“It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”

Romans 9:16

As a follower and one of faith, there is a consistent theme. We grasp the universal experience that all God’s people and their salvation is of God’s will. 

God’s mercy is powerful and loving. It was Christ, His Son, the unblemished Lamb, offering us salvation, through God’s will. 

It is His glory, and offering that allows us to be forgiven, and transformed by His Spirit, and it is His will that governs this world. 

Of course, we ultimately have “free will” but never forget that He is in control of ALL things at all times and can change things in a nano-second.

I’ve many stories that I’ve written about in my books, concerning miraculous recoveries, full blown healings, and divine intervention.  I always fully believe that no matter the scenario, we go to God in full prayer.  When a human says “no” — God says “yes.”  If HE WILLS IT so.

A doctor can help diagnose a patient, and then speak about the proposed treatments.  But only God can do “the healing” if it’s according to His will. 

A friend of mine needed heart surgery, she had a hole in her heart, several blockages, plus a leaky valve. The doctor wanted to put her into surgery immediately, but my friend wanted to go home and pray about it.  Some people might think that’s foolish. But to her it was important, as she is a devout Christian in every sense of the word, and felt she needed to pray long and hard for God’s direction.

She waited about one month, much to the chagrin of her family, children, grandchildren, etc.  She had her pastor pray over her, along with deacons of the church, anointing her with oil as they did so. (James 5:14)

She then went back to the doctor to ask him to take another Cat Scan angiogram of her heart. The doctor thought it was “unnecessary radiation” and urged her to just schedule the surgery.  My friend insisted on the cat scan, and so the doctors begrudgingly agreed, and after the diagnostic test, went to review the findings.

After about 50 minutes, three doctors came in looking perplexed as what she described as totally baffled and perplexed.

“Well Jane, we don’t know what happened, but your heart is like a 30-year-old. No sign of clogged arteries, your valve is not leaking, and there is definitely no hole in your heart. We can’t explain it. We processed and reprocessed the findings, and no doubt we must have made a mistake the first time we diagnosed your condition.”

To which my friend said, ” Excuse me Doctor, but have you met my God?”  

And that is only one, of several hundred cases that I personally know of with spontaneous healings, that some doctors explain away as accidents, or errors. 

However, we as Christians, know that God heals, and there isn’t anything God can’t do. And with God there is no such thing as an “accident or coincidence.”

With man it’s impossible. With God ALL things are possible. 

Those of you who are facing trials, whether physical, emotional, mental, know that God is with you. And even if “humans” are dictating the course of your life, know that only GOD can change things.  Only God is in control, now and always.

Never give up, never lose hope, and always, most of all, trust in God, and His miraculous power and infinite love.

Remember, “Humans might say No.” 

But only God, can say “YES!”

“Father, may I always know that You and You alone are in control of my life, I am in Your capable and loving hands, all the days of my life, and may I never lose sight of Your unending mercy and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“Thank You Father, for Your unconditional never-ending love and guidance, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Corinthians 15:57

So, this weekend I was engaged in a lengthy conversation with a fellow believer, who was truly worried about “being anxious” at times as well as “nervous” about all that’s happening in our world.  She was scared of “eternal” damnation due to her “feelings” at times, and consequently “beating” the drum to tunes of “woe is me.”

Of course, all of us are familiar with the Philippians verse “Being anxious for nothing” understanding and accepting God was with His children all those years ago. (Philippians 4:6) He is with each of us this very day as well. To save us and to meet our needs and is working a purpose in us according to His will.

Being anxious for nothing means making our requests known through the power of prayer. And by giving thanks we thereby recognize through prayers, our full acknowledgement to our Sovereign God. It is through our trust and reliance in God, that ultimately results in profound peace that extinguishes fear and worry.

Okay.  So that is all well and true.  However, my friend who is a Christian, is doubting herself because of her conflicting anxiety, and phobic behavior, that crops up, every now and then.  What do we say about that?

All I know is that we are “human.”

God knows this, and it is by His hands that we get through issues pertaining to the human frailties that exist, and will continue to exist, as long as we are in the “flesh.”  If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need God now, would we?

It is through our weakness, that He sustains us through His strength.  It is His love and guidance that heals us, and forgives us repeatedly, when we repent.

Walking in the Spirit is a concerted effort every single minute we’re awake. There are things in this ‘world’ that lay in wait for us. Images reflected in media, scads of evil deeds being perpetrated upon innocent victims, conflicting ideologies clashing across the world, social media insinuating into countless minds subliminally, so on and so forth.  It is exceedingly challenging to say the least, because walking in the Spirit when we’re encased by “flesh” is a contradiction overall. The two are always clashing with the other.

The flesh is “needy, greedy, self-serving and weak.”  The Spirit is “strong, compassionate, selfless, and loving.”  Conflicting and adversarial, as one is so different than the other.  Again, God is aware!  He is brilliant and all-knowing Omnipotent and loving. We are all human!

