Comforter

DEAR GOD: What Season is This?~

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So, retirement and now what? 

According to Ecclesiastes there is a season, time and purpose for all things under heaven, while here on earth.  But sometimes, do you think, “Now what? I’ve accomplished many things; I’m getting on in years. What can possibly be next except old age and nearing death, and creaky knees, aching back, and doctors telling you, “Well— it’s natural at your age for A B C D E F G …so on and so forth!”

STOP! The worst thing you can do is sit and ponder, “what next?”  Because we know as Christians that as long as we have breath, and as long as we are here on earth, God still has plans for us!  Yes, even at “old age.”

Think about all the people who did things in their 80’s, 90’s and so on and so forth. Heck, look at Abraham!  He was 100 years old when Isaac was born to him!

Genesis 12 begins the story of Abraham (then called Abram) and his barren wife Sarah. Abraham was 75 years old when the LORD first gave Him the promise that he would father a son. Sarah was 65.  They had to wait 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise!

Abraham is called the father of faith (Romans 4:11–12) because of his response to God both in leaving his homeland and receiving a son in his old age.

 Genesis 15:4–5 again describes God’s promise to Abraham that his offspring would be as “the sands of the sea.” Even though Abraham was old and had no sons, he never doubted that God would do as He promised. He did not understand how such a thing could be possible, but he humbly accepted God’s word as truth.

Jesus’ mother, Mary kind of had a similar response when Gabriel visited and told her she’d be the mother of the Messiah  (Luke 1:26–38).

She didn’t c0mprehend how such a thing could be possible, since she was a virgin. But she readily accepted and never doubted God would do as He had said. This is the kind of response and the kind of deep unwavering faith that please our LORD. (Hebrews 11:6).

My point? No matter how young (David was young boy when he killed Goliath with a smooth stone! — 1 Samuel 17) or old—God has plans for us.

“Listen, observe, trust and do according to His will.

Answer the “call” when you hear Him. Readily accept and go with “Here I am LORD, use me.”

When you have that kind of attitude and are ready for His purpose, you won’t be sitting around saying, “what next?”

Are you ready to be used by the LORD not matter your age? Have you accepted assignments from Him in the past? Do you realize that as long as you are here there is still things to be done?

“Father, here I am! I love You and may Your will always be done, in Jesus name. Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: YOU ARE FIRST LAST & EVERYTHING~

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Isaiah 44:6   Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

The LORD’s words resonate to those who know Him. His words flow like honey to bees to His followers. His promises are like balm soothing to the souls who trust in Him explicitly.

Knowing that He “always was” and “is” and “always will be” is quite comforting to those who walk in obedience to His word. Those who adore and worship Him find pure joy in the distinctly familiar words and it echos in their hearts. And for those who realize that He was–is–and always shall be LORD, is overwhelmingly satisfying like a drink of water to one who is parched.

Meditation on His velvet words. And then take in the meaning of the words as you go through this day. It comes down to this, “HE IS WITH US ALWAYS!”

How amazing is that?

How amazing is He?

I know that I love HIM and always will!

“Father God, You are my First, my Last, My always and forever, thank You for everything You’ve done since the beginning of time, have done, are doing, and continue to do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Revelation 1:8  “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 21:6-7  Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

DEAR GOD: Looking Forward to This Day~

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This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

 

 

I’ve been a follower of Christ my whole life. I was born into a God loving family who attended services weekly.  So, it’s been a growing experience since my childhood, to young adulthood, and now my retired years. You’d think by now I’d be quite accustomed to God and His amazing ways. Heck No! You see, He never ceases to astound me.

I find myself excited and wanting to “hear” what He has to say to me on any given hour. Each day upon arising, I am grateful for another day of life. It is a gift, each moment, second or minute.  Breath is a gift. Living another day is a gift. And of these gifts, including however big or small, I am grateful. For it is only through Him, that I am who I am and where I am. He is in control, ultimately and completely.

