Acts 10:34 (KJV)

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said,

Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

God loves us irrespective of our circumstances, our looks, or our physical stamina.  In other words, we are all equal in His marvelous sight.

When David was used to kill Goliath, he was barely an adolescent, a young man.  Yet, God called upon Him to be used for His purposes, and for His glory.

Moses was an old man and not an eloquent speaker, and yet God used Him for His purposes and for His glory to bring His people out of bondage.

When we begin to understand that God will use us for His purposes no matter who we are in this lifetime…we will understand that we are loved by Him unconditionally, and that when God “calls” us, we should respond willingly and without hesistation.

God wants us to depend on Him, and run to Him in good times and bad.  He wants us to prosper, and to accomplish much in our lifetime here on earth.  And, it is through Him that we will be able to carry out His plans accordingly, if we “listen” to His commands.

There are so many verses in the Bible, our Father’s love letter to us, in which numerous examples exist, where God brings purpose, and writes history through His children.  This is still going on today, even if it’s not being officially recorded in a “book.”

It happens each time a person helps someone in dire need.

It happens each time a person reaches out to a stranger in the land.

It happens each time a person helps a child in need.

It happens each time a person helps a widow in need.

It happens each time a person volunteers at a nursing home.

It happens each time a person extends their hand in thanks to a Veteran.

And, so it goes…since the beginning of time.  God’s glory and God’s purpose, and will, is still going on today.  There is nothing “old fashioned” or “outdated” about being His vessel for His purposes.

Sometimes, His purpose means to be doing exactly what you’re doing all along.  Like, taking care of your family.  Caring for your pet.  Being an unconditional friend or counsel to a lonely person.

It’s important to be tuned into His voice and His purpose for us in life.  When we “listen, pray, and commune with our Father” you’ll be surprised at what we can accomplish through Him.

Amen~

Deuteronomy 10:17
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

Job 34:19
Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands?

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

Romans 9:14
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Absolutely not!

Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon Thee; Thou saidst, “Fear not.”    (Lamentations 3:57  KJV)

The LORD tells us continuously “do not fear” because “I am with you” and that promise was true then and is still true to this very day.

His love and His voice should be apparent to those of faith, He is ever watchful and vigilant in protecting His children, twenty-four hours a day…seven days a week.  That means He’s watching and protecting us even while we sleep.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

( Joshua 1:9 KJV)

He is  always on the path of righteousness and upholds us with His loving right hand. He sent His only begotten Son to redeem us.  Our kinsman redeemer Jesus Christ…what have we to fear? We have a God that so loved us that He sent His Son to save us.

Why should we fear?  No reason when we have our LORD in our corner.

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob and He that formed thee, O Israel fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  (Isaiah 43:1 KJV )

The commandments in which we aspire to live each day are words from which our Father spoke to those from days of old…and to those which pertain to the days in which we currently live.  The words of the LORD applied to those children (our ancestors) and all ongoing generations for all time, until the end of time.  We are still subject to His words, and still products of His love…and His will.

Why would we fear?   No need to fear when we have the LORD with us.

When we cry Abba Father, He hears us.

He hears us within our thoughts and heart.

Even when we don’t speak, or know what to say, or ask for, He hears us and answers us.  Keeping in mind that He will answer us according to His will, and His own time frame.  Not ours.

He is with us in the darkest times, His light shines through.  His presence constantly leading us, guiding us…touching us.

He wants to grant us His perfect peace.  We need to embrace it, and hold on to His promises, while living a life of faith and trust in Him for all things.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ( Psalm 23:4)

He is the gateway to our eternity.

His light and His word and His love…the substance of in which we live.

The harness of love that He offers to us keeps us secure in a world in which evil is running rampant.

His voice is LIFE.

His mercy is LOVE.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  (Psalms 34:4 KJV)

The LORD will return to gather His own.

 The Lord is our light and our salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of our life—of whom shall we be afraid?  (As it states in Psalm 27:1…no need to fear.  He is with us! Hallelujah!)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm  55:22  He will never disappoint us. Man will.  God never will. God cares for us in ways that are profound and beyond comprehension.) 

In closing… please remember this:

 He is watching,

He is listening,

He is with us always.

With such a loving and great powerful GOD, I ask you this:

Why would we fear anything or anybody?

Thank you LORD!

The glory and praise and honor be Yours, now and always. I love You.

The Bible talks a lot about communication with God. In fact, a good portion of it speaks about our relationship and communication to God.  Our relationship with Him, and His relationship to us.  Prayer is a huge form of communication for those of faith, and the LORD wants us to seek Him with all of our hearts.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

So many prophets and great people of the Bible sought God in prayer. Moses cried out to Him many times during his 40 year walk in the desert.

