full of compassion, generous in grace, slow to anger, and boundless in loyal love and truth.” Psalm 86:15 (VOICE)

Please help us to “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Psalm 34:14 (NLT)

Thank you for the emotion of anger. Thank you for showing us how to utilize anger healthily and for our well-being as well as others. Thank you for caring enough and being there, waiting for us to ask You for Your help to overcome our weaknesses so that Your glory may radiate through us for others to experience and see. Please continue to work in us as You will so that Your righteousness may grow and flourish in each one of us.

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

The Way to Life—to God!—is Vigorous

Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. Matthew 7:13-14 (MSG)

The way to God is though Jesus Christ. The way to a flourishing life is vigorous and entails listening to and studying His Word, talking and praying with God, being grateful for our blessings, and seeking Him and His goodness and will each day. Paying attention to what He is doing and acknowledging Him for what He has done is an active, energetic, and dynamic life.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6 (AMP) I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ (VOICE)

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. John 1:3-4 (AMP)

Vigorous is physical and mental strength. The way to life—to God—is energetic and enthusiastic. His life for us needs our daily, determined focus and attention. Vigorous is being strong, robust, and active; full of energy, powerful in action, and ambitious. God intended our lives to be effective, purposeful, and lively.

“The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you’re lost for good.” Proverbs 10:17 (MSG) He who listens to teaching is on the path of life, but he who will not listen to strong words goes the wrong way.” (NLV)

“Turn my eyes away from things that have no worth, and give me new life because of Your ways.” Psalm119:37 (NLV) “Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” (NLT) Keep my eyes from gazing upon worthless things, and give me true life according to Your plans. (VOICE)

“…make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to do.“ Ephesians 5:16-17 (TLB)

Jesus is the way to life. Jesus is the way to God. The way to God, to life, is vigorous. Life requires attention and physical and mental strength. There is no easy remedy or shortcut to God. A successful life in Him requires hard work following God’s ways as opposed to what every one else is doing.

“There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them.” Acts 4:12 (TLB) And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]. (AMP)

But these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name. John 20:31 (AMP)

Life without God is unstable because we rely on the outcomes of people, resulting in worldly peace. Life with God is stable and secure because He does not change and is always representing goodness. Jesus desires for us to have life and to choose to seek God for an eternal everlasting peace this world cannot give us. Jesus is the definition of life. He is our source and sustainer of life to God.

Even at an old age we are able to work vigorously and be full of life and strength as Moses (mentioned in Deuteronomy 34:7). He still had the strength and vigor at 120 years old. With God, we are able to grow gracefully and live a life full of trust, love, and contentment—His peace.

“They will still give fruit when they are old. They will be full of life and strength.” Psalm 92:14 (NLV) [Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; they will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment]. (AMP)

God, as the author of life, brings meaning to life. Everything God created was meant to show what God is like. God created a world with a purpose by His design. The world we live in and the life of every person has a purpose and is not just the product of chance, random events, and biological selection. David Kim, What is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible?, pursuitbible.com.

Jesus helps us understand the true meaning of life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending us Jesus so that we may find you, your life, and live vigorously. Thank you for creating each one of us with a purpose. Please continue to flourish our lives as we grow gracefully while dedicating our time to knowing you more each day and experiencing your goodness and ways.

“And asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor him, so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others, while all the time you are learning to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:10 (TLB)

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Pursue a Glorious Life!

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 (NLT) Whoever pursues justice and treats others with kindness discovers true life marked by integrity and respect. (VOICE) “Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!” (MSG)

For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! 2 Peter 1:3 (TLB)

But first and most importantly seek {aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right —the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:33 (AMP)

In order to attain a glorious life, we must pursue one! If we go after, if we seek, work for, and desire righteousness and unfailing love, we will find life, a true, glorious life filled with His amazing goodness!

To actively pursue righteousness and unfailing love is action. It is movement; an opportunity to act with grace. Living each day with this intention, consciously going after goodness, we are marked with honor. We are walking upright and become trustworthy beings. Pursuing righteousness is to look for, find, and desire fairness, goodness, and justness which leads to holiness and godliness.

To find this life, a glorious life, is discovering treasure here on earth! To experience life, righteousness, and honor is to partially grasp the enormity and magnitude of our Father entrusting us with and giving us a life that is delightful, completely enjoyable, and brilliantly beautiful!

