“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.” Luke 11:33 NLT

The holidays are coming and for many of us women that means it’s time to clean our homes so they look their best for our families and guests.  In other words, it’s time for a deep cleaning, maybe shampooing carpets, washing windows and polishing things not usually touched in our weekly cleanup.

As we roll up our sleeves to do the physical cleaning, how many are also aware that there may be some spiritual cleansing that needs to be done?  If you are like our family, when we moved into our new home we prayed over it, wrote Bible verses on it, asked the Holy Spirit to cleanse it spiritually, and blessed all those who would enter its doors. 

Just as our homes need to be dusted, tidied and cleaned regularly, have you ever thought of what it might need spiritually?  Just as dirt accumulates naturally in our physical homes, its atmosphere, though starting clean and sparkling, may have picked up some spiritual darkness. 

I am sure you have walked into a house or building for the first time and been struck with how “dark” it felt, or maybe noted how “light” it seemed to you.  That is because our spirits discern the spiritual atmosphere.  What do people who come to your home discern?

I just had a conversation with a friend who described a family member’s home as “dark”, filled with arguing, fear and unrest.  Our behavior can change the spiritual atmosphere, opening a door to the demonic.  We also have workmen, repair people, and others enter and leave a residue of their spiritual uncleanness. 

Not to worry!  If you believe some darkness may have taken residence in your home, do a little “light” housekeeping.  Remember that Jesus has all authority in Heaven and earth.  We belong to Christ and his Spirit lives in us, therefore, we too have authority over anything that belongs to us. Just take authority in Jesus’ name, rededicate your home to Jesus, giving him full authority over it and in it, and command all darkness, any spirit that does not belong to Jesus Christ, to leave and to never return!  Ask the Holy Spirit to come and fill your home with his light, love and peace, and to drive out all darkness.  Then thank him!  

Jesus came into the world as the Light of the World.  He told us that we, too, were lights not to be hidden.  As you are doing your holiday preparations, be sure your house is filled with that light, so others can enjoy Christ’s light and give the glory to God.

Pray with me: Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have done and are doing in my life.  Thank you that I am in you and that I can trust you to protect me and my home, as I align with you and your plans and purposes.  Thank you, Father, for creating me as child of the light.  I am truly blessed!  In Jesus’ glorious name, I pray. Amen.

Dear friend, you are created gloriously to reflect the light of Christ. Be blessed as you come out of the darkness in every area of your life.  With each passing day, may you hunger for more of Jesus and be given deep revelation of his nature and your place in his Kingdom.  Be blessed in Jesus’ name.  Amen.
Mary Sumner
November 22, 2019

 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!   1 John 3:1a NLT

While praying with a friend recently, she heard God whisper to her, “Enough.”  After the prayer time was over, she looked at me and wondered aloud whether the Father meant that she was enough, was good enough, or whether he was saying he was enough for her every need, and she could let go of control.

It is true that she, and we too, are enough for God.  Once we proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior and release control of our lives to him, we become united with God and what we lack in ourselves, Jesus completes. Colossians 2:10 tells us, “So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” 

Our Creator God is the only one who truly knows us.  He designed us the way he wanted us, knows everything that ever happened to us, everything we have done, or failed to do, and he still chose us, called us and loves us.  He is just waiting for us to come to him, spend time with him and get to know him, so he can give us everything we need. In him, we are always enough.

The Bible proves to us that our God, Father, his Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, are more than enough for us.  They desire our good, work on our behalf, defend us, provide for us and compassionately teach and guide us.  As adopted children of God Most High, we have authority over our spiritual enemies and will share in the inheritance of Christ.  The Father delights in us and calls us cleansed and glorious.  Our true identity is defined by our God.

Will we ever make a mess of things?  Of course.  Will we ever need forgiveness and grace? Absolutely!  But once we receive God’s forgiveness and forgive ourselves for our shortcomings and mistakes, we can again fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus and the things above.  As we do, Romans 8:38 tells us “despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours, through Christ who loved us.”  So, we are more than overcomers, we are victorious, glorious and pleasing to God.  We are enough for him and we daily may experience how he is always enough for us.

Pray with me: Father God, it is too good to be true.  You love me and will always be enough for me, on my best days and in the worst of times.  And because of your grace and compassion, I choose to believe that I, too, am complete in Christ, and will always be enough for you.  As your Word tells me, you will never abandon me nor forsake me.  Holy Spirit, please keep working in me, so that I can grow into all that I am designed to be. Amen.

Dear friend, be blessed with deep peace and thanksgiving as you ponder the truth that your loving Father will always be there for you and is able to meet every need.  Be reassured that, though you may slip, and even fall, you will always be loved, accepted and belong to your amazing, only true God.   Amen.
Mary Sumner
November 9, 2019