Tag Archives: Bible

Stepping Into the Light of His Glory

There was a time when I was young and foolish riding on the winds of desire and prosperity, now I am old, rejoicing only in the light of His glory. We all have a story to tell. Some stories would shock our sensibilities while others might help us to recall our own struggles if we were honest. Contrary to our earlier experiences in the home of our blessed parents we all tend to go in our own direction realized by the eventual outcome of our siblings and childhood friends. The winds of change can be harsh and unforgiving in a world that is quickly rejecting the moral imperatives of our religious upbringing. We all have a story to tell even if some of our anchors are more secure than others in our early ethical teachings about what is right and wrong. As we recall the horror of wrong choices it’s most difficult to put them into words, but essential to realize just how far we have come by the grace of God. Being cast into a world of lawlessness and unimaginable evil it’s a wonder that my very brief homelessness on the streets of New York City didn’t leave an irrevocable mark on my consciousness. Each step of the way, unknown at the time, God gracefully brought forth deliverance from the horrific consequences of a life gone astray. Although there would be more years ahead of wrong choices and their inevitable consequences, in time the path ahead would become clear.

Some say, “Christianity is a crutch,” for the lame and the bewildered. However, concerning the true meaning of life, it is much more than a crutch, because it enables us to take our first steps into the light. We had heard the old, old story many years ago as a child about the gift of God that would give us a glorious new life in Christ. However, it took the witness of a blessed woman in my employ to remind me about the glorious new life in Christ that I was visibly missing. This day of praying to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior would open the door to an amazing journey. Although the journey would be filled with deep valleys and tall mountains, it would put me on a path that would see the hand of God miraculously working in my life every step of the way. In the beginning, it’s been a life of intense study from Seminary to the pastoral ministry allowing God to write His indisputable words on my heart, it was the journey that put them into practice, realizing that my life was being transformed. Yes, God was using His anointed words in the Bible, but also every experience and every blessed person who came into my life brought forth great change. From entertaining angels unaware to witnessing the power of His healing miracles when praying for others in the Spirit, God has been at work in my life growing me spiritually from one degree of glory to another (II Corinthians 3:18). God is transforming my life into a brand-new creation where old things have truly passed away (II Corinthians 5:17).

What may have seemed like a crutch in the beginning was in reality a message that changed my life inevitably. Hopefully, every believer understands the message of the Cross where Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, born of a virgin, chose to die on the Cross as an atonement, an acceptable sacrifice, for the sins of all humanity for those who believe in His death and resurrection from the dead in three days. As believers, we follow Christ in His death on the Cross as we die to self, our old sin nature, and are raised with Christ from the grave by putting on our new life in Christ. In faith, we follow Jesus Christ in the total transformation of our life into a new creation. In faith, we trust in God exclusively to give us everything we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3-4), to be transformed into the perfect image of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This has been an amazing journey of learning that we can’t, but He can, which is the next big step into the light of God’s glory. Jesus Christ is more than a Savior and Redeemer; He is more than our Lord; He is our helper. Without Christ in our lives, then change would be impossible, and transformation would never be a reality. We can’t, but He can by trusting in God exclusively to lead us into the light of His glory.

Trusting in God exclusively is a major step, unfortunately leaving many professed believers behind either slipping deeper into the pit of normalcy or drifting back into the world controlled by the powers of darkness. As life progresses there are inevitable consequences, not only from our choices but from the choices of others, that can lead to times of unparalleled grief and suffering. There were times when the depth of depression came knocking on the door of my heart where I am now long past the many tears of grief. On our journey to the light of God’s glory, most will be faced with another decision to seek God’s exclusive counsel or seek counsel from the fallen world of mankind. Thank God, His beloved counsel has lifted me out of the pit of despair many glorious times solidifying my trust in God exclusively. Over the years I have learned that there are many different occasions where we are put into a position where we must trust in God exclusively. In the beginning, it was not always easy. There was a time when I was attempting to help a distraught person in his empty apartment who was possessed by an evil spirit. With the hairs standing up on the back of my head, I called aloud to my God who quickly intervened in the situation delivering the man and giving me further guidance on how to help. Trusting in God exclusively is a major step in our journey.

