It has been said that adversity often times, is God’s bridge to His heart. (Charles Stanley)  So have no fear, God commands us to have courage…

And that quote is quite often expressed by many, myself included. Especially when emerging from the throes of a deep dark and treacherous valley.  When we eclipse the darkness as His light and brilliance takes hold, and lifts us out of the depths of catastrophic events, we quite often see the rainbow soon thereafter.

There may be times when it doesn’t happen so quickly, but somewhere down the line, we will eventually see why we experienced what we did, and we will galvanize new grounds of spirituality because of it.  Because of “God’s grace” and His glory that brought us through it, and His unmerited grace that rewards us for it afterwards.

We can’t experience growth without growing pains. Anything that is of worth will invariably cause sacrifices along the way.

It’s sort of like a see saw.  We can’t go up without first being down. And we can’t ride a see saw without another person on the other end, now can we?

God is at the other end of “our spiritual see-saw” so to speak.  He brings us up, when we are down.

Spirituality is about “balances and rewards” and growth in all we endeavor during our life here on earth.

The joy overtakes the sorrow.  Our roots multiply and become securely anchored with each transition, which overwhelmingly allows us to become grafted more and more unto the LORD and His presence.

Embrace each moment of your life. Good and bad…there are reasons for both. God knows why. God knows how. God knows when. And God doles out the love through each second of which we breathe.

I don’t know where any of you are at this moment in time, as you read this post. Some may be in a valley, filled with despair.  Some may be emerging from the valley. And some may be in the midst of a good plentiful tide.  Take heart through it all, no matter where you are, and remember…God is with us each day, every moment and beyond.

His heart is waiting for us as we cross the bridge of adversity, His heart is waiting for us as we emerge from a valley. And His heart is waiting for during the plentiful tides of life.  In other words…He is with us for all the seasons and seconds of our life.

Remember God “commands us” to have no fear, to be strong and courageous.  Joshua 1:9 tells us so…straight from the Lord’s Word.  Believe it…hold it in your heart…and most important…run over that bridge right to the Father’s heart. Amen!

“Father God, how grateful we are to have such a merciful and loving Father, who will never leave us no matter what crossroads we encounter, all the days of our lives, we thank You and lift You high above all the rest, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

Proverbs 7:18 (KJV)

Solace in His promises, and in His love, quells and lulls me to sleep in patterns of contentment, nightly.

My sanctuary, my LORD.

In the morning…I’m thankful for another day, by His grace, to accomplish that which He has set before me.

He guides my paths, and lends me wisdom in all I endeavor.

This is who God is.

This is what God does.

This is how He operates.

And, this is SOLACE of souls.

Amen!

“Father God, praise You, and Your Holy name, this day and always, thank You, for Your Peace, and Love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 5:3

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

It’s three in the morning. It’s silent in the house. Not a creature was stirring, and my neighbor’s cat just found a mouse!   Looking out into the night sky, I take a great big sigh.  The world is in a mess,  I don’t recognize the world, I must confess.  But…with God in my heart, and His Spirit inside me, I’m able to stay confident, because with Him I’m free!

I woke up at three in the morning and everything I said above is true.  Well the part about the neighbor’s cat I’m not sure. However,  I do know Lu-Lu does find small field mice nightly, as told by my elderly neighbor. “Lu-Lu goes into the woods to retrieve her treasures” Mrs. Johnson regales. So last night might have been one of Lu-Lu’s treasured nights!

Thoughts concerning the world,  civil unrest, along with the current, and interminably long, lingering Pandemic, can intrude into the fibers of our very being.

How can this happen? It’s because of daily exposure to disturbing events, that parade before our very eyes. Some might become desensitized due to incessant views. While some may progressively get worse, in terms of anxiety, or projections as they think,  “what’s going to happen to our future?”

How do we deal with anxious thoughts?

I can only tell you what I do.  I RUN TO GOD!

In the middle of the morning hours, I chose to pray and ask for His presence, and praised Him for His glory.  As I prayed, and worshipped my LORD, a sense of ease and fulfillment, washed over me within minutes.  My essence was overflowing with His essence, and presence.  His Spirit was with me, as evidenced by the  transition of uneasiness, to tranquility, which resonated in every fiber of my being.

