OneLight

Victory in Silence

2026-03-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Scriptural Reference: Colossians 4:6 kjv "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

There is victory in silence.

I grew up in the 'hood. No excuses. No shame. Just the 'hood. The smell of fried chicken wafting through hot kitchen open windows. The staggering drunk singing, 'Wooopiee LaLa Lee!' Kids of all ages running up and down the street. Jump rope. Hop scotch. Patty cake and relay races. We would play up and down our block until the street lights came on. Then all the neighborhood kids would rush home for dinner like tiny birds to the nests in the trees.

The mama's would watch out for the neighborhood children. Those "neighborhood mama's" would even tattle to the parents when the 'neighbor child' was being disobedient away from home (where they thought no one would see.) (Don't ask me how I know...)

I vividly recall the neighborhood bully standing defiantly on the curbside daring me to cross so I could walk to school. I would avoid her face and quickly scamper around her. Hoping she wouldn't pay me any attention. I also remember how my heart would pound when school was out and I knew I had to run home to escape the bullies, or turn and fight. One, three, or five little nappy headed boy mobsters.

The truth is: sometimes I was the bully. Sometimes I was being bullied.

Now, I'm grown and my first response when I'm offended or feel threatened is to fight.

I have submitted my will to JESUS, so my first response has been sanctified, not removed or dismantled, but surrendered to the LORDship of JESUS.

Not long ago a situation occurred that made me angry. I was so angry, in fact, that I really wanted to retaliate with my words. I felt confident that I had good cause to say what I was thinking in my mind and agreed with in my heart.

However, JESUS spoke to me in a calm sweet whisper. HIS sweet presence hovered over me to tenderly remind me:

"A soft answer turns away wrath. Grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1 kjv

Like cool rushing water, JESUS doused the flame of my wrath. Within 24 hours that same situation caused another few moments of fury and I was hot as fire!!! Blazed and ready to say something about something this time for sure!

However, JESUS spoke to me in a calm sweet whisper. HIS sweet presence hovering over me to tenderly remind me:

"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the LORD." Romans 12:19 kjv

So I yielded to JESUS again and took deep long breaths. I told my frustrated heart that my words didn't change the situation in the beginning. My words wouldn't change the situation now. My submission to JESUS in silence is my victory in this situation. There are words a plenty that could be said. However, realizing that the person(s) I wanted to speak the words to were proving they weren't listening already meant they don't care about my words, my feelings, my needs or my heart.

I know there are situations that provoke our hearts and minds to anger. The bible says, "Be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath." Ephesians 4:26 kjv. I can't say that the sun didn't go down while I was angry because the sun was already down when I got angry. However, since rising to the new day, I have peace because JESUS will manage the situation.

JESUS is not interested in making an unfeeling robot out of you!! JESUS does want to be LORD of every part of your life. HE wants to be LORD over the unspoken words in your mind and the rampantly surging feelings in your heart.

My admonition to you today: Submit your emotions, thoughts, and actions to JESUS. Allow HIS Word to moderate your response and actions. Allow JESUS to be LORD over you in every relationship and situation of your life. It's better not to have a regret than to have given someone an angry piece of your mind.

Let JESUS give you peace in your mind.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

No part of this post may be used without expressed written permission.

R 8.28

2026-03-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Scriptural Reference: Romans 8:28 (kjv) "And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose."

It's like this:

We pray.

We pray in faith.

We look expectantly for the prayer to be answered in the affirmative.

Like Christmas time, we peek under the tree, trying to discover what's in the wrapped package with our name neatly printed on the label. We strain our ears to discern what we think we hear rustling just under the lid. We gently shake the boxed contents not quite hard enough to break them, but strongly enough to divulge the contents, if we can.

Or perhaps we sit on our wooden pew, each Sunday, listening to the preacher redirecting our uncertain hearts from teeter-tottering in between hope and doubt while we continue to pray. While we bite our nails, clinch our fists and pray. Sometimes that gasp and sigh that becomes a sudden rush of tears is the prayer that at last meets us with an answer.

We find the answer, in the oddest of places, dressed up in the most peculiar colors and style.

The answer that greets us is a quiet surprise.

"No."

I got a "No." answer today. Plain and unmistakable. The answer arrived as a computer malfunction that made an exam impossible to take. One of those unlikely unexpected events that I'm still shaking my head over.

I applied for a job and as part of the continuing eligibility for employment process there were a series of tests I needed to pass. I logged into the Proctored website expecting all my computer applications to cooperate so that my only task was to pass with an 80% correct rate.

Imagine my surprise and consternation when the issue with my computer wasn't remedied no matter how I tried. I spent at least 35 minutes trying various things to be able to proceed with the exam.

At the nearly 1 hour mark like a gong I heard the 'door' slam.

I know you've heard it, "GOD's going to bless you." "Praise GOD for the open door." (Feel free to chime in with any other phrase that suits you.)

I rarely, if ever, hear anyone from the pulpit say to the congregants, "Sometimes, GOD's answer to your prayer is "No."

I remember I prayed, 'LORD JESUS, please guide me and make sure I apply for the job you have for me. Thank you, in JESUS name, Amen." I was confident that this job was the job JESUS intended to give me. I had no reason to suspect anything else.

Like I said, I got a "No." answer today. Plain and unmistakable. The answer arrived as a computer malfunction that made an exam impossible to take. One of those unlikely, unexpected events that I'm still shaking my head over. So.... I will return to my knees and thank the LORD for knowing me perfectly and orchestrating the timing, purpose, who, what, when, where, how of my life with precision and intricate care.

The answer may not be what you, or I may expect, but we can know that the truth of Romans 8:28 is at work when we receive our answer. Whatever that answer may be.

All is all.

Thank you my dear LORD for moderating the doors in my life according to Your will. I will keep praying and trusting You.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

No part of this post may be used without expressed written permission.

8 then 2

2026-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 4:18 KJV 'And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

Think about these things...

Before the LORD whispered to Noah to advise him of the coming flood people were living hundreds of years (averaging 700) and birthing countless children. When the cup of the LORD's patience was nearly full Noah began to preach of the coming flood and Noah began to build the ark.

Noah spent 100 years building the ark while preaching of the coming flood.

Of the countless millions who were on the earth, each with a life expectancy of 600-700 years, we can only speculate that there were perhaps trillions of people living at the time of the flood. The shattering truth is that of those untold millions 8 people were saved. Could some of the others have been saved? Noah preached repentance, but there is no record of their repentance. Scripture does not provide any other inclusion of any other people in the ark.

The people in the ark are named: Noah and his wife, Shem and his wife, Ham and his wife, and Japheth and his wife. Eight.

Think about these things...

Many years later the LORD chose a man, Abram, who became Abraham. Of Abraham's seed the nation of Israel is brought into focus because of GOD's plan of redemption of all men through JESUS. JESUS was of the lineage of the tribe of Judah, the son of Jacob (who was also called Israel). After the sons of Israel are brought into slavery and then released by GOD through Moses they were all eligible to inherit a part of the land promised to Abraham's seed. In this instance of biblical history there are nearly 3 million people delivered from the bondage of Egypt. These 3 million people had one task: follow Moses into the land of promise.

