“He who has ears, let him hear.”  

Matthew 13:9

“Sorry I don’t have the time right now.”

Excuse number one.

“Oh, I have something going on this morning, and then an appointment in the afternoon.”

Excuse number two.

“I can’t!  I have calls to make, things to do, people to see.”

Excuse number three.

“I wish there were more than twenty-four hours in the day, I can’t do everything in one day! – Maybe later.”

Excuse number four.

And, so it goes, and so it goes.

Sound familiar?  

Well, in this world, and the inherent pace in which we “tap dance” our way through life, it seems impossible to do all of what we need to do in one day.  Some individuals have children, and a job to get to.  Some people, are single with children, and have no time to themselves. Still others may be disabled, and have exceeding difficultly getting around, and find it hard to set aside time to reflect or meditate on His Word given the pain they’re in.

All of the responses above are answers some of us might give to “GOD” when we push aside His Word, and His voice, and His love when He calls out to us. When He calls for us to “spend time with Him alone” each and every day.

The “world” is filled with “noise” and  lofty distractions that seek to pull us from our Father.

The enemy loves to engage us in daily practices of “disobeying” and “ignoring” God.

Sometimes… if we’re in so much pain, emotionally or physically, we find that our discomfort “chokes” the Word of God.  It happens, to the best of those following in Christian faith.  It can happen and this is where we need to “take notice” and “block the noise” in the powerful name of Christ by reaching out to the Father!

This is when we need to reach for our Bible, for His beautiful and soothing Voice, and cry out to Him.

This is where we say, “Father I choose You and Your strength”

This is where we shout, “You get ALL THE GLORY and VICTORY no matter what Father God!”

This is when we “mute the world” and “turn the speakers up” for the Father’s Voice! Amen!

No matter where we are, no matter what we’re going through, no matter the load we carry…lay it down and bring it to the LORD.

His voice and His love will sustain and protect us from the “ugly sounds” of the world.

Try it today and see how “beautiful the world can be”   by listening to His voice.

Try it today and see how “beautiful the world can be” through His eyes and love.

Amen!

“Father God, thank You for Your sustaining and unconditional voice of love and reason, and for Your promises, You are all that I need, now and always,  I rebuke the world’s noise over my life, and know I am protected by the blood and  Your love in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

*Picture courtesy of Pinterest – does not belong to me. 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:

for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11 (KJV)

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me” as the verse from Psalm 119:75 goes. And, in Revelation 4:11, it is told that the LORD is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for “thou hast created all things, and for they pleasure they are and were created.”

Our mighty Creator created us because of His love, and we and all things were created by the Master of the Universe…for His pleasure.

The questions we should ponder in our minds is:  “What are we doing to honor Him?  How are we showing Him honor?  And, are we going forth in such a manner that glorifies Him?”

Most of us attend church weekly,  donate to a favorite charity, and then go on with our lives thinking that “I’m okay, that’s all I have to do. I fulfill my obligations in so doing.”

Well…hold on a second now.  There is a little bit of a knot in the rope so to speak.  Yes, all of the above is a good thing, but it is how we conduct the rest of our week, and how we fill our days that matters.  And, most important, how we “glorify God” and how we “love Him” in our hearts, while giving Him the victory, and being a witness for Him, through our actions, to others that really brings Him pleasure.

“For Thou has created ALL things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Yes, we were created for His pleasure.

Are we doing things that please Him?

Are we meditating on His word in our hearts?

Are we extending the joy of “knowing Him” to others in our thoughts, words and actions?”

When we drive by a homeless person and feel a “tug” in our hearts.  That’s the Holy Spirit.

When we see someone hurting and needing a hug, and feel a “tug” in our hearts.  That’s the Holy Spirit.

When someone is distraught, or grieving, and need someone to listen, or hold their hand, and you feel a “tug” in your heart. That’s the Holy Spirit.

When you do a righteous deed and you feel peace, joy and a tremendous amount of satisfaction. That’s the Holy Spirit rejoicing within you.

Congratulations, when you feel that feeling of joy, peace, satisfaction…You’ve pleased Him, and are being a vessel in His will for your life.

