Jesus, My Light and Salvation

I learned from an early stage in life to always seek God's face before choosing a romantic partner. At first, this habit formed as a result of my phobia of relationships; I didn't want to dive into a wrong relationship. Then, it became about not wanting to take the blame when things went wrong. Eventually, I simply didn't want to make mistakes at all.

Even after seeking God's counsel for most of these choices, there were moments I stubbornly jumped into situations that felt appealing but ultimately proved harmful. As I grew older, I approached decision-making with more caution. When I became conscious of God's desire to guide my choices, I was relieved.

For someone with a phobia of making choices, this realization was a saving grace. It has led me to cast all my cares, choices, and worries on God, trusting that He knows the right path for me.

While meditating on David's conversation in Psalm 27:1, which says: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (KJV), I gained insight. David, despite his doubts and fears, saw God in every detail of his life. Because he had God, and his confidence was deeply rooted in God's ability, he could navigate a world consumed by darkness.

There are moments when our only desire is a bit of strength to get through the next day or challenge. I often find myself at this crossroads, and I know I'm not alone. Like David, we can choose God as our strength.

David's words remind us that there is a light that will never fail. This light wants to be responsible for us and every aspect of our lives. 

Today, we declare: that Jesus is our light and salvation, and we fear nothing. He wants to be the light that makes your face shine bright. 

Stay Revived!

Jesus, My Light

The light was created to dispel darkness, but what happens when we switch it on in bright places? This question made me ponder: can light ever be enough? While praying this morning, these scriptures stood out in my mind: 1 John 5:19, which says:

"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." (KJV)" and  

John 1:5, which says:

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (KJV)

The reality is that light can never be enough.

I've never comfortable walking or staying in a dark place alone. Whenever I had to be in a dark environment, I'd insist on holding onto a light source. To me, light carves out a safe space and provides a sense of security. In those moments, I gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' words about light.

When we choose the safety of Jesus' light, we realize that we're laying our worries at His feet. To survive in a world filled with uncertainty, we need a reliable guide. Have you ever felt overwhelmed, waking up each day unsure of what to make of certain situations? But God has spoken His word to us, assuring us that He is the light that darkness cannot comprehend.

Christ wants to be our light in every situation and circumstance. He desires to show up for us, to guide us through life's challenges. It takes a great light to defeat the darkness that seeks to overwhelm us. Christ is our light, and getting to know Him in this way is a journey I've recently embarked on.

As we invite Jesus to shine His light in our lives, He unfolds Himself to us. If light represents safety to you, He brings comfort. If light symbolizes understanding, He shows you the way. When faced with decisions or uncertainty, Jesus takes the lead, shining His light to guide us.

I've started this journey of knowing Christ as my light, and I believe He wants to do the same for you. He's eager to show up, to brighten our world, and bring us joy. So, friend, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you today as your light. There's more to discover about the light of God. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

Unfolding into Your Fullness in Christ

Last Christmas, I stumbled upon an old laptop from my university days. As I browsed through the music playlist, I noticed something interesting: most of the songs that I once enjoyed now seemed too loud, even overwhelming. I found myself struggling to listen to them, almost getting a headache from the noise. It made me laugh to think about how much my preferences had changed over time. How did I ever manage to listen to such music?

It’s fascinating how our likes and dislikes evolve over the years. We may find ourselves drawn to something one season, only to completely outgrow it in the next. Growing up is a process of self-discovery—a journey of fitting together the pieces of who we are. We begin to better understand what suits us, what we enjoy, and what no longer resonates with our hearts. It’s like piecing together a puzzle until we come to a fuller understanding of ourselves and our purpose.

But when we ask, Who are we? the answer cannot be separated from God’s plan. So, who do we define ourselves as? What shapes our self-image?

It’s interesting how many people tie their identities to material things—things that are temporary and can fade away. But the truth is, we are not defined by what we own, how we look, or even by the number of followers we have. We are spirits, created by God and placed in flesh, which is transient. Our true identity and purpose are found in Him. As Ephesians 1:4 reminds us:

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world..." (NIV)

Our true identity is revealed when we come to Jesus.

How Do You See Yourself?

The lens through which you view yourself can significantly impact your life. Do you define yourself by your accomplishments, your past experiences, or your appearance? A few days ago, I had a conversation with my sister about what she calls the "Creation Room"—the place where God has already invested everything we need to live triumphantly. This investment, however, is not external. It’s like a letter placed deep within us.

When we stir ourselves spiritually, we begin to uncover parts of ourselves that we never knew existed. As we allow the Lord to work in our hearts, He begins to remove what is unnecessary and refine us into the people He designed us to be. The more we stir and engage with God, the more He unfolds our purpose, like a letter slowly revealing its contents.

In time, we become the person God has always intended us to be. We begin living in the fullness of His plan for us, just as Psalm 40:7 says:

"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me." (KJV)

This verse speaks to the idea that our lives are written in God's book—His divine plan for us—before the world even began. As we align ourselves with God’s Word, He works on our hearts, leading us to the fullness of who we were always meant to be.

Unfolding Into Your Fullness in Christ

Do you desire to unfold into your fullness in Christ? If you seek to know your true self, come to Jesus. In Him alone will you discover the depths of your identity and the purpose for which you were created.

As you grow and evolve, remember that you are not defined by the fleeting things of this world. You are created by God, and your true identity is found in Him. Allow Him to work in you, and watch as He unfolds the incredible purpose He has placed within you.

Stay revived.

Things You Should Never Think about

Are There Things You Should Never Think About?

Are there things in your life that you find difficult to move on from? Perhaps a past event that lingers in your mind, or decisions you've made that seem to keep you trapped in a cycle? These memories can become deeply ingrained in your thoughts, making it hard to move forward.

So, what are the things you should never think about?

Oftentimes, we find ourselves dwelling on situations we’ve been through. However, thinking about these events doesn’t change them—it only holds us back, leading to feelings of depression and preventing us from stepping into the future God has prepared for us.

Focusing on negative situations, on things that have kept us stuck, or on depressing thoughts only prevents us from embracing the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives. It's essential to shift our mindset away from these burdens.

The Story of Jabez: A Lesson in Moving Forward

In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, we encounter the story of Jabez, a man who, despite his painful beginnings, found strength in calling on God. The passage reads:

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NIV): 9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”

10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Jabez was born into sorrow, and his name—a constant reminder of his mother's pain—could have been a source of ongoing emotional burden. Yet, despite this, Jabez chose not to dwell on his past. Instead, he cried out to God for a change. His name, though marked by pain, did not define his future. Jabez's story reminds us that even when circumstances seem to hold us back, we can cry out to God for transformation, and He will answer.

Choosing to Let Go of the Past

Yes, you may have made wrong decisions or taken steps that you regret. But God doesn’t want you to stay trapped in those thoughts. The apostle Paul encourages us in...

 

Philippians 4:8 (NIV):

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

It’s time to stop dwelling on past mistakes and regrets. It’s time to forgive yourself and focus on the future that God has for you. Your current situation doesn’t define where God is taking you. The best is yet to come, and as you fix your thoughts on God’s promises, you will begin to see His light guiding you forward.

Don’t let the weight of past experiences hold you down. Like Jabez, take your pain to God, and trust that He can turn it into something greater. Embrace the truth that you have a bright future ahead.

Stay revived.