This week for many Christians marks “Holy Week” and a time of reflection, honor and thanks prior to the “Resurrection” of our LORD.  It is incomprehensible to humans to fully grasp the enormous sacrifice and humiliation and pain thrust upon Christ for our sakes.  And for His Father, to witness His Son going through this torture on earth, for US!

But nonetheless, He did and thank God for His love that saved us.

As we go through this week leading up to His Glory and His Resurrection, let’s try to meditate longer on His Word and the Gospels, and truly honor Him and thank Him and our Father.  Let’s go forward with a spring in our step knowing how much He loves us.  Let’s take on each day with confidence knowing we are saved. and finally let’s realize that there is no other that can love us the way Christ does. Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for Your sacrifices done solely to bring us to salvation through the cross and His blood, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

Praise God my LORD!  I just want to proclaim the LORD’s glory and give Him thanks for listening to a request concerning a “medical” matter (which He knows about as I type) and for answering and listening to my prayer.

He is ALIVE, and well, and with us right this moment.

This is for those who might say, “that was so long ago in the Bible”—I want to say with honor and love that His miracles, and wondrous works, are still active, and happening every second of the day, throughout so many people’s lives.  And I want to thank Him for mine yesterday at approximately 2:45 pm yesterday…Thank you LORD!

God listens, and He answers…sometimes not in an immediate fashion.  And other times He answers by “not answering” that has happened to me before as well.  And the prayers He didn’t answer, “all turned out to be for the best!”

God knows what’s coming down the pike before we know it, and He is always wanting to do what’s best for His children.  So, for a matter of public declaration, I am here to say, “GOD IS ALIVE and still in the business of healing, helping, restoring, repairing and saving!”  Amen!

That is the main reason for my post, to give Him thanks.  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! (Psalm 150)

So…”Thank You my LORD!”

And for my readers, don’t ever give up on God, because He will never give up on You!

This coming Sunday, (Our Savior’s Resurrection) exaltations, proclamations, affirmations, and adorations of His Glory, and Love, should be shouted from the hilltops! 

Amen!

“Father God, my LORD, thank You for Your glory, mercy and protection, I honor and adore You, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

John 12:13 (KJV)

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” is a well-known quote from the Bible, specifically from Psalm 118:26. It was “Proclaimed loudly” by people to welcome Jesus Christ as he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It was a week before his crucifixion and His Miraculous resurrection.

This phrase is mainly used in Christian liturgy, and notably in hymns as a way of praising Jesus Christ, as the Messiah.  Our Savior, King of kings, and LORD of lords.

Reflecting on these scriptures, while taking the time to realize what He accomplished for us, and most important, what “He sacrificed” for us, is enough to bring anyone to their knees in humble adoration, and exaltation.

The reality of Christianity is powerful and moving intrinsically within those who embrace it, as the Holy Spirit guides us from within, fortifying us to withstand and thwart the fiery arrows from the enemy.  And in this evil world, that is the only way we can accomplish things in our lives. Through and in Christ.

Reflect on this Holy week and meditate on His promises, which are uplifting and resourceful tools and highly polished “weapons” to protect us this day and always in Christ.

“Father God, thank You for Your Son and His sacrifice, thank You for Your word, and Your love, may I always be thankful all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Personally, the current “sounds” of the world overall is getting extremely “loud” and the chaos is palpable.  It is a pivotal moment in history and there are all kinds of precedents and “firsts” occurring by the second.

The “shrill sounds of evil” permeate and transcend across the Continents and can drown out the “beautiful voice of the LORD”–-IF we are not careful.  We must be “listening” to the right voice at all times. And standing in the Light away from the darkness that seems to engulf the Universe at times.

Who is that voice? Who is that Light?

Our powerful Sovereign and Almighty LORD.

Quieting the sounds of the world can be challenging, but running to His Word, and wrapping ourselves in His promises and His love is essential to surviving the rough times, and the rough terrain that we currently stand upon.

However, when we stand on the Rock…our foundation will not shift, nor sink and will withstand all the elements of weather, which is to say…”conditions” of the world and its hideous issues that proliferate the news, media, and conversation.

Trusting in God and His love is what gets me through any given day, second or hour.  It is the quintessential pinnacle of what gives me hope and assures me that “everything will be okay” no matter what we are facing outwardly.  Because inwardly, we have the Spirit and Comforter, guiding us. Bringing us to fruition in the arms of His love and grace.

