Walking in the Kingdom of Light: Reflecting the Father

The journey of a believer is a call to walk in the light of God, reflecting His character and manifesting His Kingdom in our daily lives. The Apostle Paul beautifully captured this in Ephesians 5:1, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” To follow God is to imitate Him, to live as He lives, and to reflect His nature, which is light. But what does it truly mean to walk in the Kingdom of Light, and how does it contrast with the kingdom of darkness?

Two Kingdoms: Light and Darkness

Scripture teaches us that there are two kingdoms: the Kingdom of God, characterized by light, and the kingdom of the devil, characterized by darkness. These kingdoms are diametrically opposed, with their laws, principles, and outcomes. God is the source of light, and where His presence dwells, darkness cannot exist. Darkness, as the absence of light, represents separation from God, devoid of His truth, love, and power.

Jesus Christ declared, “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12), signifying His connection to the Father, the ultimate source of light. As believers, we are called to reflect this light, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun. Jesus also said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This profound statement reveals our role: to be conduits of God’s light, illuminating the path for those living in darkness.

Walking in the Light

Walking in the light begins with a decision. It’s not about perfection but alignment. Just as a car out of alignment needs adjustment to function properly, our lives must be aligned with God’s Word and His standards. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” This transformation from darkness to light is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Walking in the light means:

  1. Living by God’s Standards: God’s Word is the constitution of His Kingdom. It provides the framework for how we live, interact, and make decisions. When we align our lives with His Word, we demonstrate the characteristics of His Kingdom—goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9).
  2. Reflecting God’s Love: Ephesians 5:2 exhorts us to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.” Love is the essence of God’s light. It’s not enough to avoid darkness; we must actively shine by loving others—even those who oppose us.
  3. Proving What Is Acceptable: Verse 10 challenges us to “prove what is acceptable unto the Lord.” This means discerning what pleases God and living it out. It’s not about legalism but about relationship—understanding God’s heart and reflecting His nature.

Reflecting Light in a Dark World

God’s purpose for His children is not isolation but illumination. Matthew 5:15 says, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Our light is meant to shine in our families, communities, and workplaces.

Unfortunately, many believers struggle with the temptation to retreat. They may think, “I’ll just stay among other Christians where it’s safe.” But Jesus’ commission was to go into the world, not hide from it. Light is most impactful where darkness is greatest. Our presence in dark places—not to conform but to transform—is what brings glory to God.

Practical Reflections of Light

  • Shine Through Good Works: When Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16), He emphasized the connection between our actions and God’s glory. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, mentoring the youth, or sharing the Gospel, our works should point people to God, not ourselves.
  • Be Bold Yet Gracious: Reflecting light doesn’t mean pointing out darkness in a condemning way. Instead, it’s about living so authentically in God’s light that others are drawn to Him. For instance, when interacting with people living contrary to biblical principles, we can share God’s truth with love and humility, always pointing them to His grace.
  • Stay Aligned: The adversary’s strategy is to lure believers into duplicity—living as children of light while engaging in works of darkness. Whether it’s compromising our values or blending into the culture, such actions dim our light. Romans 12:2 admonishes us to “be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The Power of Fellowship

As individual lights, we shine. Together, we become a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14). Fellowship with other believers strengthens our light and provides accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to spur one another toward love and good deeds, gathering together to encourage and strengthen our faith.

Light or Darkness: A Choice

Ultimately, walking in the Kingdom of Light is a choice. 1 John 1:5-7 declares, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all… If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

The adversary desires for us to live in confusion, blending light and darkness. But God’s call is clear: choose light. Align your life with His Word, reflect His nature, and shine His light into the world. When we do, we not only glorify God but also invite others to experience the life-transforming power of His Kingdom.

A Final Encouragement

This week, take time to evaluate your alignment with God’s Kingdom. Are there areas where darkness has crept in? Don’t be discouraged. Instead, realign yourself with His light. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient, and His Spirit empowers you to walk as a child of light. Let your light shine brightly, reflecting the love, truth, and power of your Father in Heaven.

Living in the Light: The Characteristics of God’s Kingdom

/Living in the Light: The Characteristics of God’s Kingdom

In our world today, there are only two kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. There is no middle ground. Each of us is a citizen of one or the other. These kingdoms operate with distinct authority, culture, and governing standards. But what does it mean to live in God’s Kingdom, and how can we reflect its essence?

God’s Kingdom is not a democracy. It is ruled by the supreme authority of the King of kings, and His Word is the final law. Unlike earthly governments where decisions are often subject to votes and debates, the Kingdom of God operates on divine principles that are eternal, unchanging, and perfect. As citizens of this Kingdom, we don’t get to vote on what we like or dislike. Instead, we align ourselves with the King’s will, which is revealed in His Word.

