But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)

I need time alone with God.

I love to sit and talk with Him and read His word.

I love to hear His voice.

Time spent with Him is the most valuable time I have.

Being with Him is crucial to my well-being.

Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Each of these components that comprise who I am are all dependent on time with Him. And the time “He gives me” to do so.

Last evening an individual needed to speak and so I listened.  The conversation was one-sided, and this individual, although speaking, was kind of hovering on “gossiping” which I’m not into at all.  So…it was making it  extra hard to listen…but I didn’t want to hurt the person’s feeling.  But what was making it exceedingly difficult to linger was I had a very important appointment!  I was on my way to read and pray, and spend valuable time with my LORD. The place is a room in our home dedicated to my prayer time.

Alone time with Him is precious time.

It’s how I refresh my soul and preserve my inner sanctity.

It’s how I survive and breathe.

Some might say I’m fanatical in my quest to seek out God in such a fervent and urgent fashion. But to me, it’s the only way of life I know.  I love Him, and enjoy being with Him.  And it’s such a necessary part of my life.

I can breathe when I’m alone with Him.

I know He loves me for who I am, regardless of status.

He loves me.

He sees me.

And, He gets me! He totally gets me! Amen!

He even has a sense of humor, as so many times He has placed me in a position that was the antithesis of my comfort zone.  Yet, He does it with undaunting ease, that allows me to do the same.  He is spectacular at all He does, and all He does for me….and all of you!

The mornings are splendid. The birds singing in the yard, along with the sunrise is ultimately satisfying and peaceful.  And truly overwhelming, to know; “He loves me.” 

The most important thing that anyone of faith can do is “find precious time” to spend with the Father. It is truly an investment in spirituality that keeps on growing.  The spiritual bank of dependency, upon the Father, has an return rate that is exponentially beyond measure.

So tell me…Have you been alone with God today?

If not…may I invite you to start banking on the growth of your spirituality by doing so?

Go on…make a deposit!

“Father God, I love spending time with You alone, and I love how You love me, thank You for leading me, guiding me, and directing me all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.

Psalm 18:1 (NLT)

Even in the darkness, I see His light, for He is with me always.

I hear Him.

I feel Him.

I sense Him.

I know Him.

I love Him…I am paying attention.

My Lord is a fortress every moment of my life. Whether its while doing chores, sleeping, eating, walking, talking…he is with me all the time. Shining His brilliance and love on me and through me.  He is the barometer in which I measure all things, today, tomorrow and always. His temperance is solid and never wanes no matter what circumstances swirl about. I know He’s here… I’m paying attention.

Psalm 18 speaks to my heart, as it depicts a very active God, and a man—David— with a heart for God.  It is laid out in informative fashion, and is abundantly clear in its message… I’m paying attention.

To sum it up easily, “it’s about loving and active God in heaven, and a man—King David— here on earth, who is filled with love for Him, and wants to carry out God’s will, and work, all the days of his life.”  This man—King David— in Psalm 18, knows and fulfills God’s will… He is paying attention.

The presence of God is everywhere, if we pay attention, we might see it more readily than before.

It is transparent in all we endeavor to do each day. If we pay attention. 

He surrounds us in 3-D.  He upholds us as we walk through the tunnel of adversity.  And, He is relentless in His protection. It’s obvious to see, feel, and hear.  If we pay attention.

David loved the LORD, and beckoned to Him, and cried out to Him. He listened and paid attention, all the days of His life. The LORD was His light and lamp and refuge and fortress.  All of which He is for us, today, here and now.

Love Him, with all of your heart, and soul, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes, LOVE HIM, and keep from evil, it’ll be health to your navel, and marrow for your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

He will never let you down.

That’s His promise.

And, God’s promise is a promise that will NEVER be broken. 

Listen.  Are you paying attention?

“Father, I love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and might, to You be the glory and honor, now and always, in Jesus precious and mighty name, Amen.”

Psalm 28 (NLT)

You light a lamp for me.
The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.

Psalm 28 (KJV)

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

“Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”

(John 8:12).

At 6am this morning, as my little fur baby Mickey went about his business, I stood staring up at the sky. It was dark, and ominous in appearance, clouded over as a thunder storm loomed close.  However, there was a shimmer of beautiful brightness, that couldn’t be hidden or contained.  The bright light reached out to me, and offered a grand sense of comfort, and security.  Brilliant hues of orange, and pink, sprinkled through allowing a prism, to appear as a rainbow across my window.  God’s peace.

