Summary: Greetings in the Holy Name of Jesus Yahshuah, My sisters and brothers, life is as much of a struggle for us all when we consciously decide to clearly face the darkness of the world and fail to embrace God’s love ...

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST JESUS YAHSHUAH

by

Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid

(March 11, 2021)

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”(John 8: 10-12, King James Version [KJV]).

Greetings in the Holy Name of Jesus Yahshuah,

My sisters and brothers, life is as much of a struggle for us all when we consciously decide to clearly face the darkness of the world and fail to embrace God’s love through Jesus, the light of the world (John 8: 11, King James Version [KJV], “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”; John 9: 5, KJV, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”; What do light symbolize?

Across cultures, light is an ancient symbol of understanding and intellectual thought: it is the opposite of ignorance, or darkness. Almost universally, the dark is considered to be frightening and sinister, associated with things we cannot understand. Light is said to conquer darkness and to bring order out of chaos.

www.nationalgallery.org.uk › media). Of course, running your course, at first thought seemingly is impossible to achieve or do the greater things that Jesus spoke of, simply because we are sinners and our sins weigh us down in feelings of guilt, causing us to lose faith as our doubts chip away at our faith so much until we find ourselves in the darkness of the world, away from the light, Jesus. We must keep our eyes on the prize, which is Christ Jesus.[“What does it mean to live in the light of Christ?

Only when do not Love Darkness Can We Hope to Live in the Light. What does it mean to live in the light? The Apostle John said the wrath of God was coming not just because of sin, but because men 'loved' darkness. ... Live in the light! It means more than reading a Bible and going to Church.Jul 15, 2015

www.watchmanchronicle.com › wh... ; 2 Timothy 4: 7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”; Philippians 3: 13-14, KJV, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” “Psalm 119

The Message 119 (MSG)

1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,

    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.

You’re blessed when you follow his directions,

    doing your best to find him.

That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;

    you walk straight along the road he set.

You, God, prescribed the right way to live;

    now you expect us to live it.

Oh, that my steps might be steady,

    keeping to the course you set;

Then I’d never have any regrets

    in comparing my life with your counsel.

I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;

    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.

I’m going to do what you tell me to do;

    don’t ever walk off and leave me.

* * *

9-16 

How can a young person live a clean life?

    By carefully reading the map of your Word.

I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;

    don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.

I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart

    so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.

Be blessed, God;

    train me in your ways of wise living.

I’ll transfer to my lips

    all the counsel that comes from your mouth;

I delight far more in what you tell me about living

    than in gathering a pile of riches.

I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,

    I attentively watch how you’ve done it.

I relish everything you’ve told me of life,

    I won’t forget a word of it.

* * *

17-24 

Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;

    not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.

Open my eyes so I can see

    what you show me of your miracle-wonders.

I’m a stranger in these parts;

    give me clear directions.

My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—

    insatiable for your nourishing commands.

And those who think they know so much,

    ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!

Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;

    I’ve been careful to do just what you said.

While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,

    I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.

Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;

    I listen to them as to good neighbors!

* * *

25-32 

I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!

    Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?

When I told my story, you responded;

    train me well in your deep wisdom.

Help me understand these things inside and out

    so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.

My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;

    build me up again by your Word.

Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;

    grace me with your clear revelation.

I choose the true road to Somewhere,

    I post your road signs at every curve and corner.

I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;

    God, don’t let me down!

I’ll run the course you lay out for me

    if you’ll just show me how.

* * *

33-40 

God, teach me lessons for living

    so I can stay the course.

Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—

    my whole life one long, obedient response.

Guide me down the road of your commandments;

    I love traveling this freeway!

Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,

    and not for piling up loot.

Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,

    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.

Affirm your promises to me—

    promises made to all who fear you.

Deflect the harsh words of my critics—

    but what you say is always so good.

See how hungry I am for your counsel;

    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

* * *

41-48 

Let your love, God, shape my life

    with salvation, exactly as you promised;

Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery

    because I trusted your Word.

Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—

    your commandments are what I depend on.

Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,

    guard it now, guard it ever;

And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces

    as I look for your truth and your wisdom;

Then I’ll tell the world what I find,

    speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.

I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—

    relishing every fragment of your counsel.

* * *

49-56 

Remember what you said to me, your servant—

    I hang on to these words for dear life!

