Anthony Diaz 9/21/25 Anthony Diaz 9/21/25

Shinning In The Darkness

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9.

While life can be filled with negatives, for those who know the Lord and have a personal relationship with Him, there are opportunities to demonstrate the peace of God in the midst of trouble. Isn’t it interesting to consider something like a simple battery that has power to illuminate a flashlight? The battery has a positive end, marked by a plus sign, and a negative end, marked with a minus sign. If we don’t put the correct end into the flashlight first, the battery will provide no power at all. Both the positive and negative connections must be made. Faith in God is like a battery in that to tap into the power of God, we must be connected in the right way, by loving and obeying Him and feeding on His Word. We must also love our neighbors. Our personal faith in Christ is useless unless we also love others and do good toward them. If we belong to Jesus, we have peace with God and the peace of God—and our lives will become more than a flash of momentary light. The Bible tells us to put aside the negative (works of darkness) and instead put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12), for His people are the light of the world, and this light is found in all that is good, right, and true (Ephesians 5:8–9).

Graham, Billy. Truth for Each Day : Daily Devotions to Renew Your Mind and Inspire Your Soul (a 365-Day Devotional), Thomas Nelson Incorporated, 2023. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=30516542.
Created from liberty on 2025-09-17 03:11:51.

Anthony Diaz 9/20/25 Anthony Diaz 9/20/25

Antidote To Loneliness

“It is not good that man should be alone.” Genesis 2:18.

Loneliness is the predominant attitude in our culture. It may be experienced by the rich and famous or the poor and unknown. The kind of society we live in can contribute to loneliness. Mobility and constant change tend to make some individuals feel rootless and disconnected. Many withdraw from everyday life. The Bible has a great deal to say about this. God said it was not good for man to be alone, so He made a suitable companion for him. From the book of Ecclesiastes, it states that two people are better off than one, for if one falls, another can reach out and help. If one is attacked, another can defend him (4:9–12). The Bible also speaks of showing hospitality to others. This is something that has been lost in today’s culture. But there are times when being alone can bring advantages. The Bible tells us that the Lord Himself withdrew from others in order to spend time in prayer to His Father in Heaven, and this is an example that we, too, should follow. We need the fellowship of others, but especially God. With Christ as our Savior and constant companion, we never really need to be lonely. Nothing dissolves loneliness like a session with God in Bible reading and prayer. For those who are lonely today, seek Christ and know the fellowship that He brings to the human heart.

Anthony Diaz 9/19/25 Anthony Diaz 9/19/25

Delighting In God’s Word

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11.

For the Christian, learning to enjoy the Bible is to open the Word of God and read His truth. Almighty God communicates with His people through prayer and the richness of His Word; this is the secret to learning how to walk with the Lord every day. It becomes a joy to wake up in the morning and know He is with us, no matter what the day has in store. The Christian finds joy in looking back at the end of the day to marvel at how God guided and directed. Then to think about God’s love and mercy and to dwell upon all the good things He has done, brings us to the point of thankfulness and praise. Even when circumstances have been hard or the way unclear, we know that God has surrounded us with His fellowship and comfort. Turning to the Bible every day brings strength and wisdom. Its words have seen believers in Christ through good times and bad. For those who are new to the Christian faith, turning to the book of John in the New Testament is a good place to start. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1–2). He—Jesus Christ—is the Word, and those who read His truths will be blessed.

Anthony Diaz 9/18/25 Anthony Diaz 9/18/25

By Wisdom And Understanding

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. Proverbs 24:3.

The family is the most important institution in the world. It was God’s plan; He ordained it. It wasn’t the idea of sociologists. Families and homes existed before cities and governments, written language, nations, temples, or churches. God intended for the home to be a family’s foundation, a place of security. God meant for the home to be a place where character and attitudes were formed, integrity born, and values made clear. Instead, we see rubbish everywhere—rubbish on our televisions, on digital devices, in literature, and in magazines that poke fun at the idea of traditional home experience. The institution of the home once fortified society. A popular personality was asked about the institution of marriage and home. She responded, “Who wants to live in an institution?” This is typical of the ridicule that has been heaped on the home. Satan’s attacking the family as never before. What should our defenses against such attacks be? If families would return to God and make Him the focus of the home and the heart of the family, reading the Bible that brings comfort in turmoil and light to dark pathways, the nation would begin to rebuild on a sure foundation.