The scriptures give us the specifics and sweeping overviews of the Israelite journey. One day stands out. After the spies viewed the land of promise and returned 40 days later to report they speak of themselves in ways that seem to exclude the purpose of the wilderness journey: GOD brought them out of Egypt to bring them into the land of promise. The perspective they have, and what they say provokes GOD to make a statement that changes everything.

Numbers 14:30 KJV "Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua, the son of Nun."

From the millions of Israelites eligible, as Abrahams seed, all freed from Egypt together there is a collective gasp and pause. They were all trekking across the wilderness with some remnant of hope and expectation. Now, receipt of the promise suddenly dwindles from 3 million to 2 who will receive the promise. At this juncture recall that Moses did not enter into the land of promise due to the day he was angry with Israel and smote the rock twice.

Think about these things....

1 Peter 4:17 KJV "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of GOD: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of GOD?"

These days so many people with a mic and audience are eager to tout a GOD so forgiving that HIS holiness and purity are lain aside in favor of HIS love. The eager ears of the flesh always want to be petted and not denied.

You do the math. From untold millions to 8. Later in scripture, from approximately 3 million to 2.

For those who submit to JESUS and HIS LORD-ship we know that salvation is a gift of grace and forgiveness through JESUS' substitutionary death and 3rd day resurrection. JESUS has birthed a church by the HOLY SPIRIT into the hearts of those who believe, repent, are baptized. This work of salvation is a miracle of GOD within the human soul.

The LORD our GOD is HOLY. None of HIS holiness has dimmed since time began. After the clocks and calendars are no longer relevant The LORD our GOD will continue to be HOLY.

Think about these things....

If you are submitted to JESUS and HIS grace of salvation: Amen!! Hold fast to the precious gift of GOD that is given to you. Also, reach out to others and tell them about the gift you have freely received. Perhaps the LORD has already primed their heart to hear the truth that liberates the soul from the bondage of sin, ushering them into new life in JESUS.

If you are reading this and you have not yet submitted to JESUS and HIS redemptive plan, and you recognize your need for salvation please avail yourself of a local assembly that will baptize you in JESUS' name and will disciple you scripturally. You will need guidance and support to learn of JESUS and the apostles doctrine, not some watered-down pseudo babble fat with the culture of our day that feeds the flesh and earthly desires.

The time of JESUS's return may be any day or thousands of days from the day you read this. No one knows the day nor the hour when JESUS, the SON of Man will return to rapture HIS Church. I have always remembered what my father said in a sermon over 40 years ago, "GOD doesn't have to come and get everyone to come and get you."

Think about these things....

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

No part of this post may be used without expressed written permission.

Free from the Weight of Waiting to be Married

2025-12-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

This is a preview of my exciting and continuing journey with JESUS through my dating, non-dating, married, and divorced life.

My Newest book!!!

"Free from the Weight of Waiting to be Married"

LaTendre' Moore

Excerpts from the book, "Free from the Weight of Waiting to be Married" by LaTendre' Moore:

"Dedication:

To every woman and man who is unmarried (never married, divorced, or widowed) and you have reached for this book because waiting is weighty and painful. This book was written from my heart and experiences because I have laid down the painful expectation of waiting for marriage, not because I do not want to marry, but because...

Chapter 1 I do not know if I will marry. I accept that.

Chapter 2 I do not know if I want to marry. I accept that.

Chapter 3 JESUS has withheld the married blessing. I accept that.

Chapter 4 I'm giving up the 'gotta-have-it' of marriage. I accept that.

"It's there. Just under the skin. I hide it. I handle it. I avoid it. I obsess over it. I use words like, 'My life is full. Most of the time I'm happy, until I'm not. That's when I realize I am lonely and I feel alone....'

The church Singles Department is often captained by married couples who seem far removed from the angst and underlying sorrow of the unmarried at church. Or the Singles Department is captained by an over zealous single who secretly hopes to castrate the men and cloister the women.

The problem with 'held breath anticipation' is that I have been turning various shades of blue and purple since August 1990 waiting for the prophetic promise to become my reality.

I grew up in an era when every young girl I knew watched the models of our mothers, hoping to grow up to be housewives and mothers one day.

Well, this ache requires my attention. Tonight, I grieve what has been lost.

I hate the deceit and silence as my voice was muted by duplicitous silence. I grieve the trust that was lost. I grieve the lie and the liar. I am enraged. I am forlorn. I am dismayed. This pain is hot and fresh like the first morning after he silently left my life.

I didn't die. I am alive. I will not be buried here.

I brace myself and stand to leave tonight, for what I hope is the last time. I open my hands and turn to go."

"Free from the Weight of Waiting to be Married"

LaTendre' Moore

"Free from the Weight of Waiting to be Married"

Will be Available Soon:

via Google, Lulu.com, and Amazon

I will update this page/post when the book is published.

These publications are available now (in paperback, hardback, or eBook) via Google, Lulu.com, and Amazon.

Other Publications also by LaTendre' Moore Available Now!

Collections of Poetry:

'Simple Words (forget me not)'

'More than Words'

Autobiography and Testimony

'Pathways of the Heart'

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

No part of this post may be used without expressed written permission.

I Hate Sin!

2025-12-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

Scriptural Reference:

Romans 6:23, 'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.'

In honor of the memory

Rob and Michele Reiner

for

Princess Buttercup and Wesley,

Harry and Sally,

and

all those who love vicariously

through them

because of

those romantic hearts

I grieve

the penalty of sin

and

rejoice in the redeeming

gift of GOD

through

JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

My family, like other families, continues to experience disharmony for various reasons such as differing faiths, unpopular life choices, opposing opinions, and random bits of likes and dislikes. However, in my continuing pursuit of peace, because of JESUS LORDSHIP in my life, I do not use my words, or hands to harm.

May all our mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and kindred far and wide come to the saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST. The terrible penalty of sin causes all of us to suffer not because we are relatives, but because we are each and altogether part of a broken and redeemed community of humanity. We will struggle until, in CHRIST JESUS, we are all healed.

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

MDEL Publishing

At Ease

2025-12-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Scriptural Reference: John 8:32 (KJV) "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Ephesians 4:25 (KJV) "But speaking the truth in love...."

Full sigh and deep breath.

Repeat.

This is the way I am right now and since some special dear people who love me have spoken life transforming truth(s) to me.

There are occasions when we may find ourselves in conversations about our lives that has been witnessed by long-time friends, and close family relations. Our mutual proximity to one another is often a place where true bonds of emotional vulnerability and trust are created and strengthened with time.

I am so grateful to JESUS for providing such an environment and persons who promote this type of atmosphere in my life. I know that this is not common. I am certain this is unique. I am not surprised that few groups, and fewer families, know this precious treasure. I celebrate JESUS grace in providing the confidante(s), companion(s), and true friend(s) to me.

Full sigh and deep breath.

Repeat.

I have these blessed opportunities because of my relationship(s) remain unguarded and open to share my weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. I have shared my true self and have found I am accepted and loved.

I have sometimes not understood everything that my close companion(s) has said. I have had to revisit our dialogue and ponder every word of the phrase until I see plainly and better comprehend the heart of their words.