Stepping out on faith and trusting in God exclusively can bring forth the greatest blessings beyond our wildest imagination. In my first pastorate while driving along the avenue I spotted a dirty and disheveled old man walking on the side, and almost immediately I felt in my spirit that I should inquire of his needs. After inviting him to our home for a hot meal and an invitation to spend the night in our spare room, I was shocked to learn that he was a retired priest walking to a retreat in the mountains of our little town. It was not long before I realized that we were entertaining an angel unaware telling me things I have treasured in my heart to this day. All glory to God. I have witnessed God’s little miracles, such as working all things together for good, many times throughout the years and even once experienced the multiplying of food on an insufficient table of provisions. Perhaps it is the occasional healing miracles that mostly amaze me of His wonderful working power in His wounded children. I don’t ever pray unless I feel led to do so in the name of Jesus Christ. When I do pray for a person that I can reach out and gently touch in the name of Christ, it is a wonder to hear them cry out that they have been healed. Although I believe in all the gifts of the Spirit, I never use them for show, often in private, and only for the good of God’s children in the Kingdom. With every single experience, another truth is learned from the Spirit and one step further is made into the light of God’s glory.

Well, I am older now and with the exception of my writings I am retired from the pastoral ministry, but the journey continues. As I step further into the light, I have witnessed the deplorable situation of the fallen world. My greatest sadness, however, is the great falling away of those who claim to be believers in Christ. I can prophesy about what I see now and what is soon coming upon the whole world, but I am afraid it will not change the inevitable. I can share the gospel with my family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances but I will always leave the initial calling up to God and the choice to those who hear it through my written messages or in a face-to-face contact. I pray that all who hear this message will join me as we step together into the light of God’s glory. It is a wonderful place to be to hear His still small voice like beautiful music enlarging our hearts. It is a wonder to witness all of His miracles that bring great joy to the depths of our hearts. Most of all it is a wonder to experience His amazing love flowing through us to others. It is a wonder to experience His peace that defies understanding. As we walk in the glory of God’s light, we know with all assurance no matter how bad it gets God will always be with us, He will never leave us or forsake us. Finally, with all the brief pain and suffering I have experienced on the journey I would not trade this wonderful life that God has given to me for anything in the world. I am stepping into the light of God’s glory. I hope that you join me.

Cellphone Users

This website and its content is copyright of He Reigns Christian Ministries – © Rev. Daniel W. Blair 2023. All rights reserved.

What is God’s Purpose for Your Life?

We are living in a chaotic world where people and institutions appear to have gone stark raving mad. Most people are saying and doing the unthinkable. On the present trajectory one wonders if the world will survive. Sadly most Christians are caught up in this madness going from bad to worse. Has the world lost its mind as we are being plunged into insanity and the coming apocalypse? This is a question that should haunt all of us. Although we have not yet seen the walking dead, we are seeing more of the population suffering from an increasing number of mental disorders that are causing absolute pandemonium and unbelievable lawlessness. Even our government cannot function because of the anarchy and hateful divisions. None of this appears to be God’s purpose for our lives. The whole world has drifted back into darkness believing that humanity can solve all of its mounting problems. Unfortunately, they can’t. With the coming increase in global suffering, it will only harden the hearts of humanity. Most will blame God and seek to eliminate his followers. As evil and darkness invades our world, God still has the same purpose for humanity. Simply put God’s purpose for our life is transformation, so, that we can become all that God created us to be.

Transformation is the only thing that will overcome the darkness and allow His marvelous light to shine in our hearts. This goes much deeper than just changing minds. It changes our attitudes, character, personality, and emotions to the very depths of our hearts. In essence, we are made into a new creation motivated by a self-giving agape love. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17). This is a marvelous transformation that allows us to see everything in a different light. The transformed person looks beyond the color, race, nationality, and outward appearance of others to see only the unspoken needs often hidden in their hearts. The transformed person is quick to forgive and follows all the rules of non-retaliation. The transformed person rejoices always and is thankful in all things. The transformed person has a deep abiding love for God, always quick to follow His lead in all humility trusting in God exclusively. The transformed person is always growing Spiritually from one degree of glory to another and is eager to use his Spiritual gifts for the common good. The transformed person is patient in affliction and rejoicing that he is counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. Transformation completely changes everything to the glory of God.

