Tag Archives: Christian Faith

The Light of the World

Posted on by yolandaberry
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world, earth

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

Going the Distance: Grace in the Pace

Posted on by yolandaberry
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runners, track and field, racing, running

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.

jogger, running down the street

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.

running jogging jogger running down the street

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.

two men walking in the sunset

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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Bible Meditations

Isaiah 40:31

Heb 10:36

James 1:2-4

Gal 6:9

Rom 5:3-5

Lam 3:22-24

Romans 2:7

James 1: 12-20

Rom 12:12

1 Corth 10:13

Rom 15:4-5

Rom 8:28

James 5:11

1 Corth 15:58

James 5:7

1 Pet 4:12

2 Tim 4:7

How to Survive Hard Times: Three Keys to Overcoming Adversity in Tumultuous Times

Posted on by yolandaberry
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ocean waves crashing in a storm

Faith-based survival strategies and coping skills for life’s toughest seasons

We’re living in chaotic times that’s full of distractions and overwhelming challenges. The world is noisy, and everything is competing for our attention. We are pulled in several different directions, and time seems to be speeding up and things are rapidly changing. Every day, there are news reports unfolding and we must reclaim our peace to stay focused. How do you keep your peace in such a chaotic world? You may be dealing with health issues, a troubled teenager, a disjointed marriage, unemployment, a sour relationship, isolation or loneliness, or grief of a loved one- the list is endless.

With everything unraveling so quickly, it’s very easy to lose hope. When you lose hope, you are in danger of losing your faith and once you lose your faith, you lose your peace. When you build your faith on a firm foundation, it’s hard to lose hope because you know and understand the infinite power of God working in your life. He established the beginning from the end, and He will be faithful to complete every word, covenant and promise. He is not conditional to circumstances. He is unmovable and unshakeable.

When you have established history with the creator, you can reflect on every devastating or traumatic experience He brought you through so you can rely and rest in faith. Through every trial, you develop courage and peace that surpasses all understanding. Phil 4:7

We are fighting against so many spiritual and natural forces in life. We must be aware of the strategic attacks forged against us and be mindful of how to sustain a level mind under enormous societal and economic pressures.

Here are three main survival skills to focus on when facing opposition.

  1. Adaptability

Changes in life are inevitable. We will all deal with unexpected changes and major life events whether it be good or bad but we must remain adaptable to the situation or event. Adaptability is being able to adapt or contend with a certain climate or condition. It’s the ability to be content in uncomfortable conditions or circumstances. The apostle Paul stated in Phil 4:11-13, “I learned to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me.”

Image of pregnant woman touching her belly with hand

Adaptability does not mean conformity. You’re not in agreement with the circumstance, attitude or practices, but you can adjust using your critical thinking skills, emotional maturity, and intellectual ability instead of accepting the situation at face value.

Complicated Maze Shows Complexity Obstacles And Challenges

Adaptability also does not mean flexibility. Flexibility provides a variety of options or choices. It is the ability to bend or shift at moment’s notice, however flexibility requires adaptability because you must shift to changes quickly and then adapt to those changes.

woman looking at computer screen

2. Resilience

Resilience is the process to adjust or recover from a crisis or major life change whether illness, divorce, death of a loved one, marriage, new birth or any other life changing event. When you’re resilient, you have the power to bend and contort under extreme pressure. You may be compressed or stretched way beyond your capacity that you didn’t think you would be able to handle or overcome.

Resilience requires inner strength and mental restraint. Self-discipline and self-control are two components where you will be tested under fire. Do you have the resilience to keep going despite what it looks like? Faith is the source where resilience is birthed.

Despair Or Hope Directions On A Metal Signpost

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then he is strong.

2 Corth 12:9-10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corth 12:10

The Lord is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He is everywhere all at once. Take that in for a moment…. Secondly, He is all-knowing. For example, He knows exactly every strand of hair on your head! Not just your head but everyone on this earth!!! That is just how detailed the Father is! It baffles me when I think about the unlimited power and presence of God. When you’re able to grasp those characteristics of the Father, you will not fear the terror by night or the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91

cars stuck in traffic jam during rush hour waiting to get off of exit on highway

3. Patience

One of the fruits of the spirit requires patience. It’s not in our timing but in God’s divine timing. We live in a fast-food society where people want quick fixes, quick results, fast money, just everything done fast! It’s a hustle culture that has no patience. Road rage, burnout, just everything done with momentum. God is still. God is patient. You can only hear the Lord in a calm, still voice. Prayers need to marinate. There is obedience in waiting. There is training in the waiting. Character is being built in the waiting. Strength and endurance is established in the waiting so don’t rush the waiting process. Embrace it.

You may feel that God doesn’t hear your prayers but He will answer every prayer on His timeline so don’t grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. Gal 6:9

Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

The Lord is sovereign and just. He does not fail. He holds all power in His hands. Although we will face uncertainty, calamity and chaos in this world, Abba Father is in control and will be magnified and glorified upon the earth. Do not fear. Put your trust in Him.

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Additional Bible Verses

Matt 6:25-30 31-34

Matt 7:24-27

Mark 4:39

Matt 14: 22-33

Matt 6:33

Matt 24

Bible Verses on Contentment

1 Tim 6:6-7

Heb 13:5

Phil 4:11-13

Bible Verses on Resilience

2 Corth 12:10

Bible Verses on Adaptability

Rom 12:2

1 Corth 9:22

Bible Verses on Patience

Rom 12:12

Gal 6:9

James 5:7-8

Col 1:11

Prov 16:32

2 Peter 3:9

1 Corth 13:4

Psalm 37:7