This forum of truth is mutual and such a great gift that I can only turn my gleeful face to JESUS and say my most profound, "Thank you, LORD!!"

This environment of truth does not imply that every truth is a sweet treat. That is not possible in a sinful world. What it does mean is that even when the truth shared leaves us reeling in heartbreak and tears we embrace and weather the storm of truth, grateful that we do not face life liberating truth alone.

Full sigh and deep breath.

Repeat.

I pray that JESUS will provide you with the one, or few, with whom you can bare your heart. That you know the pleasant confidence to bear their burden(s) alike and together. I pray that you share their joys and sorrows, as equally as you share your own sorrows and joy. This is the way of those who love JESUS and love one another.

Full sigh and deep breath.

Repeat.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

The Last Biscuit in the Tube

2025-12-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

Scriptural reference: Luke 19:10 (KJV) "For the SON of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

John 6:39 (KJV) "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which HE hath given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."

Tonight, as I was preparing my dinner, I chose to use the pop-up dough biscuits. Per usual, I struggled to get the spoon at the proper angle so my biscuits had a chance to look more like the photo and less like blobs. I was so focused on the biscuits fitting into my baking dish that when the biscuits were all neatly nestled, I thought every biscuit was out of the tube.

I set my timer and when I began to smell the baking I knew soon I would enjoy a delicious biscuit.

Ding!

When the biscuits were ready I carefully retrieved them from the oven and buttered them gently while salivating with glee. When I had removed all of the biscuits from my baking dish I began to count them. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...." That number seemed odd to me. I counted them again. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...."

Then I checked the package and it blazed in front of me, 'Servings per package: 8'

Well, then I examined my biscuits to see if one of them was overly large. They were all the same size. Then I looked more closely at the opened biscuit tube. Nestled in the bottom of the tube was the last uncooked biscuit.

Suddenly, I recalled that JESUS knows all of HIS redeemed sons and daughters everywhere. JESUS draws us to HIMSELF that we would be saved. We are saved by faith. We are saved unto eternal life because of JESUS' sinless life, bloody cross, and bodily resurrection by which HE imputes HIS righteousness to us by faith and grace. We are preserved and sealed as we receive HIS indwelling HOLY SPIRIT who lives within us, who works through us, and who will produce from our obedient lives HIS will in the earth for HIS glory.

Salvation is a miracle. To be drawn by a holy and righteous GOD is a miracle of unearned faith. All I brought to JESUS was a broken life of sin and an utterly filthy soul.

But JESUS saved me. JESUS saves me. JESUS will continue to keep me saved. I am redeemed and look forward to the full receipt of my redemption when I shed this earthly house for eternal life with JESUS. Amen.

That single uncooked bit of biscuit dough was headed to the garbage as long as I didn't know it was still uncooked and in the tube. I baked it, all by itself, in the same pan. When that last biscuit was cooked it joined the other beautifully buttered biscuits to become part of my dinner tonight, and tomorrow.

I hope you can see the implications and correlations here.... purpose, redemption, fellowship, and joy.

Every precious soul that enters eternity without surrendering their life to JESUS, in time, can only look ahead to know they will be eternally separated from JESUS. JESUS CHRIST is our only way to joyful life in eternity.

If JESUS is wooing you to HIMSELF please do not harden your heart. Today is the day of salvation. While you live in time, prepare for eternity, by submitting your soul to the LORDSHIP of JESUS and be saved today. This precious salvation is a gift that cannot be bought with money. Your eternal soul has a destiny. Please choose JESUS and live.

Repent.

Be baptized.

Receive the gift of salvation given by JESUS.

If you are a disciple of JESUS, remain submitted to JESUS and repent as often as needed. Live in the covenant of Love that JESUS bought with HIS precious blood for you. Nothing in this world can replace the precious gift of eternal life.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

No part of this post may be copied or used without expressed written permission.

Victory!!!

2025-10-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Scriptural reference: Galatians 6:9 (KJV) "Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not."

I had a tantrum and fainted like a proper southern belle!!! I swooned and promptly fell unaware, soundless, and without a visible witness to call for help. I landed on the proverbial rock-bottom ground with my unrealized hopes and dreams splayed around me like copper and red hued dried leaves. I lay unconscious and still. I lay there in undignified, uncovered and unseemly wretchedness in the middle of the floor of my weary life.

At first glance the collection of musical information noted on a page of sheet music doesn't look like much of a triumph. These few measures do not readily announce the effort, straining, tears and passion poured into a project that is still a work in progress.

The naked eye cannot see the enduring unspoken longing that this fragment of notation heralds. It is there. Look again, and perhaps you will see it. Thirty-five years. Fourteen producers who said they would, but didn't. Promises. Good intentions and still no proof of progress.

Until yesterday.

At last, and finally, not completion, but measurable visual progress.

I had to take a break. Then the break became anguish and painful doubts. The doubts scraped shoulders with unbelief and I was nearly drowned in sorrow and dream squelching deceptive futility. JESUS meets my souls anguish when tears flow silently at midday, midnight, and mid-life. HE gives one more breath. HE gives one more glimpse of HIS power to save. HE gives one more morning of mercy full of grace to begin again or continue.

This tiny 'syllable' of sheet music is just the beginning. This beginning is a triumph of JESUS grace. This sheet music is a victory!!

To all who labor and feel their work is in vain:

Please continue.

To all who doubt that what they do will matter to anyone:

Please continue.

To all who grapple with deep longings that no mere mortal can satisfy:

Please continue.

Whatever you have begun in faith, hope, or love:

Please continue ....

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

Live and Look Like Your Journey!!

2025-09-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Scriptural references:

Galatians 4:19a, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,”

Philippians 3:10, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."

2 Peter 1:4-8, “According as HIS divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM that hath called us to glory and virtue; Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.”

Nearly every day and multiple times throughout the day I struggle with food, weight loss, weight gain, and muscle gain. Eat the chocolate cake. Eat the broccoli. Five more reps. Lay down and watch cooking shows while eating potato chips. I am a work in progress and my results are sometimes slow and the grind is hard. Grappling with my transforming relationship with food and my body image vs my ideal is a complex and an intricate part of my identity and self perception. My physical transformation is a journey of fitness. My physical transformation is not a one-time visit to the gym and suddenly arrive at fitness and improved health.

Like many church attendees today I have heard a preacher say, ‘You don’t look like what you’ve been through!!’ Predictably the congregants erupt with jubilant shouts and take a lap around the church exultant and elated. I have heard that statement, ‘You don’t look like what you’ve been through!!’ and whispered under my breath, “Oh yes I do!!”

JESUS and I have walked through fire, storms, wilderness, and meadows. The waves of sorrow have beat against my soul. The joys of victory have erupted in a shout of praise to shake the rafters. I look exactly like what I have been through, and I am grateful for the proof.

To resist looking like my journey is to say to my body after a grueling workout not to reflect the transformation in muscle tone or a strengthened core. To deny looking like my recent or historical trial of faith is to insult the grace given me to stand when I wanted to crumble.

To deny my history through valleys and shadows of death when I have chosen to worship when I wanted to beat my offender with my bare hands is to disdain the mercies that were lavishly poured on me by JESUS to show love and extend grace to those who are hard to love.

