Colossians 1:13

Have you ever been in a “dark place”? Perhaps you are now. Everywhere you look, it’s dark, and what’s worse, you don’t see a way out.  If you have been there or you are now, can you imagine what it would be like to be in darkness forever and to know that you’d never ever escape?

God and Satan are powerful. They each have domains/kingdoms. Satan’s domain is a place of evil and darkness (Colossians 1:13).  First John 5:19 tells us the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. That is, you lie in the power of the evil one unless you have responded to God’s invitation to rescue you from the domain of darkness and transfer you to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

If you’re a Christian and in a dark place today because of circumstances beyond your control or even because of sin, run to your Savior. Stand against the darkness by singing songs of praise to Jesus. Lift your hands and voice in praise to God. Claim your place as a child of the kingdom of light.

Lord Jesus, You are our RESCUER! We love You! We thank You! We praise You for rescuing us and transferring us to Your kingdom. 

If you have not yet responded to God’s invitation to rescue you, why not? Please consider His invitation. If you have friends or family who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, you can prayerfully share this with them.

Have you ever explored a black cave with only a dim flashlight? Some time ago, I had the opportunity to walk two miles in a black cave. Did I say opportunity? It was only because I knew my time in the cave was temporary. Had I thought I couldn’t return to the outdoors and light I would have gone mad. Is that what hell is? Trapped in what Colossians 1:13 describes as a “domain of darkness”? Jesus Christ is Light. The beauty of heaven reflects His nature. Close your eyes and picture an eternity of despairing people screaming for release from Satan’s dark domain. Now open them and praise Jesus, whom Malachi refers to as “the messenger of the covenant,” Malachi 3:1.

“‘The Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of armies. ”

Having been in the cave has made me mindful of how important it is to live a celebratory life. Why? There are people who don’t know Jesus, the messenger of the covenant, and that He can save them from the black torment of eternal damnation. We have the opportunity to celebrate our present-day and eternity. We have reason to celebrate Christ’s Light in our hearts.  Are we a bright or dim reflection of Christ to the unsaved?

Lord Jesus Christ, MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, thank You for transferring us from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Light! Help us be mindful and joyful about our freedom and take every opportunity to shine brightly and point others to You.

Jesus is referred to as the Light several times in the Gospel of John. To learn more about Jesus as the true Light of the world, watch or listen to Debbie’s teachings on the book of John HERE and HERE. Free listening guides are also included!

Have you ever been in a “dark place”? Perhaps you are now. Everywhere you look it’s dark and what’s worse – you don’t see a way out.  If you have been there or you are now, can you imagine what it would be like to be in darkness forever and to know that you’d never ever escape? God and Satan are powerful. They each have domains/kingdoms.  Satan’s domain is a place of evil and darkness. (Colossians 1:13)  First John 5:19 tells us the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.  That is, you lie in the power of the evil one unless you have responded to God’s invitation to rescue you from the domain of darkness and transfer you to the kingdom of His beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13)  If you’re a Christian and in a dark place today because of circumstances beyond your control or even because of sin, run to your Savior.  Stand against the darkness by singing songs of praise to Jesus. Lift your hands and voice in praise to God for His A-Z character traits we daily study. Claim your place as a child of the kingdom of light. If you have not yet responded to God’s invitation to rescue you, why not? Please consider His invitation.  If you have friends or family who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, you can prayerfully share this with them.

Lord Jesus, You are our RESCUER! We love You! We thank You! We praise You for rescuing us and transferring us to Your kingdom. 

“He RESCUED US from the DOMAIN of DARKNESS, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13

Have you ever explored a black cave with only a dim flashlight? Some time ago, I had the opportunity to walk two miles in a black cave. Did I say opportunity? It was only because I knew my time in the cave was temporary. Had I thought I couldn’t return to the outdoors and light I would have gone mad. Is that what hell is? Trapped in what Colossians 1:13 describes as a “domain of darkness?” Jesus Christ is Light. The beauty of heaven reflects His nature. Close your eyes and picture an eternity of despairing people screaming for release from Satan’s dark domain. Now open them and praise Jesus, whom Malachi refers to as “the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT,” Malachi 4:1. 

‘the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of hosts.  

