Tag Archives: life

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.

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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).

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

Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 15:9).

Blessed are the peacemakers who work for peace in a world ravaged by hate, division, and war. Today we will talk about true peace that can bring all parties to the table. True peace is much more than the cessation of hostilities. True peace reaches the soul and heart of humanity. It will open the vestiges of a new world governed by a sense of right and wrong. True peace will need to move beyond the limitations of the current world order that’s being controlled by the powers of darkness. True peace in the world will open up possibilities beyond our wildest imagination, although this world peace will never be realized by allowing the powers of darkness to influence all of our thinking and decision-making. We must return to the original model instituted for humanity; a model instituted in the beginning by the God of creation. There are many different models introduced to humanity over the last few hundred years that have allowed humanity to stray further from the truth about God’s created order of things. All the statutes and guidelines given to humanity have been slowly and methodically eradicated by the powers of darkness. We have gone so far as to remove the Ten Commandments from all the schools of public education in this country. Continue reading Blessed are the Peacemakers

In The Blink of an Eye (Video)

If you lived for 125 years, compared to eternity that would only be in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, most live far less than that because of the increase in new diseases, viruses, and other health-related issues. Some have their life ended early because of lawlessness, immorality, and abortion. Others enter death early because of wars, famines, and increasing natural disasters or global warming. Furthermore, over 1 million people die of car accidents every year globally; their lives too have changed in the blink of an eye. We are all dying. Our life span on planet earth is truly in the blink of an eye compared to eternity. After watching this video on my secure website, please share it with everyone you care about. Their eternal life depends on it.

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

In The Blink of an Eye

If you lived for 125 years, compared to eternity that would only be in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, most live far less than that because of the increase in new diseases, viruses, and other health-related issues. Some have their life ended early because of lawlessness, immorality, and abortion. Others enter death early because of wars, famines, and increasing natural disasters or global warming. Furthermore, over 1 million people die of car accidents every year globally; their lives too have changed in the blink of an eye. We are all dying. Our life span on planet earth is truly in the blink of an eye compared to eternity. Because of the original sin in the Garden of Eden, then we will all die (Genesis 3). While death is inevitable, most try to live their lives to the fullest with no thought of their eventual demise. On the other hand, we can plan for everlasting life now and experience a foretaste of heaven with a joy that’s beyond description. We have all been given a choice to pass on to eternal bliss in the presence of a loving God or to spend eternity separated from God in the fires of hell, which is conditioned on how we respond to the call from heaven. This is one call you don’t want to miss. Continue reading In The Blink of an Eye