I’m flexing my faith muscles and looking for godly fruit to be blooming on my life’s tree. I’m looking for the fleshly ways of responding to trials, tests, and temptation to be shed as I am steadily conformed into the image of JESUS. I am faithfully obediently humbling myself to JESUS Lordship. I am trusting HIS Word. Following HIS Holy Spirit. Believing that HIS will is creating in me more of the fruit of the Spirit of GOD and less of the works of the flesh.

The soul I see staring back at me each morning as I stand in the mirror will reflect the glorious sufferings of CHRIST as I am conformed into HIS image each day. My choice to choose healthy proteins, balanced nutrition and physical activity is paying off, on the scale and within my body. I feel better while I wait for the looking better to arrive. I am becoming more like JESUS and Yes, I look like where I’ve been on this journey of faith.

I hope you look like what you've been through, too!

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

Live John 4:24

2025-07-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Scriptural Reference: John 4:24, "GOD is a Spirit, and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and truth."

I need JESUS 24 hours of every day. I cannot wait for a 9-1-1 moment to suddenly turn to JESUS in prayer begging HIM to rescue me from an event, circumstance, situation or trial. I need JESUS to make it through my life's journey. Period.

Peace: is not the absence of sound. JESUS is peace.

Tears: are shed in sorrow and joy. Tears are the souls earnest prayer and praise.

JESUS bottles the tears of those HE loves, and those who love HIM.

Worship: is the heart response to the integrity and worth of GOD.

Humble, fervent, joyful, tearful, and deliberate worship is not an indication that there is no adversity, test, or trial. True worship is the defiant stance of the heart that is confident in the Holy Sovereign Love of GOD. Sometimes, true worship is a choice even when the worshiping heart is not confident in the plan of GOD. We worship JESUS because JESUS is The Sovereign LORD, JESUS is GOD and King, and JESUS is worthy.

Remember that if you are redeemed, your life is a sanctuary. Wherever you are in your journey of faith, if you are redeemed, you can worship The LORD GOD who is worthy of worship.

Worship is not an offering presented to The LORD GOD based on our personal or spiritual worthiness. The hallelujah being exclaimed from the depths of the soul is the answer to the awareness of the Holiness and Magnificence of The LORD GOD of the universe.

Lift your heart up to JESUS as an offering of trust and surrender.

Lift your eyes up to JESUS as a declaration of believing hope.

Lift your hands up to JESUS as a symbol of trust and dependence.

Lift your soul up to JESUS as a petition for mercy and grace.

Lift your song up to JESUS as an anthem of praise because HE is forever Sovereign and forever good.

Dare to worship and live in obedience through your test and trial. JESUS is worthy.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

No portion of this post may be used without prior written permission.

Wells and Altars

2025-04-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

There are some extraordinary examples in scripture of how GOD encountered frail, desperate, and hopeful humanity. Wells and altars are places in our life of faith where we discover GOD. At these wells and altars GOD reveals us to ourselves. We in turn, present ourselves back to GOD.

At the wells we are refreshed.

At the altars we sacrifice, surrender, and worship.

Just like the sun is either about to rise, rising, or about to set, we are either at wells to be refreshed or we are at altars sacrificing, surrendering, and worshiping. This is true of the nature of following JESUS in the varied seasons and experiences of our life’s journey of faith.

Since the earliest mention of GOD’s dealing with man in scripture (Genesis 4:4) we know of Abel, a man who honored GOD with an offering on an altar. After the days of Noah the scriptures focus on a man of Ur, a Chaldean named Abram.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 11:27; 12:1-6 - Abram's Journey Begins

When Abram is called by GOD he is living with his family in Ur. Perhaps Abram spoke with his father Terah about GOD’s redirection of his life. We get an inkling of this unwritten conversation because Abram’s father Terah travelled only as far as Haran from Ur. Abraham’s detour in Haran was a time of breaking from the family until Terah was gone. In these passages we see Abram is called from his home and heritage to follow the voice of GOD.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 12:7 - Abram's 1st Altar - Covenant

Genesis 12:1-4, 7 In Haran Abram returns his focus to Canaan where the LORD told him to relocate. The LORD GOD reminds Abram of HIS covenant. Genesis 12:8 “…and Abram pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.”

At this place called Sichem GOD speaks to Abram of his seed, and their inheritance. It is amazing that although Abram and his wife Sarai are advanced in years GOD speaks of a fruitfulness they have yet to experience. Realize that this singular man would become the patriarch of the nation of Israel. Abram does not know GOD's full plan or design for his destiny. Abram, the father of the faithful, willingly follows the voice of a GOD he was beginning to know and learning to trust.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 12:8 Abram's 2nd Altar - Call on the name of the LORD

At Bethel Abram built an altar and at this place of rest, adaptation, and adjustment between Bethel and Hai Abram is learning to walk in a faith that he can hardly articulate or explain. Abram is journeying with GOD through regions unknown to a place he has never seen or imagined.

Please know that if and when your life of faith seems murky and your steps slow because you do not know where GOD is leading GOD is leading. Faith in GOD’s integrity gives us courage to take each step even when we do not know the destination. Genesis 13:8 When Abram and Lot find that the land cannot contain their accumulated wealth, they part ways. Lot chooses the plain of Jordan. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan. Genesis 13:14-18 The LORD rehearses to Abram HIS promise that the land “…from the place where you are – northward, southward, eastward and westward; ‘for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.’ ‘And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered.’ ‘Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.’ ‘Then Abram moved his tent and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.”

I do not dare suggest that material wealth and a bounty that can be measured in dollars and cents will be yours as you follow the LORD. However, there is a wealth of grace, faith, joy, hope and peace that can only be given as we continue to follow the path that the LORD guides us through.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 13:4 Abram's 3rd Altar - Revisiting the place he called on the LORD

Sometimes we can be distracted. Distracted by our progress or, just as easily, distracted by the stand-still. It can be so easy to begin to believe that having financial abundance is an end in itself. It can be hard in our modern day not to grasp for just a little more. Let us look at this revisiting of this well where Abram first called upon the LORD as an invitation to renew our vows of love, trust, and dependence upon our Heavenly Father who will guide us to our destiny in HIM.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 13:18 Abram's 4th Altar - Continuing to Pursue Peace

In the plain of Mamre, in Hebron, Abram builds an altar to commemorate a treaty of peace between himself and Lot, his nephew. Abram built the altar to GOD who repeats HIS covenant of provision, 'to you I will give it, and to your seed forever. Your seed will be as the dust ... without number.'

Our familial relationships may tax us to the point of separation but that does not mean we no longer love our family. The pursuit of peace can mean we are distanced in miles or by an awkward circumstance, but our hearts can prayerfully love, with wisdom, forgiveness, and grace.

