“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” 

(Proverbs 10:11)

Last week, an Aunt and a niece, due to a misunderstanding, gave way to some “harsh words” which led to a separation and divide in the family.  Unfortunately, I tried to be the “family peacemaker” alas, it was an exercise in futility.  And now a major rift has resulted due to a “poor choice of words.”  Those words and the behavior impulse, to “strike out before thinking,” has severed a relationship, that very well might not be repaired.

It is so important to “think and listen,” before reacting. Words can be damaging on the one hand.  Or, they can be resourceful, and powerful, in uplifting someone, or comforting someone.

The most important “Word” of all is “God’s.”

The entire Bible can be so many things to so many who read it.

It is a blessing to “hear” the Word, and know it is our Father speaking to our hearts, and our souls.  It is His voice, that invariably resonates and reverberates, in our souls.  His Word bears record, and witness of His love, and His plans for us.

When we absorb His Word, on a daily basis, it gets easier to “gain insight” into what we say.  It allows us the vision to see His path, and His will for us.  It opens the right doors, and closes the window, to shield us from the storms, that will inherently rip through out lives.

Words can either be meaningful. Or they can be shallow, and hateful. Ultimately it is up to each of us to demonstrate the love and capacity, of the Spirit dwelling within each of us.  Offering God’s Word, as a daily tool in all we endeavor to accomplish, each day of our lives.

So, before speaking words in anger.  Close the “window” and let the storm pass.  Then when it is clear outside,  so too will be your mind, and spirit, to bring about the “right words” to utter.

Trust me when I say this… the outcome will be quite different than had you lashed out at someone, before “thinking and contemplating,” the repercussions of your words.

My Aunt and her niece can testify to that. Let’s just pray that they will find the road of forgiveness, because as Jesus said, “if you cannot forgive one another, how can the Father forgive you?”

“Father, help us to say the right thing, to listen and wait for Your timing, and to be loving and gentle in our approach to all we encounter in our lives, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

A person seemingly exalted himself recently to the point of ludicrous heights. Making out to be an “expert” in all things, and all matters on earth, in heaven, and throughout the Universe overall.  The elaborate gestures, and overly confident swagger, left a bitter taste in my mouth, a shiver down my spine, and a sad feeling within my soul, and felt bad for him because of his ornate flamboyant oration. People were rolling eyes and yawning due to his one man show.

It appeared that he thought he was superior to one and all.  However, he failed to recognize; NO ONE is better than another. We are all equal in God’s eyes.

We are all sinners and fall short of perfection. Only God is perfect, and He alone is the profound, infinite Being, that is above all else, and no one can compare to Him or His Sovereign Holy Character.

When another individual boasts, or bloviates, it can become toxic on so many levels. One is it can most certainly deter individuals from responding, finding exasperating.  Another thing that might occur is losing friends or acquaintances, because no one enjoys a “loud-in-your-face- know-it-all.”

To be confident is one thing. After all, God likes His children to be pleasantly “informed,” while shining a light of wisdom, from the Holy Spirit, offering a gentle knowledge, and pathway to what really matters in this world—GOD!

There will be times in which we will flounder,  under circumstances that will far outdo us in ways we will never understand.  And still, there will be moments when we wonder “which way to turn.”

The ability to ascertain when to “speak out” or to “stay quiet” is a gift from above. It is the guidance from within that is the template of our moral compass.  It is the Holy hand from above, that always holds us up, and brings us through things that we normally otherwise, couldn’t do.

We are merely dust in the wind, when it comes to our “own reliance and strength.”  It is God who sustains, and provides the bowels of construction, and it is His foundation on which we stand. He is the Rock that enables us to navigate in all kinds of conditions or situations.

So back to the “obnoxious” individual who was bragging non-stop.  I said a prayer for the person, and knew that only God can gently lead him into a corral of humility.  Neither I, nor his wife, children, or anyone else for that matter, can change him.  Perhaps there will be someone that will be a conduit from God, to show him what’s important in life, and how to achieve it graciously, and with class.

For now, I look to God for all things, all issues, all circumstances, and to Him, I bow and proudly proclaim, “Jesus is LORD, and I am Yours! Amen and Hallulejah!”   

“Father thank You for this day and all the days of my life, may Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven,  may I mindfully approach all things in humility, and realize that it is You, who is control, and You are the only One, that is perfect and Holy, in Jesus name, Amen!”   