“And Moses cried unto the Eternal One, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” (Numbers 12:13)

Praying is powerful mind, body, and soul experience.  When you have a relationship with the LORD,  it’s so rewarding no matter the outcome.  What I mean by that is this. We pray and have important alone time with the Father.  And even when  prayers aren’t answered…the connection to Him is rewarding in itself.

Praying can produce instant results—as I’ve been  witness to many times—or it might take a long time before He answers.  Sometimes, the answer might not come because He has other plans for us.    God knows what’s best, and He sees things that we don’t, therefore, we might not understand “why.”

What I can say is this. When we pray with a contrite heart and with complete faith in Him and His Word, we’re conforming and connecting with Him on an intimate level. We need to be sincere in our approach. We can’t fool Him, He knows if we’re sincere and He knows if we have or display great faith. If we simply “act” or have a “lack of faith” — He’ll know.

“If one turns away his ear from hearing My teachings, even his prayer is not heard.” (Proverbs 28:9)

As with our regular “daddy” on earth.  So many of us had/have a great relationship with their dad, we know what it’s like to sit and talk from the heart.  It’s easy, light, and comforting.  I know I did, I was able to sit for hours with my dad and speak about anything.  We should be able to do that with our Father in heaven.

When we connect to the LORD,  we’re able to go to Him for anything and everything. He is waiting with open arms, open ears, and a caring heart.  He wants us to lean on Him and trust Him. Don’t wait to run to Him when you’re broken, or need help.   Talk to Him always… in good times…and in bad.  Talk to Him for decisions in life.  Talk to Him to declare your “love for Him.”

He’s our Father, He loves us, talk to Him in prayer, in song, out loud, or quietly in your private room.  The point is…just “talk” to Him.  I can tell you this, He is an amazing listener, and He really loves you unconditionally.

Don’t take my word for it…try it for yourself and watch what happens.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV)

Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest–a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.  (Psalms 39:12 NLT)

(Deuteronomy 13:18 KJV)   God says: “When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all His commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.”

We might not see things clearly through our “own eyes.” There are plenty of things that can distort or warp our own eyesight. For example, sin can make us see things differently than what they actually are. That is to say, the fruits of the “flesh.”  If we’re not careful, enjoying fruits of “flesh”  will stop us from  enjoying  beautiful fruits of the “Spirit.” Fleshy acts will prevent the growth of the spirit.  Flesh can be lustful, and demanding,  bringing great anguish, because the flesh and spirit war against each other, as stated so eloquently in Galatians 5:17:

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

When individuals engage in “fleshy” aspects we’re starving our spirit within.  The fruits of  “flesh” can cloud up our spiritual eyesight, and we might not know right from wrong through our own eyes.  Of course, the “fruits” of the “flesh are not good fruits.”  They are not going to grow or prosper the way the true “fruit of the spirit” will.  The spiritual fruit will continue to grow and bring forth more fruit!  The flesh fruit will not produce good fruits.  It will not produce growth in the spirit.

God doesn’t see things the way we do, nor is His ways anywhere close to our ways.  He is above all else, but He is there to guide us with His Word, and His love. He is long suffering, and will be there for us to help us through temptations in life, and will always show us a way out.  ( 1Corinthians 10:13)

How then do we begin to know what’s right in the eyes of the LORD? We listen to His Word, we keep His commandments.  That’s a good way to improve your spiritual vision.

In Joshua, chapter 6 the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. It was an easy victory for Israel, because God had a vision, and Joshua followed what was right in God’s eyes, not his own.

God placed a ban on everything in Jericho, meaning all was to be destroyed except the gold and silver which was to be placed in the tabernacle.  That was what was “right in God’s eyes.”  But, there was a man amongst Joshua’s army who thought he knew better than God concerning the gold and silver.  He didn’t listen to God…nor did he obey by God’s vision.  He went with His own vision, and from there, they had trouble and no more victories. The LORD ceased in His blessings to them.  Until the “accursed thing” was taken from their midst and placed in the tabernacle, God was not in their corner, nor did He go before them.

God states and outlines what He expects of His children throughout the Bible. From the beginning, in Genesis, concerning “Adam and Eve” with which tree to eat from.  To the end of the book in Revelation, stating what His children should do, the outcome is revealed in the last book of the Bible, showing the rewards of “obeying and walking with spiritual eye”  in other words, God’s vision not ours, in God’s eyes, not our own eyes.

The LORD is so patient with His children, and will always forgive us, and reward us for our efforts. We’re not perfect, and we all fall short sometimes during this lifetime, God still loves us and is there to help us. We’re weak, He’s strong.  We’re human, He’s a Sovereign being.   We will sin, He forgives.

