Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. (Psalm 25:15 KJV)

While driving a song came on the Christian radio that said, “Keep your eyes on God, stay in the moment with Him.” And I thought, of course…I already do. However, upon further reflection I realize that there are times that all Christians will focus on something other than God.

It may be a selfish “me” moment, or it might be an “oh, that’ll happen next week” thought. It’s normal of course, the world can come crashing into our Christian “space” and deliver conflicting moments that deter our thoughts from focusing on what is right and what is real. To be in the moment with God is to truly enjoy the sanctity of His presence and to allow His Spirit to fully encompass our being, ultimately surrendering to His will while basking in His glory.

To be in the moment, is concentrating on Him and all that He requires of us, and walking in His light of righteousness. To be in the moment, is to focus on Him and not worrying about tomorrow, as Jesus so eloquently states in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

To be in the moment is to fully entrust His Omnipotence and His Sovereign power to guide us and bring us to our full purpose in life. To be in the moment is to not look at things superficially and worry about “ourselves” or sitting on a pot of “woe is me”– but instead to meditate and be one with His being.

Trials will come our way–all of us will and have faced these difficult moments–but when we focus on Him and stay in the moment with Him, an inner peace will transcend the mounting pressures and worries allowing the fire to purify and bring us closer to that mirror image of Christ. Diverse actions will abound and multiple scenarios will creep into our lives, no matter how careful or meticulous or faithful we are, but God will always be there with us to guide us through. And, when we focus on Him and drink in His vitality and His essence of the true living waters…we’ll be able to get through any desert and He’ll nurture us in the process as He brings us through the valleys of decline, and before long we’ll be on the incline.

His eyes are on us at all times, His hands is outstretched and His heart filled with love never ending for His children. With His promises, and His sacrifices, and His depth of compassion and knowledge, shouldn’t we concentrate on the “Great I am?” instead of focusing on worthless worrying that’ll do us no good.

Worrying, as Jesus teaches, will not amount to any good. All the worrying will not change a thing. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25)

God is in control at all times…we don’t have to worry, He has our back!

Faith is in itself a gift from God. He opens ears and opens eyes to those who have a heart for Him. However, be it known, that He can turn a heart of stone into a veritable loving and compassionate one. His divine will, and His plans according to our purpose, for our good, always for our good.

For those going through difficult times at this moment, take solace, He’s with you. He’ll not forsake you, nor will He ever abandon you. He will lead you through your adversity, whether it’s grief, physical illness, despair over finances, a troubling relationship, or whatever the case may be…He’s there for you. He loves you, and He will always be your Father forevermore.

To those who are suffering through a crisis, please concentrate on Him, and allow Him to be in control while entrusting Him with your path and your pain. Stay in the moment, embrace His presence and bask in His glory. The pain will eventually subside and the situation will undoubtedly leave. However, God will always be with you. As our amazing Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promised and said– “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

Thank You my LORD God, Father how I love You, I give You my heart and know You own my soul, keep me alive and pulsating in Your Word, as I do all according to Your will, now and always, in Jesus precious and loving name, Amen.”

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 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble…”

(Matthew 26:34 )

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD
(Proverbs 8:35 KJV)

The Lord is constantly watching over His children no matter the circumstances…which includes background, finances, race, creed, age, so on an so forth. Yesterday was a prime example of God protecting and caring for all of His children.

My husband and I had finished an errand and upon reaching our car our hearts were drawn to a homeless man. He was in tattered clothes with a heaping shopping cart filled with his treasures, everything he owned was in that cart. He had a look that I’ve seen many times during my career as a counselor in nursing homes, the look of desperation through a vapid stare. I told my husband he probably was one of the countless many that were “mentally ill” on the streets. We both wanted to “help” him, but I knew he’d probably not be accepting of assistance.

My husband approached him gently with food and money…the individual started moving backward with flailing arms as he fervently sought to run from my husband, while shouting, “Not me, not me!” I called my husband warning him not to go any further. The wisdom of the Spirit began warning me from the beginning, and so it came to pass that the Spirit once again was undeniably correct.