“When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves, but He was asleep. And they went and woke Him saying, “Save us, Lord, we are perishing.” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this that even winds and sea obey Him?”

Matthew 8:23-27

“When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall.”    Proverbs 10:25

Before Jesus calms the storm in the seas, He wants to calm the storm in our heart. The storms obey when Jesus says “Peace, be still. “ Storm travels are faith-building expeditions. So, when our storms, and chaos in life, come crashing into our existence,  as Christians we must elevate, through Christ’s power, and  His unconditional love, to bring us out of it.

Some people are laboring under a major misapprehension believing; “Christians will not get sick,  nor sustain hardship, or difficult times…”

Not true!

In fact, we will definitely go through many trials, tribulations and adverse circumstances, as we journey through life.  However, we are able to get through it, because of Christ, and His guidance, and Omnipotence.

In the process we will grow Spiritually, and our roots will become deeply entrenched into the very foundation of Christ, and His gospel of truth.

Ostensibly, the real fact of the matter is, when we follow Jesus, we will experience various storms.  However, we therefore shouldn’t doubt God’s love for us, based on our given circumstances. We shouldn’t judge God’s love, based on the winds, floods, or waves. No. Ultimately, we should look at God’s love, based on the cross of Jesus Christ, and what He’s done for us.

Our passage in life, is conceptual in that God created us, and in that creation, we all have a purpose here on earth. We each have a path carved out for us, by the mighty hands of God. We have things to do, people to meet, specific events to get through. With each scenario, we gain aspects into the will of the Master, our Lord and Savior.

It is His proverbial strength, and wisdom that appeals to us in the depths of our very soul. It is His love, and guidance that catapults us, into achieving the impossible.

Because with God everything is possible!

So…walk with confidence. Hold your head high. Seek His face in all you do.  Then, realize that the “Great I AM,”  is with us every step of the way.

Irrespective of our past, or current circumstances, He is the vital part of our existence.  And without Him…we cannot attain the “full wardrobe” of a Christian.  For He covers us with His righteousness, as He covered us with His blood.

So…laugh in the face of the storms.

Be strong, and courageous.

For the sun always comes out after every storm.

And the peace that ensues after a raging storm, will soothe our very souls to heights of tranquility, and growth of spirit.  And love of God…

“Father, thank You for being at the helm of my ship in the storms of life, I know that no matter what I’m going through, You are with me, and will hold my right hand as You bring me safely into port, I give You all the glory, honor and dominion, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 There are many seasons, and journeys in a person’s lifetime.     There can be a time in a Christian’s life when we might go through a “Dry” season, when we aren’t quite “hearing” God, which can leave us anxious and concerned, believing we might have done something wrong.  It can be very unsettling,  bringing various thoughts to our minds;  “did I do something that upset God? Why don’t I feel anything? What’s happening?” 

A dry season brings about a certain behavior that lends way to “doubt.”  This spiritually dry season can bring about scenarios that appear to be never-ending. We may have just come out of a difficult time, or have something within our hearts that we might need to repent about, to get back on track.  We’re all human and can get off track from time to time.  But God is “always there” and never far away. He hears and sees and knows what we are going through.

We have a “Waiting” season, where God tells us “ “Be still and know I am God.” – Psalm 46:10.    

Whatever it is “we are waiting for” can seem an eternity, but God knows what’s best. And the timing is perfect in God’s realm, so we need to be patient and wait according to His will and time.     

Psalm 37:7 — says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”   

This is a season that is exceedingly difficult, we can begin to doubt or grow frustrated with our circumstances. But, this is the time to hang on tenaciously, to our faith. Never doubt God’s plans, or provisions, which are plentiful, and filled with goodness, for His children.

Psalm 5:3, “Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait patiently.” 

There are various seasons and journeys:

“Trial and Tribulation season“, — where we feel as if we are being tested above endurance. – But God, doesn’t give us more than we can handle, and always shows us a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

A Taxing season – Where there are so many things to accomplish in a given day, and just can’t manage or take care of the tasks at hand.

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him,” Psalm 95:4. 

The Universe doesn’t rest in our hands, it rests in God’s. We need to take hold, and gauge ourselves and our tasks. We need to continue to communicate with God, and breathe deeply.  Then carry on through the strength in which Christ alone gives us.