Anthony Diaz 9/17/25 Anthony Diaz 9/17/25

Obedient Channels

Beloved, let us love one another. 1 John 4:7.

Visualize a triangle with God at the highest point and the two lower points are “You” and “Others.” This is a diagram of a relationship with God and man. Our lives before accepting Christ as Savior are represented by a single dot of self-centeredness, but in salvation, we now make contact with two worlds. Truth flows from God to the believer and out to others who cross our paths. We become obedient channels of His truth and love. To say we love God but care nothing for others is to deny God’s Word. Personal faith in Jesus Christ is what makes us able to reach out to others and become a testimony for Him. Once a cartoonist depicted a man rowing a boat toward a golden shore labeled “Heaven.” All around him were people struggling in vain to reach the shore, but he was heedless of their peril. He was singing, “I am bound for Heaven, hallelujah!” This is not an adequate picture of the Christian life. When we have the Lord in our hearts, He gives us peace with Him and with our fellow man. This is our calling, to be His light in a dark world. “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:8–9).

Anthony Diaz 9/16/25 Anthony Diaz 9/16/25

Animals In Heaven?

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44.

God’s creation story includes His creative work in the animal kingdom. “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle . . . and everything . . . on the earth. . . . And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:24–25). All of this took place before sin entered the world. We know that God gave animals to mankind for a purpose, because before the great Flood, God preserved every species—male and female—on the ark so they would inhabit the land again. Animals are among God’s many diverse gifts to man. It’s important, though, to understand that Jesus Christ died for our souls to give us life eternal in Heaven. While we can enjoy the many things God has created for us on earth, we have a responsibility toward other people. He calls us to love one another and gives us His own example of love toward us. It is hard for us to love others if we do not first love the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not miss Heaven. Even when we allow our imaginations to run wild on the joys of Heaven, we will not really know the realities until we are there, but one thing is certain, nothing will compare to being in the eternal presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. What a thrilling future for those who know that someday we will populate the kingdom of God.

Anthony Diaz 9/15/25 Anthony Diaz 9/15/25

Fruitful Lives

“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” John 15:5.

It is hard to understand the Christian life without understanding the Person and the work of God’s Spirit, but what a marvelous picture we have in the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 5. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. . . . If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (vv. 22–23, 25). We cannot do this on our own, but as children of God He gives us the gift of His Spirit that resides within us and helps us live according to His example and His loving commands. This cluster of fruit should characterize the life of every child of God. We’re to be filled with love, joy, and peace. We’re to exhibit patience and extend gentleness and kindness to those we meet. We’re to be filled with goodness, meekness, and temperance. As we grow in Christ and put Him on the throne of our lives, God’s Spirit becomes dominant in our thinking and in our actions. God intends for Christians to live on the highest plane, bearing the fruit of His Spirit because it’s His Spirit that empowers us. When we’re praying daily for the Lord to empower us, our desire for immorality, dishonesty, jealousy, and all these other things that beset man can no longer find a place in our lives to dwell.

Anthony Diaz 9/14/25 Anthony Diaz 9/14/25

Strong In The Lord

When I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10.

When we seek the promises of God’s Word, His truth will uphold us daily, no matter what we go through. We must turn constantly to Him in prayer, confident not only that He hears us but remembering that even now Jesus intercedes for us. When we focus our thoughts on Christ and maintain our connection, His very words encourage us and keep us pressing onward. The Bible’s words are true: “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39). True joy is derived from depending on the Lord Jesus. He is the One who supplies our strength in weakness, for when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Strength is found in the wisdom of God, and that is at our disposal whether young or old. We do not have to let the world hold us captive as we work and live in this world; our freedom is in Christ. When faith begins to fade, we must ask the Lord to stir it up by considering all He has done for us, and be strong, for the Bible declares, “My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” (Haggai 2:5).