My husband was a little stunned, and disappointed that he couldn’t help him. I assured him that God was pleased with him for trying– however, He protected not only us, but the “homeless man” as well. This homeless man had food in his cart, clothes, and other items that were somehow presented to him, in a way, and an environment that he accepted. God is the sole provider of such provisions. He knows how to care for all of His creation. As Jesus told lovingly told His followers, God takes care of everything and not to worry for anything.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 KJV)

There is never a reason to worry or be anxious for anything. The Lord is in control, His wisdom and His protection and His love abound, forever and always. He is the same as He was at the beginning as He is today and always…
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

We walked away with mixed feelings, sorry for that individual’s circumstances as we said a prayer aloud. However, we realized that God will always provide for His needs. He sees and knows what we as His children need.
We are all His children, yet different areas in terms of what we need. We may have different levels of education, different upbringing, and a different ways of getting through what we term LIFE. For me, I am alive because of HIM, and He alone gave me LIFE. Because without God, there is no LIFE.

That man yesterday, “our brother” through Christ, may have an unconventional way of existing, while getting through his time on earth. His cart was filled by our Father, again…the sole provider for all of His creation.
I thank the Lord for protecting us and telling us to “move along” quickly as it could have been a tricky situation to say the least. The Holy Spirit prompted me, and we obeyed readily. So thank you my God…I love you.

In closing, although there are some situations that cannot be “changed” by man…we know with confidence through God—and only through God– can it turn around. And although that homeless individual may or may not realize it, God has been providing for him all along and will continue to do so.

Regardless of our circumstances, we have one common denominator…we ALL NEED GOD. Amen & Amen~

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

(Matthew 6:27-30 KJV)

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live: and go in the way of understanding.

(Proverbs 9:5-6 KJV)

 
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42-2 (KJV)

Thirsting for our one and only Living God is a feeling that most believers experience and most have trouble expressing into words.  It is an undeniable “thirst” that can only be quenched by the LORD and His love.  It is an inner longing that can only be filled by the joy of loving Him.

Can we be loved by anyone as God loves us?

Can anyone sacrifice their child for us?

Can anyone continuously forgive our transgressions and iniquities as God has?

Of course the answer is a resounding and unmitigated NO!

God and God alone is the One and only Being that is capable of a love toward us that is indefinable and beyond the scope of our understanding while in this human body.

But what we do know and understand is that HE LOVE US.

As we feel His love and get to know Him we become engaged to the point of “desire” in getting to know Him on deeper levels and yearn to know Him fully and completely.  How can we do this?

By opening His book and reading His Word.  Hearing His voice. Following His commandments, and loving Him as we surrender to Him fully. Going to Him while boldly proclaiming and declaring our love and dedication is pleasing to Him as well as to our own heart and soul.

Panting and longing for His love?

You can find it in His Word, and within your own heart.

He is there, inside of all of us…waiting for us to love Him, while gently leading us into His green pastures and living water.

Love Him, openly and willingly…make that choice and rest in His love while He tends to you in His pasture.

Amen!

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

LIFE- Living:  This is not a dress rehearsal, our lives it’s the real thing, right now, right here.  As we go through the minutes and seconds of our lives we are gathering up incidents and acts that will be reflected not only in this life here and now, but more important, for our future and permanent home, the Kingdom of the Lord…Heaven.

We are accountable for all of the seconds in which we are breathing here on Earth. When we stand before God, we will be judged to what the LORD gave us as opportunities according to our mind, body and purpose.  God has invested in us as individuals, each one held accountable for what gifts He has given us.  We all have a different purpose according to our minds, our circumstances, and what we are capable of.  But, each one of us no matter what gifts the LORD has given expects us to deliver on those gifts, and do according to His purpose…and so we are accountable in how we live our opportunities and the relationships we have, and how we live out our seconds here on life.

Are you living out your life according to His purpose? Are you living your life according to the opportunities God has given you?  Are you living your life according to God’s commandments? Reflect on that for a moment?  Are you?

If we violate the will of God and hurt others or do things not favorable in God’s sight, and we will be judged accordingly.  Whether we are welcomed home for eternity?  Are you living a life that will be pleasing to God when we stand before Him?  No one is perfect…but He knows our hearts and weaknesses, and how we go forth each day is not lost on Him…there is and will be an account of our lives.

How do we do it?

First—We accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Ask for forgiveness of your sins and accept Him in your heart as your Lord and Savior.

Second— we look at how we are living our life, what are we doing to apply the gifts the LORD has given us.  For example…How do we give of our resources, and in what way do we honor Him?

Third– think about what is Pleasing to our LORD.  Before you make any decision, think about where is the LORD in your priorities?  Because all decisions have repercussions, whether good or bad.  There is a rippling affect.

Fourth–How do we start the day?  Thank Him. Give Him Glory. Trust Him and lean not on your own understanding, and He will direct your path.   Be not wise in your own eyes, love the LORD, keep from evil, and it will be health to your navel and marrow to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-6

How we live out our life is how God will judge us, and how we will be rewarded.