“For we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP)

“But as the Scriptures say, ‘No eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heard and it has never occurred to the human heart all the things God prepared for those who love Him.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (VOICE)

He has so much goodness planned for each one of us. All we have to do is act and believe and He will fulfill his promises.

“For his miracles demonstrate his honor, majesty, and eternal goodness.” Psalm 11:3 (TLB)

Pursuing unfailing love is learning to go after instances in which we can display and give His endless, boundless, steadfast, continual, and eternal love.

When we hunt for and go after these attributes, when we make it a purpose and goal of ours to go after righteousness and unfailing love, we find life. We are living, breathing life as God intended. That is what makes it a glorious life worth pursuing!

Do not be lazy but always work hard. Work for the Lord with a heart full of love for Him. Romans 12:11 (NLV) “Never lagging behind in diligence, aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 (AMP)

“In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:4 (AMP)

We have this light from God in our human bodies. This shows that the power is from God. It is not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLV)

Thank you Lord for Your light and life in us. Thank you for your power, grace, and promises. Thank you for directing our steps in how to live to attain a glorious life, Your life, breath, vigor, and zeal. Please continue to guide us and teach us and give us the endurance to pursue righteousness and unfailing love each day so that we can graciously experience a true, honorable, and gracious life as you intended for us. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! Ephesians 1:17-19 (MSG) In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Put On and Wear…

Each new day, we have an opportunity to put on and wear salvation with righteousness, our new selves, love, and His armor. Our Maker has strategically given us these blessings to enhance our lives.

To put on is to actively place something upon our beings. To wear an item is to be dressed in something.

When we actively opt to put on salvation with righteousness, our new selves, love, and His armor, we are consciously choosing to display and to feel His amazing goodness. Striving each day to put on and wear these gifts will tremendously impact our lives and the lives of others for the greater good.

“Let me tell you how happy God has made me! For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and draped about me the robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 (TLB)

His salvation and righteousness we are clothed and draped in. He provides us salvation so that we can be covered with His righteousness.

Because of Jesus, we are saved! Because of Jesus, we are made whole and righteous! Each day, no matter what we have done, we are able to wear and envelop in His saving grace, which leads to putting on our new selves.

Then you know to take off your former way of life, your crumpled old self—that dark blot of a soul corrupted by deceitful desire and lust—to take a fresh breath and to let God renew your attitude and spirit. Then you are ready to put on your new self, modeled after the very likeness of God: truthful, righteous, and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 (VOICE)

Each morning we have a new self to put on and wear that God is always working on. As we take a fresh breath, He breathes new life into us. He is forming our attitudes to be more like His. He is reviving our spirits to be a vibrant being as He is. God is actively and continually restoring, replenishing, and reviving us. Each day He begins anew. He is replacing our old self with a transformed rejuvenated self more like Him.

And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:14 (MSG) “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (NLT)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance…Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 & 13 (NLT)

Putting on and wearing love is dynamic. To put on His love is to behave in a manner that displays the qualities of love – patience, kindness, humility, unselfishness, truthful, faithful, enduring, and hopeful. Wearing His love adorns us. We are able to embrace, acknowledge, and accept His love for each one of us so that we may love others.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 (AMP)

To put on and to wear His armor daily, not only protects us, but also enhances our beings. His full armor entails truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17 (NLT)

Wearing His armor is essentially putting on love while our new selves are being formed with God’s love.

Thank you dear Heavenly Father for providing such wonderful guidelines to make our earthly lives more heavenly. Thank you for clothing us in your goodness – salvation, righteousness, love, and armor. Thank you for showing us how to put on and wear You! Amen.

We All are His Beautiful Masterpiece!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are His workmanship [His own masterwork, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. (AMP)

“God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female.” Genesis 1:27 (MSG)

Being God’s masterpiece is being created as His greatest piece of work! We each are a classic, a gem, and a treasure personally handcrafted by our Maker.

Being beautiful is to be delightful, wonderful, and excellent of our kind. Beautiful character from the inside exhibits spiritual qualities manifested from God. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we become a work in progress; God begins to create more beauty within us. For each one of us, He has diligently, carefully, and meticulously created us to help serve His purpose, just as we are. We all have the potential to emulate God’s beautiful being, which was created for us in Jesus Christ long time ago.