Do that what is right in the Father’s eyes and be blessed!

(Deuteronomy 13:18  KJV)

“When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all His commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)

⁹ Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

How many times have we sought to understand a situation or event in which we can’t wrap our minds around, stumbling in confusion during the process?   It happens, to all of us.  Eventually, a scenario, or occurrence, will thwart the progression of our comprehension, thereby bringing about an unsettled state of mind in the interim.

In simpler terms, when things occur in our life concerning loved ones, or us as a whole, our mind can become clogged with uncertainties.  We can stumble into a web of confusion and chaotic scenarios that go in circles.  That’s when we run to the One who is “ever faithful” and can help. The One who is precise in His direction, and guidance, and the One who will never leave us, good times or bad…the One who cares for us like none other, the LORD our God.

His covenant, and His promises, fold out so clearly in His Word. The precise message pours over the buds in our mind like golden honey.  Sweet, how sweet is thy Word LORD.

Consider this, the Creator of the Universe is wise beyond all measure, and surpasses anything that our human minds can truly begin to absorb.  So…isn’t it natural to turn to the Creator since He not only made everything, but loves us as well?  Doesn’t He want us to be in peace as He so firmly states in Jeremiah 29:11:   “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

The LORD is slow to anger, and so loving, and protective of us. His compassion is everlasting and peaceful. He is the fine tuning we need in order to be effective in life. His precision and determination in promoting us is evident in all of His promises and quotes…if only we take the time to embrace and establish them within our hearts.

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15 KJV)

The steps, or paths, in front of us, may not always be “smooth” — in fact,  they could be broken, making it difficult to walk upon— but God in His infinite Wisdom, compassion, mercy, faithfulness, and love, is the compass of  which we should seek direction.

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. (Psalm 119:90 KJV)

He is open for “talks” and “prayer meetings” 24 hours a day. He is never on vacation, nor does He take His eyes from us for even one second of His day. His love extends from the heavens to the earth, protecting and guiding us, when we seek, and ask, and knock.

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 36:5 KJV)

So where ever we are in life, or whatever is happening around us, that covers both “good times” and “bad” — remember, there is the ever constant One that loves us, who will never leave us, never forsake us, and is with us always: God, our amazing LORD, our Father, the Rock of ages, and the King of kings, and LORD of lords.

 He is amazing and a true blessing.  By His grace we are who we are, and by His hands of love, we stand in peace and are comforted, should we know how to access His throne.

As it’s stated in His holy Word:

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

(Hebrews 4:16 KJV)

Think about that scripture above for one moment okay? We have  a loving God, ready, willing and able to be at our assistance, any time of  day or night.  Now take it in, and take a deep breath.    Can we  find anything more comforting than that?  Hmmmm?

“Father, thank You for Your faithfulness,  Your precision, and love concerning our well being, we love You, and are blessed to be loved by You, we exalt Your name on high, and careful to give You all the glory, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen…” 

*****

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Psalms 40:10 KJV

Matthew 14:29-31King James Version (KJV)

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst doubt?

This lesson is one of crucial essence for those of faith.  When Peter stepped out of the boat he was looking at Jesus. What happened when he took his eyes off Jesus?  He began to “sink” into the huge ocean.  That was Peter’s mistake taking his eyes from Jesus, because he was doing just fine until he “saw” the commotion going on around him.

In today’s times, it’s no different than it was then. The ocean “sought to engulf” Peter and swallow him up into the murky deep dark depths. The enemy seeks to devour us and pull us into the “deep dark murky” world of sin.

When we keep our eyes fixed on the LORD we are able to sustain and prevail with His help and His guidance. How does this happen?  Faith. Pure and simple…faith.  And, eyes on the LORD. Our faces as flint pointed toward the Holy City and the LORD.

The LORD was a little disappointed in Peter saying, “oh thou of little faith” — for He wanted Peter to be bold in his faith and belief. He wanted him to “rely” on Him and be assured that with His help and guidance no one will sink. We are protected through His mercy and love.

When times get rough…that is when we need to “walk on water” all the more.  With eyes on Jesus, we can stay afloat amidst the turmoil and most horrendous of times.  Sure, the word can become “choked” in the happenings of circumstances, but it’s up to us to embrace His promises and stand on His word, and we will stand strong as His right hand holds us up.

It’s through His love that we stand tall, and it’s by His strength that sustains the weak, and it’s by His mercy that we are forgiven and protected.

Stormy weather?  Calm seas?  Keep your eyes on the LORD and know that He is captain of our ship and is in complete control, always.  Amen…

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  (Matthew 16:27)

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments..