Anthony Diaz 9/13/25 Anthony Diaz 9/13/25

Serious Business

This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17.

ESV Becoming a believer in Christ is a wonderful new beginning, but it isn’t the end of pain or problems. It is the beginning of facing up to them. Being a Christian involves a lifetime of hard work, dedicated study, and difficult decisions. We must beware of any belief system that claims “happy-ever-after” endings on Earth. The Christian life is not to be lived flippantly. It’s serious business. If we have our eyes upon ourselves, our problems, and our pain, we cannot lift our eyes upward. Just as a child looks up to a parent as they walk together, so are we to look up to Christ and follow Him. The majority of difficulties believers experience can be traced to a lack of Bible study and praying to the Lord for direction, correction, comfort, and assurance that He is with us every step of the way. Christianity is not an insurance policy against life’s ills and troubles; it is about glorifying Him in the midst of them. He may not take away trials or make detours for us, but He strengthens us through them. This becomes part of our testimony to the unbelieving world. We must learn to let the Word of God feed and strengthen us in living out Christ’s message to the world as we depend upon the Holy Spirit to teach us.

Anthony Diaz 9/12/25 Anthony Diaz 9/12/25

The Cost Of Discipleship

What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3:7.

God has paid the greatest debt we will ever incur, and once we understand the incredible sacrifice He has made for us, we will be compelled to turn to Him in obedience and love. Many people want the benefits of their faith, but they hesitate at the cost of discipleship. To be a disciple of Jesus means to learn from Him, to follow Him. The cost may be high. A person must determine to leave sin behind. Living a disciplined life for Christ helps condition believers for a life of usefulness. Our minds must be set to do the will of the Lord, which is walking in obedience to God’s commands. Jesus does not call us to a life of selfish comfort and ease—He calls us to a battle! He calls us to give up our own plans and to follow Him without reserve. Yes, it costs to follow Christ. But it also costs not to follow Christ. Saving faith is a commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord. It is more than assent to historical or theological truth given to us in God’s Word. It is faith in the promises of God that all who trust in Christ will not perish but have eternal life. Jesus didn’t use gimmicks to gain followers. He laid out tough demands of discipleship—total commitment to His Word.

Anthony Diaz 9/11/25 Anthony Diaz 9/11/25

Safe In The Midst Of The Storm

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT.

In spite of modern innovations to bring ease, man has not found the cure for the plague of worry. When people are polled, it is not unusual to see that worry often tops the list of things that plague them. Cardiac specialists say that it’s one of the causes of heart trouble. Psychiatrists tell us that worry breeds nervous breakdowns and mental disorders. It’s disastrous to health, robs life of its zest, crowds out constructive and creative thinking, and cripples the soul. What’s the answer? Bickersteth, a hymn writer, wrote, “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin. The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.” In Christ, we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace because we have learned to trust our living God. Whenever the story is told about the little bird in the midst of the storm, peace falls upon the soul. As the sea waters beat against the rocks in dashing waves, the lightning flashed, thunder roared, and the wind blew fierce, but in the crevice of the rock a little bird was asleep, its head serenely tucked under its wing in peace. Being secure in Christ Jesus brings that perfect peace.

Anthony Diaz 9/10/25 Anthony Diaz 9/10/25

The God Of This Age

“The devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” Luke 8:12.

The same Book that tells us of God’s love warns us constantly of the devil, who would come between us and God. Some of Satan’s favorite tricks are persuading others to ignore or deny God’s truth. The devil is real and he is an enemy. The devil is out to defeat the Christian in his or her walk with Christ and bring doubt to God’s Word. He well knows that the child of God is a dangerous enemy to his cause. He made every effort to tempt and defeat Christ, and today he concentrates on Christ’s followers. He is the commander-in-chief of the powers of evil and launches attacks against those who have taken sides with Christ and His righteousness. What the Bible says about Satan and his minions is true because it’s God’s Word. The devil harasses, accuses, tempts, deceives, and lies in his dealings with Christians. He works through his allies, the world, and the flesh. The devil uses worldliness to wreak havoc among God’s people, to hinder the progress of righteousness. The devil is a powerful foe who is called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). When we are filled with the Spirit of God and handle His Word with wisdom, the Word of God will defeat Satan every time.

