And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

“Dear LORD, I look to You for all things, through all things, and for all things, You are my everything and my answer to all I seek, may I find favor in Your sight, in Jesus name, Amen.”  

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (KJV)

A friend of mine was really “down” due to the pandemic, and the ongoing conflicts occurring in our world today. So, she was “venting,” and crying out to me.

Me?  Well, that’s okay, after all what are friends for?

We comfort, we uplift, we share burdens, and we offer whatever wisdom we have stored up for such situations.  However, let’s be clear,  “wisdom” is NOT from me.  It’s from God and His Word.

I offered two important words, “Trust Him.”

There was a collective sigh on her end, and then a deep breath, before she said, “Sometimes, it’s just so hard...”

Well, that can be very true for those of faith.  No one said it was ever going to be an easy ride in life.  But Jesus did promise to never leave us, and He sent a “Comforter” to help in the Holy Spirit.  Jesus will never break a promise. Amen.

When we’re hurting, scared, or frustrated, we only have to look to Him, and His Love. That love which will encompass our essence, like a blanket of tranquility, while cohesively strengthening our inner spirit.

Trusting in Him, opens a road that would otherwise have been closed.

Trusting in Him, allows us to disengage from the suffocation of the world, and it’s unrest,  while offering us a “breath of life.”

“My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Offer your ear, and advice to those in need, but never forget where our “help” comes from.

Trusting in Him, makes us infallible in all we do, because through Him, we are able to survive hurdles, and trials that come our way.

We won’t be able to escape life unscathed by times of grief, sorrow, hurt, pain or frustration.  But with Christ, we’re capable of getting through it, and becoming stronger for it.

God is light; God is love; and God is life.

Enjoying fellowship with the LORD, allows us to walk in light. In so doing, we are also being cleansed by the blood of Christ.  Those of us who Trust the LORD, produce fruits of the spirit, thereby bringing spiritual growth, and intimacy with the LORD deep within the confines of our soul.

Faith in Christ infuses us with God’s life—that is to say, Eternal life.

In our life, tests come in all shapes and  sizes.  Some tests we can anticipate, others are not expected. Still some might hit us right between the eyes, knocking us to the ground in humility.

Sometimes the “box” in which the test arrives in, might be falsely wrapped, and not be aware of the contents– (circumstances)– of what’s about to happen.  But its so important to remember God is in control.  And irrespective of the box the “test” arrives in, God helps us unwrap the “box” while helping us out of it.  He implores us to come to Him, trust in Him, and seek His face and instruction in all we go through.

Trust in Him and He will provide the strength you need, and the “answers” you seek.

Along with your trust, offer your  daily Praises.

Plus—never forget—with God, all things are possible, no matter what is happening around you, or within you.

“Father my LORD, I trust You implicitly, fully and undeniably, all things are possible through you, and LORD, I know that even with darkness in the world, Your light overpowers it, and sends it packing, thank You in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Valentine’s day, most will agree, was invented for sweethearts, in the hopes of driving up sales for flowers, candy, and cards.  Nothing against it, but it’s a highly promoted “holiday” for lovers, that if nothing else, empties most wallets pretty quickly!    But we can all agree, that “love does make the world go round” and without love, a life can be lonely and clearly desolate.

Love, is essentially what most search for, some all their lives, some finding it early, some later on, and sadly, some “not at all.”

We all have the opportunity to embrace the “greatest love story ever told” should we want it.  And that is the “Love of  Jesus Christ.”

After all, Christ is the quintessential meaning love is He not?

When we come to Jesus Christ, and opt to follow Him, desolation is pushed out, brining joyfulness is in its place.

When we read His Word, our “language is tempered with Wisdom.”

When we are filled with His Holy Spirit, our actions and ways present His Light from within, to “those we encounter.”

The complexities that may fill our day-to-day existence, with Christ in our lives, are chiseled away with brilliance of clarity and tranquility.  Which opens the pathway of our souls to be unified with Christ, hereby entrenched in His love and power.

Love?

Valentine’s Day?

You want the “Greatest Love of all time?”   You need not look any further, just look up…and open the Bible…then open your heart to the most fulfilling Love story you will ever experience in your life!

“My Amazing God, You are my forever Valentine, thank You for Your substantial sacrifice,  and enduring love, that holds me up, guides me, and keeps me fulfilled in every aspect of my life, I love You, always and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

Shut the intrusive noise around you!

Shh!

Be quiet, be still, listen to the Lord, put your focus on God, and all else will fall into place, with His blessings.

Spending time with God, helps reinforce our ability to cope with “the world,” and the challenging circumstances that we all face, from time to time.

We are strong “through Christ” who leads, directs, guides us, every day.  Although the path and road is “narrow,” if we focus and keep our minds on the LORD, it will get easier each day we spend with Him. Our minds will start to think in spiritual ways, our hearts will grow in spiritual ways, as our love for the LORD, will increase tenfold.