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

What a glorious revelation to be specifically and uniquely created by God! To be a vital being with purpose portraying His likeness here on earth; a vestige of Him. We are evidence of Jesus being here, in our hearts, and of God creating us in His image for others to believe!

But God told Samuel, ‘Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.’ 1 Samuel 16:7 (MSG) But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by a man’s face or height, for this is not the one. I don’t make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man’s thoughts and intentions.’ (TLB)

“Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:4 (TLB)

All parts of our beings represent our Maker from our inward beauty which manifests to our outward appearance. When we radiate from within, when Jesus is in our hearts and God is changing us to be more and more like Him each day, when we are willing and humble, He is gracious enough to evolve His beauty within us. When we emanate His radiance from within, we will naturally shine beauty on the outside and all around us. Others will see our joy, our peace, our grace, our delight, and our love, which is all His excellence! The way we represent our beings can be superficial or genuine with grace. Ultimately, our beings in their entirety, will portray His magnificent work of art of each one of us, His beautiful masterpiece.

“This is where God comes in. God has meticulously put this body together; He placed each part in the exact place to perform the exact function He wanted.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 (VOICE)

We are exactly where we need to be, at this given moment, at this time, in this place, specifically appointed by God. He uses us as intended for His purpose precisely where we are and who we are this day.

“He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense fo divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]—-yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (AMP)

“Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP)T

During our walk with our Lord, we are able to experience beauty in all seasons. Even though our physical bodies are aging gracefully, we become more beautiful because all the while God has been renewing us inwardly every day. Even when we age we remain beautiful because God is in us restoring our inner beings so that we can continue to radiate and be His beautiful masterpiece while fulfilling His purpose. Our concern for beauty should not be on the outward appearance, as society views, rather on the development of our inward beauty to reflect all that we do and who we are in a beautiful manner.

Dear Most Magnificent Creator, thank you for creating each one of as a beautiful masterpiece! May we each have the grace and compassion to acknowledge that we are all a work in progress and are each on an adventurous journey with you Lord. May we each accept each other as the wondrous creation we are, where we are today, personally designed by you. Please help us to meditate on the following verses so that we can continue to become more beautiful as you. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. Romans 12:2 (VOICE)

“Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.” Philippians 4:8 (VOICE) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually of these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. (AMP)

“Our teaching about this journey is intended to bring us to a single destination—a place where self-giving love reigns from a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a genuine faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 (VOICE)

His Love for Us Invigorates

His love for us invigorates. To invigorate is to fill with life and energy. His love enlivens and energizes us. His love for us vitalizes life!

His love never fades. It does not lack luster. It is unconditional. His love strengthens, nourishes, and restores. His love is limitless,; it never runs out. Because of this gift, we are able to love boldly, actively, and relentlessly because His love is unrestricted, everlasting, and flourishes our beings.

And may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God himself. Ephesians 3:18-19 (TLB)

His love for us invigorates us through forgiveness so that we can live life freely without guilt and despair. His forgiveness renews us.

“Don’t get lost in despair, believe in God, and keep on believing in Me.” John 14:1 (VOICE)

“God has shown His love to us by sending His only Son into the world. God did this so we might have life through Christ.” 1 John 4:9 (NLV)

God wants us to experience growth, energy, and liveliness by the means of Jesus; because of Jesus we are able to live vivaciously.

“Now the Lord is not slow about enacting His promise—-slow is how some people want to characterize it—-so, He is not slow but patient and merciful to you, not wanting anyone to be destroyed, but wanting everyone to turn away from following his own path and to turn toward God’s.” 2 Peter 3:9. (VOICE)

God loves each and every one of us so much that He is patiently awaiting for all His children to accept His love and to live the life He has planned and orchestrated for each one of us.

Our Father’s love is so deep and is so vast that it is unfathomable. No matter what life has in store for each one of us, no matter who we are or what we do each day, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, His love for us is boundless.

His love for us invigorates by His peace so that we can enjoy life without anxiety and worry. His peace refreshens us.