One defining characteristic of God’s Kingdom is light. The Bible repeatedly connects God’s nature and His Kingdom to light, while associating the kingdom of the devil with darkness. Light signifies truth, purity, and divine guidance, while darkness represents deception, sin, and spiritual blindness. Understanding this contrast helps us grasp what it means to walk as citizens of God’s Kingdom.

The Power of Light

Light is never defeated. No matter how deep the darkness, even the smallest light can illuminate the space. This truth mirrors the spiritual reality of God’s light. Colossians 1:12-13 declares: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.”

Through Jesus Christ, we are rescued from the oppressive authority of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of Light. This is not just a change of address but a transformation of identity. We are now called to reflect God’s light in every area of our lives.

Darkness, by definition, is the absence of light. As believers, it is both our privilege and responsibility to walk in the light of God’s truth and to let that light shine in a world steeped in darkness. When we harbor or engage in darkness, we hinder our ability to reflect God’s light. This is why Jesus’ example is so crucial. In John 8:12, He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

The Standard of Citizenship

Living in God’s Kingdom requires adherence to its standards. Just as earthly citizenship comes with responsibilities, so does our heavenly citizenship. For example, as citizens of the United States, we obey laws such as obtaining a driver’s license or paying taxes—so long as they don’t conflict with God’s laws. Similarly, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, we live by the principles laid out in His Word.

Jesus demonstrated this standard perfectly. When tempted by the devil, He didn’t rely on His own thoughts or consult others. He responded with the Word of God. This is our pattern. Walking in the light means aligning our actions, motives, and decisions with God’s truth.

The Impact of Light

The purpose of light is not just to expose darkness but to guide others toward the truth. Luke 1:79 speaks of Jesus’ mission “to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Many people live comfortably in spiritual darkness, unaware of the life and freedom available in God’s Kingdom. Our role as believers is to shine the light of Christ through our words, actions, and love. This light not only exposes the reality of sin but also illuminates the path to salvation through Jesus Christ.

John 3:19-21 emphasizes the human tendency to prefer darkness over light because their deeds are evil. Yet, those who embrace the truth come into the light, revealing that their works are done in God. This underscores the need for us to reflect God’s light boldly and consistently. The brighter we shine, the more we push back the darkness, compelling others to consider stepping into the light.

A Treasure in Earthen Vessels

As believers, we carry the treasure of God’s light within us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 reminds us: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

This treasure is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to reflect God’s glory. It is a constant reminder that our ability to shine comes not from our strength but from His power at work in us.

Walking in the Light

Living in the light means allowing every aspect of our lives to reflect God’s truth and love. It’s about aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His Word and relying on His Spirit to guide us. It also means being intentional about shining in a world that often prefers darkness. As Acts 26:18 states, our mission is “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

This week, commit to walking in the light. Reflect on areas in your life that need more of God’s illumination. Remember, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, we have the privilege and responsibility to shine brightly in a dark world. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

As we continue this journey, we’ll delve deeper into the characteristics of God’s Kingdom and the responsibilities we carry as its citizens. For now, let’s shine the light of God’s truth and love, demonstrating the beauty and power of living in His Kingdom. Light has never been defeated, and as long as we remain in it, neither will we.

To Avoid Idols, we must Seek God’s Plan

/Based on our continued teachings on Idolatry this teaching takes a look at how we can avoid setting up idols in our lives and seek the plan God has laid out for each of us.

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Eliminating Idolatry pt.6

In this final installment of this series, Rev. Smith looks into the spirit of whoredom and its role in idolatry and modern practices of idolatry. The great wealth and depth of the knowledge of the Word of God continues to be evident for the workman of the Word of God. May God our Father continue to reward our efforts in this quest for the more than abundant life. God Bless!!

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Eliminating Idolatry pt. 5

We continue to drill down to show the One Body how their enemy, the Devil, uses relationships to pull, deceive, and allure us into idolatry. In this installment we will examine how relationships lead the great man Solomon to do evil in the sight of the Lord and into full blown Idolatry.

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Eliminating Idolatry part 4

In this installment, we examine the “fronts” of the Adversary and how they help him in his objectives and motives. We examine one in greater detail, the front of “others”. The Adversary faithfully utilizes relationships with others to pressure us or allure us into forms of idolatrous practices. May we come back to the greatness of God’s Word to defeat this spiritual enemy. Enjoy!

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Set Your Heart on the Word

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I want to share a vital teaching titled, “Set Your Heart on the Word.” Let’s journey through the Scriptures to discover why our hearts must be grounded in the Word of God and how this alignment transforms every area of our lives.