We will face “anxiety or fear” during our lifetime, because we are in fact human.  Again, that’s where God, the Word, and our tenacity to forge ahead while keeping our eyes, heart and mind on Christ. For it is only through Him that we are victorious.

Honestly, I told my friend, “I have faced many a day where I wanted to crawl into bed and shut out the world. I like David have faced giants, and like David I have been victorious through Christ alone.  Yes, I feel anxious at times, yes, I face fears at times…especially in today’s harsh unrecognizable world.  But it is by prayer, and fully seeking God and His wisdom, and His Kingdom that enables me to be successful. The battle lies in the minds of the believers. We must keep our minds on things from above.

I don’t feel guilty about “being human” because God created me as such. But His Spirit is within me, and dwells in me.  As He does in all believers.  So, when we harness the power of the Spirit to guide us, and trust God implicitly that He will bring us through the valleys of indecisions and derisions, He will safely bring us to harbor, away from the storms and” ugliness of the world” and secure us through the beauty of His unconditional love.

WE are of faith but being of faith doesn’t mean we aren’t human.  Remember that the next time you face your own personal Goliath!

“Father God, thank You for knowing I am human, may I continue to rely on You for strength, guidance, and direction, may I be led by Your Spirit in all my paths, and may I always understand that You are in control, may I continue to look to You for all things, thank You for Your love which is never-ending, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

How do we receive God’s peace?

One of the key components is to remember without a semblance of doubt that “we are not of this world.”  However, we do “live” in the world, and by being in the world we are subject to chaotic moments that will try to steal our inner calm.

Our hope is in Christ because obviously in Him we all will have true and lasting peace. He promised us, and when have you ever known God to “pull back on His Word?”  Never and so we know it to be true, we find peace in Him and through Him.

Some of our greatest challenges in life is to trust God especially while we are afflicted with inner turmoil or exposed to a whirlwind of stress and despair. But our Father wants us to “keep your mind fixed on Him.” Peace of God will come from remembering His promises and allowing Him to guide us while teaching us His ways; in other words, fully surrendering to His will and realizing He is fully in control, this very moment and always.

Jehovah Shalom which is interpreted to mean — “I am the God of peace.”

The LORD is peace, and when we take the time to look at all of the verses in the Bible speaking about His peace, we begin to absorb, and take in the full meaning of “who He is” and what it means to open up to Him and His glory. As we read and “hear” the Word, our faith is reinforced and strengthened to higher heights of Christianity.

Our peace can be threatened by scenarios or situations that might bring us unrest.  This happens when we “let the world in” intruding on our solitude of Christ.  If we allow chaos to “overtake” the sanctity of our inner “spirit” it will surely disqualify us from the “peace of Christ.”

How’s that again?

Christianity doesn’t mean we don’t face “hardships,” it means we are able to “overcome” them through Christ, His peace, and love.  When we dwell on our own circumstances, and think in “negative” aspects, we are bringing the “world” into ourselves, it can be quite suffocating.  We then begin disengaging from Christ.  Therefore, by keeping our eyes on Christ, and His peace, and taking in His promises, we are fully victorious through Him, time and time again.

Holding onto Christ is the difference between “living” or “existing”

Choose His Peace and “LIVE.”

Are you at peace right now?

If not, invite Him in and start “living” in a whole different world!

“Father God, thank You for Your infinite promises that I receive daily, by Your love and guidance I am able to live apart from the chaotic ugly sounds of the world, Your voice and Your Words lead me, guide me, touch me, heal me, and I give you all the glory Father, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Personally, I don’t believe anyone over God.  This is not to say I don’t “really think everyone is lying” or that no one tells the truth. I just mean to say, simply and truly, that I will negate facts thrown out by individuals that God could otherwise “change” in a second flat.

There have been vast occurrences that transpired during my life that rendered me speechless, and emotionally spent. Yet even during those moments, I never doubted for one moment that my LORD was in control, and that things could change if “He willed it, on a dime!”

Doctors in particular who go by “statistics” concerning their patients, and muddle off things like, “you don’t have more than 4 months to live”  or “get your things in order.”

I’ve had friends who thought their lives were seemingly over, after physicians thought their days were numbered, and they’d be gone.  They were packing up items and getting their affairs in order while suffering in anguish, thinking of their family and loved ones.

“Ahem! But hang on doc, Do you know our God?  Have you meant Him?  Do you know how powerful He is?  Do you know He is in control and that He knows when your time is up?”

There are many true cases involving such scenarios and I’ve written about them in various books, but one that stands out is “Jack,” who was given a one-way ticket out of the doctor’s office.  He was told that after a series of diagnostic tests he had very little time left due to stage four cancer, and his liver was riddled with the disease. There wasn’t anything else they could do for him. It was over.

