Tag Archives: light of the world

Faith, Spiritual

Light Without Sight: Asking El Shaddai for Wisdom

PREFACE

I am going to start trying to use HEBREW names of God in articles, as IMHO they are richer in meaning than the normal English translations. Below is a key for this article: remember to ask El Shaddai for wisdom when seeking deeper understanding.

  • El Shaddai (God Almighty) emphasizes His power and provision, which fits when speaking of His generosity in giving wisdom.
  • Yeshua (Jesus) is appropriate when discussing salvation, the gospel, or light, as He is the Light of the World.
  • Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is used when referring to spiritual guidance, illumination, or empowerment.
  • Adonai (Lord) is often used when addressing God’s authority and sovereignty.
  • Elohim (God, Creator) highlights His divine majesty and role as the source of wisdom and truth.
  • Abba (Father) emphasizes the intimate, relational aspect of God, particularly in prayer.

Light Without Sight: Asking El Shaddai for Wisdom

Dear reader, have you ever felt lost, uncertain of what to do, or overwhelmed by the decisions before you? El Shaddai, the Almighty God, invites you to come to Him and ask for wisdom. James 1:5–8 (NASB) speaks directly to you:

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

This is not a passive invitation. El Shaddai desires to generously give wisdom to you—but He asks for faith in return. When you approach Him, you must trust His goodness, power, and faithfulness. Doubt will only rob you of the peace and stability He offers.

Faith Unlocks the Wisdom of Elohim

When you ask Yeshua, the Light of the World, for wisdom, you must approach Him fully convinced of His ability to guide you. James warns against being double-minded, describing doubt as being “like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” Doubt creates instability, leaving your heart torn between trust in Elohim and the distractions of this world.

The truth is, wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge—it is a gift of the Spirit, rooted in a deep relationship with Adonai. Proverbs 9:10 (NASB) reminds us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This holy reverence for God leads to wisdom that transforms your decisions and your life.

The Gospel Brings Light and Sight

As you seek wisdom, consider these words from 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB):

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Satan blinds hearts and minds, preventing many from seeing Yeshua’s light and responding to it. This blindness doesn’t just affect unbelievers; it can creep into our hearts as doubt, pride, or distraction. You may know the truth, yet still lack the spiritual sight to walk in it fully.

Even Benjamin Franklin, brilliant as he was, illustrates this tragic reality. Despite hearing the gospel from the evangelist George Whitefield, he admitted he remained unconverted. He had light but lacked sight. Only the Spirit of God can open blinded eyes to see and respond to the truth.

How to Ask for Wisdom

El Shaddai offers wisdom to you freely, but He asks for your faith in return. Here’s how you can receive His wisdom: 1. Ask Boldly in Faith: Trust that Yeshua hears you and is eager to answer. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22, NASB). 2. Reject Doubt: Refuse to be tossed around by fear or uncertainty. Instead, anchor yourself in the promises of Elohim. 3. Seek His Presence Daily: True wisdom comes from intimacy with Yeshua. Spend time in prayer and His Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NASB). 4. Rely on the Spirit: Invite Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide you in every decision.

A Prayer for Wisdom and Sight

Beloved, as you seek wisdom, remember that Adonai desires to draw you closer to Him. Pray with confidence:

Abba Father, thank You for Your promise to give wisdom generously to all who ask in faith. I lay my doubts at Your feet and trust You completely. Open my eyes to see Your truth and help me walk in Your light. By Your Spirit, guide my steps and make me a light for others, that they too may see Your glory in Yeshua, the Light of the World. Amen.

Let His Light Guide You

Beloved, don’t live in darkness or confusion. Seek El Shaddai with all your heart, and He will give you wisdom and clarity. Let the light of Yeshua transform your life, for He is the Light of the World, and in Him, there is no darkness at all.

See Also

The Pursuit

Press into God’s presence

Beloved, do you hear the call of the Lord, beckoning you to come closer, to press into His presence, and to abide in His love? The words of Paul in Philippians 3 echo the heartbeat of Scripture—a divine summons to forsake the fleeting treasures of this world and lay hold of the eternal treasure of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith], unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4 AMP). Pressing into God begins with abiding—dwelling in Him as the source of all life and sustenance. It is in His presence that we find strength, wisdom, and the power to be conformed to His image. Press into God’s presence with a heart that seeks His face.