These words hold me up in bad times;

    yes, your promises rejuvenate me.

The haters hate me without mercy,

    but I don’t budge from your revelation.

I watch for your ancient landmark words,

    and know I’m on the right track.

But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,

    I’m beside myself with anger.

I set your instructions to music

    and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.

I meditate on your name all night, God,

    treasuring your revelation, O God.

Still, I walk through a rain of derision

    because I live by your Word and counsel.

* * *

57-64 

Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise

    to do everything you say.

I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,

    be gracious to me just as you promised.

When I took a long, careful look at your ways,

    I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.

I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,

    was quick to follow your orders.

The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—

    but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.

I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;

    your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!

I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,

    of those committed to living by your rules.

Your love, God, fills the earth!

    Train me to live by your counsel.

* * *

65-72 

Be good to your servant, God;

    be as good as your Word.

Train me in good common sense;

    I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.

Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,

    but now I’m in step with your Word.

You are good, and the source of good;

    train me in your goodness.

The godless spread lies about me,

but I focus my attention on what you are saying;

They’re bland as a bucket of lard,

    while I dance to the tune of your revelation.

My troubles turned out all for the best—

    they forced me to learn from your textbook.

Truth from your mouth means more to me

    than striking it rich in a gold mine.

* * *

73-80 

With your very own hands you formed me;

    now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.

When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,

    those who fear you will take heart and be glad.

I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;

    your testing has taught me what’s true and right.

Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!

    just the way you promised.

Now comfort me so I can live, really live;

    your revelation is the tune I dance to.

Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;

    they tried to sell me a bill of goods,

    but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.

Let those who fear you turn to me

    for evidence of your wise guidance.

And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,

    so I can always walk with my head held high.

* * *

81-88 

I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;

    I’m waiting for your word of hope.

My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;

    how long must I wait for your comfort?

There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,

    but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.

How long do I have to put up with all this?

    How long till you haul my tormentors into court?

The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,

    ignorant as they are of God and his ways.

Everything you command is a sure thing,

    but they harass me with lies. Help!

They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—

    but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.

In your great love revive me

    so I can alertly obey your every word.

* * *

89-96 

What you say goes, God,

    and stays, as permanent as the heavens.

Your truth never goes out of fashion;

    it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up.

Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;

    that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.

If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,

    I would have given up when the hard times came.

But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;

    you saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! I’m all yours.

    I look high and low for your words of wisdom.

The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,

    but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.

I see the limits to everything human,

    but the horizons can’t contain your commands!

* * *

97-104 

Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed;

    I reverently ponder it all the day long.

Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;

    they never become obsolete.

I’ve even become smarter than my teachers

    since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.

I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages

    simply by doing what you tell me.

I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil

    so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.

I never make detours from the route you laid out;

    you gave me such good directions.

Your words are so choice, so tasty;

    I prefer them to the best home cooking.

With your instruction, I understand life;

    that’s why I hate false propaganda.

* * *

105-112 

By your words I can see where I’m going;

    they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back

    from living by your righteous order.

Everything’s falling apart on me, God;

    put me together again with your Word.

Adorn me with your finest sayings, God;

    teach me your holy rules.

My life is as close as my own hands,

    but I don’t forget what you have revealed.

The wicked do their best to throw me off track,

    but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.

I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—

    what a gift! And how happy it makes me!

I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—

    I always have and always will.

* * *

113-120 

I hate the two-faced,

    but I love your clear-cut revelation.

You’re my place of quiet retreat;

    I wait for your Word to renew me.

Get out of my life, evildoers,

    so I can keep my God’s commands.

Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.

    Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.

Stick with me and I’ll be all right;

    I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.

Expose all who drift away from your sayings;

    their casual idolatry is lethal.

You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;

    therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.

I shiver in awe before you;

    your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.

* * *

121-128 

I stood up for justice and the right;

    don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.

Take the side of your servant, good God;

    don’t let the godless take advantage of me.

I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you

    to keep your promise to set

everything right.

Let your love dictate how you deal with me;

    teach me from your textbook on life.

I’m your servant—help me understand what that means,

    the inner meaning of your instructions.

It’s time to act, God;

    they’ve made a shambles of your revelation!

Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,

    I love it better than gold and gemstones;

Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,

    I despise every deceitful detour.