Transformation on your own is an impossible thing to do allowing the world to slip even deeper into darkness. Many have tried and have failed miserably. They have read and memorized their Bible attempting to follow every command. They have attended their church meetings and associated with other like-minded believers. In all that they have tried transformation seems like an impossible thing to accomplish. So, most have grown comfortable in the lukewarm church and sharing Scripture or prayer requests on social media platforms. Not only are they failing at transformation in Christ, but many are growing angry and bitter with the increasing trials and tribulations in the world. Many have felt the brunt of changing weather patterns, from the increasing heat index to the violent storms, and from rising floods to ravaging forest fires. It’s also taking a toll on God’s children. The list could go on to include earthquakes, tornadoes, uncontrolled lawlessness, and a falling economy. These trials and tribulations have caused many to curse the name of God and strike back at others with a vengeance. Instead of transformation trials and tribulations are driving people further into darkness and despair. We must turn to God trusting in Him alone to transform our lives in Christ.

The Bible says, “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” (Romans 8:28). “All things work together for good.” Yes, God will use all things to fulfill His purpose, which includes every trial and tribulation to strengthen our faith in God to bring us through whatever it is we are going through. Trusting in God’s loving providence is essential in the transformation process. We can take a valuable lesson from the initial call of the Apostle Paul. Listen to what Christ says in the Bible. “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5). The Lord used an old saying, very familiar for those living in that day. It was hard for the Ox to “kick against the pricks” used to keep him in line, especially needed for a stubborn and unyielding animal. In time, the Apostle Paul discovered the amazing benefit of his many times of suffering for the cause of Christ, which kept him in line with God’s will and purpose for his life. We cannot kick against the pricks. We cannot fight against the trials but use them for our benefit by allowing them to transform our lives.

The Bible says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2-3 ESV). Yes, it is a great source of joy knowing that the trial will teach us a valuable lesson, usually discovered at the end of the trial if we remain faithful. I know from many years of experience that it’s not always easy to immediately understand why we must go through a time of great suffering. Yet, we must allow the trial to teach us what must be given up or what must be embraced to continue the process of our transformation in Christ. Furthermore, I have often felt comfort knowing that we will never be tested beyond what we can handle (I Corinthians 10:13). The Bible also tells us, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6). Of course, not every trial or time of suffering is chastisement from the Lord. God will give us the wisdom to know if we ask in faith believing. The point is God uses “all things” to help His called children to be transformed in Christ. This is God’s purpose for our lives. Without transformation, the darkness will remain and only get worse. That’s exactly what we see happening in the world today that’s on the verge of self-annihilation. Let us use every trial, including the persecution, to continue our transformation in Christ.

Finally, only true transformation in Christ can produce self-giving agape love. To use another old saying, “Love makes the world go round.” Without true love hate, lawlessness, and wars will continue ravaging the world where it will be destroyed and no longer go around. It’s time for Christians to take a stand, by demonstrating true love to God and one another. It’s time for forgiveness to overcome hatred, anger, and bitterness. It’s time to negotiate with your enemies looking to celebrate a new day of peace and prosperity. Stop being so stubborn and unyielding. Seek peace through love. I call on all of God’s children to start the transformation process today by allowing God to use all things to bring us into alignment with His will. When we do then we will rejoice with every little miracle as we witness God working all things together for good. We will rejoice that we have been found worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. We will rejoice when we see the world with new eyes beyond all the bondages and captivity caused by the powers of darkness. We also see that love truly binds all things together and at the same time overcomes everything with the bright light of God’s glory. Our transformation in Christ will, with the light of God’s glory, overcome the darkness. What a glorious day that will be! Dear children, transformation is God’s purpose for our lives. Are you going to allow God to transform your life in Christ Jesus? I pray that you will.