Irrespective of our circumstances, we need to focus, and fix our eyes on Jesus.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:17-19

We also have a “Peaceful Joyful Season.”

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise,”  James 5:13

Perhaps you just got married to the love of your life.  Maybe you have just had your first precious newborn baby.  Or maybe, you’ve just purchased a house of your dreams. Still others, may have just landed a job, and an opportunity of a lifetime.  Whatever the situation,  you are totally over-the-moon-happy. And so this “happy peaceful” season, is welcome in your life. Obviously we need to  make time to celebrate, and rejoice in the blessings from above.

But here’s the takeaway from all of this.  We as Christians, must recognize that “no matter what season” we are currently in, we truly never stop glorifying God!

It is our Father, who is in control at all times, and in control of all seasons.  These also include seasons that pertain to weather. However, I’m referring to the seasons that pertain to our “Spiritual” emotional growth, and benevolence, and love for God.

So my brothers and sisters, no matter where you are at this moment in time, stop!—right now!—and give the LORD, a shout of thanks!

Tell Him how much you love Him, and how you know He is always there for you.  He is beyond beautiful inside and out, and His love reaches all the corners of the earth, no matter where you live,  or what you look like, or how old you are.  He loves us.  Each and everyone of us.

So during these trying, and tedious days of division, in societal circles, it is so important to remember this:  He is the same today, tomorrow, and always.  He is, in fact, the only unchangeable Season of our life.  He is constant, and sustains every single thing on this earth, and beyond.

As long as God is a part of my season, I am blessed!

“Father, thank You for this particular season in my life, I know You are with me, through all seasons, I know you are with me throughout the journey of my life, and I praise You Father, and adore You Father, and worship You, and You alone Father, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus precious name, Amen!”

 Jesus, tells His disciples just before His arrest,

“I am the vine, you are the branches: He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

If we request His presence, each day and obey Him in faith we will, by His power, produce astonishing spiritual growth.

Being “grafted” unto Christ as in following, and observing all according to His doctrine, and teachings…not only in thoughts, but in actions, we will eventually produce “fruit” in which is sustained through Christ, and Christ alone.

Christ is our Branch, He alone fulfilled all righteousness. He proved His worthiness and unconditional love, by remaining in full accord with His (our) heavenly Father, and bearing spiritual fruit, that makes redemption, and our salvation tangible.

It is again, only by abiding in Him, and our attachment to Him, and our relationship with Him, that we become grafted in Him, by our intimate connection with Him, that we will produce spiritual growth and godly works, through His name, and His power. Amen. (Romans 11:17-24)

Sustained by His Branch, we grow, prosper, and thrive, we live.  If not grafted in Christ, the branches will wither and eventually die. So, keep deeply entrenched in the roots of Christ and your growth will enable you all the days of your life, until we receive our inherent rewards and eternal rewards in the Kingdom of the LORD.

“Lord, thank You for sustaining our needs and nourishing us by feeding us with your Spirit, and love, may we continue to bear fruits and follow You and be forever more attached to you the Vine of life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

  – Easton’s Bible Dictionary – Graft. Graft. the process of inoculating fruit-trees ( Romans 11:17-24 ). It is peculiarly appropriate to olive-trees. The union thus of branches to a stem is used to illustrate the union of true believers to the true Church, which is to say, Christ the many membered body.

James 4:7 (KJV)

Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Surrendering to the LORD in everything, means we are willing to acknowledge and affirm that He is in control, and that “His will” be done in our lives, according to His purpose, cause and outcome.

It isn’t an easy thing to do.

What is it when we surrender?

It’s giving in, and letting go of issues, or circumstances that we basically truly “have no control of.” Ostensibly, it’s the LORD who is the Sovereign entity, and Being,  thereby knowing He is the Creator of all things, and ultimately when adhering to that  knowledge, we can thereby surrender fully and totally, with  confidence, and recognition, that we are in “good hands.”

When we yield to His will, and accept His terms for our life, we are infinitely blessed.  We know He wants the best for us, and will firmly, and lovingly guide, lead, direct, touch, and protect us, in all things.  We will be encircled with His light, and His love, and the sanctity of peace, will flow endlessly, from within to without.

When we surrender, and say, “Yes LORD —I surrender it all to You” we are fully committed to Him.  We are followers of His doctrine, and plans for our lives.  We become entrenched in the Word, and are able to navigate life, in ways that only those of faith can.

