You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 (Amp)

While walking my dog in our backyard, I always become blissfully aware of God’s presence. Not that I’m not aware of His presence at any other times, it’s just more prolific in the “early morning,” before anyone is up.  The perpetual quiet is as they say, “deafening” at that particular hour.  It’s usually 5am to be exact, and except for a couple of migrant birds hoping around in the trees, and some errant nocturnal creatures, rustling in the woods, it’s abundantly quiet.  And to be honest, the birds and creatures give solidification to God’s presence as well. As does nature overall.

Walking my pup in the quietness, reminds me of the Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know I am God.” And when it’s still and the sun hasn’t quite shown it’s face yet, the presence of God is overwhelmingly powerful!  And I want Him to come even closer…on my walk literally and figuratively.

Trusting Him, and wishing to be closer to Him, is my biggest weapons of “tranquility” in this harsh world of “rash reality.”  The world, and the generations are changing…but the presence of God is constant.  His presence, is almost aberrant, if you will,  in this toiling world of chaotic confliction.

Finding joy, and reaching for Him in all aspects of my life, is what I try to do, each and every second of my day, and shall continue to try all the days of my life. Will I fall short at times?

You bet I will…I’m human after all.  But then, God knows that, and despite my weaknesses, and inner conflicts at diverging moments in my life, He loves me!  And He is still with me, no matter what!

There isn’t anything finer or joyous than that my brothers and sisters, Amen!

“Father God, I thank You for Your presence and Your peace, and for the quiet when I feel Your presence all the more, may I seek You all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Deuteronomy 31:6-8  (NKJV) 

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Gloom and doom on the Television?

Wear a mask, don’t wear a mask?  Social distance.  Stay away.  Stay home.  No hugs. No visits.  No end in site?  HELP!

Ongoing protests,  civil unrest, California fires out of control, tornadoes, Hurricanes, floods, Covid-19….HELP!

Drained and weary from the World?

Help is closer than we realize.

I have a personal “get away”  — I don’t need a vacation, a fancy restaurant, or a massage at an award winning spa… ( not that there is anything wrong with that!)

Who is my personal get-away?  My LORD!  Who will never leave me, nor forsake me.  He will help me through it all, in a gentle fashion, and uplift me, and minister Life and light, to the “Death and Darkness,” that seems to be all over the place these days.

My personal get away.  My Savior, who shed blood for me.

I am safe within the confines of His wings.

Of whom should I fear when my God is near?

The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

I go boldly to His throne, and lay my troubles down at His feet, as I praise Him daily.  He cares and He readily picks me up when I am down.  He holds me up if I am weary.  He gives me drink so I am never thirsty.

So there is absolutely no better “get away” than that  of being in the LORD’s courts.   He sustains and encourages me and supports me in all that I do. And He loves me!  Me!  Amen!

Want the best get-away that money can’t buy?

RUN straight to Him, and let your soul be replenished, as you seek His face, and Kingdom.

I promise you, that His promises, and love, are all that we will ever need, today, tomorrow, forever!

“Father God, thank You for keeping me safe all the days of my life, and for bringing me peace, light, life, and love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 33:2
O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 

Genesis 2:7 NKJV

Just when I feel like I can’t breathe, due to the overtaxing emotional status of this world, the strain of everyday issues,  and the pandemic…He breathes life into me!

How?  — Through His Word, His message, His promises, and His love and His Spirit!

When God leaned over and “breathed” His own “breath of life” into man’s nostrils in Genesis, He placed life within him. This very breath of life, is done again in John 20:22, when Jesus imparts new life into all of His disciples.

So, what then is the breath of God?

It’s the life, and power of God, given to us, by Him.

The Hebrew word for spirit is Ruach, meaning “wind, breath, air, spirit.”

The life of God lives on and on.  And it’s only through Him, we live on forever.

The question is where will we live? 

Do we freely accept Him, and surrender to His will, and purpose for our lives?

Do we follow closely, and align ourselves with His doctrine, in all that we endeavor to take on?

Do we love Him, with all our heart, mind, body, strength and soul?

When we do, we are promised the rewards of eternity.

Our inherent rights as Christians, will  resonate to all we encounter when we follow His voice. He brings life, and peace to every aspect of our being.  Life under extreme times of trials and tribulations, can be overcome, but only THROUGH HIM. Not of our own accord.