Consider the words of the psalmist: “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord and to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4 AMP). Pressing into God requires a singular focus, a holy determination to pursue Him above all else. The world may offer distractions, but those who seek Him lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

Beloved, we are not called to pursue God with half-hearted devotion but with a heart ablaze with holy longing. John reminds us of the magnitude of God’s love: “See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted as the children of God!” (1 John 3:1 AMP). If God has loved us so deeply, how can we not respond with an unyielding desire to know Him more intimately and press into His presence?

Paul’s pursuit of Christ resonates with the cry of those who long to go deeper: “I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 AMP). Yet this is not a journey of self-effort; it is one of dependence on His grace. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6 AMP). Pressing into God requires humility, a surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to draw near and press into His presence.

The apostle John paints a vivid picture of the rewards of pressing into God: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3 AMP). To know Him is life itself—eternal, abundant, and overflowing.

Do not grow weary, dear one. Press in with all your heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14). As you abide in Him, as you press into the depths of His love, you will discover the fullness of joy and the power of resurrection life, pressing into God’s presence with hope and faith.

Sharing His Goodness with the World

Beloved, as you press into God and abide in His love, His heart becomes your heart. You cannot taste the goodness of God and keep it to yourself. The world is filled with those wandering in darkness, unaware of the hope and joy found in Christ. Jesus declared, “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 AMP). As you dwell in Him, His light shines through you, drawing the lost to the Savior and showing them the way to press into God’s presence.

Do not fear sharing His goodness, for the same Spirit who empowers you to abide also equips you to proclaim the Gospel. Paul reminds us, “How will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher [or messenger]?” (Romans 10:14 AMP). You are God’s chosen messenger, sent to testify of His unfailing love and salvation through Christ.

Let your life, rooted in intimacy with God, overflow with His grace and truth. Extend a hand to the brokenhearted. Speak boldly to those who are searching. Show the world that the same God who transformed you can bring them into the fullness of life. “Taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; how blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8 AMP). Indeed, press into God’s presence and let His goodness overflow from your life.

Prayer:

Father, as we press into Your presence, let us not hold back from sharing Your goodness with those who are lost. Fill us with boldness to proclaim Your truth, wisdom to reach the searching, and love to reflect Your heart. Let our lives be living testimonies of Your grace, drawing others to the salvation found in Christ alone. May Your light shine through us, Lord, for Your glory and the building of Your Kingdom as we press into Your holy presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Advent

Prepare the Way: Walking in the Light of Christ This Advent

Advent is a sacred time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light from on high. In Luke 1:76-80 (AMP), the prophetic mission of John the Baptist serves as both a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s work and a call for us to align our lives with God’s purposes. When we look to the original Greek text, we find deeper layers of meaning that enrich our understanding of these verses and their relevance to our lives today. This helps us prepare the way for the Light of the World.

“And you, little one, shall be called a prophet of the Most High; for you shall go on before the face of the Lord to make ready His ways” (Luke 1:76 AMP).

The Greek word prophētēs reminds us that John was not merely a predictor of the future but a spokesperson for God, boldly proclaiming the truth and preparing hearts to receive Jesus. His mission, grounded in the authority of the Most High (Ὑψίστου), was to clear the way for the Savior. Similarly, Advent calls us to prepare—not just our homes and traditions, but our hearts and lives—so that Christ may reign fully in us. Hence, we must prepare the way for the Light of the World.

The Knowledge of Salvation and the Tender Mercy of God

John’s message was centered on salvation: “To bring and give the knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness and remission of their sins” (Luke 1:77 AMP).

Here, the Greek word sōtēria (salvation) speaks of deliverance, preservation, and healing, emphasizing that salvation through Christ is holistic and life-transforming. This salvation is more than an intellectual concept; it is an experiential gnōsis—a deep and personal encounter with God’s grace. At its core is aphesis, the complete release from the burden of sin, offering freedom and reconciliation with God. Preparing the way for the Light of the World is paramount to receiving this salvation.

This salvation flows from the tender mercy of our God (σπλάγχνα, splanchna). The Greek imagery here is profound: it reflects a deep, visceral compassion—God’s very heart moved toward humanity. It was this mercy that prompted God to send His Son as the Anatolē, the “Dawn from on high,” to illuminate the darkness of our sin and despair.

The Light That Dispels Darkness

“To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79 AMP).

The Greek verb phōtisai (to enlighten) reveals the transformative power of Christ’s light. This is not a superficial illumination but a deep unveiling of truth and grace that rescues us from skotos (spiritual darkness). Isaiah 9:2 echoes this theme: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Advent reminds us to prepare the way for the Light of the World, as Jesus not only dispels our darkness but guides us into the hodon eirēnēs—the way of peace. This peace (eirēnē) is far more than the absence of conflict; it is a wholeness, harmony, and restoration that comes from being reconciled with God.

