Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12
We cannot deny the world is exceedingly grossly dark but as the world grows darker, the light of God shines and grows brighter. Wherever the light exists, darkness is dispelled. For where the light shines, it illuminates and radiates in darkness. It’s impossible to shine a flashlight or light a candle and still be in darkness. For wherever the light goes, there is an illuminated pathway.
The world is deceived and cannot see the truth. As the world celebrates wickedness, we will walk as beacons of light. Have you noticed the movie “Wicked” is being promoted during the Christmas season like it’s a magical Christmas movie? Even the music sounds like a Christmas musical theme with the glitter floating across the screen. The world has shifted and we must remain alert and call out darkness.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:16-21
As we celebrate Christmas this season, let us hold unto the glory of our resurrected King. Do not live in despair and grief in times of sorrow. One touch of God shifts the atmosphere. Holy is His name. He is the righteous judge. He is the waymaker. He is your healer and strength in times of sickness. He is your provider and restorer. He is the One true God who is and who is to come. He is your source of protection. He is the guiding light and your direction. The Holy One of Israel, we lift you up in adoration and praise! Adonai, glory is your name!
The children of God take on every character and quality of the Father. We shall walk in authority and power. We shall do great exploits in the power of His name. There will be miracles, signs and wonders.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.Matt 5:14
If you are in a dark place this Christmas, may the Holy Spirit comfort you and may the Spirit of God release you from sorrow, grief, loss and despair. Jesus catches every teardrop. He will lift the burden of heaviness and chains of bondage.
To be transparent as I write this post, I just shed a few tears as I typed these words. The spiritual warfare is thick and the weight of this world is heavy, but God will elevate and raise you up in the midst of the darkness you face. Trust in God and the power of His might.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6
Emmanuel, God with us.
Related Bible Verses
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejrects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak. John 12:46:50
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:16
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:20-21
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.Isaiah 60:1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Matt 5:6
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubles, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, 2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross,disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (AMP)
When I was in junior high, I ran track. I was the second to the fastest runner in my school. I was a sprinter who ran the 50- and 100-yard dash, the 2020 relay, as well as the long jump and hurdles. One thing I noticed about the long-distance runners was that they had stamina and endurance. They paced themselves to be able to finish the race.
On the other hand, I would position my feet on the starter’s block while listening intently to the sound of the gun and push off the starter’s block to begin running. At times, one of the runners would jumpstart due to anticipation and all the runners would have to start over again.
As I reflect on Heb 12, it is wise to release any baggage or distractions in this season and keep your eyes focused on Jesus. The world is heavy and it’s full of noise. We’re fighting opposition, oppression, weariness and spiritual warfare on every side. It will take stamina and endurance to keep moving. When you learn how to pace yourself, you’re able to overcome physical, mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. It’s necessary to slow down, rest and reflect when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Some people want to push ahead and disregard stressful situations or circumstances. They ignore their feelings all together. You should be honest with your feelings, but do not let your feelings rule over your mental, emotional or spiritual well-being. Don’t allow the world to dictate how you should feel either. Suppressing your emotions is dangerous and extremely unhealthy. Finding a support system or a trusted friend to talk to will help you release toxic feelings.
As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to take some time out to rest and focus on your priorities. We do not need to wait for the New Year for reflection. It’s important to honor God and rest in His presence regularly. Don’t allow the pressures of gathering with family wear you thin. Safeguard yourself from any energy drainers or negative Nancy’s.
In Colossian 1:11 it states, “Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”
The secret to having contentment amid long suffering is endurance and letting go of your fleshy desires. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4
Although Thanksgiving is a time of reflection of gratitude, it can also be a time of greed. We live in a spoiled and commercially motivated generation. Marketers have pushed Black Friday two weeks prior to Thanksgiving! Despite the financial struggles people are dealing with, their intention is to push more commercialism into the mindset of consumers.
Chasing after the next shiny new thing does not provide contentment. It only triggers you to chase after more stuff which fills you with a void. The Lord only quenches the desires of the heart. Surely, the Lord wants us to enjoy our life, and He will provide for us, but we should not desire material wealth, status and gain more than Jesus.
We are entering unstable territory. Economies are being shaken, and faith is being tested. It’s a wakeup call. Do not put your trust in earthly things. The Lord is pruning us from the material world to shed the weight and sin of greed, manipulation, control, selfishness, envy, jealousy, comparison and competition. He is also prompting us to make a definitive decision. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”Matt 6:24 (NIV)
“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.”Matt 6:19-21 (AMP)
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Matt 6:25-34
When we release the stress of materialism, you can gain and embrace contentment. It’s having the ability to step out of the physical world and into the spiritual world. It’s not religion. It’s finding Jesus and having a direct relationship with Him.