He becomes our “life long compass,” and protractor that completes the blueprints of our souls,  today, tomorrow, and always.

When we are aware that He is in charge, and surrender it all to Him, we are changed emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  He is able to lead us with a force, and empowerment, in the name of Christ. We are victorious through Christ, because of our surrendering to His Omnipotence, and we are rewarded with a fortress of impregnable security and peace,  which only He alone, can provide.

“Surrendering to Christ is like signing your name to a blank check and letting the Lord put in the amount.” ~Billy Graham

One of the hardest words to utter in a Christian’s life may very well be:

“Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done.”

That’s surrendering to God!

“Dear Lord, I surrender today, and everyday to You, Father. May I always follow where You lead, and do Your will, as You reveal it to me. May I live this day to glorify You, and honor You in all things, during the course of my lifetime, in the name of Jesus, Amen.”

Psalm 130:5

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait,
And in His word do I hope.

There are times when we are searching for answers, that just don’t come. There may be a presumption on our part, believing we “innately know” the answer.  Often, the answer is a self serving response, to our own inner “need.”  Meaning we “receive the answer” we want, by saying we got the answer we need.

Confused?

Nah, it’s simple really. Upon occasion, we will suffice to accommodate our own reflective thoughts, and manipulate it around scripture.  Then say, “See!  I got my response!”   Think again.  Are you sure it was from the LORD?  And not from your own imagination, or from the “enemy?”

Satan loves to lie, and whisper words of enticement to those who “might listen.”  And there are times, when it might seem very convincing, well at least to some.  But he is a master in scripture, and will twist it just enough, to try and get you believing its from  God.  He is the father of lies and deceit.  A chaotic presence.  But take heart, and be of good cheer, “For the One in us is bigger than the one in the world.” Our Father defeated death, and is the Author of salvation, and He Reigns Victorious! Amen.

God instructs us to “wait upon Him- Psalm 46:10″ and rightfully so. He is in control. He knows what is best, and He is our true undeniable Presence, of “truth, light, and life,”  and our only way of securing Eternal passage into Heaven. (No one gets to the Father but through me  John 14:6)

Be wise as the serpent, and gentle as the dove—(Matthew 10:16.)  But be watchful. Listen. Prepare. Be well armed in verse and scripture.  For the world is a dark and menacing place.  It is filled with the ugly sounds of the enemy, always trying to pull you in.  Trying to trick you.  Or maneuver his way into your head, and steal your soul away. He wants to ensnare you in his stronghold. But when Christ is in us, we are untouchable, we are well versed, and suited up in His name and His power.

So prepare each day by wearing your full Armor of God—(Ephesians 6.)  And when you seek answers, you will ultimately know when you “wait upon God” and realize it is “His voice” you will eventually hear, that will lead you to narrow path, thereby making us victorious through Christ. (John 10:27-30) (Romans 8:37 )

“Father, may I be ever aware of Your Presence in my life, and wait upon You and You alone, in all things, everyday of my life here and always, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shal I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of who shall I be afraid?

If God is for us, who can be against us? 

Of whom shall we fear?

The Christian’s confidence rests in God Himself.

Not humans!

God is in control of all things.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (KJV)

The anchor of Christianity is Christ Himself.

He is ultimately in control, and our Sovereign Master, and Holy Being of love, and mighty power.

When we are encased in His Word, light, and truth, we are inherently sealed by Him, and we are for Him, and therefore, nothing can separate us from Him. Romans 8:35

His unwavering truth abounds in Christians, and His light leads us through the darkness.  His breath breathes life and gives us strength to endure and explore our journey here on earth, until our race is done.  2 Timothy 4:7-8 

Psalm 46:1-3:11  Once again, in these verses, we are secure in His untethered love and presence, and assured of His enduring promises.

When we believe in Christ, there is no deprivation, in any area of our lives.

God gave His only Son for us (John 3:16) 

When Jesus, drank the cup of bitter agony for us, the greatest gift of our lifetime, it was indeed the greatest love story every told, or accomplished.

In Christ’ torment, we have redemption, and salvation. He resurrected, and we are free. He is the Author of salvation. The procurer of peace. Our LORD and Savior, King of kings, and LORD of lords.