Anthony Diaz 9/9/25 Anthony Diaz 9/9/25

Bright Future

God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 ESV.

After God created the world, He said it was perfect, because He had made it exactly the way He wanted it to be. He pronounced His creation very good before Satan tempted Adam and Eve and before the world was invaded by sin. Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan’s lies instead of God’s truth. God had given them everything they needed. They enjoyed fellowship with the Creator; they walked in perfect harmony with Him. But when they turned their backs on Him and listened to Satan’s lies, sin took root in the human heart. We do not live in an ideal world but in a world dominated by sinful, selfish desires. What we see taking place around the globe, rebellion and protest against God, is a revolt in the human heart concerning His truth. Many have fallen into the world’s trap, following its self-indulgent goals and driven by its self-centered motives. We must make sure that Christ is first in our lives, and make it our goal to live according to God’s Word. The history is grim, but the future is bright. Why? Because the Bible tells us that this sin-sick, fallen world will not last forever. At the end of time God will intervene, and the new Heaven and the new Earth He creates will be free from all evil and pain.

Anthony Diaz 9/8/25 Anthony Diaz 9/8/25

Fully God And Fully Man

God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law. Galatians 4:4–5.

Jesus Christ was not just a great teacher or a holy religious leader but God Himself in human flesh—fully God and fully man. Jesus is not only the Christ; He is also God, our Lord and Savior. This is an almost incomprehensible truth: God Himself came down to this planet in the Person of His only Son. The incarnation and the full deity of Jesus are the cornerstones of the Christian faith. This great truth is underscored throughout the New Testament. The Bible says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created. . . . For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell” (Colossians 1:15–16, 19). Matthew told us of the birth of Jesus and stated, “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’ ” (Matthew 1:22–23). Furthermore, He demonstrated the power to do things that only God can do, such as forgive sins. Christ is alive! His resurrection is a fact. His tomb is empty—and this is the compelling and central proof of His unique divine nature.

Anthony Diaz 9/7/25 Anthony Diaz 9/7/25

The Christian’s Privilege

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15.

Every believer in Jesus Christ should do the work of evangelizing because we possess the greatest message of all time—Jesus loves the world and came to redeem the world from sin. An evangelist carries a message to others, to tell people simply and clearly what God says concerning His Son, Jesus Christ, and what He has done for all. This is done with urgency because the souls of people are at stake. While some are called to do this as their life’s work, all believers have a part in spreading the gospel, and what a privilege it is. A messenger conveys a message to another. He or she may not enjoy doing it if the message contains bad news, but the messenger should be faithful to deliver it. This is the duty of the evangelist. God has given the message, and those who convey it should be faithful to every word recorded in Scripture. God’s Word alone is the authority, and it is more powerful than human personality or natural speaking ability. The Bible is always living, active, and relevant (Hebrews 4:12). Doing the work of evangelism is not a calling just for the clergy. There’s a mighty army around the world of those who follow Jesus with a vision to reach their own people for Christ.

Anthony Diaz 9/6/25 Anthony Diaz 9/6/25

The Real Joy Of Living

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

We will never be free from discouragement and despondency until we know and walk with the very fountainhead of joy—Jesus Christ. We have to be tuned to God. Joy is not surface; joy runs deep. The ability to rejoice in any situation is a sign of spiritual maturity. Without dark clouds in our lives, we would never know the joy of sunshine. Suffering can give us opportunities to testify of God’s love. The world is a gigantic hospital; nowhere is there a greater chance to see the peace and joy of the Lord than when the journey through life is in the darkest valley. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Tears become telescopes to Heaven, bringing eternity a little closer. The important thing is to be prepared to meet God when this life is over and give account to how we’ve spent our lives while on Earth. Whoever reads these words right now can be settled and know the peace and fellowship of Jesus. When Christ transforms our hearts, it brings a glow to the face, puts a spring in our steps, and joy in our souls. Christianity flings open the windows to the real joy of living. Those who have truly been converted to Jesus Christ know the meaning of abundant living, even in the midst of trouble.

