^"Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of GOD and of JESUS our LORD.  HIS divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of HIM who called us by HIS own glory and goodness.  Through these HE has given us HIS very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.:  2 Peter 1:2-4

Questions, question, questions . . .  Here's one for you.  We have had the Gospel with us for roughly 2,000 years.  Why is it that we have less truth now than the first church had? Wouldn't you think that with all these years of teaching we would have so much more "light" on all that the LORD came to give? Maybe some of the "teaching" hasn't been so good.  Maybe we should have been just reading the Word and attaching faith to it!  Yep!  That's it!

Another question . . .  Do you have everything you need?  Now don't give me the "Christianese" answer.  Think for a minute and tell me "Yes, I really do!"  or "No, I could use some  _______"

OK.  Now that we are being honest, let's talk a bit. There are two distinct forces at work in this world.  Light (truth) and darkness (deception).  

Light comes from the active Word of CREATOR when we apply faith to the written Word in the power and auspice of the HOLY SPIRIT. Light makes good things happen.

Darkness (deception) comes when we believe anything that refutes HIS Word even the slightest bit.

These opposing forces work differently.  Since the Word is true and need not defend itself, it stands waiting for us to Ask, Seek and Knock.  Action is initiated by us!

Deception is at work to ensnare people 24/7. Since it is not valid and not true, it's purveyors must work overtime presenting it in a palatable manner.

There you have it.  We must seek the light.  Darkness seeks us!  So let's seek a bit!

Psalm 23 begins, "The LORD is my SHEPHERD. I shall not lack!"  Notice that David penned the words "shall not" rather than "do not."  "Do not" implies a condition that is present.  "Shall not" indicates a mind-set. David was looking into the eyes of darkness and declaring what he knew to be true!  I shall not lack!  Perhaps he was tending the flocks and had run out of food for himself.  Rather than bemoan his situation, he declared FATHER'S Truth!  

As he looked at his sheep, he realized that as their shepherd, he had a responsibility to feed and care for them.  And knowing CREATOR as he did, he must have realized how he was a sheep in HIS great flock.  If David being conceived in iniquity knows how to give good things to his sheep, how much more will the PERFECT SHEPHERD care for HIS "sheep?"

Of course darkness must have been active there saying things like. "David!  Don't be a fool.  Look around you.  All you have is grass to eat.  Your GOD doesn't care about you.  You will starve.  You won't have the strength to make it home. . . ."

How does darkness speak to you?  "You've tried this 'faith' thing before.  It doesn't work.  Nothing works.  Your GOD doesn't care.  Christians should be poor.  You'll never get out of debt. . . "  Ever think like that?  It's Stinkin' Thinkin'!

So, lets get a plan going!  When fear comes, you know - it's darkness.  Doubt -  darkness.  Worry - darkness.  Complaining - darkness.  Envy - darkness.  Strife - darkness . . .   On and on goes the list.  Here's the plan!

When this darkness tries to fill your mind, counter it with one little group of words that will put the enemies fire out

"The LORD is my SHEPHERD!  I shall not want!"

Our verse says that HE has provided us with everything that we need.  If you don't have everything you need, it is only because darkness was successful in some areas of your life. Close the door to darkness today and let the SON SHINE!