* * *

129-136 

Every word you give me is a miracle word—

    how could I help but obey?

Break open your words, let the light shine out,

    let ordinary people see the meaning.

Mouth open and panting,

    I wanted your commands more than anything.

Turn my way, look kindly on me,

    as you always do to those who personally love you.

Steady my steps with your Word of promise

    so nothing malign gets the better of me.

Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women

    so I can live life your way.

Smile on me, your servant;

    teach me the right way to live.

I cry rivers of tears

    because nobody’s living by your book!

* * *

137-144 

You are right and you do right, God;

    your decisions are right on target.

You rightly instruct us in how to live

    ever faithful to you.

My rivals nearly did me in,

    they persistently ignored your commandments.

Your promise has been tested through and through,

    and I, your servant, love it dearly.

I’m too young to be important,

    but I don’t forget what you tell me.

Your righteousness is eternally right,

    your revelation is the only truth.

Even though troubles came down on me hard,

    your commands always gave me delight.

The way you tell me to live is always right;

    help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.

* * *

145-152 

I call out at the top of my lungs,

    “God! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.”

I called to you, “Save me

    so I can carry out all your instructions.”

I was up before sunrise,

    crying for help, hoping for a word from you.

I stayed awake all night,

    prayerfully pondering your promise.

In your love, listen to me;

    in your justice, God, keep me alive.

As those out to get me come closer and closer,

    they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;

But you’re the closest of all to me, God,

    and all your judgments true.

I’ve known all along from the evidence of your words

    that you meant them to last forever.

* * *

153-160 

Take a good look at my trouble, and help me—

    I haven’t forgotten your revelation.

Take my side and get me out of this;

    give me back my life, just as you promised.

“Salvation” is only gibberish to the wicked

    because they’ve never looked it up in your dictionary.

Your mercies, God, run into the billions;

    following your guidelines, revive me.

My antagonists are too many to count,

    but I don’t swerve from the directions you gave.

I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;

    they walked away from your promises so casually!

Take note of how I love what you tell me;

    out of your life of love, prolong my life.

Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.

    Your righteous decisions are eternal.

* * *

161-168 

I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,

    but my awe at your words keeps me stable.

I’m ecstatic over what you say,

    like one who strikes it rich.

I hate lies—can’t stand them!—

    but I love what you have revealed.

Seven times each day I stop and shout praises

    for the way you keep everything running right.

For those who love what you reveal, everything fits—

    no stumbling around in the dark for them.

I wait expectantly for your salvation;

    God, I do what you tell me.

My soul guards and keeps all your instructions—

    oh, how much I love them!

I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;

    my life’s an open book before you.

* * *

169-176 

Let my cry come right into your presence, God;

    provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.

Give my request your personal attention,

    rescue me on the terms of your promise.

Let praise cascade off my lips;

    after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!

And let your promises ring from my tongue;

    every order you’ve given is right.

Put your hand out and steady me

    since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.

I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;

    I love it when you show yourself!

Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,

    use your decrees to put iron in my soul.

And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!

    I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.

Psalm 119

King James Version

119 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.

53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.

56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

57 Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.

58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.

108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.

109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.

127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.

138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.

146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.

150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

151 Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.

152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.

157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.

160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.

170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.”; “How can we be the light of Christ?

If you feel stuck in darkness, and need to find the light of Jesus, here are some things that you can do.

Stop Living in Routine. Stop doing the same thing every single day. ...

Spend More Time with Others. ...

Spend More Time with God. ...

He Wants You to Be Happy. ...

Live Life Like God Intended.

www.gcu.edu › blog › spiritual-life “)

Our race, the course we run as a sinner does not weigh us down to not do as Jesus said we could do, greater works [“John 14: 12, KJV, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”].