Don’t let the stagnation of “the world” cut off your breath.

Instead, let His breath “breathe” life, and freshness, into your air.

O’ the sweet scent of His breath…this is all that I live for!

Amen.

“Father God, thank You for taking time to love me, refresh me, and breathe life into me continuously, all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus name, Amen.”

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Matthew 7:32 (KJV)

There have been times where I’ve been asked, “how do you pray?”  Or, “what do you pray?”

My answer?  “From my heart to His Heart.”

He knows what we need before we even ask.  Most notably in Matthew, Jesus tells us “not to worry about anything” for the Father will take care of us, like He does the Lilies of the field, and the birds of the air.  He provides for nature, and for the creatures, how much more will He care for us? (Matthew 6:25-29)

He knows our heart and what we have in our heart, and in our minds, and in our thoughts.  So, it’s an individual thing how we pray. It is a relationship with the Father that is important, not the “words” we choose to pray, or memorize.  Sure, the “Word” in the Bible is essentially important to know, and understand God’s plan for us.  And knowing the Bible, and the books, and the Gospels are important, that isn’t to what I’m referring.

What I’m trying to say, as I’ve said to many people I’ve had this discussion with is this: “We each have an individual relationship with Jesus.”  It’s personal and one-on-0ne.

There is no “right” way to speak to the Father, other than from your heart, to his heart.  Whatever you need to say, or want…He already knows before you utter it.  Consequently, it’s the desire to “seek Him” that is clearly critical in our overall Christian faith and belief.

When we seek Him, and His Kingdom, and His righteousness, all of these things shall be given, or added unto us.  (Matthew 7:33)

Speak to Him from “your heart to His” and watch how fast you can connect to Him in the spiritual realm of intimacy.  There is truly nothing that can compare to a “relationship with Jesus” –nothing comes close.

Amen!

“Father, God thank You for knowing my heart and granting me access to Your heart, I thank You for each second of my life, and give glory to You all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Living in the moment, and being aware of His love and protection, is a powerful way of being grafted to our Father. When we adhere to Jesus’ own words of “not worrying about tomorrow,” we   blossom into deeper depths of spirituality.  We then become an affirmation of His love, as we do so.

It’s a positive way of living, when we live in the moment, and do all for the LORD in the process.

When we are aware of God’s powerful tenets of Christianity, we are processing and living life, in accordance to His will and purpose, and it becomes apparent in all aspects of our life.

We are better able to withstand life, living in the moment, and not worrying about the “What ifs?” — which inherently, brings about an easier, and more peaceful way of existence.  However, when we’re following His Words, we are not merely existing, but LIVING.

It’s a rewarding and refreshing way of living, when we live by God’s words and fulfill His plans for our lives.  Right now, I’m enjoying writing this for “His glory” and not thinking about anything but Him.

Tomorrow? —–

God willing, we will see another day.

The bills will be still be there.

The mortgage payment will still be due.

And the Pandemic will still be here, at least  for right now.

However,  I’m living for this very moment, and trusting God for all of my needs, and trusting His provisions and promises all the days of my life.

Wow!  There is nothing more “freeing” than Jesus’ words.

“Father God, thank You for Your love and promises, we know that You are with us each day of our life, and You will provide for us, and therefore shouldn’t worry about anything, in Jesus name I thank You, Amen.” 

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted about measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that is might depart from me. And He said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

II Corinthians 12:7-10 (KJV)

The Pandemic has touched all of our lives. It’s created a time of need for most of us.  It’s unfamiliar waters for many, and to some…who have lived through other outbreaks, it is somewhat similar to what they’ve seen and witnessed.

Many are wondering, “will this ever end?”  Or, “Will we get through this eventually and get back to normal?” 

Only God knows that answer. And according to the “experts” we will get through this.

There have been many new drugs along with a new understanding of how this “monster virus” works when it enters the body. The knowledge afforded us, was only through God’s grace and wisdom.  Which He gave to discerning scientists and doctors.  So Praise God!

God’s word and His promises are prolific, and should be a balm to bathe our souls, in these harrowing times of uncertainty.

I Kings 17:14 (KJV):  For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.” And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And, the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which He spake by Elijah.