Psalm 119:10

Seeking God and obeying might sound like a really simple or basic premise; however there are so many examples in God’s Word who chose not to obey God.  As a matter of fact, it might surprise some, but those who chose to obey is the exception rather than the majority.

We really should adhere and obey God, for so many reasons, but the main one being, “it pleases the Father so much.”  He tells us to do it throughout His beautiful “Word”  — I would truly imagine that nothing pleases Him more than seeing His children diligent in their search for His face and understanding of His Word, or Voice.

In Genesis 22:1- 2… is one such example of obedience and trust, displayed by Abraham.  God gave an instructive course of action for him to pursue and complete, and He obeyed unconditionally without hesitation.

“And it came to pass after these things that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, “Abraham” and he said, “behold here I am” And He said, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”

(Genesis 22:1-2)

Jesus was and is God’s only begotten Son, He would later offer His Son for the sins of the world.  But in this case, God wanted to see and test Abraham’s faith, trust, and obedience.  He passed the test with flying colors if you will. And, he was rewarded openly.

There is a spiritual war going on at all times. God wants to be able to depend on His children, and in so doing will protect and reward us openly.   In Abraham’s situation he didn’t ask any questions.  He went to Mount Moriah, also known as Golgatha and Calvary.  This is where God would allow His Son to be sacrificed some nineteen hundred years later.  For us…

God offered His Son, and Jesus obeyed. Jesus willingly spilled His blood for the sins of the world. Jesus obeyed God…His Father.  Obedience without hesitation.  The obedience of Abraham to God was foretelling of what was to come.  His obedience would lead to generations from his seed to bring the Messiah into the world to “save us.”  His obedience was rewarded…his son was spared, and through his lineage would come the Messiah.

Behavior always will  have consequences.  The difference is that certain behaviors can have repercussions that aren’t pleasant.   When we behave according to His will and obey His word…the rewards are boundless.

Consider this,  not only was Abraham’s son Isaac spared and saved by obedience… so too were we. Amen~

 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, “By Myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That is blessing I will bless the, and in myltiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore: and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies: And in thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed: because thous hast obeyed My voice.”

(Genesis 22:15-18 )

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, And shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…”   ( Revelation 7:17)

You know the Egyptians didn’t associate with Shepherds believing they were the lowly and not worthy.  When I think about a Shepherd Jesus Christ comes to my mind immediately, as I’m quite sure most of you will agree.  The other two are Moses, and we all know what he accomplished through God…leading his people from slavery through the desert for 40 years.  And, then the other, of course, is David.  A poor Shepherd boy who stood up to Goliath and slew him…not because he was strong, but because his faith in God was strong.

But, let’s go back to the Lamb of God…the Head Shepherd…our Shepherd…Jesus Christ.

Sheep need constant tending for they will wander off.  They’re not the most intellectually capable of animals ( or so it’s be said) and they keep their heads down while grazing and could wander off in the process, or get lost if there isn’t a good shepherd tending to them.  A good shepherd will watch, lead and guide the little sheep, big and small, keeping them in the pasture so they won’t get lost.

Jesus Christ is our Head Shepherd and watches over us, tends to us, and will keep us safely in His pasture.  And, should one get lost…He will rejoice when He comes home and is “found” and no longer lost.  Like the “sheep” who get lost when their head is down, so too can we become “lost” in this world if we’re not diligent and watchful.  We must keep our eyes on the Lord and become transfixed in His Word.

In John 10:27,  Jesus says:   My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  He also tells us in Matthew 25:32   “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:”   

We will stand before Him one day and He will know His sheep as we know Him.  The tender loving Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep…Our Shepherd.

He neither leaves us nor forsakes us. He is the same as He was since the beginning of time.  He is always there for us. Always.  When we listen, obey and observe…we will “hear His voice” for He always has something to say…if we “know Him” we will “hear Him.”

Jesus, Son of man.  The Lamb of God. Our Head Shepherd. Our  King.  

Our Protector.

Our Defense.

Our Rock.

Our Redeemer.

Our Lord.

Our Everything.

Our Companion.

Our Confidant.

Our Counselor.

Jesus Christ. Born into humble surroundings for us. He could have chose to be born into luxurious surroundings but chose the complete opposite.  Why?  To walk as man in order to be the propitiation for our ugly sin of the world.

Now that’s love personified.

Do you call upon Him? Do you feel His presence?

 Are you a sheep? Or are you a goat?

Do you know His voice?

Listen, then fall in love…

****

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  (Matthew 25:31-34)

****

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.       (2 Chronicles 7:14)