Relying on His power, and  His guidance, becomes our tools of survival in a world of “darkness” —  His light shines, allowing us the wisdom, and ease, to navigate through stormy waters. But only through HIM!

Focusing on Him, and cherishing the time with the LORD, affords us the opportunity for Spiritual discernment, in all we attempt to endeavor, each and every day of our lives.

His light, is a force to be reckoned with, and the darkness won’t be able to stand up to it, so therefore “it’s banished” forever!

Trust Him.

Speak to Him.

Allow His will in your Life.

And most important, LOVE HIM.

The path you walk, and the minutes of each day will be extraordinary, when you give your heart completely, and fully to Him!

“LORD, thank You for Your light, love, and Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Even in perilous times, and the dark of night, those of faith will always see His light.  His truth, and His ways, are impervious to darkness, and lies.  He breathes LIFE into those of faith, and therefore we LIVE, because of Him.

His light is an illumination for our souls, and for the steps we take everyday of our life, here on earth, and eventually into Eternity.

Wisdom stems from knowing Him, intimately, and from a close corroboration, of not only spreading the Gospel, but “living it,” as it were.  It is essential that we share the Word, and be a prime example to those we encounter along the way.

How can we apply the principles of a lifestyle promoting Christ with ease and assurance?  Because, let’s face it, most people whom we encounter along the way, don’t really know Christ as we do. And therefore, seemingly conjure up images of “fanatical religious freaks” when we speak about His truth, light, love and His ways.

I’ll tell you what I do should I encounter a “harsh word” or “judgement” about my faith.  I smile broadly and reply with :

“Thank  you so much!  For Jesus said, when we are mocked to rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is my reward in the Father’s Kingdom!” 

Yes,  I have said that countless times, to many individuals, to which there is usually the sound of “crickets,” or a look of total confusion.  I have to confess, I am happy when they say I’m a Jesus nut.  And I love saying it for dramatic and literal purposes as well.

When we walk in His truth, and Light, we are embracing a lifestyle that inherently becomes part of our being.  We are thinking and walking in the Spirit, and demonstrating to others, the prolific joy of knowing Him.

Times change but Jesus doesn’t.  The one and only constant in our life, and in this world, is His Word, His truth, His love and His ways.  Which invariably and ultimately lead the way into eternal rewards, and bliss, as promised.

To realize the depths of His love, makes everything else in life seem superficial, and immaterial. Because to be clothed in His Gospel, and to Have His Word, and truth, as our arsenal… gives us the ability to cope. And get through anything life throws our way.  Yes, we all experience loss—some so horrific it takes one’s breathe away, and knocks us to the ground—but it’s much easier with the LORD on our side.  God didn’t say we wouldn’t go through hardships. In fact, it strengthens and hones us while promoting Spiritual growth.

What can you do today to bring Jesus into focus?   

Smile a little more.

Call someone today, you’ve been meaning to reach out to, but just haven’t had the time.

Drop off a plate of food to someone who lives alone, and can’t get out to the store.

Tell someone you “love them,” and mean it.

In other words…put on your JESUS, and Shine, Shine, Shine.

“LORD, may I be an example to those I encounter, speak with, or see along the way, may Your truth be front and center, in all I do, may Your light shine, from within to without, today and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

But He saith unto them, 

It is I; 

be not afraid

John 6:20 (KJV)

The disciples in their peril at sea needed the great “I AM.” These two words alone should have removed all their fear. But instead they doubted and began to panic, as told in the Gospel of John.

After feeding the multitudes, Jesus told His disciples to head out for the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. And then Jesus went off to pray and to seek the Father, in a quiet and private setting.  Being alone to gather His thoughts, and commune with God, was a common practice during His ministry here on earth.  It was at there that He was able to speak His heart, directly to His Father’s heart.  It was there, He did according to His Father’s will, and it was there he was fully refreshed in the presence of the LORD.

Jesus, clearly had been praying for others, especially His disciples, and watched out for them always.  When He was done with prayer, and meditating, He joined them at sea. However,  the night was extremely black, and they evidently didn’t recognize their Savior.

Three hours after midnight, they were relentlessly straining with the oars against the hideous storm.  Jesus, was fully aware of their circumstances.  They didn’t realize it, but they were about to witness their Savior’s power, sympathy and love, as He quickly came to their aid.

He approached the distressed disciples, in an entirely unexpected way, by walking on the turbulent sea, as if it were stable as rock.

In fact, under the horrific conditions at sea, they thought He was an ominous apparition of some kind, and they were frightened.  Seeing this, He assured them by stating, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”   

I’m sure later  during their lifetime, the disciples remembered Jesus’ words,  and actions clearly…and that lesson was revived in their minds, allowing them to be comforted.

