1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Tells Christians to give thanks in all circumstances because this is the will of God. God’s plan for our live includes us exercising gratitude, no matter what situation we have found ourselves in.

God’s will and plan are essentially synonymous. He has a will and plan for our lives. When Christians say something similar to, “I’ll be at the event tomorrow, the Lord willing,” they mean, I will be there if it’s part of God’s plan.

Think about Blessed Mother Mary, when she answered the Angel that visited her, to tell her she was “picked” to be the mother of Jesus.  Imagine if she said, “No way! That’s not part of my plans!”  Instead, she said, “Do to me as you have said.”  (Luke 1:26-38) 

This became the theme for her life going forward. She acquiesced to the LORD, and did all according to His plan, and purpose for her life.

And so should we!

When we give in to His plans, and walk according to His will, things will have specific value in all we do.

Things have a way of becoming intrinsically significant Spiritually and provides a meaningful path that is crucial to being a follower and Christian overall.

We are so grateful Mary went forward with God’s plan, Hallelujah!

And we are most important rejoicing in the fact that Jesus came forward!

For us!

To save us!

Now talk about the greatest plan of all time!  Amen!

“Father God, may I do all according to Your will, and walk the path of purpose for my life, and may I be dedicated in my Christian faith, and bring forth the good message, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.   

Psalm 1:3 (KJV)

Being in sync with God and His Word, is crucial to our well-being, and success in life overall. The Bible is a practical and handy guide, to all that we encounter all the days here on earth.

When we pray, meditate, read and “hear” His voice/His Word, we will invariably acquire all coping mechanisms necessary to all of the circumstances and Giants we face every single day.

We will grow, prosper, and give glory to God, as our roots become deeply entrenched in Him, and in turn we will bear fruit.

Allow God to increase by decreasing your “own” ways and thoughts. Surrender to His ways, His will and His love. When you do, get ready to experience growth of spirit exponentially. Amen!

Have you chatted to God today? Did you start off this morning by seeking His face?  Have you read His Word and acquiesced to His Will?

“Dear Father God, may I always seek Your face, Your word, and Your love, in all that I endeavor to do, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)

People of faith know essentially that each child of God has acquired and received different “gifts” from above.  We each have significance in the overall production of presenting them through Christ, all the days of our lives here on earth.

We mustn’t feel inadequate when we lack that which another may have. For example, a beautiful “singing” voice comes to mind immediately.  I actually get chills from hearing operatic voices singing hymns.  Sadly, when opening my mouth in song, I’m met with “sympathetic eyes” or people fleeing to get out of range of my pathetic attempt at what might pass as singing!  Well, okay, a little exaggeration for comedic effect. However, you get the idea.

Each with different gifts, callings, and abilities to serve the LORD, and be an example while helping to continue His work. Each one significant and purposeful to being “one body in Christ.”

My calling was “helping the elderly population” my entire career, in Nursing Homes.  Also, being an avid “listener” to those in distress, or in need of a comfort.”  Sometimes it can be “draining” but overall, it is so rewarding knowing God put this in my heart and adorned me with these particular gifts.

Others are called to teach, preach, speak to audiences, encourage, be first responders, serve in the military, so on and so forth.  The point is we are “all His” and we are to represent that which He gives us based on the platform He gives us.  If we turn from those gifts, I don’t believe He will be pleased…but He will still love us, unconditionally.

So, for those without “singing voices” or artistic talents, we are still God’s children, and we have purpose as long as we are here on earth.

The thing is recognizing our gifts and utilizing them full force.

And when we do, we are exalting Him in the highest purest form, because it is He who is control of handing out “the gifts”—Amen!

“God my Father, thank You for the gifts that You have given me, and for the opportunity to fulfill them, may I do all according to Your will and purpose, today, tomorrow and all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Philippians 3:17
 

Just as things get crazier by the minute in the World, something happens to reaffirm that God is still with us, no matter how harsh the reality is all around us.

My husband and I were on a busy throughway when we spotted a Snapping Turtle in the middle of road, with cars approaching from both sides.  My husband asked me to pull over so he could help it to safety.

He jumped out of our car and proceeded to hold up traffic. I was concerned, because cars were doing 50mph on both sides.  Within seconds, two pick-up trucks pulled alongside my car, on the right and the left of me.

They ran to over my husband and said, “We have a Snapper huh?” One of the men, a USA Marine held his hands up, and helped with directing the traffic, which now came to a full halt.  And the other man, a firefighter, ran to his truck and pulled out a huge shovel.

The firefighter picked up the huge turtle with the shovel, and asked, “Which side was he coming from?”  My husband told him, and he proceeded to bring it to the other side, and placed it down, ever so gently, by the hill by the lake, where he clearly came from.