When we press closer to Him.  He in turn presses closer to us.

When we praise Him and turn our thoughts exclusively to Him, we no longer have the “unwanted images and events” of what we may have witnessed on the news, or social media. It’s washed away with His love, His tender promises, and His blood.  The Blood of Christ.

There is a hymn “Are you washed in the Blood of Christ” Elisha Hoffman 1878 (I’ve pasted it down below)  that expresses beautifully, the message in which I seek to convey today. It’s a good hymn for today’s times especially. Powerfully soothing and encouraging.

When we are washed in His blood, we can withstand all things…through Him...only by Him…and in Him.  Not by our own power, but by His power.

Take heart, as His heart is with you.

Be free, as His blood allows you to do so.

And most important, stand in His promises, because no matter what it looks like around you, He defeated the World, and all things are possible with God.

He will never leave us, ever.

That’s a promise you can hold on to forever!

“Father, thank You for silencing any qualms that arise within, Your presence and promises assure me that I’m protected and loved, twenty-four hours a day, I pray for Your light to chase the darkness from the world, and for Your love to stomp out the hate, in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.”

Proverbs 8:17

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Psalm 63:1

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

Psalm 84:11

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Is God’s favor evidenced in our life?

Listening to God will be one of the ways of finding favor in your life. He appreciates us listening to His commandments, walking on the narrow path.  And doing all as a reflection of Jesus and His light that’s within each of us, who are His followers.

One of the ways we will notice that we’ve found favor with the LORD is the way He blesses us. He’ll bring about a change for the better in our lives, as evidenced by the changes or prolific abundance of peace we will invariably experience.

Are we listening to Him?

We pray every day, open our Bibles and read passages and verses, and then go about our day.  There is nothing wrong with doing all of the above, however…have you ever stopped to “listen” to what He has to say, to you personally?

How does He speak to us?

He speaks to us in a variety of ways, but one of the most outstanding,  is by being a very strong presence in our life.  By knowing He is with us, every step of the way.  By feeling the confidence, and hearing His voice in our heart, concerning His promises. And by the love of Christ, who redeemed us.  That’s just a little bit of how He speaks to us, if we take the time to “hear.”

Walking in favor, in God’s eyes, shouldn’t be difficult. Because when we love Him, with all of our heart, mind strength and soul, (Mark 12:30 )  we aspire to all we can to please Him.  The very notion of not pleasing Him, leaves us restless and unfulfilled.  Whereas, when we do please Him, we are ultimately rewarded in many ways, thereby culminating into a fruitful existence. With a very powerful peace, that will be vitally attached in all we do.

Seeking His face, (Psalm 105:4) and loving Him, are conducive to finding favor in His eyes.  It all goes around, and comes back to His love  and our love, for Him.

When we get to know Him, on every level– spiritually, emotionally, intellectually,  purposely,  and inwardly–the parameters of  peace, and happiness, will be fully opened to us–as He blesses us in turn.

Get Him, involved in your life.

Ask Him, about issues that surround you, and your loved ones.

Look for solutions to problems through Him, and His word.

What does He feel about it? What does He think about it?  When we factor Him, on all of the equations in our life, we gain knowledge, and our spirits grow exponentially. Inherently adding to our roots, that are grounded in Him, and His love.

Have you found favor in God’s eyes? 

There’s a question that will either have infinite repercussions, or unapparelled rewards!    

“Dear Father, how grateful I am for Your love and guidance, may I always seek Your face, and may I include You into every second of my life, through my actions, my thoughts, and my heart, and may I find favor in Your eyes, all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Matthew 19:21 (NLT)

Do you handle special treasures of yours with care?

Do you take the time to protect things that are of importance to you?

Items that are meaningful, or delicate, are seemingly handled with ultra special care.  Some might take the time to place them above all else, or speak about them with love and pride.

So then,  may I ask, how are you handling the grandest and most precious Treasure of all?  That Treasure would be our LORD of course.  Our most amazing gift, our LORD and Savior. The Light of the world that is unparalleled. His love should be handled with care.  And without question, He must be front and center of our life. He should factor in all of the equations of our lifetime. Because, without Him, there aren’t any equations to factor.

His Presence, the Holy Spirit, that dwells within, is the highest and most cherished Gem of our lifetime.