Just as we can to this very day.  We can be comforted by the “Great I Am” and His power and Words.  By His strength, fortitude, and omnipotence.  By His love, for every single one of us.

All things are possible with the Christ, to doubt, is seemingly a betrayal of our faith.  One must trust in God, and believe in His Word.  We should never wonder if He can intervene on our behalf, or wonder at the way it might be carried out.

Remember that God is the same today…as He has been since the beginning of time.  When we are battling storms, and hapless in circumstances that might be surrounding us, feeling threatened, or feel like we are drowning , just think of the “Great I Am” and hear His words of comfort.

He is still with us!

He will walk on water to get to us in any storm, no matter how big or small. He is there, right beside us.

Seek Him.

Love Him.

Revere him.

Trust Him.

He sees our tears, and wipes them away.

He knows what is going on in our life, and is aware of our battles both big and small.

He is our constant source of peace and our Light in the dark.

Always!

Today…if you are struggling; “Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ is near” we never have to fear!

“Thank You for guiding us and being our perpetual Light for all the storms in our life, and for loving us no matter what, in Jesus name, Amen.”

There is Power in The Name of JESUS!

Philippians 2:9-10 (NASB)

Jesus Christ, has exhibited His magnificence, in countless and astounding ways throughout the ages.  His omnipotence is never-ending, and He is with us always, even at this very moment in time.

He was present at Creation, shares in the absolute power of the Father (John 1:1-5).  He demonstrated his physical power- and endured 40 days in the desert without eating (Luke 4:2)  Plus Jesus while in His ministry on earth, led a particularly demanding life, as a first century carpenter, and of course, more importantly, as a Preacher/Teacher/Rabbi.  He also traveled, during His miracles and preaching… some believe perhaps the entire circumference of the earth; 24,902 miles!

However, even with all the above being said…one would agree, the most significant account of Jesus’ life, was His sacrifice for us.

How He was crucified for our sins!   He was the perfect Lamb, unblemished, and went willingly—to fulfill the will of His Father—in order to save and redeem us, thereby, offering us eternal salvation.   Does it get any more amazing or powerful than that?  

Well, there is the fact that He rose again on the third day, and conquered death.  He is the sole Author of Peace, the antithesis of His nemesis, the enemy who creates chaos.

Christ triumphed over death through His resurrection. He died and rose again— never to die again—and this is how He truly conquered death. He is alive, forever more.  So too shall we be, when our flesh bodies die…we will be alive forever in our permanent spiritual bodies, through Christ. Jesus grants us that opportunity, as we embrace Him as our LORD and Savior.

Jesus said: “I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” ( Revelation 1:17–18 ).

Embrace the fact that we are children of light, and that we have the Father of lights to watch over us.  He is shelter and our refuge for all things.  He hears our cries, He sees our tears.  He calms our soul, and soothes our heart, and mind.  He is the Provider of all our needs, and He is the strength, and wisdom guiding our paths.

Never under estimate the power of Jesus Christ’ name.

Do you know Jesus Christ? 

May I invite you to open His Book, and get to know Him?

One can empathically state: It’s a “reality” in which one cannot describe, unless you “subscribe” to it.

Amen!

“Thank You Father, for gifting us with the power of Your Son Jesus Christ’ name, and His unprecedented love, all glory and honor and power and dominion be Yours, forever more, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith”

 1 John 5:4 

As Christians, we strive to strengthen our faith, and endure all things, because of faith.  Seeking Him, daily in both His Word, and prayer, we are exhibiting, and inherently, solidifying our love, and trust in the LORD.

Together, in accordance to His Word, and fellowship with other believers, we encourage and support each other in our faith.

We invariably will experience trials, and personal discipline, in order to keep our eyes, heart, and mind focused on Christ Jesus.

Being embroiled in His Word, and promises, enables us to be secure in our journey as a Christian.

When we look to Jesus every day, what happens?  Well for one thing, our burdens are both easier and lighter.  And the weight of our sins fall away, thereby freeing us, as we express, and embrace His truth, light and powerful unconditional love.

Each day, as we look to Jesus, we are gaining deeper roots of Christianity, we are filled with joy, knowing He is with us now, and always.  Most important… He waits for us, on the other side, where He has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house.  Our house eventually…for eternity.

All of the pain, suffering, trials of tribulation, that we endure in our lifetime, will ultimately be worth it.  When we endure, all that we experience, as gaining wisdom, and Spiritual growth, it makes it beyond worthwhile.

We can be happy knowing, that when our journey here on earth is over…we will get to the “finish line.”

And Praise the LORD, at the end of the race, Jesus waits with open arms….Hallelujah!