When those in the cars saw what had transpired, there was a thunderous round of applause, along with whistles, coming from the passengers, which were all waiting patiently for the turtle to be rescued.

The firefighter saluted the Marine, and then they saluted my husband, who returned the salute!  It was surreal.

My eyes filled with tears, to see such kindness, and a genuine team effort to save this huge guy/omnivore from what would most assuredly have been a devastating outcome.

I thanked God for witnessing such altruistic behavior, thereby reinforcing in my heart that “goodness still exists” no matter how much evil swirls around us.

Amazing day, amazing witness to God, His children and His creatures.

If we’re careful to fully observe, we will see reflections of God in all things, we just have to “look closer” and “listen more intently” and be willing to follow God’s lead!

God saved His turtle by using my husband, and the Marine, and Firefighter, and to that I say, Praise God!

“Father God, thank You for Your creatures, big and small, for the opportunity to have been there to witness such kindness, and for Your love of all things both big and small, but most especially Your love for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Thou art my God, and I will praise thee:

thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

Psalm 118:28 (KJV)

Lord God, with thanks and joy I exalt You, and proclaim my faith and love for You to all who hear.  You alone are the One true constant in my life that gives me reasons to sing joyfully, and strength to endure, no matter what.

I adore You and declare to the Heavens, that Jesus Christ is LORD and LORD above all! Amen!

Today is no different than any other day, the world is still turning. There are still those who are still suffering, while some who are merely existing.  There are some who are boundlessly searching for answers to life overall.  Then there are others who remain on the fence about issues, or circumstances that hover over their lives.

Uncertainty is a gruesome reality when face to face with it. We’d all like to have continuity or assurance that “things will be okay,” or “that life is not circumspect, but undeniably built on a foundation of truth, honor, and victory.”

With God, we have truth, honor and victory.  Plus, we have assurance from His promises, that rewards are forthcoming.  Some receive the rewards while in the flesh, others in eternity or both.

However, make no mistake—God and His promises never waver in indecision or ambiguity.  No—in fact, God’s Word, love and promises are indisputable, and fundamentally solid, and are welcome to all those who wish to partake of His commandments and follow Him willingly.

My world grew a little smaller since the pandemic waged war on humanity, but my Spirit has grown exponentially. And for that I am blessed and grateful. Introspective analysis on one’s growth or thoughts can be fulfilling offering views of life in a different avenue.

Life is in accordance with growth. The way we grow depends on how we are “fed,” Spiritually speaking of course. God will never betray us or leave us, as promised so many times in His Holy Word.

Love and loyalty to God aren’t born out of nowhere. He first loved us (1 John 4:16) and came to “save us.”

There was a seed planted that enhanced our relationship with the LORD.  Spiritual growth brings depth of soul and ultimately a full “birth.” Born anew, and consequently enhanced by His love and guidance, we bear fruit.  But we cannot do it without Him. In order to do that, we must decrease, and He must increase. (John 3:27-36)

Exalting Him, is one of the purest forms of adulation we can offer in thanks for His Son, our Savior, and for God’s unsurpassed love and mercy.

Have you exalted Him today?

“Abba Father, thank You for being You, today, tomorrow and always, may I exalt You in all that I do and say, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

All I can say is when things get rough and circumstances seem beyond real, the One who never leaves you, and promises to give peace is there to see us through, no matter what, where when or why.

Christ’s ministry was miraculous from birth to His crucifixion and resurrection, and to this day remains in place.  His sacrifice to redeem, heal and bring salvation is ongoing, and up to us to bring the Good News forward, while giving glory to the LORD.

Being an example and sharing the light of God will allow others to bask in the “peace” in which He alone gives.

While things are getting “turbulent” in this world, it’s more important than ever to share the gospel with others. To assure those who don’t know the LORD, that they can be filled with joy, peace and wisdom, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding them, their family, or friends.

Christ is victorious OVER ALL!

Hold on to that, no matter how “dark” your days are, because the “Light” is with you always.

“Father God, may I be ever mindful of Your grace, Love, and Peace, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Acts 3:19

What is repentance?

It means living for GOD, and walking away from worldly temptations, instead walking in Godly direction.

