O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. 

Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

Did you ever wake up and just merely say “Thank You” to God?

I mean, just a simple “thank You” and nothing more?

Well, I’m sure many do.  But in my own personal experience of speaking with others, the “thank You” is usually followed by many requests for their own purposes, or perhaps for others.  Which of course, is the hallmark calling card of faithful Christians, praying, acknowledging and trusting in Him for all things.  But, once in awhile…it’s good to just look up and say, “Thank You!”

It’s like parents.  They love their children, give them love, support and protection, no matter what.  Children ask, “give me this, or give me that” and on it goes.  But as a parent, isn’t it an incredulous feeling of joy to hear a child just say, “Good morning, Mom/Dad—thank you for everything you do in my life.”

Sometimes we need to redirect our thoughts and realize the enormity of the situation in terms of God’s love for us, His children.  He listens, provides, protects, watches over us, and gives us His heart relentlessly, no matter what.  So what a joy for the LORD if and when He hears one of us utter, “Thank You LORD for everything you do in my life, past, present and to come. I love you. Thank you!”

So today, give it a try if you already haven’t done so.  Bring a smile and an abundance of joy to the LORD, smile and say, no matter what language you choose to say it in, just say …”Thank You!”   

“Father, my LORD, thank You! I love You, adore You, and give you all thanks today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 
But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (BSB)

Being devoted to God and His Word is essential to being a follower and Christian.  Seeking God daily and turning to Him for all of the answers is vitally important in the application of walking by the Spirit.   When we choose the LORD and download His word into our “minds” and “hearts” we become heir apparent to the promises of God and the rewards which are to come in our permanent home, Eternity.

Reading His Word is crucial, but we must go further than that in our Christianity. When we “fully engage” the spirit from within and walk in obedience to His will and purpose for our lives, we begin to evolve into a higher realm of closeness to the LORD.  As we draw near to God, He will in turn respond favorably, and we can aspire to do what we are called to do and be.

Drawing close to God makes us become more intimate with Him and His Word, and commandments. ” Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  James 4:7:8 (NJKV)

Knowing God, loving God, and being faithfully devoted to Him, is a daily practice and reality of who we are as Christians.

Our compassion for others, and tendency to help those who are in need and perhaps in the dark is fundamentally a huge part and purpose of who we are as well.

As we seek the LORD, we are in turn seeking a deeper root and foundation of our inner “spirit” and grafting onto Him more and more.

Seek Him, while He can still be found. 

“He’s waiting for you…”

“Father, my LORD, may I seek Your face in all I do, may I do all things to please You, and may I find favor in Your eyes in my words, in my thoughts, and what I do, and may I never lose sight of Your love, Your mercy and Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”

( John 8:12)

Jesus is our Eternal Light who was there before the foundation of the world, came to our temporal home to rescue us from sin and death, and who is our lamp when all things are done and gone, but actually have just begun!

A question was asked on a recent show from a renown Pastor, and it went like this: “Do you have any regrets in life?”

There was a collective sigh from the audience, to which the Pastor responded with, “Oh, yes…I hear that all the time when I ask that question. It never gets old.” And after some raucous laughter, he looked out to the people and said, “I hope that not accepting Jesus as LORD and Savior is not included on that list of regrets.”

That somber mind jarring and soul stirring comment lends pause for reflection and truth.

There are countless people who right now, don’t know Jesus, and haven’t any idea who He is, or what He has done for us. Conversely, and sadly…there are those who do know Him, but DO NOT tell others about Him or His story.

I believe Jesus said, “Don’t put your light in a basket, but on a table so all those who enter the room can see it.” (Matthew 5:15)

Finding and accepting Jesus is an inherently crucial component of Christianity, and when we acquiesce to all according to His will and purpose for our lives, the light from within, shines brighter and brighter, and all around can see it.

The “eternal light” will never be diminished or extinguished and will shine forever, pushing away the darkness, bringing a glimpse of “eternal life” to all who experience it on this earth, and knowing the rewards that follow in the “permanent life” as we will know it when we are called home. Amen!

“Father God, thank You for the Eternal Light and Life that sustains and provides for me here on earth, today, tomorrow and forever, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5 (NKJV)

Did you ever have a day that while you’re whizzing about only to find that everything that transpired on that particular day was all perfect, and according to what you desired?

Do you know what that is called?  “Wisdom from above.”

Yes, wisdom from high above, sent down directly by the Father of lights.

It is something we inherently gain as we seek His face and learn His Word.

It is a quintessential aspect of being Christian and being obedient.

It is a discerning spirit that comes from within, and it is the growing love we show towards our Father.  That and more, it how Wisdom is formed in a Spiritual sense.

Being confident in deeds and tasks that we endeavor on a daily basis is one thing, but to be “wise in our own eyes” is quite another. (Proverbs 3:5-8)  

We cannot operate in a “lone wolf” capacity in terms of Spirituality. It is an ongoing process that incorporates and breathes into our very souls.  That breath is from God, and He alone is the One that provides, guides, and applies all that we need. And that started when He formed us in our mother’s wombs, continues to this very day, and will until we take our last breath and join Him in Eternal rewards of Heaven.

