“If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.”  Isaiah 50:10 NLT

Darkness can be disconcerting!  We lose our sense of direction and even our sense of where we are in the dark.  We can feel lost and afraid. 

Since retirement, my husband and I have had the privilege of being able to travel.  Have you ever been on one of those tours where you spend a few nights in multiple locations.  On several of those trips I have woken up in the middle of the night not knowing where I am or where the bathroom is.  Very confusing! 

Spiritual darkness can have a similar effect.  The Bible tells us that Satan is the prince of this world.  Even though Jesus has won the ultimate victory for us on the Cross, this world is ruled by darkness.  As we listen to the world news, witness injustice and hatred in our nation, and struggle with evil and darkness in our personal lives, we can become overwhelmed. 

We can turn the light on in the darkness by knowing and declaring biblical spiritual truth.  Psalm 139:12 says that to our heavenly Father, who created this world, darkness and light are the same. He sees everything. He sees us and our loved ones and knows exactly what we need.  As Jesus and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding on our behalf, we have his favor.  Help is on the way!  We are safe in his arms and under his wings. 

In those moments when you feel darkness moving in, remember who you are to Father God.  You are his beloved daughter.  Christ died to save you.  He is not about to lose you now!  He has a wonderful plan to grow you more and more beautiful as you allow him to fill you with his overflowing love and peace.  With the Holy Spirit in you, you can “see” in the spiritual darkness of this world.  You have the mind of Christ and the discernment of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus has commanded his angelic host to watch over you and to minister to you. 

Then, smile.  Rest in the Lord and allow him to fill you with faith, perseverance and peace.  The darkness will never overcome you.  You may be tested and have struggles, but you will survive and only become more beautiful in the Lord.

Pray with me: Father God, forgive me when I forget who I am in Christ your Son.  Thank you that I can rest in you and trust that you will defend me and provide for all I need.  Holy Spirit teach me to see in the darkness and remind me daily of the truth that will set me free from the fear of darkness in this world.  I pray confidently in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.

Dear friend, be blessed to shine with Christ’s glorious presence in and around you.  May you light up your environment and send the darkness scurrying as you remember all that Jesus has done and has promised to do for you.   Amen.
Mary Sumner
October 25, 2019

“For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:6 NLT

We read in Ephesians 2:6 that the Holy Spirit, in the moment we believe and choose to trust Jesus with our salvation and with our life, grabs us out of death and darkness, and transfers us into the light of God’s glorious presence.  Our bodies remain on earth, but our spirits experience quantum physics! That is, our spirits are in two places at the same time, in heaven with Jesus and still here on earth. 

Does that blow your mind?!  Anyone who trusts in Jesus, is already in Heaven, with Jesus, right now. What an encouraging and awesome truth!  May that truth FEEL true to you today.

Stop and think.  If you believed in your heart that you were secure and loved in Heaven with Jesus right now, how would you live differently?  Maybe your problems here on earth would seem smaller? Your fears and anxiety would shrink as God’s promises become more real?  Would you want to tell others you love, so they would be with you and enjoy more peace?

God’s Word is true.  We can trust in what it says.  If you belong to Jesus, then you are secure in his love forever.  The proof is in where you are and where he is --  together in Heaven right now.  Why not talk to him about it? 

Pray with me: Holy Spirit, thank you for transferring me out of death and darkness and into the glorious light of Heaven.  Lord Jesus, I choose to sit at your feet and listen to what you want me to know.  Give me eyes to see you and ears to hear you more clearly.   I ask in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Dear friend, be blessed to experience the love of God which is beyond understanding as you sit in his presence.  Be blessed to soak in his glorious light and delight in your Savior.  Amen.
Mary Sumner
October 11, 2019