Peace and security might seem far in the distance during these shifting sands of time given the pandemic, and now the protests of a horrific heinous tragedy of Mr. Floyd which shattered hearts across the globe.

That rainbow brought more than a semblance of peace my way. It brought an inner joy that engulfed my spirit and reaffirms my faith, and belief in His presence, even in a time of darkness.

God is my peace.

God is our peace.

God is your peace.

I notice more, and more as of late, that my God moments come just in time.

Because God, is never late.

Because God, is always on time.

God, brings what He has to bring, when He needs to bring it, and when we aren’t aware that we need it, He still brings it. 

The reality of faith, can be heightened by circumstances, or a keen awareness of “moments” during our lifetime.

Tune into God, and let His presence be balm for your soul, as you graft onto the vine which is Christ.

Christ is LIFE.

Christ is LIGHT.

So in your quiet moments, and not so quiet moments, look for the “light.”

Through the dark…know that the light, will always come shining through.

Just in time.

Because God is never late…

“Father God, thank You for Your light that is always on time, all the time, every time, Your light is my joy and I thank You, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground” (Isaiah 42:16).

“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Titus 2:11 (KJV)

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…”

Jesus went to the cross to free us from our sins, and rose on the third day to bring salvation for all of us. To make us His very own people.  He empowers us, by His enabling power to live in grace and follow Him in all we do.  Why?  Because He loves us.

Billy Graham encountered a man who he met one day in an elevator, “You’re Billy Graham. Wow! You’re a great man!”   To which Billy Graham replied, “No I’m not a great man, I merely have a Great message.”

Powerful!  But true.

God’s message is great, as is God…and His love for us.

Jesus paid it in full.  Because He loves us.

God is on the move at all times…watching, healing, protecting us.  And, all because He loves us.

God allows us to be His vessel in His greatness, though us, because He loves us.

Itsn’t that amazing that we can be used for God. He gives us a nudge and the Spirit leads, guides us, and shows us…Because He loves us.

Loving someone is a gift.

Receiving love is a gift.

Father’s love for us is a powerful gift.

Knowing He loves us, in a confidence booster, and spiritual extender, that goes beyond the basic structure of our mind.

His love, and His promises, and His grace, are enabling power for us!

For us!

He’s preparing us, and guiding us, each and everyday of our lives, because He loves us.

When we wrap up our time here, whenever it is, we will continue to receive His love…for eternity!

But, right now…listen to His voice and know He loves us.

He is here right now with us always.

We all need Him.

Especially now.

So…feel His love.

Experience His power that enables us to go forward in His peace and His strength, because He loves us.

Can you feel His love?

Do You hear His promises?

Love Him back, with all of your heart, and all of your soul, and all of your might, and He shall supply all of your needs according to His riches.

Yes!  Powerful indeed.

“Father God, thank You for loving us, for enabling us with the power to do all things through Your name and Your grace, thank You for Your promises, and for Your protection, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Philippians 4:19  (NKJV)  

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps 

Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)

Recognizing God’s Sovereign power to heal us inside and out, is a vital component that is key to experiencing His mercy and love. Jeremiah, although filled with anguish, acknowledged that only God could comfort Him and guide His steps. “I would comfort myself in sorrow; my heart is faint in me…” Jeremiah 8:18 NKJV

King David, centuries prior, cried and wept  also. He looked for peace, and comfort but found none, as he ran from Saul and later his own son Absalom. Until in Psalm 69 when he said “And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. For the LORD hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners. (Psalm 69:32,33 NKJV)

I personally look to God for comfort. I rely on Him, for all of my decisions in life, direction and goals. Without Him, I’d be a virtual mess, probably wallowing in a puddle of indecision and stagnation of soul.

There is no life free from pain, or troubles.  As we experience “Life” there will invariably, be tough times, and blocks of shadow, and gloom.  But the sun eventually comes through, and the light always returns. In fact, it’s always there, peeking in around the edge of a dark cloud. You just have to wait, be still,  be aware, and acknowledge God through it all. The rainbow is always right around the corner. (Psalm 46:10) 

Out of the suffocating pain, and harrowing times, we run to God. And with it comes a closer connection, and that far exceeds, the heights prior to the troubles.  This brings about a resounding affirmation that we see we need Him.

It is His Word, and promises, that we will hear as we bounce back stronger, than  before we entered into our crises. It is about that time,  we feel His love deeper, and more significantly than before. Each time we walk the path in which He directs our steps, We are able to withstand whatever it is before us.  Eventually we realize it will be “behind us.” Amen.