Jesus was not a sinner yet delivery of the Truth, here, on Earth, in our world, still was a struggle to connect to the conscious reality of mankind who was obviously blinded by their sufferings. Those of us, who can feel the hand of God lifting us up and out, above our sufferings will undoubtedly rise to the light of Jesus to feel and live in God’s glory. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus. My soul loves you, Lord. Thy will be done. “Hebrews 12: 1-2, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Most importantly, God does not speak of physical attributes needed to run your race, to finish your course yet those folks who decidedly chose to use physical attributes are bound by the weight that those choices make upon their life outside of the will of God, for had physicality been a necessity to run the race, God would have said so. I do feel wholeheartedly that African-Americans are just as much a part of the planting of the seed of racism as those who first thought of the wickedness in order to achieve their goals forsaking the whole of humanity determining at that moment—-a moment that has lingered throughout the ages to the torment of our world society -at -large to show that those in agreement with the dastardly deed are indeed willing to go the distance to use such wickedness no matter what it costs to destroy others, as we know the gospel of Jesus that Jesus said in John 10: 10, KJV, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” We, do, need to stop this malpractice in all households—a big agenda item for each and every household, to stop practicing the use of color references. When I taught class in England, I do recall some of my male co-workers saying that one male co-worker without identifying him then deciding to identify him used racist comments in gist. I responded that I would not want to communicate with him, at all. I also responded I would not want to sit next to him, at all.

I left that lounge and I went into the other lounge and he walked in—-very handsome, and he stood next to me. I did not say anything. God took charge, I drove home from school—-lost my bearings of where I was and how to get back home but it was God. I found myself on my co-worker’s street—-his road where he lived because he came outside; there were some children playing American football in the distance. He looked at me and I looked at him. I turned around and I recognized my bearings to find my way back home.

God is truly amazing. He will fight your battles. He is a God of war. I did not hear about any other weaknesses of the flesh to use racist comments. Just my exchange partner, here, in the USA, living in my home, partying it up, going to work inebriated as British men do indulge and enjoy their daily pleasures especially when the weather is cold.

Moreover, I did not ask my exchange partner to please curtail his partying because part of the partying was with one of the principals out on their boat. He lived in the USA and the support team I picked for him showed him a good time but those watching did comment about the smell of alcohol on his breath without a possible timeframe.

I just listened to what they had to say when they called me in England. Now, here, in the USA, you will hear color references to skin tone even the under tone, in households almost everyday. My parents did not use color references: such as bring your black ___ here or sit your black ___ down. As a teacher, I know my inner city students appreciated the time hearing substandard English when given a directive such as: Please, come here with your textbooks.

Most definitely, there was a culture shock from class to home everyday because some students also heard the N word when their parents spoke to them. I recall in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where I was called Red because of my undertone coloring as I changed when the weather changed and sometimes when I stayed inside that there is a yellow undertone and a red undertone. Perhaps, this was discussed during the slave trade and passed down from the auctioneer’s comments. Perhaps, this was passed down in the households as each baby was examined by the family members. I found out here in the Deep South that my mother kept a cloth over my face and body but I was not told why?

My first son was closely examined by his father’s grandmother under a light. My sons early schooling always asked to see baby pictures. My sons were born fair but from all the outside activities at their father’s request they did tan and some of the teachers were taken aback at the difference in their coloring—-God’s tan for them, at their father’s request since we spent so much time in outside activities. This is not a one place or one person problem. We all can help, here with this problem that plagues us.

One of my sisters, while attending the university in Frankfort, Kentucky, USA, while shopping for a winter coat was guided by the sales woman on what color of coat fit her complexion. My chauffeur or driver in Jupiter Farms, FL, USA, spoke to me about his wife or kin that was black, dark in complexion and how the family acknowledged the black Italians in their families. He said he went inside the black neighborhoods to provide rides to those who needed transport to stores outside of their neighborhoods but the police would strongly admonish, Stay out of the black neighborhoods. [“google.com, Dictionary, ad·mon·ish

/?d'mäniSH/,

verb

warn or reprimand someone firmly."She admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven"?

advise or urge (someone) earnestly."She admonished him to drink no more than one glass of wine"??

ARCHAIC?warn (someone) of something to be avoided."He admonished the people against the evil of such practices"].

There are many anecdotal stories, wherein, you see, why this coloring problem in practice, is indeed a problem and extremely difficult to explain to our children from generation-to-generation.

Let us let Jesus continue to be the author and finisher in our lives, considering all matters.[“Hebrews 12: 2, KJV, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”]. He is able. From the beginning he worked out all that matters and continues to be our present help in times of trouble.[“John 1: 1, KJV, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”]. As the old folks said when God is for you, who can be against you.[“Romans 8: 31-39, KJV:

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”].

Christ be with you.

Amen.