“Don’t cover your ears” instead open them up to the soothing voice of the LORD and His Word.

Thank Him for His promises that are unending, and for His love which is unparalleled and boundless.

And His guidance that propels us onto paths of righteousness through which we will only accomplish through Him and Him alone.

Silence the world and its ugly shrill of monotonous drone.

Instead open up to the sounds of “His Majesty, our One and only Royal King of kings, and Lord of lords,” then embrace the peace in which only He can deliver, And stand in the Light of His love. Amen.

“Thank You Father for Your voice of reason, love and peace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Suffice to say, that within most families there is a “peace maker” and a “mediator” that all family members run to!  That person in my family is usually “me.”  This pertains to brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, etc.

It is not “me” behind being a peacemaker.  Instead, of course it is God , who plays a pivotal role in the assembly of said situations and gives a “calling” to those who are intended for this type of “career.”

It’s interesting to note that I am the “youngest” of my family, and yet…God has chosen to give me a role is “listening” and guiding individuals to the path of least resistance, in this case…harmony.  Or at the very least, peaceful outcomes overall.

It is an ultimate honor being in the capacity of peacemaker.  It is a gift from the Father of lights and it is one I don’t take lightly. Nor do I take any other gift from Him at any time, lightly. Instead, it is a privilege and a crucial component to my Christian faith, and I would hope, a testimony of my love for Him.

Recognize and understand that we all have roles in the body of Christ.  We are all extensions of Him and all part of the unity of being faithful followers, giving Him glory and uplifting Him by our cohesive measures.

Some are teachers, some are encouragers, some are listeners, some are peacemakers, and more than not, most of us have many talents/gifts that God has ordained us for.  The important thing is to fully enact and engage upon your gifts before they are “taken away.”  In other words, use them or lose them.

Have you tapped into your “gifts” today?

“Father, Thank You, from the bottom of my heart, it is my utmost honor to serve You in the capacity in which you have ordained me, may I follow You all the days of my life, and may I be pleasing to You and follow Your will, and in so doing, may it bring You glory at all times, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

Malachi 4:2 (NLT)

The word “fear” here is a reverence, devotion to the LORD.  And God promises to separate those of righteous nature and followers from those who are “wicked.” Those who love and dedicate themselves to the LORD, are promised great rewards, and overflowing joy…

Believing and serving God are truly gifts from above, and a joy overall.  Taking note of all things at all times in the spiritual sense is good practice in terms of living “life” to the fullest, and in accordance with His Word, which ultimately will result in harmonious living.

Living for God, loving Him, honoring Him, acquiescing, and surrendering to His ways, is a goal which should be sought in earnest and in spirit.

Love the LORD, with all your heart, mind, strength and soul…and when we do, the “sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.”  And that healing encompasses all parts of our body, inside and out!

Amen.

“Father, may I always be mindful of Your love, and follow Your will all the days of my life, may I trust You implicitly, and may I always remember that You are in control all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Hebrew 12: 14 

 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy, without holiness no one will see the Lord.  

As those of faith, we are to be peaceful, and compassionate to others needs and their situations. When we embrace peace, and accept the Words of the LORD, and revere Him and His ways, we inherently become a part of His Kingdom, and we should aspire to seek His face in all we do.

Hoping to engage our inner selves to outwardly reflect that of which the LORD intends us to do can bring about a wealth of goodness that is overflowing, and thus represent and become witness for His glory.

Pressing on to do good and promote harmony will result in peace for not only ourselves, but others as well.

“LORD may I always ascribe to Your Word, Your voice, and Your ways, today tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,

Matthew 18:18 (NKJV)

An automobile needs fuel to be productive and requires it to get to the destination by the “owner” of the vehicle.  And much like the automobile, our spirit needs “fuel” to get to their eventual destination.

When our spirit is running low, we are apt to go in another direction, one that could prove to be dangerously ill prepared for the world, and life overall.

What is the fuel of spirit?  God, God, God and more God.

In the turn of everyday events and the limited time to accomplish certain scenarios or routines, we may start to “run low” on God’s fuel.  When that happens, we can become sluggish in reacting to worldly situations, that can be detrimental to being fruitful, and helpful to not only family, friends and neighbors, but ourselves too.