We know that nothing He did, can be “undone.”  For the faithful believer in Christ, there is no accusation, no intimidation, no deprivation, instead in its place… freedom and peace and confidence.

For the believer in Christ there is NO condemnation! (Romans 8:34) Instead we have confirmation of His love.

Christ is our Mediator, Advocate, and Counselor in Heaven, at all times.  He is at the right hand of God, the Father.  He has never lost a case, nor will He ever.  We are protected by His crucifixion, and His resurrection, and His love.

We are subjects to Him and Him alone.

He is the Master and our Father.

No one is in control of us, or our circumstances…other than our LORD.

If God is for us? Whom shall we be afraid?

We are protected by Christ’ intercession. Which we should all rejoice in, knowing He cares for us and is always interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)

Jesus paid it all. 

All to Him we owe.

Have you met and know the LORD and Savior? 

If not…what are you waiting for?

“Father, thank You for being my Life, my Counselor, my Advocate, I know with You I have nothing to fear, no one can ever separate me from You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Luke 22:42

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

Matthew 8:2 (KJV)

 “And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8:3

The leper was cleansed by Christ.

Was it because the “leper” asked?

 Was it because the “leper” believed? 

Was it because the “leper” trusted Christ implicitly?   

Was it because the “leper” knew that Christ was able to cleanse Him? 

Was it because the “leper” knew that Christ’s will be done?”   

Answer?

All of the above.

As Christians, we know that things are according to our LORD’s will, and it’s His grace, and sovereign power, that ultimately produces results.

As Christians,  vital components of following Christ, are plentiful.  One is our faith.

Along with our trust, our ability to ask, our belief that it can happen, and knowing that if it is the will of the LORD, it can be done.

And we shall get the results, IF the LORD wills it to be so.

Praying, faith, and reading the Holy Word, is the trifecta of Christianity.  Along with a profound unwavering love, for the LORD, which is the foundation of our inner existence, and our lives overall.

When we ask, and seek, and knock.  As Jesus states, “ask and it shall be answered, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened.”  The “leper” asked, he did seek, and he did knock…and he was healed.  Again, according to His will.

It’s very important, that we never forget that it is His will not ours.

Even Jesus stated, “Father, Your will not mine” as He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Luke 22:42

So, if Jesus respected that it is His Father’s will, of course, so too should we follow suit, and recognize that at all times of prayer.

As we go about our day,  praying and meditating, along with all of our everyday routines, realize it’s His will, not ours.  In all of our undertakings, no matter what we endeavor during the course of the day…realize He is with us, listening, watching and loving us, every step of the way.

And when we ask, seek, and knock…it will be done…according to His will and purpose. Amen.

“Father, may I always ask, seek and knock, and realize it’s Your will not mine, as I open the doors of my heart to You, today, and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 27:5

 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

My husband and I, have been speaking about, possibly relocating back, to where most of “our family” lives.  So many variables make it difficult to do so at this time.  However, one thing we walked away with after detailed discussions, about whether to make the move or not.  We know, that no matter where we are, the LORD is right there with us!

Sheltering in His love, and knowing He is our Rock, is a comforting piece of knowledge, and a visceral feeling of peace, that is beyond description.  Resting in His love, is the most important place to be.

Whether in New England, or in the Mid-West, or the South.

God is there.  We can talk with Him.  And talk with Him in so many places.  We can carry on a conversation in the privacy of our house.  Or in the car.  Or in the laundry room…anywhere.  He is there. And so is His Word.

He is the most interesting Being to engage in any kind of conversation.  He is the only One that can bring a fountain of wisdom directly to us.  And  answers within seconds, minutes or days.  It’ll just be on His time, as His timing is always perfect. Just as He is perfect.

Speaking of time.  At this time, I know we are where we are supposed to be.  And though family members are grossly disappointed, we know it isn’t time for us to relocate yet.  Perhaps ever.  Only time will tell.  You can’t plan life.  Life plans you.  And in the midst of the plans, is God.

One thing I’m certain of, “God is with us, and will hold us up with His right hand of righteousness, and He will NEVER leave us.”  Amen!

“Father, LORD, thank You for guiding us every step of the way, for giving us clarity in situations that otherwise would be cloudy and vague, and thank You for the love You give us daily, we know You are with us, and always have been since the beginning of time, and will be beyond this time, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 32:6-8

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.