God, created us to depend on Him, in all aspects of our life. We need His guidance, and counsel. When we commit our lives to Him, it’s not solely for our salvation, but it is what we need to be savvy, and spiritually strong, in all the moments of our life here on earth, and beyond.

God is not dead.

No. In fact He is the God of the living.  “He is not the God of the dead, but the god of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken…” Mark 12:27 (NKJV)  

Jeremiah, and King David are dead to us, as we know they’ve passed on, thousands of years before us. However, they are very much alive in the presence of God, where we all will be one day as well. Yet while they were here, both of them followed the path, and steps, that were ordered by God.

We too are closely monitored, and yet we are free in all manner of choice. That is to say. Do we walk the path in which God leads us? Or do we walk the path in which our own mind leads us?

Do you choose God and His declaration of promises through His Holy Word? 

Have you acquired the spiritual desire and fortitude of righteousness that lives in us through Christ our Lord and Savior?

One day, our time here will be done. Our mission in life will have been accomplished, hopefully according to the will of our Father above.

But for right here, and right now—the steps we take shouldn’t be taken for granted.

In fact, the steps we take could be the difference between “LIFE” versus “Existence.”

So the question becomes, “Are we merely existing? — Or are we Living LIFE?” 

When we live LIFE we are living within the realm of His Word and His will.

“Father God, thank You for guiding my path and steps, I look to You for all my decisions, You are the center of all I do and say, may I heed what the Spirit calls me to do, and recognize that the steps I take aren’t mine to call, rather Yours, according to Your will, and purpose for my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)

As we remember our military men and women, who have sacrificed country, family, and friends, we give thanks, and honor them in our hearts forever. If not for their service, and undaunting bravery, we might be living under the auspices of an entirely different country as we know it.  So God bless these souls, and thank you one and all.  Including my dad who was in the Army, and proudly served his country.

Today I’d like to think about all of us as Soldiers. Because, essentially, that is what we are, “Soldiers in Christ.”

Each morning as we start our day, we’re subjected to the slings and arrows of the world, which can be difficult and suffocating at times.  But when we put on the full armor of God, we will be able to stand against the “wiles of the devil” which is to say the “world” and all that that implies.

Being a Soldier of Christ, brings an impregnable barrier, which creates an undeniable demeanor of peace. Following Christ we take up the sword (His Word)… and invariably during our journey, we are better able to cope and sustain, inevitable set-backs that life will throw our way.

When we have on the helmet of salvation, our mind is protected from idle garbage that might otherwise infiltrate our thoughts. When we stand firm with our belt buckled with truth, and shod our feet with peace, as we walk the pathways of life, we are grounded in the roots of Christ and His Gospel.

Being a Soldier of Christ, is a title and honor that we shouldn’t take lightly. To be a part of this amazing army, is nothing short of spectacular. We are mirrored in the image of Christ, as His Spirit leads us, guides us, and ultimately protects us. We take on the countenance of warriors within, as we spread the truth, the Word, and the love. Consequently, shredding the worldly particles that try to distinguish our light and peace.

The power of Christ is powerful indeed.

His love alone is fantastic!

But when we fully dress in The Armor of the Gospel!

Wow!

We are an army to be reckoned with!

Today…honor the memory of those who have served proudly.  Those souls are at peace, and in a far greater place than we could ever imagine. I salute you one and all.

But…while we are here,

today,

right now,

I ask you this…

“Have you put on your full Armor of God?”

“Father God, it is my honor, and pleasure to serve You, in all I do, may I please You today, tomorrow, and always, as I clothe myself in Your Armor, and continue to spread Your Word, Your Gospel, and Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
 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.
 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.
 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Ephesians 6:11-17 (KJV)

While we look not at the things which are seen,

but at the things which are not seen:

for the things which are seen are temporal;

but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV)

So things have been quite unexpected in terms of our everyday lives. Things seen have been quite challenging, and tedious in practice. By that, I am referring to the Pandemic, that came rushing into our lives so quickly and washed over the world so devastatingly.

However, there seems to be a light emerging on the precipice on which we have current footing.

There seems to be a slight change for the better, slowly developing, and with it…comes “hope” settling over our souls.

Tuning in to God and His Word, while tuning out the world, can be paradoxical in and of itself.

Why is that?

Seeing things from the earthly perspective, can be tantamount to living in peace at times.

What do I mean by that?

