Path of The Righteous

May9

In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the Light of men (mankind).
John 1:4 NASB

I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. — Jesus
John 12:46 NASB

Jesus came as the Light to the world. As believers we have the Light living in and working through us.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
John 8:12 NASB

The righteous journey from salvation, the light of dawn, to our journey end, the promised land, our light should be shining brighter and brighter until that glorious day when our light will be outshined in the presence of our Lord Jesus.

Is your life shining brighter and brighter?

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 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 5:14‭-‬16 NASB

🌹But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
Proverbs 4:18 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

First Priority

May8

But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus *said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved *said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
John 21:4‭-‬8 NASB

This encounter in Scripture takes place between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension. This is Jesus’ third appearance after His death.

What was Peter’s focus when he realized it was Jesus on the shore? Jesus!
Peter couldn’t wait to get to Jesus; to be in His presence. He was so intent in getting to Jesus that he ran, literally swam to Him. The catch of the day was long forgotten.

In contrast, where was the focus centered by the remaining disciples when they became aware of Jesus on the shore?
The catch of the day. Granted this was a blessing from Jesus Himself but they were more focused on the blessing than on the Blesser.

Aren’t we like that too? Sometimes we get so caught up in the blessings God gives us that we forget to recognize Him as the Blesser of all we have, need, and often times want. We take for granted the blessings He bestows on us, His children. Especially the everyday blessings like a roof over our head, food on the table, good health, loving family, good friends and so on.

How much time do you spend in your day focused on your Savior, Jesus Christ? How much of your day do you share with Him, spend time with Him, seek Him? How much of your day is Christ focused, Christ centered?

Simon Peter did not neglect the blessing, he just chose to make Jesus his first priority.

🌹Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
John 21:11 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Hope of The Glory of God

May5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2

We can rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated, jubilant in the hope of the glory of God! How can we have this hope?

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
Romans 5:3-‬4 NASB

I want to look at just one portion of this verse where it speaks of hope. . .

“We exult in our proven character knowing that proven character brings about hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 NASB

I was so excited when the Lord opened my eyes to this portion of the verse. I pondered how proven character brings about hope.

As I have examined myself over the years of my life I have seen many flaws to my character. I am a flawed character. But God. . . He stepped into my life, brought me salvation and then started working on my character with the help of His Holy Spirit living in me. God’s work in me has changed me. When I look at myself and see a different person than I was, that brings me hope. God changing me into the person He created me to be. The growing pains have been difficult but worth it when I see how God is sanctifying me. Not by what I have done but by what He has done in transforming me. My proven character came by the work of the Holy Spirit in me. That is hope.

🌹and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Confident Boldness Through Christ

May4

For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”
John 12:49‭-‬50 NASB

What an example Jesus sets for us. He speaks what the Father speaks and what the Father speaks is eternal life.

We also can have such confidence through . . .

Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him, to God
Eph. 3:11b-12

Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:4‭-‬6 NASB

He is the one who has helped us tell others about his new agreement to save them. We do not tell them that they must obey every law of God or die; but we tell them there is life for them from the Holy Spirit. The old way, trying to be saved by keeping the Ten Commandments, ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives them life.
2 Corinthians 3:6 Living Bible

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
Romans 7:6 NASB

🌹It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
John 6:63 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Peace

May3

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27 NASB

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NASB

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.
Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 NASB

Peace comes from Jesus. It is a gift. It is found in Him. Will you accept it?
You must trust in Jesus, being steadfast of mind, believing He is with you in times of tribulation; with you when your heart is troubled; when you are fearful. Jesus is the everlasting Rock in whom we can trust! He is the guardian of our heart and mind, so let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you trust in Him.

🌹And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

My Shield

May2

As for God, His way is blameless (Complete or having integrity); The word of the Lord is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31 NASB

Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 NASB

in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 NASB

Jesus, my Rock! Your work is perfect, For all Your ways are just; You are a God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright are You, Amen.
Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB

🌹My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence.
2 Samuel 22:3 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Thirsty

May1

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalms 63:1 NASB

Sometimes life can be dry, like the bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14. We thirst for a filling up of the Holy Spirit. Well, I had the blessing of going on a pilgrimage to the throne of God this weekend with some thirsty ladies.

Real life testimonies of God’s protection, provision, comfort, and HOPE were shared. Testimonies that challenge us to trust in the midst of heartache, the unknown, the hurt. God is so, so, good.

For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
Psalms 107:9 NASB

🌹“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6 NASB

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

Triumphant Joy

Apr28

And my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall exult in His salvation.
Psalms 35:9 NASB

🌹 Thank You, God, for my salvation. My soul rejoices and will praise Your Holy name forever! What a privilege and beautiful gift. Amen.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

I’m Alive!!!

Apr27

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty (Shaddai) gives me life.
Job 33:4 NASB

Not only has God given me life, He has given me LIFE!!!! A life eternal. A life of being cared for, taught, led, protected. A life of peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness.

So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:45 NASB

🌹 God has given me His Spirit. His own Holy Spirit. What more could I desire?

Is the Holy Spirit alive in you?

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon

God is Good in The Land of The Living

Apr26

How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men!
Psalms 31:19 NASB

For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.
Isaiah 64:4 NASB

I cried out to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
Psalms 142:5 NASB

I shall walk before You, the Lord, In the land of the living.
Psalms 116:9 NASB

🌹 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
Psalms 27:13 NASB

Thank You, God for Your goodness.

Continually Seeking Him,

Sharon