“Feeling a tug in your heart today?” 

Great…Listen to the Holy Spirit within…and set out to please Him.

In this way you are giving Him all the glory, Honor, and being a witness for others at His magnificence!

“Father God, may we always be pleasing in Your eyes in all that we do, all that we say, and may our hearts reflect our love for You, through our actions towards others, today and always, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

All those the Father gives Me will come to Me,

and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away.

John 6:37

When we hear His voice and follow Him we are part of His fold, and those that know His voice follow Him, and He knows those who do.  So, when we willingly choose to go with Him, we are one with Him, and He accepts us into His fold and protects, leads, guides. He will “never turn us away” and will love us unconditionally.

As we go through our life here on earth we are called to be examples to those around us, to embrace the gospel of Christ in all that we do, all that we endeavor to take on, each and every moment of our life.  For those who walk in the darkness, we are given the responsibility to try and “shine His light” into their lives.  We are not the ones in control, the LORD is in control, and ultimately the seeds we sow will be up to the LORD is they sprout and grow.  He will provide the water.  We need to spread the seeds in the soil, and depending on the situation and whether or not the person will accept those seeds and choose Christ is up to God.

Follow His heart with your own heart.

Follow His voice and listen attentively.

Follow His ways and lead by example.

Follow Him and graze in His pasture.

The LORD is with us always, even until the end of time.

Simple, loving facts.  Christ is Lord of lords, King of kings, and Savior of all.   However, we have to CHOOSE Him, and accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  When we do, sit back and watch how your life will be transformed into the light and love of His presence.

Amen.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:17

Got up this morning?—        “Thank You Lord, for this day.”

Finished your breakfast?—  “Thank You Lord for thy provisions.”

Paying your bills?  —-           “Thank You Lord for the ability and grace to pay these bills.”

Driving to do errands?—        “Thank You Lord for being able to drive and for getting me there safely.”

Speaking to family/friend?–   “Thank You Lord for my family and for my friends.”

I think you all have received my message today.  Do all things, in thought word and deeds in the name of the LORD. Each thing, no matter how “small” or how “large” —give Him thanks, for He is worthy of our thanks, praise and love, Amen.

Today, whatever it is you’re doing, whatever it is you’re going through…”good or bad” —offer up your thanks and praise, no matter what.  When we do that, we will thrive in tough times.  We will get through the valley.  And, we will enjoy the good times tenfold in honor of His grace and love.

His Word is truth.

His Word is comfort.

His Word endures forever.

His Word is LIFE.

“Father God, may we never forget to give you unending praise and devote our lives to You in all that we do, in Jesus Christ precious name, Amen.”

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,

than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

 Psalm 84:10 (KJV)

A good friend of mine recalled our days of when we worked in the nursing home together, and we laughed until we cried.  She was my employee and I had hired her back in 1992.  And although I was her boss…we worked together as one body.  There were no comments about ranking power, or about my being her superior, because essentially…I was not.  We were one in accord unto one purpose taking care of the residents in the facility.  Even though our roles were vastly different, we still had one goal, to ensure that the residents were treated with due respect, while promoting their well-being in all facets of their daily lives.

Just so as we are all “one body unto Christ” and have different roles in our daily lives, we still have one purpose promoting the LORD and His Word according to His will.  We are called to do all things for His glory and for His purpose as we walk in obedience, willingly and lovingly.

You know 1992 seems so long ago, and yet it feels as if it were only last week that I was working with such a loving bunch of co-workers of mine who gave their all in their varying capacities at the facility.  Each one holding a significant role and purpose in making sure that the facility ran smoothly, and keeping the residents comfortable and safe.   Some of the best years of my life were spent working at that fabulous place, and some of the most extraordinary friendships came from my association with that nursing home.  Not to mention, the deeply rewarding, and meaningful connections to the residents, of whom I still recall, with love and regard.

What I’m trying to say here is, the time was fleeting, as is all our time here on earth.