When we don’t partake in “God’s daily fuel” for our spirits, we begin to slide down a slippery slope, we could become inept in attempts to navigate properly in our journey here on earth.  All we do here reflects what will be in heaven. (Matthew 18:18)

Opening up to meditating on His Word, praying, and obeying His will for His purpose in life, is the “golden elixir fuel of life.”  Fuel that not only helps with all of our issues, of both good and bad, but helps us compensate and overcome things that would otherwise be “impossible” to do.

With God all things are possible.  Without Him nothing makes sense.

If your car is in your garage deplete of gasoline, is it worth anything? Can it do anything but “sit” in its spot?  Can it go anywhere?

So too is our spirit.

Replete yourself with the best fuel of all, “God” and His mercy and love.  

Check your “fuel” today, and if you’re low…it’s time for a “fill-up.” Amen!

“Dear Father, my Lord, fill my spirit with Your powerful fuel, may I never be empty of Your Word, and ways, may I always be replete in Your love, commandments, and will, and may I never forget to stop in everyday to fuel my inner spirits to overflowing, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

God’s creations are all masterfully chiseled by His divine hands of mercy and grace.  His Magnificence is evident in all things, if we take the time to reflect and understand the importance of the Universe and His message.

Family, friends, colleagues, associates, neighbors and the like, are all part of “God’s creation” and essentially part of who we are.  God sends people in and out of our lives for reasons. Sometimes the reasons are known, other times not too clear as to the purpose, but still always a reason for it.

And sometimes we are blessed to make strong connections irrespective of the demographics.  In other words, some friendships are stronger than those that are close by.  We can make solid and blessed friends with those miles and miles away, or across an ocean even!

I’ve been blessed to have been given a gift of connections both close by and across the miles/ocean.  And all are important and have made impacts on my life one way or another.  As all are part of a journey I’ve established through God’s will and purpose for my life, and ostensibly theirs as well.

If we ponder and reflect on our lives and think of all the times that God guided us through hurdles, tribulations, and heartache, it will be incomprehensible and difficult for the human brain to fully absorb, and too numerous to count.

However, He did/does it, nonetheless.

Only God can do this for us.

One of the ways is through friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues and neighbors.  Each one held/holds a part in who we are, some contributed in big ways, and others a smaller, yet significant way that was enough to make an impact on our souls.

However, it’s so critically important to never forget who is behind it all, “our LORD.”

Who does all things for our good, and never ceases to bring us through anything and everything.

And who never leaves us, continuously guiding us, protecting us, showing us, and loving us through it all.

Today, as you go through your tasks, routines, and all of your daily activities, remember your friends from long ago, others who made a brief appearance in your life, and those who remain steadfast and an integral part of who you are and who you’ve become.

And God, who continues to shape us into bearing more and more fruit, and who is behind us all the way in this life, and on this earth.

Then remember that it is God that never forsakes, deserts, or disappoints us. And who will ultimately bring you home where you will be for all eternity. Amen.

“Father my LORD, thank You for all of the connections in my life, from the early days of my life to this very moment, and for all the days to come, and I thank You for never leaving me stranded, not even for one second of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17 (KJV)

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. 

Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

Did you ever wake up and just merely say “Thank You” to God?

I mean, just a simple “thank You” and nothing more?

Well, I’m sure many do.  But in my own personal experience of speaking with others, the “thank You” is usually followed by many requests for their own purposes, or perhaps for others.  Which of course, is the hallmark calling card of faithful Christians, praying, acknowledging and trusting in Him for all things.  But, once in awhile…it’s good to just look up and say, “Thank You!”

It’s like parents.  They love their children, give them love, support and protection, no matter what.  Children ask, “give me this, or give me that” and on it goes.  But as a parent, isn’t it an incredulous feeling of joy to hear a child just say, “Good morning, Mom/Dad—thank you for everything you do in my life.”

Sometimes we need to redirect our thoughts and realize the enormity of the situation in terms of God’s love for us, His children.  He listens, provides, protects, watches over us, and gives us His heart relentlessly, no matter what.  So what a joy for the LORD if and when He hears one of us utter, “Thank You LORD for everything you do in my life, past, present and to come. I love you. Thank you!”

So today, give it a try if you already haven’t done so.  Bring a smile and an abundance of joy to the LORD, smile and say, no matter what language you choose to say it in, just say …”Thank You!”   

“Father, my LORD, thank You! I love You, adore You, and give you all thanks today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”