Well, as Christians we are called to follow Christ, and do things according to His Word, and commandments. We are to do things for our fellow humans…so of course that is “right here, while tuning in.”

When I say…”tune out” I mean to say…the world and all of its ugliness. The saturation of iniquity that descends upon us in forms of “media, perversion, murder, mayhem, and hatred” and a host of other non spiritual things that fall unto our path.  These are the ones that we “tune out” while tuning in to God.  And harnessing His Word, and Spirit, as our form of defense.

Well, looking at “our temporary stage of life” is quite different in fact, from our “permanent place of life.”

As stated so clearly in 2 Cor 4:18, “looking at things which are seen instead of what is not seen” can make all the difference in how we face a crisis, or devastation, in and around our life, family, friends and living overall.

Living here, and now, and doing what the LORD calls us to do, can be rewarding, and fulfilling, especially when it is the will of God.  But, although it can be immensely satisfying to our spirit…it doesn’t compare to the joy, and rewards, of the Eternity, that God promises us, when our time is up.

These past few months have been hard. As I’m sure it has been on many of you reading this right now. I’ve mentioned in previous posts,  that this horrific virus has affected people in my family circle.

My two nieces lost loved ones…father-in-law, and childhood friends.  My nieces’ husband lost his dad, and two weeks later, his best friend. Then my niece lost her best friend.  And we have had family, and friends, who have had it and thank God, fully recovered.  But, during this time, we realized that this too shall pass.

So too shall our life, be passed/changed from “temporary to permanent” when we find our place at the LORD’s table, and sup with Him, and live with Him, as promised. (Rev 4:21)

Looking at clouds of despair, can be a virtual opportunity to see beyond the darkness, while letting His light cascade through, knowing God is with us always, and will never leave us.

Because as stated in 4:17 2 Cor “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…”

Remember that, as we forge forward, with a steel determination, and eyes looking to the hills, knowing our help comes forth. (Psalm 121:1)

Do you see beyond the temporary curtains that hang in the balance? 

Can you see the permanent window dressing on the horizon? 

The difference?

Life here…and Life there. 

Do you want to sit down to supper with the Lamb of God in Eternity?  (Revelation 3:20)

Just some questions to mull over as we go through life together…

“Father, my God, help me to embrace the moments of my life, here and now, while embracing that my life on earth is only temporary, and my permanent place is that of which I shall spend my Eternity, I thank You for Your protection, and strength in all I do, I honor You in my heart, and give You all praise, and glory, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

The Lord Jesus prophesied, “ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me ” (Revelation 3:20)

Devotion to the LORD is clearly a choice, and heartfelt desire, to follow, and obey Him in all we do.

In essence, we either will remain in bondage to earthly corruption, by looking toward materialistic items, and objects, for our main source of supply and existence.   Or instead, we can be set free into the glorious freedom, and liberty, as Children of God.

Our choice should be God, in every single aspect of  life, and a constant, ever-present thought process, in all of our decisions, and pathways. It is to Him, we seek help, guidance, and direction. It is the LORD, whom we should pray, for provisions, and illumination, and for blessings over our life.

When choosing God, over materialistic gains ,we inherently die to self,  which is to say, our “selfish desires,” thereby allowing the Spirit of Christ, to dwell in us richly, and freely.  He, then will lead us into truth, and our roots will engraft into His soil…which will eventually produce growth, and maturity in our Christian walk.

It is through His grace, that we are able to do so…along with our conscious and able minded body, mind, heart, spirit, and soul.

Our barometer of Christianity, should be present inwardly as well as outwardly. It is our light from within, that should shine to all we come in contact with. It is our duty, as followers of Christ, and through our devotion, it enables us to share the Word, truth, and consequently, “freedom” from death overall.

Because loving Christ, and being completely devoted towards Him, is LIFE.

 In John 14:6 6 ,Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

When materialistic objects, or modes of excessive interest take precedence over our devotion, and love for Christ, we are setting ourselves up for discord, or a disconnect, from our Father.

It’s simply impossible, to put other things, before God, and then expect our life to have an abundance of joy and peace. It’s paradoxical to think, we can obtain ,and then attain, luxuries without having our Father, as the fundamental basis, of our love.

There is nothing wrong with hard work,  or great success and money in general.

In fact, it can be God’s blessings, especially when we “give back” and use it for godly measures, during our journey on earth. But, make no mistake, it’s not following us when we leave this earth. Nope!  In fact…it’s a temporary existence.

Our permanent address is care of “our Father— Heaven—Eternity–and LIFE!