Having been in the cave has made me mindful of how important it is to live a celebratory life. Why? There are people who don’t know Jesus, the Messenger of the Covenant, and that He can save them from the black torment of eternal damnation. We have the opportunity to celebrate our present day and eternity. We have reason to celebrate Christ’s Light in our heart.  Are we a bright or dim reflection of Christ to the unsaved?

Lord Jesus Christ, MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, thank You for transferring us from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Light! Help us be mindful and joyful about our freedom and take every opportunity to shine brightly and point others to You.

It was a sweltering day, a hurried arrival at the hotel, and a quick change of clothes before our host driver would pick up my daughter and me to take us to Pam Kanaly’s Arise Conference. I would be presenting Kidz Time Devotional for moms to use to teach their children God’s Word. Lauren and I rushed as we changed out of our travel clothes. Slipping on a long tunic and my shoes, I announced, “Okay, let’s go!” Lauren looked at me and in an unusual tone of voice asked, “Are we forgetting something?” Seated, I looked up into her questioning eyes and replied no. “Mom,” she countered, glancing at my legs. “Your pants?” Now before you judge me too harshly, I have to say in my defense that the top I was wearing was almost down to my knees. Did I mention we were rushing to get out the door? 

When It’s Not a Good Laugh

Lauren and I had a good laugh as I slid on my legging pants.  I still chuckle when I think about it. But, there is something God tells us to put on that is no laughing matter and it’s important that we remember it this Christmas season. What is it and why is it important? 

What Must We Remember?

During the Christmas season, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of shopping, baking and decorating. Anxiety levels can rise with additions to our already full to-do list. That’s why it is good to remember that Jesus came to rescue us from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and that Satan fought Jesus every step of the way even before he was born. Christmas is about Christ’s birth, but it’s about more – the reason for His birth – to win the victory over sin, death, and Satan in order to secure our eternal salvation.

This Christmas season it’s important for us to remember that the enemy Christ was born to defeat still roams the earth. (1 Peter 5:8)  We are in an ongoing battle against what Ephesians 6:12 describes as world forces of darkness and spiritual forces of wickedness.

Is the Battle Real?

The Bible records Satan tempting Jesus, influencing Peter’s thoughts and words, and entering into Judas, who betrayed Jesus.  Yes, the battle between God and Satan is real.  We see Satan’s hand in murders, mutilations, horrendous abuse, self-destructive cutting, addictions, lying, gross immorality, degrading behaviors. The good news is that Satan can’t enter into a believer. However, he can tempt and influence believers. That is why this Christmas season we must be diligent to put on the armor God has provided for us. Just as it’s our responsibility to put on our physical clothing and we wouldn’t dare walk about naked, it is our responsibility to put on God’s armor so we’re not naked targets for Satan. 

Let’s Get Dressed (Ephesians 6:10-18)

First, we need to reach for the belt of truth. Why? It is central to everything. How can we stand against Satan’s schemes if we don’t know the truth from a lie? We can shop for truths to put on by reading our Bible every day. 

Second, we need to cover our chest because our heart is vulnerable to sin. Mindfully contemplate the gift of Christ’s righteousness as you cover your heart with His breastplate.

If you’ve ever run out the door without shoes, you know the pain of sharp rocks and stickers. Hopping around on one foot is no fun plus it is debilitating. Take a moment every morning to strap on Christ’s gospel of peace. Walk in peace this Christmas, sure-footed against Satan’s schemes, sharing God’s grace with others. 

Something we don’t wear but need to have in our hand like a fireman needs a fire extinguisher is the shield of faith so we can extinguish what the Bible describes as “flaming arrows of the evil one.” Yes, the evil one aims arrows lit from hell at us. Don’t believe it? Look at loved ones and friends burning in anger, lit with depression, fuming with bitterness.  This is real, friends. The same Bible that says Jesus was born of a virgin to die for our sins is the same Bible that says we need to put on the full armor of God to resist the devil.

Two last items:  the helmet of salvation. Every morning it is important to mindfully remember that Jesus was born and “saved us not on the basis of deeds we have done, but according to His mercy, …, “ Titus 3:5.  This can’t help but put a smile on our faces. Lastly, take the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, in your hand. A Bible wielding Spirit-filled Christian is a tougher target than a Christian with no sword. Plus, you will be a blessing to others this Christmas instead of a stressed-out Christian. 