God is a loving forgiving and compassionate Being, who loves us more than we can ever comprehend, after all He sent His only begotten Son for our sins, to save us and to live with Him forever after our lives are over.
Accountability for our actions and how we live.

Ask yourself this, “Am I living a life that is worthy of the LORD and am I ready to stand before Him at judgment day?”    And, if not, why not?

“Father God, I believe in You and trust You with all of my heart and soul, please continue to guide my path in all that I do, may I bring You joy and honor every second of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Give us this day our daily bread…”
Luke 11:11

Seeking God and His will in earnest through His daily Word is a reward and joyful acclimation in being one with the LORD.

When we have the heart for our Father, He knows. We can’t fool Him, He searches our hearts for that which we feel. Because some “say” things aloud, but inwardly, their heart is not of what their lips are saying.
Seeking Him in earnest, on a daily basis in all that we do is tantamount to the well being of our existence, and more important, in so doing, we are pleasing to our Father.
Giving the whole heart to God in Love:

Deut 6:5– And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might…
When we love Him fully and completely with a true heart we are following His commandments and fulfilling His will and purpose in our life.

In Obedience:
Psalm 119:2 –Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart…
When we seek Him earnestly, we are truly engaging our spirit with His Spirit and coming up higher, and therefore we are blessed and rewarded by His grace and promises.

In Trust:
Proverbs 3:5—Trust in the Lord with thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Our Father is a loving God, and a patient God, and a Faithful God. He wants our love, and He wants us to acknowledge and seek Him, and lean on Him. He is our strength, and our Light to guide our path. We are not of His intelligence, nor do we begin to understand the platitudes of His love and wisdom concerning His children.

In Prayer:

Je 29:13: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart…
Again, He knows our heart. He can hear and see heart filled with true love and obedience. Therefore, when we do seek Him in earnest, we will “find Him…”

Finally, In Repentance:

Joel 2:12: Therefore also now, said the LORD, turn you even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Full hearts of love and penance are called for to continue in our walk with Him. As we are not perfect, we will all fall short, and all we can do each time is to repent, and the LORD will forgive. He loves us, and wants us to share in eternity with Him.
So seek Him in earnest.
Love Him.
Seek Him.
Be obedient
Trust Him.
Pray and speak with Him daily.
And repent.
This in accordance to His purpose in all things we shall fulfill the goal of our lives as Christians and children of Faith, and children of God.
Did you tell Him that you Love Him today?
If not, what are you waiting for?

Amen.

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The Lord’s Prayer
(Luke 11:1-4)

5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 23:3
So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

The Bible shows and teaches us how vital it is to our Witness of the Gospel to live what it says.  In other words, to live by the Words of the LORD and to practice it as best we can, every single day.  It we don’t do so, we are in danger of bringing reproach to the Word of God, for God takes it seriously the call to practice what we preach.

 It’s so important that we mirror ourselves by example.  It’s critical that our examples in which we behave is matched to our “talk.”  If it is God’s ways, then it should be ours.

Jesus warned  the scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites.  Eight times Jesus pronounces woes upon those that he calls hypocrites, and fools, and often referring to them as blind or serpents; “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” –Matthew 23:13 (NKJV)

The LORD wants us to be reflective of His Words through not only our thoughts, but in our hearts and therefore in our actions.  We can’t just “say we follow God” and then go off on another direction. We must follow God and be on course and remain in the parameters of which He stands for. We must engage others by being a prime example of what God is all about, walk in the light, show others His light through all we that we do.

Remember the question that was asked to Jesus…and what Jesus answered in Matthew 22?

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him,

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”    Matthew 22:36:-40 (NKJV)

We can’t base our faith on human reasoning but on the Word of God and the amazing God that brought it into being. It may appear quire foolish to many, and so be it…but the Word of God will stand forever when all else is gone.  The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God will last forever. (Isa 40:8)

Love for God and love for all of us made in His image are the basis and backbone of everything that’s in God’s Word. Love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom 13:10)

So, wherever you go, and whatever you do, do it for the love of God, and promote the good news, and share the Gospel as you shine His light while proclaiming His glory. And when others ask you, “How can I get what you have?”  Speak about God and His pure unconditional unadulterated love…and continue “practicing what you preach” to be assured of your rewards in heaven.

“Father, help us to bring Your Gospel to those who haven’t heard it, or know You, lead us and show us the way Lord, as we proclaim Your glory, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 50:17
For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.

Isaiah 42:20
Though seeing many things, you do not observe. Though your ears are open, you hear nothing.”

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