The LORD, our loving Jewel guides, leads, directs, and heals. He should be first, and foremost to every Christian.

His love for His children is unprecedented. There isn’t anyone who can love us in the capacity, and full spectrum in which He can.

It’s okay to enjoy life, and have things that bring a smile to our faces. But the biggest smile, usually comes from within to without.

Our intimate relationship with our LORD, is the most influential card in  the whole deck.  He is our Powerful ACE, and trumps all else!

Consider this; if we get into a quarry of some sort, isn’t it reassuring to know we have that “Ace up our sleeve” to bring us to a peaceful resolution?

We can never lose when we have our Ace with us.

Amen.

“Father God, how grateful I am to have You as my light and number one treasure, I surrender myself to You fully, and look to You for all of the answers in my life, thank You in Jesus name, Amen.”

“… you are precious in my eyes…and I love you.”

Isaiah 43:4a (ESV)

God never fails anyone.

It is He who called you to belong to his Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

1 Corinthians 1:9-11

(WEV)

How’s your spiritual vision?

Do you have 20/20 spiritual vision?

Or are you out of focus spiritually?

Stop!

Don’t let your focus drift to the world, and its web of darkness.  We might become entangled in an undertow, that might topple us, if we’re not careful.

Instead, keep your focus on the LORD.

He is faithful, and never fails to deliver His promises.

He is there for us, no matter what.

His powerful overwhelming, and unconditional love, sustains us while nourishing us, every second all the days of our lives.

Don’t place your focus on what the world can, or cannot do. Instead, open spiritual eyes, and focus on His Word & His power. Along with His unwavering, unflinching, and incomparable love.

As we gain untrammeled spiritual vision into His Word, and His promises, we’re protected by the gospel armor, and we’re able to live effortlessly, regardless of current circumstances, or surroundings.

Trusting God, while spending valuable time with Him, is vitally important, and crucial to our overall spiritual growth. But it also brings an abundance of peace, that fills in the cracks of doubt, as we view the climaxing chaos in our world.

Trust Him, love Him, and focus on His Word and promises.

When we do, its like taking out a lifetime warranty of our “souls” –which only God can save, and only God can salvage.

“How’s your spiritual vision?”

“Father God, I’m so grateful for Your promises, Your unrelenting love, and for Your hand that holds me up through all the days of my life, thank You for never failing me, and never leaving me, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:19 (KJV)

So we are currently experiencing a Pandemic. In fact,  more than likely, there isn’t any part of the world who isn’t experiencing this new “normal” with masks, and social distancing.  On top of this, many are experiencing additional woes: medical issues, family troubles, persecution, financial troubles, addiction, abusive relationships, loss of a loved one; the list is endless.  The pain is palpable, the frustration seemingly mounting for many.

This past week, we experienced a tropical storm that left  65% of our state without power. This latest development, only served to heighten the people’s level of anxiety, and discourse.  People started piling up gas stations panicking, filling their cars, and canisters for their generators.  Stores were packed with people rushing to buy fresh cooked food as appliances weren’t working.  It was chaotic, to say the very least.

So as the saying goes, what doesn’t destroy us, makes us stronger.

When we turn to God and His words, we find comfort.

When we turn to God and His promises , we are secure.

When we turn to God and His love, we are strengthened.

We got our power back and pushed through a crisis of sorts. But Praise God…we walked through it.  We feel stronger because of it. In the aftermath, (speaking spiritually and metaphorically) we can  look back and see  the outline of “His footprints,” etched clearly in the sand, as we walked through the adversity that afflicted us.

Stand firm and strong in His Word, it’s our only weapon of defense; today, tomorrow and forever. Amen!

“Father God, how grateful I am for Your undeniable Presence and life affirming promises, thank You for all that You are and do, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

I leave you with this incredible Word of God from Ephesians…which is so critical to what we are living through today.  Amen!

Ephesians 6:11-24 (KJV)

¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

²¹ But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

²² Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

²³ Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁴ Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 

Psalm 25:15 (NKJV)

Eyes on the LORD!

Eyes on the LORD!

Eyes on the LORD!

       Shine Your Light LORD!

        Shine Your Light LORD!

        Shine Your Light LORD!