A rescue and blessing:

• Abram and his confederate friends rescue Lot, their goods, and other captives

• Melchizedek and Abram have communion to celebrate the victory. Abram offers tithes and receives another blessing from GOD

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 15:9-21 Abram's 5th Altar - GOD Reaffirms the Covenant

The LORD GOD pronounces a lavish, extensive, and perpetual covenant of provision to Abram and his seed before Abram has a single heir to inherit. The LORD GOD encompasses the span of Abram's life to confirm that after his demise his children will 'be afflicted, GOD will pass judgment on their oppressors, and they will depart with great substance.' As I find myself in a place of prayer sometimes it is easy to slip into a posture of worship. Other times, there is labor to break through to deep, cool refreshing waters. I see it is essential to my love-life with JESUS that I keep ‘stealing away’ and be with HIM. As I continue to follow HIM I learn, that HE is unmovable, not inactive, but stable and sure. The communion I have is with HIM as I celebrate and cherish every victory throughout my vagabond-like journey of faith.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 22: 3-19 Abraham's 6th Altar - Thine only son

This habit of faith and obedient surrender has found Abraham at another altar. At this altar Isaac, Abraham’s son of promise, is bound and about to be killed with his father Abraham’s knife. Abraham has no idea of the type and shadow he is of our Heavenly Fathers’ gift of HIS only and beloved Son JESUS, many hundreds of years later.

Abraham’s arm is raised high, and poised to strike. Abraham is committed to complete obedience. Abraham’s heart is determined to sacrifice Isaac, his son of hope and promise. Abraham is relentless in his belief in the integrity of GOD. We cannot hear the pounding of Abraham’s heart but we gasp as we read on, waiting to know what GOD will do next.

Abraham is mid-swing when GOD speaks, ‘Abraham! Abraham! Now I know you fear GOD because you did not withhold your son, your only son. See the ram caught in the bush, sacrifice the ram.’

There is a collective sigh as we learn GOD has provided a ram to substitute for Isaac. We wipe our sweating brow, glad with grateful Abraham, that Isaac will live another day. At this altar GOD has granted Abraham the faith to believe that if Isaac’s life is offered to GOD, GOD will restore Isaac to health and back to life. Abraham’s unspoken hope was that GOD would miraculously restore the pierced and burnt body of Isaac to fulfill the promise given, the promise restated, the promise reverberated, and the promise believed in. Abraham knows that GOD cannot lie. At this place of sacrifice GOD intervenes to provide a substitutionary ram. This is a clear foreshadow of JESUS the precious Lamb of GOD who one day will be slain to cover the sin of all men.

Prayer: LORD JESUS, may there be no part of me that is not completely yours so that I am no longer mine, but wholly, holy and thine.

Build your altars of sacrifice and worship.

Drink deeply from the wells and be renewed to follow HIM.

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

A Prayerful Blessing

2025-04-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

JESUS is...

Thought Close

Breath Near

I am praying

for you

and your loved one, too.

JESUS is your anchor,

your fortress, buckler,

and shield.

JESUS is

thought close

and

breath near.

You don't have to

find HIM.

You belong to JESUS

so JESUS is

where you are.

John 14:18 'I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.'

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

As the Father has Loved Me

2024-05-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Scriptural Reference: John 15:9 ‘As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.’

In this scripture JESUS speaks of HIS intimate, bonded, and deep familial relationship to GOD as HIS parent. JESUS is the expressed personage and fullness of GOD manifested in skin, blood, and bones. The Father, who is GOD, becomes the SON housed in a mortal body in time and simultaneously remains in eternity without diminishing one state of being for the other.

The SON is the Father mediating, redeeming, restoring and bridging the gap between sinful man and the holiness of GOD. JESUS in HIS sacrificial offering at Calvary stood pressed between the chasms of eternity and time so that whosoever would come could come and be reconciled to SON-ship, heir-ship, joint heir-ship with CHRIST JESUS in GOD.

This Father who anoints the SON JESUS with wisdom, dominion, honor and all power loves HIS only SON. The Father endows the SON with all authority to delegate the kingdom within men’s hearts and minds on earth as we believe and obey HIM. The SON is esteemed throughout the Gospels with words of affirmation to reinforce to the SON the Father’s abiding love, HIS good intent, though the SON knows HE was born to suffer death for us. The SON always knows HE is loved of the Father.

The SON sets Himself aside to spend quality time in prayer so HE can remain in unbroken communion with HIS Father. The SON is equipped to do the works that the Father has prepared for HIM. JESUS declares that HE always and only does the things that please HIS Father. JESUS gives Himself wholly to the Father’s will. The Father did not spare the SON the cross. The SON did not spare Himself the full cost of HIS death upon the cross.

As we read in John 15:9 JESUS says plainly, “As the Father loves ME, I have loved you...” The thousands of years since Calvary attest to all humanity, ‘No greater love has any man than this.’ This prophetic declaration makes clear JESUS’ intent to “do the love” by giving Himself. JESUS chose us in Him before a single moment of time began.

In this life that focuses so frequently, and easily, on fortune, fame, and infamy we can be sure only of this pure undefiled love that JESUS gives freely to us.

We cannot quantify how much JESUS loves us except to say JESUS completely loves each of us. All we know is that JESUS really, really loves us.

• How does one quantify a love that has no measure?

• How do we express how we feel about a love that is beautiful and deep beyond intelligible language?

• How do we contain a love so vast and far reaching beyond time and space?

• How do we try to speak of a feeling unutterable that is more than what can be sensed by emotions?

• How to comprehend a love that cannot be reasoned with our finite mind?

• How do we try to reciprocate a love that resides in a realm beyond sight or tactile tangibility?

• How do we tell of this love that JESUS has for us?

Calvary tells of GOD's love and Calvary tells this saga of the truest love well.

The empty tomb heralds this love for all generations.

The soon return of our Beloved Savior tells of this love to our hearts that yearn for HIS appearing.

Only in eternity can the full weighty measure of that love be divulged and expressed by HIM to us in ever increasing dimensions of HIS loving passion in forever and ever. It is our privilege to live now, to live again, and forever with JESUS.

Abide – JESUS says to us, ‘Stay. Remain. Live. Reside. Bloom and flourish. Be anchored here in love. Always be in Our love. You may fully occupy this place in Our love that is for you expressly and intentionally. Be at peace in this love that is prepared with you in mind.'

“In” implies invitation to be enrobed, encircled, swaddled, and kept. The invitation was made in the heavenlies. In the pre-time, pre-creation mind of GOD HE wanted us ‘in’ HIM. Within that wisdom that HE used to fashion all things that exist HE birthed this great immeasurable Love, embodied in CHRIST. HE set aside a place “within” HIM-self for those HE knew would RSVP with an affirmative reply. Amazingly, salvations invitation is equally “whosoever will” and ‘foreknowledge’ in the mind of GOD of how many places to set at the banquet table.

There is nothing more precious than this singular gift of JESUS to all mankind.

There is no other precious hope and joy than that we will be with JESUS forever in HIS LOVE because as JESUS is loved by the Father, The Father, in CHRIST JESUS, loves you and me.

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

Up for air. Getting a clear breath.

2024-04-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hello dear friends and readers,

To put it mildly, I've been through a season of devastation. I walked through the valley shadowed by the death of my dreams, the destruction of my expectations, and I collided with truths that left me weeping when awake, weeping while dreaming, and weeping while trying to understand my hearts utter breaking. I was in this graveyard until I had a vision I survived an apocalypse. I didn't know I would be alright until I saw myself walking away from the rubble in the vision GOD mercifully sent to let me know I would live and not die.