Have We Forgotten Something this Christmas

It’s easy in the midst of the Christmas season to forget that a spiritual battle ensues. Let’s cautiously, wisely armor up every day. It’s no laughing matter.

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us what You see in the spiritual realm that our eyes can’t see. Thank You for telling us what we need to do to stand against evil and for providing us with Your spiritual armor. Please help us get in the habit of daily “armoring up” so we represent You well not only this Christmas season but every day. 

It is a crazy strange time in the life of our nation and world, isn’t it? 

I wanted to check in with you because today is Big Give and that means that not only does my ministry get to celebrate having completed 20 years of ministry, but we have the opportunity to celebrate a new time in which we can minister to people in our nation and yes, even reach through my non prof ministry people throughout the world.

Covid 19 is not stopping the cause of Christ. Rather it is inviting we who are Christians to give big, to be a part of Christ’s kingdom and what He is wanting to do at this time in the world. 

I invite you to participate with me in giving today online. Here’s a link you can click to Big Give.

When you can give $20, $200, $2,000, you are investing in ministry that has a proven track record of 20 years, and I pray is going strong 20 years from now. 

Thank you for giving on this day of Big Give so we can continue our mission to serve the purposes of Christ and reach people with the good news that Christ rescued us out of the domaine of darkness and He has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved son for whoever will call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for connecting with me through 365 Days of Praise daily devotions that you receive online, or maybe the weekly UpLIFT Minute, or perhaps the new Kids Time devotional that we are doing for moms to use with their children.

There are so many resources for you to check out on our website at hillcountryministries.org or debbietaylorwilliams.com. 

And don’t forget, Hill County Ministries has taken the P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation Conference to women throughout the United States with the exception of us reaching Oregon and Maine. Oregon. How will we reach Oregon? Will you pray with me? Will you invest financially with me so that we can share the P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference online through Skype, online conferences, or as a seminar?  

Thank you for your donation of any amount today. 

I love you.

Have you ever been in a “dark place”? Perhaps you are now. Everywhere you look, it’s dark and what’s worse – you don’t see a way out.  If you have been there or you are now, can you imagine what it would be like to be in darkness forever and to know that you’d never ever escape? God and Satan are powerful. They each have domains/kingdoms.  Satan’s domain is a place of evil and darkness. (Colossians 1:13)  First John 5:19 tells us the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.  That is, you lie in the power of the evil one unless God has RESCUED YOU from the domain of darkness and transferred you to the kingdom of His beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13)  If you’re a Christian and in a dark place today because of circumstances beyond your control or even because of sin, run to your Savior.  Stand against the darkness by singing songs of praise to Jesus. Lift your hands and voice in praise to God for His A-Z character traits we daily study. Claim your place as a child of the kingdom of light.

Lord Jesus, You are our RESCUER! We love You! We thank You! We praise You that we are children of the Light! 

“He RESCUED US from the DOMAIN of DARKNESS, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13

Have you ever explored a black cave with only a dim flashlight? Some time ago, I had the opportunity to walk two miles in a black cave. Did I say “opportunity?” It was only because I knew my time in the cave was temporary. Had I thought I couldn’t get out, I would have gone mad. Is that what hell is? Trapped in what Colossians 1:13 describes as a “domain of darkness?” Jesus Christ is light. The beauty of the heavens reflect His nature. Close your eyes and picture an eternity of despairing people screaming for release from Satan’s dark domain. Now open them and praise Jesus, whom Malachi refers to as “the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT,” Malachi 4:1. “’And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of hosts.”  Having been in the cave makes me mindful of how important it is to live a celebratory life. Why? There are people who don’t know Jesus, the Messenger of the Covenant, and that He can save them from the black torment of eternal damnation. We have the opportunity to be Christ’s Light in our world. Are we a bright or dim flashlight pointing others to Him?

Lord Jesus Christ, MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, thank You for releasing us from the domain of darkness! Help us be mindfully joyful over our freedom and take every opportunity to shine brightly and point others to You.

LISTEN

Lord Jesus, You have RESCUED us from the domain of darkness. Infuse us with Your light so we walk as children of Light. We love You and praise You! 

“He RESCUED US from the DOMAIN of DARKNESS, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

Colossians 1:13

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LISTEN

Lord Jesus, You are our RESCUER! We love You! We thank You! We praise You! 

“He RESCUED US from the DOMAIN of DARKNESS, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13