But, here’s the great news!  Our time spent here is for a purpose, HIS PURPOSE, and when we are through with that purpose, and we are called home, how glorious to know we will spend Eternity in Paradise, with our Father!  Amen!

Being with Him forever, with no end…and seeing all past loved ones, and friends, as we celebrate together in God’s house, filled with many rooms for all of us…for Eternity!

And, for those who have lost their pets…oh yes…. I really believe they’ll be there too!  I can’t imagine God creating such special little creatures that brought so much joy on earth to be absent from our reunion.  I’m sure in my heart they’ll be there too!  In fact,  I can just see my handsome, sweet baby boy, Max, and my precocious, gorgeous, baby girl Misty, running toward me! Yes! For Eternity!

No more goodbyes, no more tears, and no more sickness or sadness.

Just, love, light, truth…and a whole lot of celebrating and worshiping going on.

Now, isn’t that something to look forward to? 

But for today..keep on doing what you’re doing, and do it all unto the LORD.

Trust Him.

Love Him,

and obey Him……for your rewards will be plentiful and cups will be overflowing with joy, and love.

“Dear Father God, thank You for Your light, Your unwavering and unconditional love, and for Your hands of grace and power, I give You my all, and I exalt You now and always, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (KJV)

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84:12 (KJV)

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Psalm 37:3 (KJV)

Jesus Tells Us Not To Doubt

 So He said, “Come.” 

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid;

and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:29-31  (NKJV)

Peter was  doing just fine while looking at Jesus while walking toward Him.  But, the moment he looked away, what happened?  He began to “fear” and started to “sink.”

What’s the message here?   Simple, “Never take your eyes off of Jesus, and all of which He is,and stands for.”  When we keep our eyes on Jesus we will never “sink“because Jesus saves!

There are many verses that deal with doubt in the Bible…but the big message is; “never doubt” and “have faith” and stay true to the Word of Christ.

Walk the narrow path, and trust in Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul.

And love Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul.

Trust.

Believe.

Walk in faith.  

When Jesus says something, we know it’s true, and we know we can trust in His Word.

He already fulfilled the biggest promise of all…He died for us in fulfillment of the scriptures , to save us from our sins so that we might live forever, doesn’t get bigger than that!

God will never let us down, and the passages in the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament all have one continuous theme.

What’s that theme?   God’s love and mercy for His children, and the miracle that His hands ordained.

His power, love, and mercy for us, is a valid and continuous process from the moment we are born, to the moment we die, and beyond.

And for those who are blessed to have believed in Him, and have accepted Him in their heart before leaving this earth,  are guaranteed a place at His table along with our own crown in heaven for eternity.

Life can become “unraveled” at a  moments notice.

Life can change in a blink of the eye as we know it.

Storms will come, and storms will go.

And, things never stay the same throughout this cycle called “life.”

But one thing that never changes and one thing that is certain...God will never leave us, forsake us, or desert us in times of woe.  In fact, He’s there in times of joy and when the weather is sunny and warm. 

And, He doesn’t just show up for storms and despair.  He cares for us twenty-four hours a day seven days a week for all the days of our life!

He makes it easier for us to get through the dark moments of our life and brings us through everything we face during our days here on earth.

Plus, He is there celebrating with us when we have joyous occasions. He is smiling and cheering right alongside of us, rest assured He is always with us.

He is faithful, He is loyal, He is amazing!

So, never doubt, never worry, and know this like the back of your hand…

GOD IS LOVE.

GOD IS REAL. 

GOD IS HERE. 

GOD IS THERE.

GOD IS EVERYWHERE we are. 

LOVE HIM.

Wait for HIM.

Because, we are who we are because of HIM.

“Father God, thank You for Your love and for being with me since the beginning of time, and since the beginning of my life, thank You for never giving up on me, thank You for loving me no matter what, and thank You, for listening to me, even when I go on and on, You’re an amazing listener, I love You LORD, forever and always, my heart belongs to YOU, praise You now and forever, all the glory and honor belong to You, no matter what, and the victory is Yours, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

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Isaiah 49:23  NKJV)

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Isaiah 50:10 (NKJV)