Strengthened for the Mission

The passage concludes with John’s preparation: “And the little boy grew and became strong in spirit” (Luke 1:80 AMP).

The Greek word krataiousthai (became strong) speaks of empowerment and resilience, developed through time in the wilderness (erēmois). The wilderness was not a place of isolation but of preparation, where John was refined and strengthened for his prophetic calling. Advent invites us into our own wilderness—a sacred space to quiet our hearts, listen to God, and allow Him to prepare us for the work He has for us.

Lessons for Us Today

1. Prepare the Way. Like John, we are called to prepare the way for Christ, not just externally but within our hearts. Advent is a time to remove distractions, repent of sin, and align ourselves with God’s will.

2. Experience Salvation. Salvation is not just knowing about God; it is encountering His grace personally. Through His tender mercy, God invites us to experience freedom, healing, and wholeness in Christ.

3. Walk in the Light. Jesus is the Light that dispels our darkness and leads us into the way of peace. This Advent, let us invite His light to shine into every corner of our lives, illuminating what needs transformation.

4. Grow Strong in Spirit. Spiritual growth requires time in the wilderness—quiet moments of prayer, reflection, and dependence on God. As we seek His face, He strengthens us for His purposes.

Advent Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your tender mercy and the Light from on high who has come to rescue us from darkness. As we journey through Advent, prepare our hearts to receive more of You. Help us to walk in Your light, experience Your salvation, and proclaim Your truth to a world in need. Strengthen us in spirit, as You strengthened John, so that we may live boldly for Your glory. Guide our feet into the way of peace and draw us ever closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Light has dawned. Let us prepare the way of the Lord and walk in His peace.

See Also

Advent, Faith, Spiritual

Fan the flame of God’s gift

In this season of Advent, we remember the coming of Christ—His first arrival as a child and the promise of His return as King. This is a season of reflection, hope, and expectation. But it is also a season of action—a time to rekindle the fire of God’s purpose within us and fan the flame of God’s gift.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:20-21, he said: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” In the same way, the Holy Spirit has planted a purpose, a calling, and gifts within you. Like Joseph, we must reject fear and embrace what God has conceived in us.

The Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy provide an urgent reminder: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you… For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 AMP). Paul recognized that fear and intimidation can weaken even the strongest believers, reducing their passion to mere embers. But he also knew the truth: God’s power and presence are always available to stir the fire within us.

Do Not Let the Flame Die

There are seasons in life when the flame of God’s calling feels weak—times when fear, weariness, and discouragement threaten to silence the gifts God has placed in us. Perhaps you feel like the embers of your faith are barely glowing. But hear this: The fire is not gone. It only needs to be stirred.

Paul’s instruction to “fan into flame” is both a command and a promise. You have a role to play in reviving the fire within you. Like a flame that requires oxygen and fuel, the gifts of God need to be nurtured with prayer, time in His Word, and faith-filled action. Advent calls us to this very work: to prepare our hearts, renew our strength, and reignite our passion for His purpose.

God’s Work in You Mirrors His Advent Promise

Advent teaches us that God works in ways we do not always see or understand. The child conceived in Mary was not an ordinary child, and the work He does within you is not ordinary either. As the angel declared, “Do not be afraid… for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” In the same way, what God has begun in you is of Him.

God has given you gifts to share with the world, a light to shine in dark places. Jesus Himself says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 AMP). Your gifts are not small, and your calling is not insignificant. This world needs what God has placed within you.

Practical Steps to Fan the Flame

1. Return to the Word of God

God’s Word is the fuel for your spiritual fire. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 AMP). Spend time daily in Scripture, allowing His truth to renew your mind and ignite your faith.

2. Pray and Invite the Holy Spirit to Move

The Holy Spirit is the fire within you. Just as He filled the early church with boldness and power, He is ready to refresh and empower you. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6 AMP).

3. Reject Fear and Discouragement

Fear is the enemy’s tool to silence your calling. Yet God has declared, “The righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1 AMP). Refuse to let intimidation steal your purpose. Declare His promises and walk in His strength.

4. Share Your Light with Others

The gifts God has given you are meant to bless others and glorify Him. Jesus calls us to action: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 AMP).