Please Join me in Prayer

 Good morning Heavenly Father. Oh Lord, we cry out to you asking that you keep us holy and blameless in a world that’s growing increasingly evil every day. Most people have not recognized their own evil and unrighteousness. They believe that they are prepared and ready for your coming. They boast that they are ready but still put their trust in man and his unholy works to solve their emotional and psychological problems. Woe, to those who no longer put their trust in you in the midst of this epidemic of mental illness. They still attempt to walk in the kingdom and in the world at the same time. They have not been sanctified nor are they being transformed by putting off the old life and putting on the new life in Christ. We pray that everyone who calls upon your Name will put all of their trust in you alone to prepare them for your magnificent coming. We profess publicly that you who have called us out of darkness to the light is faithful to do all that you have promised. You will surely do it. You will use “all things” to transform us into a new creation. We pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24).

Cellphone Users

This website and its content is copyright of He Reigns Christian Ministries – © Rev. Daniel W. Blair 2023. All rights reserved.

Upward Calling in Christ Jesus

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the

Upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, ESV)

What keeps us moving ahead? What keeps us looking forward instead of looking back all the time? For the believers in Christ, it is our upward calling in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, many are stuck in the past, focused on their past failures, or reminiscing on what they perceive as good times in the past. For the Christian, it should be different. Yes, hopefully, we have learned from our previous mistakes by only glancing back, but our focus should always be on the future and our upward calling in Christ Jesus. This does not keep us from being thankful in all things, including what God has done for us in the past (II Thessalonians 5:18). This is one area that fallen humanity has not grasped. From the news services to psychological counseling, and those who are unwilling to forgive others, they are always stuck in the past. They are always rehashing the past over and over again never allowing humanity to forget their failures and move on to a new day. They have not really learned from their mistakes because every time they are rehashed somehow the facts keep changing. They have not learned how to forgive the past, holding much of humanity in bondage to their past errors. For the Christian, it should be different. We learn from the past. We forgive ourselves and those who have wronged us, which allows us to forget the past and move on. Every day should be a new day in the Lord (II Corinthians 4:16). Continue reading Upward Calling in Christ Jesus

When the World Turns Away

What do you do when the world turns away and no longer wants to hear the messages from God through the indwelling Spirit? When this happens it will be a most difficult time, cutting deep within your heart, especially if it comes from old, trusted friends and family members. I believe we all know why this is happening if we have truly understood the days in which we are living. The Bible talks about this day when there will be a great falling away. Simply put, people no longer have time for God and the things of God. They no longer have time for deep prayer and meditation that can take hours at a time. They no longer have time to read their Bible or read the Spirit-filled messages from mature believers in Christ. They no longer have time to put the old life off and put the new life on in Christ through transformation. They no longer have time for the deep things of God, yet they have plenty of time to chase after every news article from the world or contemplate the latest conspiracy theory. If we are faithfully following Christ, then people will turn away. So, what do we do when the world turns away? Continue reading When the World Turns Away

Confront the Christian Divisions Now

If we don’t confront the Christian divisions now, then all will be lost. If we don’t confront the Christian divisions now, then hate and disagreements will lead to unbridled persecution. If we don’t confront the Christian divisions now, then death and destruction will be inevitable. If we don’t confront Christian divisions now, then we will witness the great falling away and the extinguishing of the Gospel light leading to a horrifying darkness that will sweep the planet. This is exactly what Satan and the powers of darkness want. They have sought to divide Christianity since the beginning by raising up false prophets to twist the simple message of the Cross. They have gone well beyond the Bible by adding new doctrines and a methodology foreign to the simple truths delineated in the New Testament. We must all take part in confronting the divisions that are ripping Christianity apart. Although the biblical solutions are simple, they will take a great deal of faith to follow, doing things that will be extremely uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. We will examine closely each of these biblical solutions that will heal the divisions in Christianity and reawaken the bright shining light in a very dark world. Although the solutions may appear to take longer, they will not but will have a profound lasting effect upon the fallen world. Continue reading Confront the Christian Divisions Now