He left dejected, and in shock.  His feet took him to a church off the beaten path, and the Pastor prayed over him, along with various prayer warriors, and deacons.  Afterwards went home and began to put his will together, all the while praying to God for guidance, help and strength, to withstand that which was coming his way.

Jack scheduled a checkup within three weeks of that initial dire diagnosis of “lights out” warning from the doctor.  And so, with heavy heart he went, albeit reluctantly, to his follow-up.

But hold on! 

What’s that Doc? 

What did you just say? “

“I don’t know how to explain this Jack, but after numerous tests, and meticulously repeating the cat scan four times, there is absolutely no evidence of cancer in your body, and in fact your liver looks as good as a 20 year olds! There is no explanation for this phenomenal outcome!”

As I’ve said previously, “Do you know my God Doc?”

That was over 12 years ago, and Jack today is living a very happy life, and is so thankful to God for that miraculous healing.

No, it wasn’t a misdiagnosis.  These tests were completed in two different hospitals.  They were concurred by various medical staff.  And second and third opinions were sought.

The explanation is quite simple. “God is in control, not you, me, the doctor, or anyone else on this earth.  And when anyone says there is no way you can survive, remember that God has the final say!”

Anyone out there reading this, please know that God has the final say, and it is ultimately His will as to what happens in our lives.  When we have faith and trust in Him, there are no boundaries, and nothing is too big nor too small for our God to handle.

His power is limitless, His love unsurpassable, and His promises unbreakable. And His Word is gold and pure and sure!

So, if anyone says, “there isn’t the slightest chance you will find love; there isn’t any way you can be cured of your disease; there isn’t any way you will get out of your financial hardship; there isn’t any way you will get over your phobias” —etc., etc., no matter what the comments or scenario may be.  You look them squarely in the eyes, and say with all of your heart and soul, “Have you met my God? Nothing is impossible with God!”

And then walk away victorious in Christ!

Amen and Amen!

“Father, I know not to put my trust in anyone but You, for You are in control all the days of my life, and You alone can heal, You alone are my provision, You alone are my Rock, and You alone are my fortress of strength, not anyone but You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

Psalm 90:4 KJV

All of the seconds of life— are all in God’s hands. As He watched me take my first breath, one day He shall see me take my last. And welcome me into His Kingdom, the very one He’s spoken about since the beginning of time.

The seconds of our lives are preordained by God. He knows how many times our hearts will beat before it stops.  He knows how many sunrises and sunsets we will see. He knows what is going to happen an hour from now, as He knows what will happen tomorrow, and the day after.  In other words, our Sovereign and magnificent God, is with us each step of the way. He is in control at all times.

Although we have “free choice” He knows the nuances of our very persona, and He knows what’s in our hearts, and what we need or desire.

Every single second of the day, He knows.

Those seconds go by quickly…and within those seconds we should “shout praise” to the One and Only LORD God Almighty.  He is the reason for all of the seasons, and His love is expressed in ways our human minds can barely grasp.

No matter where we live, or what we do, it’s how we spend our seconds that counts. And most of them should be in reverence to God, and His Word, and His will.

When we live to please God, and assembly ourselves to become “one of the Saints” in God’s army, we are establishing a place in our eternal home, whenever that time comes.

The seconds are ticking away, but the way we live is what “counts” as the passing of time becomes eternal rounds by the hour. As we live within the parameters of God’s doctrine, and commandments, we are establishing a permanent place at God’s table.

When we make all of the seconds in our lives be all that God calls us to be, we are trading those “seconds” in for “endless time” as we enter into our Eternal rewards.

Until then, make all the seconds here on earth matter.

And bear fruit in all that we do,

and all that we say,

and all that we are,

for all that HE IS!

Amen!

“Father, may I be all that You want me to be, and may I count each second a blessing from above, and aspire to all I can be, according to Your will and purpose for my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Yesterday while driving to the nearest grocery store, I opted for the “more populated route.”  It was against my better judgment as I can’t stand fast moving roads, and cars riding my bumper.

We’ve been living here for 34 years, and we’ve seen an incredible difference in road courtesy these last several years. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been changing steadily throughout the years, however it’s reached a new height this past year.

Cars were whizzing past me like I was standing still.  We came to a stop light and there were two cars honking at each other.  And after a couple of mutual “vulgar gestures” they moved on when the light turned green.

I said to my husband, I’m never coming this way again. I’ll take the countryside route, and enjoy the scenery, horses, cows, chickens and farms. 

He smiled knowing how I am, along with my stance on “angry drivers” that can lead to “road rage.”   I pull over if someone is in a rush, tailgating my bumper, I just wave them on.  Or, if an individual honks the horn when the light has changed, and I dare to linger more than a 10th of a second, I don’t respond.