My first glimpses of hope came when I could think about the disappointment and not hate the one(s) who utterly disappointed me. The more I could see myself plainly, and learn how I contributed to my own suffering, the more I knew healing. I lived for months with my head swimming not sure if I knew what to hope for or if I knew what to pray for. I only knew that at the feet of JESUS I felt safe. With JESUS I felt secure.

My time of mourning my lost hope was incredibly painful. I mourned what I invested 30 years waiting for. I learned that somehow I had stopped hoping in GOD and was only hoping I would have what I hoped for. I mourned what I would never have in the 'snapshot of my fantasy and daydreamed future.' I mourned the 30 plus years aimed at the wrong goal and lost to a focus just short of the true will of GOD for my life.

It's taking far less time to write my journey through the wilderness of my soul than the nearly 2-1/2 years I lived in dismay.

I decided to write about how I know I'm healing and better for the pain. I know this destruction and cataclysmic upheaval has worked for my good because I do not hate anyone. Not 'them' and not myself. I have a new vision because after many 3AM, 4 AM, 5 AM times of prayer JESUS affirmed my heart with a new hope. The other hope I had carried for more than 30 years was demolished. JESUS gave me a new hope. A hope that is found in HIM alone. I do not cling to a hope full of prayers answered (like packages with address labels for specific destinations.)

I cleave only to the integrity of JESUS who will not fail me.

I am retained in grace and honor because I did not suffer this devastation because of sin. I did not endure this loss because of rebellion against the will of GOD. I did not violate the sanctity of my covenant with JESUS by committing a sexual sin.

I did create an idol of my desire. I did unseat my Savior with what I coveted most. I did lose my focus and needed to repent for my unfaithful heart.

The first commandment of GOD, 'Thou shall have no other gods before me.' I violated blindly and with desperate zeal. The imbalance and disobedience of my heart made an idol out of my craved desire. The only way JESUS could save me from the penalty of my sin, (which is death), was to utterly destroy the frail hope that was not founded in JESUS alone.

A few nights ago, JESUS kindly whispered, 'Shred every part of it. Delete every bit of it.'

I didn't flinch. I didn't hesitate. I didn't question HIS command. I obeyed JESUS and I am glad.

I am free now.

I am healing.

I have a new hope.

Although I cannot know, dear reader, where you are in your walk of faith. I know JESUS is with you. I do not know if you are scaling craggy mountains. I know JESUS is with you. I do not know if you are in a place where you are weeping and weighted with the sorrow of the loss of your dream(s). I know JESUS is with you.

Please believe me when I say, 'JESUS is Love and HE is with you, wherever you are.'

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

AB2G (aka 'AlwaysB2Gether')

2023-10-14T12:25:00.002-07:00

Just Like This

2023-10-14T12:24:00.004-07:00

Never4GetU

2023-10-14T12:23:00.002-07:00

solemnity and silence

2023-08-31T21:35:00.001-07:00

Scriptural Reference: Job 2:12, 13 (The Message Version)

'When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job.

They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head.

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was.'

Selah.

i can do no more than breathe.

i do not dare whisper or mouth the words i write.

i say them in the silence of my mind.

in honor of the solemnity, i sit, with those who weep, in silence.

my eyes gaze upon the tear stained face.

i see their eyes turn slowly from dirty earth and then timidly upward to gaze into heaven's broad sky.

i can do no more than be still.

i have no glib or sincere reply.

i wait.

watching the sun rise and settle into starless night skies.

i steep in the slow ache of hope.

praying as swaying wind blown shadows around the naked pain.

leaning hard upon ancient texts that promise the Peace of Heaven's Prince is here.

Selah.

on a narrow road

we tread single file

no matter how near

our hearts love does bind us

each to the other in time

we sit

stone still

in silent solemnity

to honor the vigil

of hopeful wordless prayer

and unspoken fathoms of pain

Selah

OneLight

hopscotch, yo-yo's, and tic-tac-uh-oh!! (aka baby steps in faith)

2023-08-05T17:57:00.002-07:00

Scriptural Reference: Romans 8:28, 'And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love GOD, who are the called according to HIS purpose.'

sometimes, we offer the comfort we need to someone else before we actually feel comfort or comforted. we may extend our heart to pray in faith while waiting for the answer to our prayer.

all i know is that JESUS loves me. i know because HE told me so. i know that HE has a plan for my life. that is all i know. i do not understand HIS mind, HIS ways, but i am practicing trusting HIS love. HE is breath close and HE is thought near. HE is here. now. all ways. always.

i am glad we can know individually and collectively, that we are not alone. my heart and soul rejoice in the LOVE of JESUS that i am bathed and swaddled in today and always. JESUS gives grace, courage and wisdom. gladly i celebrate the Truth, that is in JESUS, that frees, keeps, and comforts me and all who turn to HIM. i am grateful that JESUS makes HIS amazing, tender, fervent and incomparable LOVE personally tangible to us today.

right now in my life all i can do is continue to choose to keep trusting JESUS plan because my map is upside down, printed right to left in ancient hieroglyphics and crayon.

(what i say to myself, what i say to my friends, i say to you dear reader):

'i'm hoping you and your loved ones are well. i am confident that JESUS is with you and me. i do not feel the need to be a super woman. no cape, no wrist bands, no utility belt, or invisible jet. just me counting on JESUS, as i plow through granite by faith, 1 baby step at a time...'

'i will continue to speak to JESUS about you and your loved ones, although i do not know your name(s). i will ask HIM to perfect your heart in HIS perfect love that banishes fear. as every creeping shadow of fear disperses, see HIS glorious countenance. steadily gaze into HIS Loving eyes and know again and again:'

JESUS is wherever you are.

JESUS is with your loved ones.

JESUS grace meets their need entirely.

Keep growing in trust. (think millimeters not miles).'

lastly, at this moment in my life of faith my gaze turns to squintingly peer into the veiled tomorrow. tomorrow is nestled in the dark cloak of eternity, as is every next moment. i feel the sway of timeless gravity. i grope, arms outstretched, i think 'breathe' and obediently inhale. i think, 'JESUS' and exhale until i am weightless with relief.'

Scriptural Reference: ‘JESUS: yesterday, today, forever the same.’ (Hebrews 13:8)

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

Communion - Breaking the Seals

2023-07-03T11:56:00.002-07:00

Scriptural Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 KJV

23 For I have received of the LORD that which also I delivered unto you, that the LORD JESUS the same night in which HE was betrayed took bread:

24 And when HE had given thanks, HE brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My Body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.

25 After the same manner also HE took the cup, when HE had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the LORD's death till HE come.

Communion Sunday, as I remember the day in childhood, was solemn, sacred, and a time for reflection and repentance. The deaconess wives and widows wore white from head to toe.

The communion table was radiant and holy. The elements of The LORD’s Supper were draped in white that glistened sharply under the sanctuary lights. These stood waiting until the pastor called for the deaconess to unveil and the deacons to serve them.

I heard that a mother of the church would make the unleavened wafers. They were crisps that lay like a flaky mountain on gold embossed trays. In tiny ‘single-sip’ miniature glass vials, that nestled perfectly in circular cut outs, unfermented grape juice was poured and the tray was domed with a lid, topped with a golden cross.

Even as a child I knew to be reverent when it was time for communion.