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)

“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]/“ 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

But we have power over all these things through Jesus Who loves us so much. For I know that nothing can keep us from the love of God. Death cannot! Life cannot! Angels cannot! Leaders cannot! Any other power cannot! Hard things now or in the future cannot! The world above or the world below cannot! Any other living thing cannot keep us away from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NLV)

His love for us invigorates with His grace so that we can live life in the moment and rest in each day with thanksgiving and praise. His grace strengthens us.

For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from [the weariness and pain of] his [human] labors, just as God rested from [those labors uniquely] His own. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness]. Hebrews 4 :10-11 (AMP)

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace…2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (MSG)

When we accept His forgiveness and live as we are forgiven, when we walk in His peace and live by His grace, we are restored, strengthened, and rejuvenated physically, mentally, and soulfully. His love for us invigorates our whole beings.

“We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:19 (NLT)

“May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.” 2 Thessalonians 2:17-17 (MSG)

Dear Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you so much for invigorating our beings with your astounding love. Thank you for your forgiveness so that we may live in peace and enjoy each day with your grace. Thank you for caring for us so much to give us the gift of your love and await for all of us to accept your gracious gift of love so that we may live dynamically for you. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Let Us Work with All Our Hearts

Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (NLV) “Work from the heart for your real Master, for God…” (MSG) “Work hard and cheerfully at all you do…” (TLB) “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (NLT)

Let us work with all our hearts. In all that we do, let us do it for the Lord. Whatever we are capable of doing, we should perform to the best of our ability, with a heart full of cheer and gratitude.

Let us work with all our hearts:

(1) to utilize the talents God has blessed us with so that we may excel in our performance;

“The job is not your work; what you do with your heart and soul is the work,” Seth Godin.

The heart is the center of our emotion. When we work from our hearts, we are giving it our all. Our hearts should be in a position of embracing each opportunity and performing gladly. When we operate from our hearts for the Lord, what we do should be done enthusiastically and appreciatively with honor and grace. We should be fervent in our tasks and utilize our gifts with zeal.

“Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work. Let your spirit be on fire, bubbling up and boiling over, as you serve the Lord.” Romans 12:11 (VOICE) “Do not be lazy but always work hard. Work for the Lord with a heart full of love for Him.” (NLV)

“Whatever you do, do well, for in death, where you are going, there is no working or planning, or knowing, or understanding.” Ecclesiastes 9:1 (TLB)

(2) to graciously receive the abundant provision the Lord has prepared for us so that we may perform our tasks with zeal and excitement; and

When we work with all our hearts, God’s provision is sufficiently abundant. He causes us to abound, flourish, and thrive when we utilize our gifts wholeheartedly. His grace, goodness, and favor pour out over us when we work from our hearts. Our Maker, deserves all the glory and honor in everything that we do. Part of His plan in blessing us with gifts is for us to utilize our talents in order for us to enjoy our work.

And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP) “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” (MSG)

“God will use your hard work to provide you food. You will prosper in your labor, and it will go well for you.” Psalm 128:2 (VOICE) For you shall eat the fruit of [the labor of] your hands, you will be happy and blessed and it will be well with you. (AMP)

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us. And make the work of our hands stand strong. Yes, make the work of our hands stand strong.” Psalm 90:18 (NLV)

(3) to glorify and thank our Father in Heaven while working with a cheerful heart so that others may see His goodness and light.

All that we do, no matter how big or small, is benefitting the kingdom of God. He notices every detail in how we perform our tasks throughout life. He notices what we do when others do not see. Our Father sees all; He sees all the behind the scenes work we do each day! All that we do is noticed!

“Whatever you do, do it as service to Him, and He will guarantee your success.” Proverbs 16:3 (VOICE)

Commit everything you do for the Lord. Trust Him to help you do it, and He will. Psalm 37:5 (TLB)

“Whatever you do—whether you eat or drink or not—do it all to the glory of God!” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (VOICE)

When we work wholeheartedly, we are making a difference, a tremendous impact in our families, communities, and worldwide! Our amazing talents God has specifically blessed each one of us with serves a purpose! Each task we perform influences our world. Our gifts give light. Our talents bless our work.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gifts you have blessed each one of us with. Thank you for making a way for us to utilize our talents and enjoy work. Thank you for the provision you provide through our work. Thank you for teaching us and showing us ways each day to use our talents to bless others and to glorify you. Thank you for the love, joy, and excitement to serve You with all our hearts. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.