Anthony Diaz 9/5/25 Anthony Diaz 9/5/25

Denying Yourself

He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15.

Selfishness is part of human nature. A child says, “It’s mine.” A teenager centers on his insecurities. An adult proclaims, “Look out for number one.” Today, advertising and “pop” psychology have raised self-centeredness to state-of-the-art levels. Two conflicting forces cannot exist in one human heart. Where selfishness rules, love cannot dwell. When Christ fills our hearts, it puts selfishness on the run. Our personalities, our intelligence, and our capabilities are gifts from God’s own bountiful hand. If we divert their use for our own profit, we become guilty of selfishness. People are conscious of “self,” and it’s important to have a right understanding of our value—that God loved us so much that He died to bring salvation to the human race. Each person develops best when he or she begins to see themselves as God sees them, as people who are so valuable to Him that He wants to cleanse them of sin and make them children of God. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).

Anthony Diaz 9/4/25 Anthony Diaz 9/4/25

The Infection And The Cure

“Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12.

A sense of doom has settled upon the hearts of people today. No matter where they travel, there’s a specter of hopelessness. It’s seen boldly in the headlines. It’s sensed in humanity’s futile search for fulfillment. The very atmosphere seems impregnated with a stifling hopelessness that’s robbed millions of the zest for living. What keeps world powers at each other’s throats? Why is there so much intolerance? Why do world leaders gamble with the lives of millions and keep the world dangling on the precipice of war? What diabolical force drives people to crime, lust, and unbridled living? What power is it that breaks up homes? What is it that causes people to pour their futures out of a bottle and trade all that others hold dear for a few sparkling drops from the vine? Such dilemmas cause many psychiatrists to say, “It’s difficult to offer a cure.” The Bible says that the human heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Human nature behaves in evil ways because of sin. But the Bible provides a cure. It’s found in someone called Jesus, and the remedy is His gospel. The entire human race is infected with sin and every trace of it can be removed. The cross of Christ is the bridge over which all must pass in order to stand with Jesus for eternity in Heaven.

Anthony Diaz 9/3/25 Anthony Diaz 9/3/25

Equipped With God’s Promises

All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20.

The Bible is a book of many promises, and unlike the books of men, it doesn’t change or get out of date. The Bible makes it clear that no problems in our lives are too great or too small for God’s concern. He cares about everything that affects those who belong to Him. God has given us the entirety of His Word of truth, and we must search it out, for there is great blessing in doing so. From one end of the Bible to the other, God assures us that He will never go back on His promises. But the greatest of His promises given to all mankind is found in perhaps the best-known passage, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God has given His promise of eternal salvation and says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). God stands ready to fill us with His words; for there is no greater armor, no greater strength, and no greater assurance that He is with us, and in us. When we walk with Him through this life He will equip and nourish us by His instruction and will help us stand firm on His promises.

Anthony Diaz 9/2/25 Anthony Diaz 9/2/25

Victims Of Delusions

[They] exchanged the truth of God for the lie. Romans 1:25.

The Bible plainly teaches that one of the characteristics of the end of this age is that people will develop a capacity for delusion rather than the truth. The scientific revolution has produced an overemphasis on the secular but a decline of faith and principle. Sin is explained away by psychological terminology. Many people are enamored and deluded by philosophies that destroy lives and nations. Surely we are living in the day of which the apostle Paul said, “They did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10–11). What a candid picture of society today. The Bible is clear that those who reject the truth are victims of a great delusion. Today many are worshiping everything but God, thus the propensity for delusion. We see it in our gullibility for false advertising. We see this capacity for delusion in politics. Where a person has deviated from the eternal truths of God, there is darkness. When God’s truth is rejected, people are opened up to Satan’s deception. This is the importance of Christians living out their faith in God; to shine the light on the gospel—carrying a testimony of hope to those living in darkness, that they might come to know God’s truth and receive His salvation.