There are times, when I have to pull myself from issues…in and around the world, that if I’m not cognizant of my “true LIFE source,” and where my strength lies, I might be very well be consumed into a fiery dark place.  I said, “might be.”  But, thanks to the LORD, and His word, and His love and providence, that doesn’t happen.  Because I could never be pulled from the LORD…so deep is my love for Him.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” Romans 8:38 (KJV)

Eyes on the LORD!  At all time.

Shine Your Light LORD!

Darkness be gone!   He is the Light of the World!

Keeping our eyes on the Lord,  along with our heart, mind, body, and spirit, closely knitted with the LORD,  is substantially what keeps us from falling  into the “world” and it’s darkness.

Our faith in the LORD’s Word, and doctrine is what allows us to navigate without inhibition or fear in a world that is less than perfect.

When we follow the Spirit, and walk the path of His will, and purpose for our life, we are assured His protection and guidance through all of the tense moments in our life. Ostensibly,  all of the good ones in between too!

Eyes on the LORD!

Shine Your Light LORD!

“Father God,  Help me always to keep my eyes on You, Shine Your glorious Light Lord and take away all the darkness in the world, and may I always give you all the Glory, honor and Praise, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me, ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 17:33 (KJV)

Christ in His own words assures us, in no uncertain terms, “I have overcome the world” — and to be of good cheer.  Peace and Christ go hand-in-hand symbolically, literally and spiritually.

Tribulations are pouring unto the world fast, and furious. It may seem relentless. Or that no end is in sight. We might feel as if we are standing on the precipice of disaster, that bodes ill will, with catastrophic and insurmountable odds, of our lives ever being “normal” again.  But hold on!  Christ said, “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)   So, if Christ said it…I believe it!  Amen and Amen!

As another day begins, although the world is “shaking and breaking” with so much discord; civil unrest, famine, financial woes, and natural weather disasters, or hints of war. It is Christ’ words, and promises, that sing joyfully within my soul. His words offering me solace, and confidence, knowing He is with me. That He is my sole reward, sanctuary, peace, Lord and Savior, and Shepherd. It is He, that guards my heart, and leads me to green pastures, and still waters.  He said it!  It is done!

His promise.

His love.

“Father God, thank You for another day, thank You for Your love, protection, and joy, thank You for Your promises and rewards, no matter what is going on around me, Your peace sustains, and comforts me always, in Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.”

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 

John 8:12 (KJV)

I can hardly drive in the dark any longer due to sensitivity of the “lights” from oncoming vehicles, or those following closely behind my car.  I guess the medical term is “night blindness.

Ostensibly, the “LIGHT” of the LORD is something entirely different.

Those who have seen “the light” are blessed to have their eyes opened.  It is the LORD who has done so.

The same is true with ears. When  our ears are opened to His Word, and truth, it is a blessing that comes from Him.

All gifts are from God, such is “learning the truth” —  He is the One who  prompts and touches us from within to receive Him, He is the One who places the desire in our hearts to pursue Him.

His Light is life.

The LORD of Life, the great I AM I AM, the Savior, the Rock, the One and only King of kings, and LORD of lords, our Sovereign Great and Mighty God.

He’s alive, triumphant in death, the magnificent Author of Salvation…our LIGHT, and our breath of life.  ( 1 Corinthians 15:55    Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? – NLT)

His light is ever present, when we are engrafted with Him, when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

The light is evidence of life. 

He is life. 

There is a security of being part of the large family of His followers.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we have the blessing of knowing we will be with Him for eternity when we pass from this earth.

However, until such time, we have a job here to do for Him.

Each day is another challenge, another way to serve Him.

Each one of us with our own method of doing so, each with our own gifts that He bestowed upon us, each one with a different job to undertake.  Most important, the outcome is ever the same, no matter the task…Serving Him!

Keep shining His light, and in so doing, you’re shining the light He has ignited within you!

“Father, thank You for this day, for the blessings You’ve bestowed on Your children from the beginning of time, and continue to do so each and every day, help us to shine Your glorious light from within to without, and grant us Your perfect peace, and may we be a blessing to all we encounter this day, and everyday, I love You Father, it is in Jesus’ precious name I pray,  Amen.”

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:   Proverbs 6:23 (KJV)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.   Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.   Psalm 119:130 (KJV)