Here’s my thoughts.

This type of behavior is carnal, and I’m not into it.  I try to walk by the spirit, I said “try” because not one of us is capable of perfection!  Anyhow, these games on the road seem to be spawned by self-pride, along with a frenzied manipulation of others.

In other words, it has nothing to do with God. And when something has nothing to do with God, I have absolutely zero interest in.  Not to mention, these days, it can be “exceedingly dangerous” to engage in tactics of aggression, which could easily catapult into disaster with tragic consequences.

Nope, not being “dramatic” by describing it as such, I’m only going by what I witness on all aspects of media, and print.

I shy away from things that are chaotic and frivolous. People have asked, “How do you stay so calm?”

Simple, one word answer...”God.”

Of course, personalities have a lot to do with how one reacts.  But when God floods one’s life, from morning to night, and His Word is hidden in our heart, and we meditate on it…it is the single most prolific weapon to have in the world today.

Therefore, all we need is GOD!  

I push away the world, and welcome God in my life.

I push away the darkness that engulfs a good portion of the world, and welcome God’s bright light in my life.

I push away the “noise” of the world, and welcome God’s peace and soothing “voice” in my life.

I push away the “filth” of the world, and welcome God’s purity and cleanliness in my life.

I push away the hatred in the world, and welcome God’s love in my life.

All I NEED IS GOD.

The next time you’re in traffic, and cars are honking and/or riding your bumper. Smile and close it all out, pull out a favorite verse, say it aloud and embrace God.

It works every single time!

“Father God, I thank You for Your peace, love and strength. May I always walk in the light, embrace Your Word, and be a reflection of Christ in all I do, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Matthew 19:26 ESV

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Galatians 2:20 ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Staying one step ahead of the “enemy” is easy with God.  After all, God defeated death, that is to say the enemy, and He is with us always, promising never to leave us. (Matthew 28:20)

The enemy wants us to suffer, to doubt ourselves, and to cause misery and chaos in all we do.  The darkness that the enemy lives in and by, obviously, is the antithesis of the LIGHT of the world.  That blasted enemy wants to do all he can to bring us into the ‘dark’ and conform us to all things not of God.

What do we do?

We stay positive, despite our circumstances.

We praise God even more.

And we trust Him with all of our being, every single second of our lives, now and always.

And we stay in HIS WORD.

Being in His Word, is the most powerful weapon we have in our fight in this spiritual warfare.  We have to be armed, and forewarned in all things we see, engage in, and hear.  In order to be successful against the maneuvers of the enemy, we must seek God in all we do, and align with His Word, (Armor) while putting it into practice on a daily basis. (Ephesians 6)

Meditating on His glory, while celebrating His love is essential to being prosperous in “life.”  And ostensibly, being in His Word, essentially is “LIFE.”

Without God, we are “dead” spiritually, and consequently vulnerable to the wiles of the enemy.  The world is “the enemy,” and to be outside the realm of God, is to be in treacherous and dangerous ground.

When we are encompassed and wrapped in the foundation and Love of God and His Word, we are held up by His right hand of righteousness.  We are afforded the significance of His power, while surrendering to His will.  We are acknowledging that He is in completely and undeniably in control at all times.

Giving Him due praise all day long, is something that should be as natural as breathing. Yes, there are times, we are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally or all of the above…and the noise of the world shuts down our progression of our spirit.

Don’t let that happen!

God is with us always. When we go through the fires, armed with His Word and truth, we are victorious through Christ, each and every time, and we send the enemy running, and fleeing all battered, and bruised. (James 4:7)

Hallelujah, praise God and Amen!

“Father God, thank You for Your glory, Your love, Your promises, and Your Word, I honor and adore You and offer You praise, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 37:4

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

The special moments of “speaking” with you are always the best part of my day. No matter where I may be, or whom I may have been with, you are always the quintessential highlight of my day.

Enjoying my time with You, is my way of “staying positive” in a world of negativity, where the focus seems to be “casting dispersions” on those who have different ideologies other than what they might believe.

Enjoying my time with You, is my way of “staying focused” on what is real, and what is truly important in the overall scheme of things.

Enjoying my time with You, is my way of “staying steadfast” in promoting Your glory and Your love.

The incidentals in life are like akin to the flow of a river. It keeps moving, sometimes smoothly, sometimes with a ripple effect, and at other times turbulence at best. But during these times and all the in-betweens, You, my LORD, are my “Lifeboat” that keeps me afloat, irrespective of circumstances.

I wouldn’t trade the special, and delightful moments that I spend “with You,” for anything in this entire universe.

For I need You to breathe.

I need You to think.

I need You to love.

Well, Father my LORD… I just “need You.”

“Thank You for another day, and another delightful day of loving You, may I be ever mindful in all I do, and may I always find time to sit alone and talk with You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”