“Dear LORD, thank You for Your promises, rewards, and love, may I run the good race and find favor in Your eyes, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Bell bottoms, Go-Go boots, hip-huggers, belly-button tops, actual enclosed telephone booths, an actual person answering any given place of business, Sundays were a day of worship—when all stores  were closed, writing letters, and sending cards through the snail mail, sitting on the porch with family, neighbors, and friends, and so much more.

All so long ago, and all part of the baby boomer generation.  In addition to getting older, much has changed since I was a very young girl in the 70’s.  Sometimes, it can be overwhelming how much and how fast life has changed.

Most of us have lived through a series of losses. Death of loved ones, parents, friends, and extended family members.  A good majority of us have lived through turbulent times, riots, civil unrest, and multiple tragedies throughout our country, and the world overall. Right now this Pandemic and political unrest is causing so much emotional distress.  But the good news, is that we are “here” right now, and “you” are reading this message right now.  Amen?

Don’t get me wrong, because change can be a positive thing, as stagnation is decidedly poor for spiritual growth.  But, nonetheless, everything changes.  That is everything, except the LORD.

He is steadfast, He is the Alpha, and Omega, He is the Creator, He is the Great I Am, He is the Prince of Peace, He is our Redeemer, He is our constant source of energy from within, to without. He is our refuge. He is our shelter. He is our strength. He is our sole purpose, of why we are alive today.  And…most important— He is the same, since the beginning of time. He is, and always was, and always will be.

The comfort of tangible evidence, of the LORD’s existence, in my life, is the reason I’m able to withstand, and prosper through change. Without His Word, His promises, His love…I would cease to be. With Him, I am fulfilled in premise and reality, and in virtually all I do and say.

With Him, I am able to navigate, and be aware of superficial individuals, who might be disguised as “friends.” I am prepared, because I  am armed with a fortress of truth, and artillery of wisdom, and boundless love that clothes my heart, and soul. Thanks to the LORD, and His never changing ways, and His Word.

Don’t be alarmed, or dismayed, have courage and be of good cheer, the LORD will never leave, nor forsake those who believe.

And hold on to this, even when it is the darkest of dark times, it won’t be long before the light shines through.  Because with the LORD…we walk in the light, prepared to do His will, and armed with the truth, able to circumvent any scenario that comes our way!

“LORD, thank You for being the One constant in my life, for never changing and providing peace, comfort and love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

“Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” 

James 4:7-8  (NKJV)

We draw near to God in many ways. One indisputable way is through His “Word” — His “Book” —the Bible. Also, through meditation,  spending valuable time with Him. Setting aside an exclusive period of time, to read His Word, listen to His Word.  And of course, “listening to His Voice.” Which is pivotal, and a viable key to those of faith, resulting in  our spiritual growth.

We draw near, and close to God, when we choose to “close off the world,” as we shut ourselves away from all other influences, that might otherwise detract from getting to know Him better. We are becoming stronger in spirit, stronger in our proclamation of our love, and faith in our LORD.

The more we read His word, the better acquainted we get to Him.  We become inherently knitted to Him, and His doctrine, resulting in ripening fruits, of the spirit. When we share an intimate relationship with our LORD, we learn from His vast wisdom, and see His awesome power, manifest in all aspects of our life. That which is dark becomes light and that which is unclear, becomes transparent.

Make no mistake, God will win, every time, in any conflict with the enemy, and He wants us to overcome our adversary, through Christ Jesus.

That is the victory of being one with Christ. Christ overcame the world.

Greater is the One in us, than the one in the world. (1 John 4:4 ) We are victorious through our LORD and Savior.

It’s impossible for us to resist the world for very long, if we don’t put our trust in Christ. Our spiritual growth is heir apparent, by trusting in the LORD, time after time. We reinforce our growth, and faith, with each scenario or circumstance. We develop a deep, and intense history, by submission to Him, and our love becomes even more pronounced.  We then live for Him, and we present to others, the inner light.  Which is exactly what Christ wants us to do. “Shine our light.”

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16).

Submit all areas of your life to the LORD. If and when we think “we can do it solo” we are therefore saying to God, “Hey I got this, I can handle it alone.”  That is exactly when the enemy will attack!

The fact is… “we can’t do anything without God in the center of our lives.”   He is the nucleus of our being.  Without that nucleus we are nothing. He is our breath of life. He is the air we breathe. And He is the focus of our being.

God gives us the ability to submit, thereby, we  can then resist the enemy, through Christ, and prayers. When we spend time with Him, each day, and believe, trust, confide, and listen…God draws near and closer to us.

What happens then?  The enemy will soon be packing, and taking off for parts unknown!  He will flee before you can say “scram.”

Have you spent time with our LORD today?

“Dear God, I love You, and thank You, for being You, for Your word, for Your love, and for allowing me to be victorious through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and it is in His name, I pray, Amen!”