In these modern days many churches purchase small sealed single serve ‘all in one’ communion portions. They are manufactured. They are handed out, with a greeting, as we enter the sanctuary on Communion Sunday.

I am so grateful that though the means of delivery has changed, JESUS, my crucified Savior, who has risen, still speaks through the elements of this day. JESUS allows me to see that this cup still represents the Last Supper of scripture and JESUS declaration of ‘brokenness and being poured out.’

I commune with JESUS as I hold ‘the cup.’ I hold on to HIS Truth in my sweating palm as we sing a hymn. My heart ever mindful that JESUS holds me in HIS hand without wavering or tremors. I hear the pastor say, ‘Take this bread.’ As I lift the first seal that covers the silicon-like water wafer I recall that the thin veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom at the moment JESUS took HIS last breath. HIS perfect death gives me perfect completeness and access to HIMSELF as GOD who became man to redeem me by HIS blood.

I hear the pastor say, ‘Break and eat this bread.’ My hands hold the small emblem of JESUS perfect life, that HE exchanged for my brokenness and sins. I, like all humanity, was born in sin and shaped in iniquity. As surely as the Roman soldiers whip broke the skin of JESUS and HIS body was marred more than any man, I reverence this broken bread. I place the circled wafer in my mouth and small bites disperse the particles so I can swallow. I know as I eat of this symbol of JESUS, HE is my life. These particles symbolize the life of CHRIST becoming my life. JESUS body, symbolized in the wafer, will touch every cell in my human body because of HIS Divine body that remits every stain of sin.

Another seal has kept the ‘blood’ of the cup. As I hear the pastor say, ‘Take the cup and drink it all’ I remember that JESUS blood is the precious commodity of my eternal salvation. Heaven has granted me access into the kingdom of GOD by faith in JESUS blood payment for me. I take the cup to my lips and whisper, ‘Thank you JESUS.’ My heart and soul knows that because JESUS died, rose, and ascended with all power, I live. I eat and drink JESUS in. I rejoice because this covenant of HIS Body and Blood. I am grateful and celebrate I am HIS forever.

I sigh today, and long for the old days, like a comfy sweet spot where the traditions remain unchanged by time. Again, I sigh, because the Truth of JESUS, and the blessing of Communion, continues to mean a blessed, deep, and every deepening grace to know JESUS my redeeming Savior and soon coming KING.

I invite you to the table laid for us all.

Come believing, pray by faith, commune with JESUS in the sanctuary of your heart.

HE will meet and dine with you.

Feel free to shine,

OneLight

We

2023-04-29T14:31:00.001-07:00

Scriptural Reference: Ephesians 4:17-24

17 Therefore I say this — indeed, in union with the Lord I insist on it: do not live any longer as the pagans live, with their sterile ways of thinking.

18 Their intelligence has been shrouded in darkness, and they are estranged from the life of God, because of the ignorance in them, which in turn comes from resisting God’s will.

19 They have lost all feeling, so they have abandoned themselves to sensuality, practicing any kind of impurity and always greedy for more.

20 But this is not the lesson you learned from the Messiah!

21 If you really listened to him and were instructed about him, then you learned that since what is in Yeshua is truth,

22 then, so far as your former way of life is concerned, you must strip off your old nature, because your old nature is thoroughly rotted by its deceptive desires;

23 and you must let your spirits and minds keep being renewed,

24 and clothe yourselves with the new nature created to be godly, which expresses itself in the righteousness and holiness that flow from the truth.

We, those who have:

* Repented of our sins

* Believed in JESUS complete atoning work

* Been baptized in JESUS Name and HOLY SPIRIT

... We are the Church, and Bride of CHRIST.

We have a mandate from heaven to live this exclusive life in JESUS CHRIST while we are on topsoil in time. We live before men and women who show up on every spectrum of humanity, various regions, a myriad of life histories and experiences, evolving beliefs, some transient beliefs, and any number of variants of non-belief. Some people were brought up in church between the altar and the pew. These people may have spent their formative years immersed in doctrinal truths that are rich, sustaining, and they abide in this life shaping foundation today. Others came to the knowledge and saving truth of JESUS in their teens, early adult-life, mid-life, or well-seasoned years.

I cannot address the culture of today and expect that 'world' culture to look like the Church because the 'world' cannot look like the Church.

The Church and Bride of CHRIST is gifted with the precious love of JESUS for us and within us. We are entrusted with the most precious presence, and dowry of heaven, the HOLY SPIRIT, within us and alongside us. The bible rings out with a symphonic masterpiece of choruses that are overflowing with precious promises for us, the Church and Bride of CHRIST. Each letter to the Church and Bride of CHRIST will bolsters us, cleanse and encourages us to maintain our sanctity (set apart life) for JESUS as we await HIS imminent return.

We are tasked to love GOD, love ourselves, and love others.

Scriptural Reference: Mark 12:29-31 KJV

29 And Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength;’ this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Instead of carrying a proverbial 'red pencil' marking up the worlds homework paper because they are sinners, let us keep our eyes on JESUS and live in obedient love to HIM and those of the household of faith. The world will know we are JESUS' disciples by our love for one another.

Scriptural Reference: John 13:35 KJV

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Think about, and live in, these truths.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

No Free Lunch

2023-04-17T18:34:00.002-07:00

Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 5:8 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.'

I had an object lesson recently. I lived through a hard lesson to learn about trust, gullibility, openness, and true respect. It cost me a lot to be ignorant. It cost me a lot to be easily trusting. I learned that a recommendation is not license to blindly believe anyone on the strength of the integrity of the person making the recommendation.

You've been there, too! Someone who loves barbecue will adamantly guarantee that the barbecue from "ABC" spot is worth the drive and the cost. You order your meal and expect to be amazed. However, on the day that you arrive for a meal the regular chef is not available. The recipe has changed and so has ownership of the business operation.

This is an over-simplified scenario to say, one single hard earned truth.

Vet every person.

The lesson about the lion who comes to devour is that the lion will have the appearance of what you desire. The lion will not show fangs, bloodshot eyes, salivating mouth, and claws ready to tear your heart from your chest. The lion will look like what you have dreamed to see. The lion will appear as enticing and inviting as someone with brown eyes that melt your heart like ice cream set out on a green lawn in summertime. The voice will not be harsh and jarring like needles scraping a chalkboard. Oh, of course not! That's too easy. Rather, this voice will speak so sweetly, tenderly, and every breath will exude an invitation like a hypnotic lullaby. You will find that you are sleepwalking into danger.

Wait for each person to prove they are trustworthy no matter who recommends them before you exchange precious commodities like time, gifts, talents, and your heart (save your body for marriage).

You have no reason to trust someone you do not know. You do well not to immediately trust someone you've known for a brief time.

The persons 'self-acquired' label, degree(s), pedigree, affiliation, association, or allegiance does not guarantee they are full of integrity and live the life to which they testify.

If you remember what the holy scripture admonishes regarding speaking the truth in love, honoring Christian sisters and brothers, not defrauding a sister or brother in Christ, remaining pure from sexual sin, retaining GODly counsel then perhaps you will not allow your actions to lead to sin. No one can keep anyone else from sin.