It is a good rule of thumb to know that all “Wisdom” comes from above, and it is a gift and an inheritance of God’s children.

Knowing, obeying, and loving God is in fact, “WISDOM.”

“Father, thank You for Your gift of knowledge, which is to say wisdom, may I do all according to Your will and purpose in my life, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should. Proverbs 2:6-7 (CEV) 

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.  Psalm 51:6, (ESV)

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

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Remember the song, “The wheels on the Bus, go round and round…round and round, round and round…” 

I heard that tune in my head today as I was searching for answers to some “personal conflicts” that I’m encountering lately.

First off, it’s depressing outside.

Snow, ice, sleet, darkness, cold.  I cannot take winter anymore, especially now as an “older woman” LOL.  So, the weather is enhancing the feelings of an already “continuous circle of Deja vu.”  And that’s when that song pulsated through my brain.

Also, an image of a Hamster on a wheel along with the song helped catapult my imagination into full force productivity.

I’m currently in the last days of “winter” and looking forward to the “season of spring.”  And just as there are seasons here in New England, so too are seasons of life overall.

We, as Christians, know God brings us through whatever we’re facing, and helps us out of situations that can be paralyzingly painful. And those are human seasons which we all can attest to:

Seasons of happiness.

Seasons of sadness.

Seasons of indecisiveness.

Seasons of youth.

Seasons of old.

Seasons of life.

Seasons of death,

In seasons, we can gain entry onto a higher realm of Christianity, for it is how we face the trials, and how we face the triumphant occasions that truly matter.  And with God, all things are possible, and nothing is impossible with God!

Looking to the LORD, for guidance and a fuller understanding of life, are the precursors to the “hamster on the wheel syndrome.”  Going to the LORD is the most astute and advantageous route to go.

With a broad base knowledge of His Word and applying scripture to the very course of action we pursue in life, can in fact, allow us to “jump off the wheel” and plant our feet firmly in the solid foundation, which is to say, “CHRIST.”

How are you getting along?

If you know God, I’m pretty sure your feet are steady and sure, and your exercise is not “a wheel” of indecision, but one in which you seek “higher ground, and future rewards.”

“Father, my LORD, thank You for always having my back, and for bringing me off that wheel, and through all the seasons of my life since I was born, may I stand on Your solid foundation, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” 

(Matthew 6:9)

Staring in Genesis, Adam and Eve gave into temptation in the Garden of Evil. The LORD warned them vehemently not to eat from the “tree of good and evil,” and that they could freely partake in the “Tree of Life.”

They rationalized, after they were beguiled by the serpent, but God wouldn’t hear of it.  He then passed down His judgement for their indiscretion, and for their blatant disobedience.  Because of them, we were born to be rebellious, as their sin was passed down to all of us. Sinful nature was inherited due to that ill-fated day in the “The Garden of Eden.”

Jesus changed all of that.  God loved us so much that He gave humanity another chance to “listen and repent” and to be reconciled to Him.

The Son of God came willingly to partake in the most vicious and brutal incomprehensible acts of torture for “us.”  For us!

That was the Greatest love story ever told. 

That was the Greatest love story ever demonstrated.

Accepting the LORD Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior, repenting and being born again in Him, we will be able to “join God in Paradise for eternity” when we are called home.

Following Him, obeying His commandments, and putting Him first in all things at all times, and doing all according to His will. This will produce fruits in season and rewards that will be forthcoming, here and in our eternal homes, forever more.

Worship the LORD your God, and only Him shall we serve, and with a thankful heart and a loving spirit, we go forward to accomplish that which He set us forth to do.

How amazing is our God?

How great is His love?

Do you know God and His Word?

If not, may I invite you to open your Bible’s and get to know His grace, His compassion, and His love.

“Father, thank You for Jesus, Your Son and my Savior, may I do all according to Your will and purpose in my life, I love You and will follow You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

It is clearly apparent that the LORD loves His children, as evidenced by so many miracles and circumstances that have happened since the beginning of time, and assuredly continue to this very day.  If we take the time to “search” out the matter, God will give us the wisdom to ascertain it readily, and recognize whatever it is, whenever, and wherever it is.

Of course, on the other hand, there were many things that angered the LORD and so many of His children were ‘cursed’ or punished along the way. The Bible gives prime examples of “curses and blessings” especially in the OT. Exodus is one of several places where you can read about that.

Listening, obeying and being compliant with our “LifeSource” which is to say, our One and only God, we are able to receive His promises, and blessings, and share them with others as well.

Searching out issues or scenarios comes from spiritual discernment that is a gift from God.  It allows us to focus and be a crucial part of the body of Christ. We are able to resume and counterbalance the “darkness” with the Light from God.

We are able to distinguish the fires of “hate” with the “consuming fire of Love” that stems from above and proliferates the world…if… and when we take the time to comprehend and react according to His will, and purpose for our lives.

Follow His light, and receive His love. There isn’t anything else like it in the entire world. Nothing can describe it, nothing is above it, and nothing will surpass it.