Devotion to God, is a joy that we should embrace, and deliver it to others, as we recompense the rewards of loving Him.

Who are you devoted to?

And…whom do you serve?

And, what will be your permanent address, after your journey is complete here on earth?

“Father God,  I pray to be ever mindful of You and Your love, and to devote myself to loving You in all that I do, may it be a reflection of my love for You and towards You, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

Circumstances in life, can change within seconds, and in its wake, seemingly turn our life upside down. Situations may present in cataclysmic fashion, shaking us to the very core of existence.  When these things happen, we often feel threatened, uncertain of our fate, and lack confidence in the direction in which our life may go.  It’s a natural emotion to a common denominator, “change” and drastic at that.

Life is just that.

Ever changing.

Kaleidoscopic in fact.

Ever moving and swirling, sometimes good, and sometimes bad.

There is only one constant in life.

God.

Faith is what wipes out the uncertainty in our life.

Faith is the cleanser for the abrasions of our soul.

Faith is the abundance of joy that supersedes all else.

Faith is the substance of hope of things not seen but believed. (Hebrews 11:1 )

Ostensibly, without faith, can you believe in God and His Son Jesus Christ?

So, hand-in-hand our faith, and belief in God, coincide with one another, for a cohesive seal, representing Christianity, and way of life for those who believe.

One of the most powerful promises we can grasp, is our Father God, and His unconditional love.

In a world, that at times can be  clouded by disturbing events, or adversities, it is satisfying to one’s body, mind, heart, and soul, to realize that God is the same always.

Things are changing quickly in our world, the new norm (Pandemic virus) is increasingly difficult, but the one constant, is God, and His promises, and His all consuming powerful love.

Father, the same as yesterday, today, tomorrow. and always…a potent reminder, that we are never alone. That He is with us always. (Matthew 28:20)

The infinite Word, and promises, are the shroud of our protection, and our armor as we forge through life, doing what we need to do, according to His will.

The weapons of choice, our Gospel Armor. (Ephesians 6:10)

Ambiguity is a life draining emotion.  But placing trust, and embodying our choices, based on His word, and love, is a way of life that is just that…LIFE.  

Life and how it’s meant to be lived is the foundation in which we walk, according to His truth, word, and promises.

Of course, we’ll always have dark moments, and tough times, immersed in our journey here on earth…but when we have God, and His promises, and never changing characteristic, and unfolding mercy and grace, we get through it every single time.  And consequently, more than likely to come through the adversity stronger in the interim.

Today, no matter where you are, or what you’re doing, or how you’re feeling, please know that God is never changing.

He is the same as He was since the beginning of time.

The same as He was yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Isn’t God awesome?

Isn’t His love powerfully reassuring?

His word.

His promises.

His love.

His consistency.

Love Him readily, and then get ready for a totatly different way of LIVING!. 

Now breathe, and experience His love, and tenderness, and LIVE!

“Dear God, in a world of uncertainty, thank You for Your unwavering love, and guidance, and for Your promises that bring ever lasting joy, in Jesus name, Amen.”

We are currently starting to enjoy “the warmth” of spring despite all of the angst of the horrific killer virus. I’m trying to understand the “powerful message” God is bringing to us by this pandemic. And truly looking to Him for all of the answers.

So, although its a time of frustration and disillusionment, it’s also a time of enlightenment, and investing in a deeper connection to God.  As we turn to our Father, for all of our needs, and trust Him implicitly, as His grace guides us, we will be able to withstand any turbulence, that is suddenly thrown unto our path.

As we get through this historical time in history, let’s look to God for His strength, and His message, that is interwoven in the midst of this chaotic time.  Let’s take the time to understand what is really important to each of us, and take the time to “love” each other is ways, that are reflective of Christ, and His Spirit.

The path we are walking on, are ordered by the LORD, and the path in which we tread, are “choices” we enforce.  That is to say, either we surrender our life to the LORD, and render ourselves to His will, and follow freely.  Or, we may very well walk a path, that can be consumed with irrelevant ideals of the world…thereby, bringing us into self exile in terms of Christianity. Which is to say, further away from God and His ways.

Reflect.

Meditate.

And take this time to get to know Jesus.   

Before the world is up and running again, sit back, and have an intimate talk with your LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I promise it’ll be the best conversation of your lifetime!

“Father God, thank You for guiding my steps, and having divine providence over my life, I look to You, for all of the answers, and love You fully and completely, in Jesus name, Amen.”