When we sin, we need to repent, because as flesh, we are all prone to the “sinful nature” and we will always fall short. A repentant heart allows us to recognize that sinful state.  That’s when we “run” don’t “walk” into God’s arms. and ask for forgiveness, and start anew. Only He can be the One to “blot out our transgressions,” no one else.  (Isaiah 43:25)

A repentant heart is one which is always seeking to follow the ways of God. Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

A heart that is contrite and yearning for the LORD, is a heart that has been changed through Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit.  When hearts identify with GOD’s heart, it invariably draws us closer to Him, our church family, and His Word.  Ultimately, we become intimate with Him, and therefore indulge in the blessings, and joy, in sealing an intimate relationship with Him. By Him, for Him, and through Him.  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

Look around brothers and sisters, and witness what is happening all around us. Jesus warns us to be aware of the signs. Signs are all around us, in the news, on the social media, in our neighborhoods, across the continent, everywhere we look we seem to see evil.  And some, sadly are “embracing” the ungodly changes that are proliferating in our society as I type.

We need a revival, “Dear Abba Father, send us a revival” we need Your light, Your help, Your strength, Your guidance.”

There are some churches that are becoming apathetic, while seemingly accepting the rising disasters of ungodly ways, rules and issues.

Our Pastor shared an article written by Charles G. Finney.  A revival preacher, way before the great Billy Graham, and the other greats of our century.  He wrote an article (I’ve included the link below my devotional should anyone care to read it in its entirety)  it’s both profound and to the point.  And appropriate for this pivotal and dangerous time in society.

An excerpt from that article follows below.

“If a church needs a revival, it is because religion has declined in their lives and hearts. They are backsliders in heart and filled with their own ways. They have fallen into sin. They have grieved the Holy Spirit. They have disobeyed the Golden Rule. They have dishonored and wounded Christ in the house of his friends. They have betrayed the son of man with a kiss. They have held up a false light. They have been a stumbling-block to the world…”

Powerful, prolific, and prophetic.

I’m truly praying for a revival; we so desperately need it.

But it’s so much more powerful when we do it together as one body in our LORD Jesus Christ. Amen.

“Father God, we cry out to You, and we know You hear us, we cry ‘Abba Father,’ and our hearts are with You, LORD show us the way, forgive us our sins, teach us, lead us, guide us, on the path of righteousness, we need You, and You alone, only You can stop the fires of evil, only You can temper the minds of the weak, only You can heal our land, and only You can decide our fate, You are in control, we give You our hearts, and we trust You, and You alone, may Your will be done, in Jesus name, Amen.”

BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND by Charles G. Finney (charlesfinney.com)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him…” 

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

While watching the news, and listening to answers posed to individuals, I felt immediate sorrow.  The question was, “who is your hero?“  The answers were varied, the participants were a mixed batch of both young and old.  The responses came quickly to some. Most were naming “sports legends” and “actors,” but notably absent to me, was the one and only answer that jumped into my mind immediately!

JESUS!

It caused a myriad of emotions to surge within my heart, body, mind and soul.  First one was “sadness” that no one recognized the obvious answer.  The second was righteous anger for what a good portion of the population considers a “hero”   And the third was hope, that one day they will see that our LORD is the One and only, true altruistic honorable and Holy Hero!

Jesus was, is, and always will be the ONLY One who could ever have the power to save us, and we need Him to save us, so we can live with Him forever in heaven. Jesus is the ultimate Superhero with the ultimate superpower. Jesus is the Son of God.

There are many people in job capacities that can be considered heroes, but none were mentioned in the mix of this population; such as medical front line workers, all first line responders, etc. But they weren’t mentioned.

Instead…Actors? Sports legends?  That’s what this world considers heroes??? Really?

For me, the definition of a hero is “selfless and unconditional love.”   And that would emphatically represent…Jesus.  

If just one seed begins to sprout, and take root, and one sinner comes home, all of heaven will sing and rejoice.  Hence, I am ever hopeful, and always ready to share the Gospel and my love of the LORD.  It’s up to those of faith to spread the good news, and it’s up to God to do the watering.

Who is my hero?  JESUS!  JESUS!  JESUS!

Let me ask you this very important question.

“Who is your hero?”

“Father, thank You for Your Son, my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, may I always be in Your service, in Your army of righteousness, and may I always be an example of Your love in all I do, all I encounter, and all I say, thank You for being my Hero, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. PSALM 55:16 (KJV)

God encourages us to “seek Him early while He still can be found.” And “Seek Him and His Kingdom” because then we will have all the desires of our heart.  When we call upon God, in times of both good and bad, we are getting the best course of treatment for our heart, body, mind and soul. We are guaranteed the best possible plans for the course of our lifetime. When we call out to Him in prayer, we are engaging in the best communication and the most intimate type of relationship we can ever hope to establish.  In other words, “God is the answer to ALL of our needs, wants, and desires.”

Have you taken the time to call out to Him today?

“Father God, may I seek You each and every day of my life, today, tomorrow and always, I realize You are all I need and want forever and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”