“Father, may I continue to follow Your light, guide me and show me the way, help and grant me Your wisdom and spiritual discernment, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Ezekiel 3:10
 
Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely.

God wants what is best for His children at all times, and He provides an inner sense or “awareness” for each of us to utilize fully, every single day.

That inner sense of awareness, or discernment burst forth from the Comforter and Holy Spirit, who provides paths of righteousness for us.  You know in  Psalm 23, “He restores my soul and leads me on paths of righteousness for His namesake…”  That is a promise and the spoken Word from our LORD.

When we take time to visit with Him and pray and meditate on His Word, and follow in obedience to His Will and purpose, invariably we inherently reap rewards from above. Most important, we are making our Father happy.  He is pleased and continues to guide, and bring us to meadows to lie down in.

The still waters are present for us to drink, and the bounty of living, and dwelling in His Presence all the days of our lives, is a reality that will bear fruition.

“Listening, Reflecting, obeying and loving Him” should be the priority of all our days here on earth. When we endeavor to do all we are called into purpose, life will be easier to navigate. Yes, there will be rough roads, and hurdles, or swamps…but God’s light and guidance will prevail, and we invariably will get through it as long as we believe and comply.

“LORD, thank You for the Comforter and for the wisdom that only You can provide, may I always listen, reflect, obey and adhere to Your will and purpose in my life, may I continue to place You above all else, and may my love be pleasing in Your eyes, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Proverbs 4:10
 
Hear, my son, and accept my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15 NASB

Astounding choices are readily available to most individuals. And within those choices are repercussions that can be devastating if the person makes the “wrong choice.”

Having the LORD’s grace over our lives is an insurmountable luxury and gift that goes beyond the human mind of understanding. It is an irrefutable paradox that is seated outside the realms of our vision.

Our discerning Spirit usually will guide us, yet circumstances might prevail where we might slip into an orb of indifference pertaining to our surroundings.

This is the “world” and the influence of sweeping temptations that abound, but those of the spirit will find most of the worldly goods an abomination, as does the LORD.

I’m speaking mainly and specifically about the evil that is swirling about. It’s in the air, on the news, in the media, on social media, in conversations, and in actions. It’s palpable at times and unbearable at others.

Evil seeks to thwart goodness and override the light with suffocating darkness and oblivion that can taunt those who aren’t careful. It can rip families and friends into pieces, and manifest into physical torment, or emotional pain. It can be a place of happenstance that is just there to “test your strength” and “faith.”

Can you withstand the “horrendous” flurry of evil?

It can be glaringly obvious. 

Or it can be subtle and seemingly harmless.

Remember the enemy “roars about seeking to destroy” and most times is in disguise. Not all evil is obvious, some might appear innocent. That’s why it’s so important, especially in these end times, to have the “Word” downloaded in our minds, heart and soul. It’s crucial to be able to reach into the bible and speak scripture from our hearts or others along the way.

While there isn’t “all evil” behind every corner or every bush, it’s our inherent duty as Christians to be aware, wise, and willing to walk the path of righteousness, and obedience to His will at all times.

How beautiful that we have a Savior and are able to dwell safely in His sanctuary.  How joyous to know He loves us and is with us always.

And how spectacular to know that His grace and love are above it all, and He is in control at all times.

“Father my LORD, thank You for assigning me as a servant of Your army, and for giving me the gift of Your love, and for granting me the wisdom to discern foreboding situations through Your Word, and for Your guidance and grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I find my delight in your commandments,
    because I love them.
 I revere your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statute.

Psalm 119:47-48 (NVRS)

When we take “our eyes off of ourselves” and look to the “cross,” and then imagine the entire scene of Christ going willingly to “spare” us from eternal fires, and to save us from our sins, to bring us eternal salvation…and His love for us which is beyond the scope of all human comprehension, we can’t help but be moved to tears, and quiver in humble adulation and thanks.

Ephesians chapter 3 ––I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

When we grasp the totality of who Christ is, we are invariably pulled into a vortex of unsurpassed love, and knowledge as we become grafted in the meaning of why He came to earth, why He suffered, why He died…and thankfully, why He was resurrected.

Loving Him, beyond the Sabbath, and keeping that Sabbath in our hearts daily, is inherently the most precious gift we can give Him.

Our love, our obedience, and our dedication barely touch the base of what He did for us and continues to do for us to this very moment in time.

Honoring Him with the capacity of who we are, and what we are, is essentially the basis of our Faith. Loving Him fully, and with a veracity that goes beyond anything else in our lives, is what pleases Him, and what makes us faithful followers.

Accepting Him, in our hearts as our Lord and Savior, and inviting Him in as he knocks on the door wishing to gain entry into our hearts, is single-handedly the greatest honor of a lifetime, and beyond.

Today, and every day, when we put the LORD first in all we do and treat every day as if it were the Sabbath, is a worthwhile goal/act that’s easily attainable, when you get to know Him, seek Him, and open up to His love. I promise you will never get enough of Him or His ways.

Amen!

“My LORD, may I please You today and every day of my life, may I do all that You will for my life, and may I seek You in this journey on earth, today, tomorrow and forever, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”