So, do not allow the pressures of the holiday season make you depressed. You may not have everything you want. You may be alone or grieving a loved one but open your heart to the presence of God. He is your comforter, protector and waymaker. These are not merely words. It’s the living truth because I’m a witness of His miraculous working power over my life. Everything that I’ve experienced has led me to this point and I will continue to run on with endurance – not to reach a destination but to embrace the continuous flow of God’s love and grace on this journey. Wherever you are on this journey – God will meet you right there. Ready, set, go!
I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
Eccl 9:11
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“That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord so that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
As the world continues to move towards end time prophecies being fulfilled in the Bible, we will need the Blood of Jesus to cover, protect and sustain us.
The most powerful gift of living a redeemed life is having the precious Blood of Jesus. He bore our sins and transgressions, sickness and disease and by His stripes we are healed, in Jesus name.
In the last days, we will be challenged to hold onto our hope and full assurance of God’s love for us in troubled times.
In Matthew 24, Jesus states,“For many will come in my name, saying, “I am Christ,” and will deceive many. And, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.Matt 24:4-7
New Beginnings ✨New Seasons ✨New Era
Whether you are a new believer, backslider, or spirit-filled warrior for Christ, the power of the Blood of Jesus is active and always renewing, replenishing, and covering your life.
The gift of salvation provides a totally transformed life through cycles, phases, and processes of experiences to build your faith, trust and confidence in the Lord. The testing of your faith builds your character so never despise the trials or tribulations that you go through. It is building your strength, endurance and tenacity.
Who said life would be easy? In fact, living a redeemed life is even harder because we live in a fallen world. Not only are we faced with temptation but we are opposing and resisting evil every attack or agenda sent from the enemy. We are going against the grain of the world system.
You can overcome with the power of God, the Blood of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit.
He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me. Psalm 55:18
They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Rev 12:11
Are you not the One who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over? Isaiah 51:10
The act of redemption means:
1. An act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake or the state of being redeemed.
2. Deliverance from sin; salvation
3. Deliverance or rescue
4. Atonement for guilt
5. Repurchase, as something sold
6. Paying off, as of a mortgage, bond or note
7. Recovery by payment, as of something pledged
8. Conversion of paper money into specie
Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O’Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bands of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! For thus says the Lord; “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.” Isaiah 52:2-3
The wind of change is blowing upon us. A new era has begun. It will take the breath of God to transition and position the Body of Christ for the end time harvest of souls. Breathe on us, Lord. Let it be done as it was in the beginning and now of how it shall be.
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.
Eight Powerful Ways That Activates the Blood of Jesus in Your Life
1. Salvation
Jesus washes away all sin and cleanses and purifies your heart and mind while renewing your spirit. He releases all doubt, guilt, and condemnation once you accept His love, repent and confess Him as your Lord and Savior. When you believe by faith, a beautiful transformation takes place in your life. You must come to God in faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and he is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6
Once you truly activate the power of faith and tap into His abundance of love, you will not want to live, think, act or do the the same things you use to do. You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom 12:2
You will have a heart for God. He will be your priority and your desire will be to live for Him. Whoever wants to be my disciples yet deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life, must lose it but whoever loses their life for my sake shall find it. Matt 16:24-26
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Gal 2:20-21
You cannot continue to walk in your own power and self-righteousness. Many new converts stumble or backslide because they have a heart or mind filled with conflict from their past or don’t believe God loves them. They feel they cannot be changed because of all their past mistakes. They may still want to embrace the culture of what’s convenient and comfortable for their needs and desires.
It’s all or nothing with God. The Lord would rather you be hot or cold rather than to be lukewarm. Rev 3:16
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:5-8
2. Sanctification
Once you begin transforming spiritually, He will set you apart for His purpose and plan. You will begin to move and speak differently. This new way of being will begin to affect how family, friends and others perceive you.
There will be a cutting away, “pruning” physically and spiritually. The Lord will begin to slice and dice all aspects of your life from the inside out. He will begin to mold and shape your character like Jesus. He will begin to remove people out of your life. The evidence of this transition will impact and disrupt your relationships and your environment. You should never be afraid of the process because God loves you and He wants the best for you so do not resist His plan for your life. Continue to walk in full assurance and faith with understanding and wisdom.
3. Redemption
Jesus rescued us from the plans of the enemy. Jesus paid our sins so we can be set free from sin and death. There was a high cost for Christ to sacrifice His life for our sins. He was persecuted, suffered death and was buried but on the third day He arose from the grave.
Can you think of anyone who would stand in the gap and die for you? Would someone catch a bullet or throw themselves under a bus for your wrongdoings or mistakes?
Jesus fully paid the price of sacrifice and not to acknowledge the cost of His redemption for our sins would be a disgrace.