A Call to Action

Beloved, now is not the time to let your fire grow cold. The same Spirit who spoke to Joseph, who empowered Mary, and who filled Timothy with boldness, dwells within you. Fan into flame the gift of God. Blow upon the embers of your faith with prayer, surrender, and obedience. God has placed His light within you—do not let fear or weariness diminish it.

The Advent message is one of hope and preparation. Christ has come to bring life, light, and salvation, and He has called you to carry that light to the world. The gifts He has placed in you are not for you alone; they are for a world desperate for His truth and love.

A Prayer to Fan the Flame

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gifts You have placed within me. Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear, doubt, or discouragement to weaken my passion for Your purpose. I ask You now to fan into flame the gifts You have given me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to walk boldly in Your calling. Let my life shine brightly for Your glory, reflecting the hope of Christ to those around me.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

A Decree for Advent

We decree that the gifts of God within us are stirred afresh. Fear is broken, boldness arises, and the fire of the Holy Spirit burns brightly in us.

This Advent, fan the flame. Christ has come, and He is coming again. Let your life burn for Him.

See Also

Government

The Church: God’s Radiant Plan for the World

The church is not just a building or a community—it is God’s masterpiece, His chosen vessel to reveal His glory and transform the world. The church is not secondary to the world. From the beginning, God planned for the church to carry His truth and light into the world, fulfilling His eternal purposes. The church does not follow the world; rather, the world exists for the church to fulfill its mission.

Jesus Himself declared, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 AMP). The church shines with the radiance of Christ, illuminating the darkness and guiding the lost to salvation. It is not secondary but central to God’s work on earth.

The Church: Established in Christ’s Authority

God placed the church at the center of His redemptive plan, empowering it with the authority of Christ. In Ephesians 1:22-23 (AMP), Paul writes, “And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, and appointed Him as head over all things in the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things.”

This truth is staggering: the fullness of Christ is revealed through His church. All creation was made subject to Jesus, and He entrusted His authority to His body, the church, to carry out His mission. The world, with its powers and systems, does not control the church. Instead, it is Christ’s authority in the church that determines the future of the world.

“The gates of Hades will not overpower [the church]” (Matthew 16:18 AMP). Jesus Himself assured us that the church is indestructible, empowered to overcome every challenge, and destined to bring the Kingdom of God to fruition.

The Church: A Beacon of Eternal Purpose

The church does not merely react to the world; it shapes the world for God’s glory. While worldly systems crumble and fade, the church remains eternal, pointing to God’s unchanging truth. Isaiah 60:1-3 (AMP) calls the church to rise and shine:

“Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you. For in fact, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness will cover the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you [Jerusalem] and His glory and brilliance will be seen on you.”

Even as the world grows darker, the church’s light grows brighter. It is through the church that God’s glory is seen, drawing nations and people to Him.

The Church: A Transformative Force

The church is not secondary to the world because it is the only agent of true transformation. Worldly solutions may provide temporary relief, but only the gospel proclaimed through the church offers eternal hope. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:20 (AMP), “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.”

This is the church’s calling—to be ambassadors of reconciliation, leading the world to the saving knowledge of Christ. The church is not secondary to the world in this mission. The world cannot save itself; it is the church, empowered by the Spirit, that brings hope and healing to a broken humanity.

The Church Reflects Christ’s Glory

The church’s primary purpose is to glorify God and reveal His Son, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:3 (AMP) reminds us of Christ’s centrality: “The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God…and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things by His powerful word.”

As Christ reflects God’s glory, the church reflects Christ’s glory. The church is the body of Christ, united with Him, carrying His message and His power into the world.

Paul emphasizes this truth in 1 Peter 2:9 (AMP): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

The church is chosen, royal, consecrated, and filled with purpose. The church is not secondary to the world; it is central to God’s eternal mission.

Living as the Radiant Church

As members of the church, we must embrace our identity and mission with boldness and joy. We are the radiant bride of Christ, called to transform the world for His glory. Every act of worship, every prayer, every step of faith carries eternal significance. Let us not shrink back but move forward in the power of the Spirit, knowing that we are part of God’s eternal plan.

The church is not secondary to the world. It is God’s radiant plan to redeem and restore the world, a beacon of light in the darkness, and the unstoppable force of His Kingdom.

Prayer

Father, we thank You for the gift of the church, Your chosen vessel to reveal Your glory and bring salvation to the world. Help us to live as lights in the darkness, reflecting the radiance of Christ to all we encounter. Empower us with boldness and humility, reminding us that the church is not secondary to the world but central to Your eternal plan. Strengthen Your church to carry out its mission, proclaiming the gospel and advancing Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also