 Elijah, was sent to the widow, who was going through desperate times.  Not knowing if, and when she’d be able to feed her family.(not unlike the times of today)  God used Elijah, to test the widow’s faith…asking her for bread, and water, that she had little of. He instructed her to make cakes for him, and her family. Stating that there would indeed be enough.

Her faith was richly rewarded.  The widow was given endless provisions by the LORD, and His promises to provide to those of faith, unwavering in their stand for Him, and His word came to fruition.

The coronavirus has changed a lot, in such a quick period of time. Some have lost loved ones, some have been infected by it, and gone on to recover.

Only one thing is certain.

God’s love, and strength, is an ever present reality for those of faith. His grace is sufficient to help us overcome all things.

How is this possible you may ask? 

Because the power of Christ is resting upon us.

And that my brothers and sisters, is a whole lot of Power!!!!

“Father God, thank You for holding us up during these trials and tribulations, we look to You and Your strength to strengthen us, and to guide us, as we trust in You  and know You are in control, and this too shall pass, only when You say so, until then, may we be ever mindful of Your Sovereign Power and grace, in Jesus name, Amen.”

That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun. 

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NKJV)

King Solomon, is emphatic about describing “life” on earth, and the vain folly of people in terms of existing, when God is left out of the equation of our lives.  So Solomon, reiterates throughout the book, how “vanity” and empty life is…without God.

There is no differentiation whether poor, rich, old or young; no matter how wonderful life may seem “under the sun”…it truly has no value to any of us, without our Father, God.

If we are expecting something “new” to fill any void that we might have…it is an exercise in futility. Life can be monotonous and mundane. In fact, more so than we’d openly admit…that’s why we need God to fulfill our purpose, and replenish our souls.

Look, let’s face it.  Political scenarios have been ongoing since the “beginning of time” and inasmuch, empires rise and fall. Nothing new there, right?

There have been innumerable periods of unrest, that have resulted in wars,  followed by decades of peace.  But soon, things happen, and there goes the cycle, more wars, more unrest “under the sun.” More generations…and more issues…and so on and so forth.

Things and situations, can cause “depletion of our souls,” if we allow it. It can consume our legs of peace, and sanity, if we don’t recognize and include God in all we do. We get weary, and so we need God.

Things can exhaust our minds, or we can become bored with the sameness of our routines.  But with our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can have an almost perfect existence…though Him.

Life, no matter what the circumstances are in the world, can be a lot more tolerable and easier to navigate, with God.

One thing is certain, life is satisfying with Him, at the center of our existence, delightful in fact.

When we understand who God is, and what He is capable of, and connect to Him…life is pleasant, “under the sun.

Comprehending the true meaning of what Christ did for us, and knowing that we’re children of God, makes living a whole different type of experience “under the sun.”

Revere God…and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of being a Christian, and living life according to His will, and purpose in all we do, or attempt to endeavor.

God is the “same” since the beginning of time.   He created all things, and by Him, all things were made. Not one thing was made that wasn’t made by Him.  Right? Including the very “sun” that Solomon refers to.

Without Him, life can be a boring charade of vanity, and endless nonsense.

With Him…life is vital and exciting.

The only thing that is “new under the sun,” is how much we can accelerate  in obeying Him, and increase our love for Him. That can change by raising it exponentially each and every second we live! So that another day, is another way of loving Him.

Let your love grow deeper, as you embrace Christ, and His limitless love.

Amen!

Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP)

In Psalm 51:10, David asks; “create in me a clean heart, O God,”
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”   

God does just that. We have a renewed spirit thanks be to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The world is seemingly falling apart. Although I witness many of this through the media, articles and such; and though I am getting older each day, thank God through Him, my spirit soars and is renewed continuously by His grace and love.

Challenging times? With God it’s bearable.

Feeling weak?   With God we are strengthened.

Feeling bogged down?  With God our burdens are lifted.

Frustrated by circumstances?  With God we always find a way out.

Aging in place?  With God our spirit is renewed and fortified daily.

Realize the magnitude of the God we serve.

Realize the expansive capacity of His love.

Realize the intensity of His sovereign power.

Realize the infinite scope of His prolific omnipotence.

And finally, realize that with Him in our life, there isn’t anything, or anyone, or any situation that can withstand the awesomeness of God.