On this side of that lesson I rejoice that JESUS preserved me from taking or allowing any actions that would cause my Savior to be displeased with me at any time. I am grateful to be kept by the power of GOD because HE is faithful to keep what I have committed unto HIM.

Lesson Take Away:

* Prayerfully submit every person you meet to the Detective Agent of Heaven (The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD)

* Listen carefully to every insight from The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD who will speak the WORD of GOD to guide your choices

* Do not make any permanent decisions when you do not clearly know the will of GOD

* Do not stay in the 'association/relationship' a moment longer than JESUS allows. Do not leave a moment sooner than JESUS says go.

Be faithful to JESUS who will surely lead you in the paths of righteousness, deliverance, grace, peace, hope, and provision.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

Another Victory

2023-03-17T23:05:00.001-07:00

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 17^th Chapter

My mind can picture the scene between one young man and one giant. These two stand in a valley between their armies, in cultural, physical, and theological opposition. The young man, David, servant of King Saul, is a minstrel, and sheep herder. The champion from the warring people, Goliath, nine feet tall with a bad disposition, foul mouthed, foul breathed, with an arrogant strut.

The armies of Israel are cowering in their boots trembling at the sound of the giants’ threats. Centuries before the imagined character ‘Jack’ met the also imagined ‘fe fi fo fum…’ singing villain at sky high tree tops, young David of Bethlehem Judah heard the outlandish insults of Goliath of Gath.

David is the least regarded son in his father’s eyes, by his own admission, and his father’s blatant favoritism (as seen in 1 Samuel 16^th chapter). David’s days are spent on the hillside with his sheep. David is content to sing a melody of praise to GOD as he watches over the gentle sheep. David has protected the sheep from wild lions and ferocious bears. He has guided the sheep to still waters and pleasant valleys. GOD has granted David victories. David treasures each victory to bolster his confidence in the GOD of whom he sings a praise.

Our scriptural reference finds David bringing provisions to his eldest brothers who are on the hillside trembling at the threats of arrogant Goliath. David’s brothers have joined King Saul in this standoff. King Saul is a diminished man since the presence of GOD has left him. King Saul is paranoid and catatonic with fear because he is without GOD’s presence and knows he cannot be triumphant in war, successful in leadership, or respected as the monarch of Israel without the presence of GOD.

David is in the camp looking for his brothers and he hears rumors about Israel’s Philistine nemesis, Goliath. Goliath is the embodiment of Israel’s fears. As Goliath speaks blasphemy against ‘the GOD of Israel’s armies’ David decides this is too much.

David, incensed and irate, is in battle-ready swagger and his reaction and boasting is overheard. David's zealous retort reaches the ears and attention of King Saul. David stands before King Saul and testifies that GOD, who has delivered him from the lion and bear, will also deliver the Philistine giant into his hands.

The tension mounts as I continue reading how David stood before the giant with a staff and a few stones. As Goliath approaches David goes out to meet the giant readily. David has declared to Goliath that GOD will give him victory. David slings the stone. The stone sinks deep into the forehead of Goliath. The giant doesn’t merely sway dizzily at the pain or dismay of the blow. The giant falls face down in the dirt, unconscious, and oblivious. David takes Goliath’s sword and severs his head. This is both defeat and shame for all the Philistine army. GOD has given Israel victory!

As my mind surveys the battlefield of my life’s issues I know I need intervention from GOD. My needs and prayers call out for the defeat of my foes and the safety of GOD’s personal care. My enemy is not a towering mastodon of a man with teeth barred and an evil grimace. My enemy is ‘as a lion’ roaming and roaring who is defeated because JESUS rose and ascended triumphantly. My Savior is the Almighty GOD who defends me as a fortified city. HE never sleeps. HE never naps or is distracted by world news or my life’s unplanned events. HE is the Almighty GOD, captain of Israel’s armies, and defender of my life. HE is personally my GOD, Sovereign LORD, and triumphant KING.

No arrow, sword, threat, or evil can stand against my GOD.

No lie, no foe, nor slight of man can stand against my GOD.

No weapon, word, or bullying taunt can stand against my GOD.

My GOD is the Almighty GOD and captain of heaven’s armies.

My GOD is undefeatable. My GOD is always victorious!

Take courage and stand before your foes knowing GOD is your victory.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

How to Win Before You Fight

2023-03-15T22:51:00.001-07:00

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 14:6-23

1 Samuel 14:6-15 we read that Jonathan, King Saul's son, decided to attack a garrison. A garrison is a place where troops gather to protect a portion of land. Jonathan and his armor bearer climb up to the garrison. As they draw near Jonathan says, 'When the Philistines see us if they say, 'We are coming out to you.' then we will hide ourselves and not go up. However, if they say, 'Come up here and we will show you something.' then we will know that GOD has given us the victory over the Philistines. GOD can deliver with few or many.' The armor bearer says, 'I'm with you whatever you do.'

These two brave men demonstrate some essentials that we need to win the battles today.

They submitted the following to GOD:

* Thoughts: During the time of war, since King Saul needed to conquer territory, Jonathan, and his armor bearer 'pick a fight' with Israel's enemy the Philistines.

* Words: 'If the Philistines say, 'We will come to you...' we won't fight. If the Philistines say, 'Come up to us...' we will fight because GOD has given us the victory.

* Perspective: GOD can do anything. GOD can give victory over twenty men to two men. The numbers don't matter.

* Action: Show up for the victory with sword or sharpened ax. Go to the battle and fight.

* Outcome: GOD with us is sure victory.

When I first read the passage and realized that two men were picking a fight with a troop of twenty men I saw a quick slaughter about to happen. Easily ten men could overrun one man. No sweat! However, this was no ordinary encounter because Jonathan had consulted GOD before challenging his enemy. Remember that at this time Israel's eager warriors rarely had swords. Jonathan had a sword and let's suppose that his armor bearer had something in his hand.

As we continue reading in verse 15, we notice there was panic in the Philistine camp. At the same time there was an earthquake. The Philistine's were having a panic attack and scattering in all directions because of the sudden earthquake. GOD didn't wait until Jonathan and his armor bearer began to fight to show HIS support of their efforts. Right off the bat GOD is insuring their victory.

I know this battle may seem far removed from your challenge today. You are looking at bills piling up. You have medical conditions that seem to be worsening. Your family is struggling to learn to speak and listen to each other’s hearts. You need guidance because the decisions in your life are pressing and decision time is near. You cannot afford to make a mistake right now.

Please, do as Jonathan and his armor bearer are seen doing in this scripture passage.

Submit your circumstance, need, decision, and challenge(s) to GOD.

GOD will make HIS presence known.

Seek HIS direction for your choices and HE will give you HIS victory before you begin to fight.

The anatomy of victory:

* Thoughts: Before committing to an action seek GOD.

* Words: State your dependence upon GOD. Maintain your expectation towards GOD. Be confident that HIS presence is with you. Trust HIS ability to manage the situation.

* Perspective: Declare GOD's power to your circumstance, need, decision, and challenge(s).

* Action: Show up for the victory. Do your responsibility. Make the best choice that GOD has given.

* Outcome: GOD will give you HIS victory.

Feel free to shine,

One Light

Never4getu

2023-03-07T04:08:00.001-08:00