4. Restoration
When you are discouraged or defeated, frustrated or exhausted, the Blood of Jesus restores hope and provides endurance for life’s journey. He restores rest to the weary and health to the sick. He restores joy in a season of grief. He will refresh and replenish your spirit. He will restore all that was lost and give you victory, if you do not give up.
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of Joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. That they may be called the trees of righteousness. The planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:2-3
If God is for us, who can be against us?Rom 8:31
5. Justification
Justification is an act of God, who is the righteous judge, to declare a man righteous. Although a man is a sinner and does wrong repeatedly, through a right relationship with God he is viewed as righteous in the sight of the Lord. Another words, he is exempt and all charges are dropped. Justification is not a license to actively sin and do wrong but you do not have to work for righteousness because it’s a free gift for the believer who receives Christ by faith.
The transformation through holiness in a sinner is the process of sanctification.
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Rom 8:33
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. Songwriter: James Hammerly and Robert Lowry
6. Purification
The Blood of Jesus purifies through the gift of Holy Communion. When you repent, your sins are completely forgiven. There is no need to continuously dwell on the past or feel guilty about what you’ve done. Once you accept accountability for your behavior or actions, it’s never to late to change. It’s important to make amends or apologize to others, as well. Regardless, whether others are accepting of your apology or change, the Lord cleanse and releases your bad habits and attitudes, negative thinking or behavior and poor choices, decisions and mistakes. The cross carries the burden so you can be set free to live the life God destines for you to live.
7. Deliverance
Who the Son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36
The act of deliverance is the evidence of being set free physically, spiritually, mentally emotionally, and even psychologically.
In today’s world, there is a host of demonic activity that leads to people being in bondage. Some people are ignorant to the spiritual doors they open while others willfully seek to open these doors. You give Satan opportunity to attack your soul (mind, body, will, and emotions).
If you are a born again believer, Satan does not have the ability to attack your spirit because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb, however occult involvement such as using Tarot cards, astrology, new age religion, theologies, and practices, witchcraft, voodoo, black magic, clairvoyants, speaking to the dead, and crystals are just some ways you can open the door to darkness.
The results of participating in these types of activities can lead to drugs and alcohol abuse, sinful lustful acts, pornography, adultery, fornication, idle words and cursing, disobedience, idolatry and false religion and worship, violence and suicide. These are some heavy examples that are the nature and results of demonic activity that leads to generational curses of depression, poverty, addiction, sickness and disease.
Lately, there has been a high level of suicides in the nation. Most people immediately think the suicide rate is linked to depression due to the current climate of violence, financial instability, isolation (due to Covid) and other factors such as devastation of loss through natural disasters.
This definitely is a factor and should not be discounted due to the mental and emotional state impacting the person, however people are quick to label depression and mental illness as the problem. They do not consider open doors of demonic activity operating in their lives. They are also quick to medicate their problems without considering their diet or working on the root of their problems. Not all cases of mental illness are psychological.
The continuous struggle in the family breakdown and in our communities, chronic sickness and financial lack and untimely death can also be results from demonic curses.
To break a curse, you must repent and renounce all activity in the Name of Jesus. It’s only by the Power of the Blood of Jesus that can break the yoke of bondage and disintegrate sin and cast out evil spirits.
8. Healing
The Blood of Jesus heals our sicknesses and diseases. He heals our emotions and state of mind. Jesus heals our wounds and binds up transgressions. Oftentimes, we listen to the voice of the world and allow them to dictate our realities of what’s possible. But God is a God of possibilities. Just like open doors of sin can lead to sickness and disease; an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, negative emotions, bitter speech or anger can lead to poor health.
Whatever’s the cause of illness, Jesus heals by faith. The woman with the issue of blood pushed her way through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment and was immediately healed of her ailment of 12 years. The miraculous healing of a blind man whose eyes was restored and the crippled man who was defeated and lied by a pool until Jesus told Him to get up and walk are all evidence of the healing power of Jesus. These stories are not myths, fables, or fairytales. They are evidence of the Bible. I’m a living witness of experiencing my father be healed of diabetes, his eyesight being restored after becoming blind in one eye after a retina detachment. I’ve also experienced my mother’s recovery from a blood bleed on the brain and recovery from a slight heart attack and stroke without any existing conditions.
There is no explanation why some people are healed and others are not but everything that happens is within God’s divine plan. To get through this life, especially as things continue to shift and change in this world, you will need the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ to sustain you in every area of your life. Speak life over your situation and circumstances and shift the atmosphere and your environment, in the mighty Name of Jesus.
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Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. … Continue reading →
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Related Scriptures
The Blood of the Lamb
Exodus 12:13
Now the Blood shall be the sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the Blood, I will Passover you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Rev 12:10
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of the brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
Healing by the Blood of Christ
Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
I Peter 2:24
Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
The Lord’s Supper | Holy Communion
Matt 26:26-28
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which was shed for many for the remissions of sins.
Writing with Purpose 