He is our everything and He is our all!

“My Father God, how grateful I am for Your grace and limitless mercy, You sustain, nourish, and renew my soul and spirit each day, through Your word, Your love and Your compassion, I thank You in Jesus Christ name, Amen.” 

^{1 Corinthians 15: 42-44 (NIV)}

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; ⁴³ it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; ⁴⁴ it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

Luke 6:12

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God

Psalm 95:6

Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

People frequently labor under misapprehensions.  You know to which I refer, like “false narratives.”

There are things that can bring us to our knees in search of the answers, and help. However, at the same time, we should get on our knees in thanks of God, and His prolific love, and truth every day of our life.

He, is essentially the barometer of morality, and understanding in all things.  As we go through life, we experience transformations, on every level, from birth to death.

There are milestones, that we will hit (with God’s grace), like turning sixteen,  twenty-one, or thirty (those were the days! LOL) and hopefully, many other blockbuster birthdays.

There are weddings, a newborn baby. Mega moments in time, thanks be to God.  During these travels, and magnus opus celebrations, we always want to aspire to do the will of God, and walk according to His Word, all the days of our life, until our final breath, and beyond.

So if something is baffling to you today, or causing discord in your family, or you’re searching for answers to personal conflicts. Please seek God, and His answers and truth.  He will help you sort out whatever it is that is puzzling you, or disturbing you, or bringing anxious thoughts to your mind, body, heart and soul.

The LORD provides clarity, and will open your eyes, and ears when you desire to “know Him,” and follow Him, with sincerity, while surrendering to His will.

Situations and individuals, can be disappointing, but God will never let us down. His promises emerge fresh, and new, each time You seek Him, and His Kingdom.  His Word will quicken, and bring a flash of reality, and comfort for whatever is ailing you.

Look up and Ask, “it will be answered.”

Seek Him in all you do, “He will be found.”

Knock on heavens door, “it will be opened.”

“Father God, thank You, for Your truth, guidance, answers, and love each and everyday of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Matthew 7:7

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 6:7

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Luke 18:1

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

It has been said that adversity often times, is God’s bridge to His heart. (Charles Stanley)  So have no fear, God commands us to have courage…

And that quote is quite often expressed by many, myself included. Especially when emerging from the throes of a deep dark and treacherous valley.  When we eclipse the darkness as His light and brilliance takes hold, and lifts us out of the depths of catastrophic events, we quite often see the rainbow soon thereafter.

There may be times when it doesn’t happen so quickly, but somewhere down the line, we will eventually see why we experienced what we did, and we will galvanize new grounds of spirituality because of it.  Because of “God’s grace” and His glory that brought us through it, and His unmerited grace that rewards us for it afterwards.

We can’t experience growth without growing pains. Anything that is of worth will invariably cause sacrifices along the way.

It’s sort of like a see saw.  We can’t go up without first being down. And we can’t ride a see saw without another person on the other end, now can we?

God is at the other end of “our spiritual see-saw” so to speak.  He brings us up, when we are down.

Spirituality is about “balances and rewards” and growth in all we endeavor during our life here on earth.

The joy overtakes the sorrow.  Our roots multiply and become securely anchored with each transition, which overwhelmingly allows us to become grafted more and more unto the LORD and His presence.

Embrace each moment of your life. Good and bad…there are reasons for both. God knows why. God knows how. God knows when. And God doles out the love through each second of which we breathe.

I don’t know where any of you are at this moment in time, as you read this post. Some may be in a valley, filled with despair.  Some may be emerging from the valley. And some may be in the midst of a good plentiful tide.  Take heart through it all, no matter where you are, and remember…God is with us each day, every moment and beyond.

His heart is waiting for us as we cross the bridge of adversity, His heart is waiting for us as we emerge from a valley. And His heart is waiting for during the plentiful tides of life.  In other words…He is with us for all the seasons and seconds of our life.

Remember God “commands us” to have no fear, to be strong and courageous.  Joshua 1:9 tells us so…straight from the Lord’s Word.  Believe it…hold it in your heart…and most important…run over that bridge right to the Father’s heart. Amen!

“Father God, how grateful we are to have such a merciful and loving Father, who will never leave us no matter what crossroads we encounter, all the days of our lives, we thank You and lift You high above all the rest, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”