2025 Devotions

Indian Trail, NC 28079, US

Lightsey Ministries, Inc.

Welcome to Lightsey Ministries, Inc.

May 2025

Look For the Good

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

Certainly Romans 8:28 is one of the most recognized and most quoted scriptures in the bible. It is recited to encourage, rescue, give strength, and assist believers while we go through trials and tests.

However, I want to bring some points to the forefront of our thinking and reckoning about reading and quoting this verse. First, the scripture contains the words “we know.” Who are the we? Who are the people being talked about and talked to? Those people are the ones who love God and understand that God has called (petitioned) them to be included in His process of “showing up and showing out.” We understand and accept the fact that God, in His infinite wisdom, has a definite purpose and plan in using us to show the world that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Next, I want to emphasize that all things are “working and “working together for good.” How often do we see our trials and tribulations all working together for our good? The question usually is “Something good is going to come out of this? You have got to be kidding!” God’s Word does not lie. Some good thing(s) will result – maybe not when we expect it or want it, but something good will come on the scene.

Finally, if we know God is working things out for our good, we should expect the good. We should “look” for the good. I believe looking for the good will put and keep us in the right frame of mind as we go through our situations. Also, looking for the good will cause us to give thanks and rejoice even while we are going through. We won’t concentrate on the problem(s) but will center our attention on the God Who loves us and has promised not leave us. We are reminded that we never walk alone.

What are you facing today? What test, trial, or tribulation is at your front door? What looks impossible to conquer? Look for the good in all of it and rest and trust God to deliver you out of all your adversities. The sooner you look for the good – the sooner you will find it.

Rev. Dr. R. J. Lightsey

april 2025

To Whom and What Do You Confess?

We often hear about the word "confess" and that confession is good for the soul. But let's take some time to see and hear what God's Word says about it. After all, His Word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, and for instruction in rightouseness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Leviticus is the third Book of Moses. It is there that God speaks to Moses and instructs him what to tell the Israelites. This occurs after their escape from Egypt. Verse 41 of Leviticus 26 states they are to confess their iniquity (sin) to God, their Creator, Provider, and Protector.

Matthew 10:32 states, "Everyone that acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my father in heaven" (NLT). Jesus declared that if I , you, or anyone openly and without shame confesses (verbally acknowledges) him as Lord here on earth, he will confess and present us as redeemed in the presence of God the Father.

A very familiar passage of scripture is Romans 10:9, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (NLT). The declaration is a public announcement to all who will hear. What to be declared or "confessed" is that Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. And also, that Jesus is Lord of all, Also see 1 John 1:9.

The Word of God also gives instruction to confess any sin we have committed against fellow believers. James 5:16 was written to the Jewish believers (the twelve tribes in the dispersion). "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that ye may be healed." This principle and directive applies to current day believers also. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (NLT). It is vitally important to state that while primarily dirercted to God, confession can also include confessing to those we have wronged. These confessions restore and reconcile.

May each of us arrive at the place of confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (if we have not already done so). May we daily confess our shortcomings and misgivings all the while being assured that God hears and forgives. And finally, may we not take advantage of God's grace and use it as an excuse to continue in wrongdoing.

Rev. Dr. R. J. Lightsey

March 2025

A Dose of Divine Revelation

Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast off restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18, KKJV). When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy (Proverbs 29:18, NLT). Vision (divine revelation from God) serves to give instruction and direction to those God is speaking to. Man cannot survive without instruction and direction. There would be total chaos. Just think about not having any stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights. Every driver would literally have the right-of-way and total confusion would lead to accidents and fights.

In our scripture reading, “vision” refers to the divine revelation received by the prophet. When the prophet does not deliver the divine revelation received from God to the people, they (the people) act and live without restraint. They run wild and mass confusion is the result. The “vision” serves to put us and keep us in line with God’s intent and direction for our lives.

Let’s look at a couple of situations where divine revelation was used to direct or correct God’s people. In 1 Samuel 3:1 we read that Samuel served God by assisting Eli in the temple. In those days, the Word of God was “precious” or rare. The reason was because Israel’s sin was so great that there was a lack of God’s revealing work. However, God used Samuel by appearing to him in a vision and giving him a message to deliver to Eli. The message was that the iniquity of Eli’s house (the sins of his sons and his deaf ear and closed eyes to those sins) would not be atoned for with sacrifices or offerings. This was the beginning of Samuel’s work as one of God’s prophet.

In the New Testament (Acts 10) we read about the visions of Cornelius and Peter. God spoke to Cornelius in a vision and told him to send an entourage to Joppa to find Peter. God spoke to Peter in a vision and instructed him to receive Cornelius’ entourage. As a result of these visions and meetings, Cornelius and Peter met. Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household. They were saved and received the Holy Spirit.

Divine revelation (vision) from God is more than a dream or a plan to carry out a building fund project or begin an international prayer ministry. It is when and how God speaks to His servant to address a circumstance or situation in which God intends to move. Its intent is more spiritual than physical. The vision is meant to change the behavior of people from non-acceptance, disbelief, or rebellion to nothing less than faith and obedience.

God always has a word for His children. We must be still long enough and be attentive in order to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to His people through His servant. There is always a dose of divine revelation because God always has a word of instruction and direction for His children to keep us obedient and safe.

Pastor Sharen Lightsey