The heart is central to who we are. It’s not just a physical organ; it’s the seat of our personal life. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus gives us a command that forms the foundation of our faith:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Jesus’ response to the lawyer is profound. The order of His words is perfect. He starts with the heart because it is the starting point of all spiritual transformation. If our heart is not fully engaged, our soul and mind will struggle to follow. This is the first and greatest commandment because everything flows from a heart that is completely devoted to God.

But what does it mean to love God with all our heart? To love Him fully, our hearts must be filled with His Word. The Word becomes our spiritual DNA, shaping our priorities, focus, and purpose. Let’s explore how we can set our hearts on the Word and live out this command.

1. Make the Word Your Priority

In I Chronicles 22:19, we find a call to action:

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.

This verse urges us to intentionally align our hearts and minds with God. This isn’t a passive suggestion; it’s a deliberate choice to make the Word the foundation of our lives. When the Word resides in our hearts, it becomes the compass that guides us through every season and circumstance.

Consider Deuteronomy 6:4-6:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.

The Israelites were commanded to treasure the Word in their hearts. This wasn’t just about memorizing Scripture but about making the Word a living reality in their daily lives. When we set our hearts on the Word, we cultivate a heart connection with the Father. This connection empowers us to overcome challenges and reflect His love.

2. Guard Your Heart Against Distraction

Deuteronomy 11:16 warns us:

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them.

The heart is easily swayed when it is not anchored in the Word. Distractions, idols, and competing priorities can pull us away from our devotion to God. When we fail to guard our hearts, we risk turning aside from His ways.

How do we guard our hearts? By saturating them with the Word. Psalm 119:11 says:

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

The word “hid” here means to treasure or store up. When the Word is hidden in the innermost part of our lives, it becomes a shield against sin and a source of strength in times of trial. Like a treasure chest, our hearts must be filled with the riches of Scripture.

3. Let the Word Shape Your Actions

Deuteronomy 32:46 emphasizes the importance of action:

Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

Loving God with all our heart isn’t just about emotion; it’s about action. When the Word is truly in our hearts, it manifests in our behavior. It influences how we speak, how we treat others, and how we navigate life’s challenges.

Jeremiah 15:16 beautifully captures the transformative power of the Word:

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah didn’t just hear the Word; he consumed it. It became the joy and rejoicing of his heart. Is the Word your joy? Is it the driving force that motivates and sustains you? If not, it’s time to realign your heart with His truth.

4. The Vertical Overflow

When we set our hearts on the Word and love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, something extraordinary happens. This vertical focus creates a horizontal overflow. Jesus highlights this in Matthew 22:39:

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Our love for God fuels our love for others. It is impossible to truly love our neighbors if our hearts are not first aligned with God. The Word in our hearts gives us the capacity to forgive, serve, and show compassion. It equips us to reflect God’s love in every relationship.

5. A Heart Check-Up

As we prepare for a new year, let’s take a moment for a heart check-up. Ask yourself:

  • Am I loving God with all my heart, or am I holding back?
  • Is the Word hidden in my heart, or is it just a surface-level commitment?
  • Is my love for God overflowing into my relationships with others?

God desires our whole heart. He is a jealous God who won’t settle for partial devotion. He wants us to seek Him with everything we have. Psalm 119:58 reminds us:

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

When we approach God with a fully committed heart, we experience His mercy, favor, and power in ways that transform our lives.

Conclusion: A New Year, A Renewed Heart

As we step into 2025, let’s make a conscious decision to set our hearts on the Word. Let it become our spiritual DNA, shaping our thoughts, actions, and priorities. Let it be the joy and rejoicing of our hearts. And let it empower us to love God fully and overflow His love to others.

Take time to identify areas where you can grow in your love for God. Commit to saturating your heart with His Word through daily study, prayer, and fellowship. Let’s enter the new year with hearts that are fully aligned with our Heavenly Father, ready to walk in His purpose and power.

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Eliminating Idolatry part 2

In this second installment, we dive into how the Adversary gains worship indirectly. We examine self-worship, the worship of man, and nature. We remind and teach the objectives and motives of the Adversary, and how this fuels his drive and passion to be worshipped like the one True God. Dive into the depths of the Word with us. God Bless!

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The Great Reality of Christ in You

The true follower of Jesus Christ should spend their time discovering the great depth of what God has provided us in Christ. The great reality of Christ within is a life time journey. In this teaching you will discover great practical truths that will be manifested in our lives when we recognize the Christ within. Enjoy!

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Peace… Don’t Give It Away

Everything the Heavenly Father has given us, every promise, we need to keep and not give away. One of the the most precious things in life he has given us is PEACE. In today’s message we will learn four ways we can give our peace away. Enjoy!

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