No matter the circumstances in good health or bad. Each new day is a gift from God.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:17 (KJV)

Are you excited when you awaken to a new day? Do you feel blessed by this gift from above?  Or are you taking it for granted?

It’s very easy to become complacent with our routines or with life itself.  But feeling an inner anticipation and asking, “God what is it you have to say to me today?” can elicit a great many emotions. And those feelings can set a standard of gaining clearer insights to His over plan and purpose for your life.

Rejoicing in His Word, and any opportunity to be inspired, and aspiring to be more pleasing in His eyes, is a really good way to live.

It brings a quintessential deep and abiding happiness, that can only come from knowing Him, and loving Him.  When we appreciate His ways, and who He is, we gain an inner knowledge that resonates within our very soul.

Listening for His voice. Meditating on His Word. Obeying Him while seeking His face, is a key component in being Christian. Knowing He is God and being tuned in to Him is rewarding and a source of comfort.

I always try to “be quiet” each day where I can zone in on any issue or circumstance that He is showing me.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

And I pay attention to the spirit that lives within me. When I do this, I find tranquility and any chaotic moments are quelled as I transition to His peace and love.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

I try to be the best I can be in all I do because I want so very much to please Him. My fondest wish is to be all I can be to honor Him. I try to walk in the Spirit and try not to react in the flesh. Of course I am human and I will fall short at times, but that’s the best of all. He loves me no matter what. And that in itself is beyond all human comprehension. That He should love me!

But He does!  And He loves you too!

When you wake tomorrow ask, “Father, what can I do for You today? How may I be pleasing in Your eyes? What are you trying to show me today my LORD?” 

 

“Dear Father, May I seek Your face in all I do, and always be mindful of Your love, patience, and will for my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: LORD’s Light vs Darkness~

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Old versus new light bulbs stock image. Image of recommending - 36537229

 

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 6:5 (KJV)

 

Evil is apparent wherever you look these days. The reality of light versus darkness is not an unfamiliar theme. In fact, it’s been going on since the beginning of time. However, it seems out of control…and it’s certainly proliferating exponentially more so than usual.

It’s everywhere. It’s on the computer, on our television screens, in news articles, all over the place. Sadly, the enemy’s influence and images are all relentless… in words, in images, in graphic videos, in music/songs.

It’s even around while shopping. Just have a look around while you are in stores. You’ll surely find the “darkness” and the suffocation of evil right there in the midst of crowds.

Don’t misunderstand. We are not to fear anything. There is no fear in perfect love as it casts out all fear. (John 4:18)

What I’m trying to convey is as children of the light (Ephesians 5:8) we are highly aware of the saturation of Satan’s influence. We are able to thwart the fiery darts and overcome any temptation we may face through the power and grace of God Almighty. (Ephesians 6:16) (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

As we meander through life we just need to be on par with God and His Word.  We need to see the light at all times, no matter how dark the hour is. When things seem hopeless that’ precisely when we as children of the God, rise up in His name and stand firm in our beliefs.  (1 Corinthians 16:13)

The enemy loses. We know that. God will always win!

Amen!

But while we’re here and undergoing the trials and tribulations of life, we’re all getting ready for a far better place. We are withstanding the slings and arrows of life to graduate into the heavenly realms when we are called to our Eternal home.

In a sense this is our “Boot Camp” 101…and we have to fight and stand secure in His light, and in His Word.  The battle is the LORD’s, but we are a huge part of His Army.  We are told to be as wise as serpents yet as gentle as the doves by Jesus. (Matthew 10:16)  And as Soldiers we need to prepare, be alert, stand guard, and aim to do all we can to thwart the enemy in Jesus’ powerful name! Amen!

“And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.” 

2 Timothy 2:4 (TLB)

 

Are you prepared for this battle? Do you have the weapons to do so? Are you standing in the light? Have you consulted with the One and Only LORD today?

 

“LORD thank You for Your protection, light and love in a dark world Your light is ever shining and always present, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Rejoicing in You~

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Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12 (KJV)

 

 

Sometimes, I wish to fully rejoice while devoting the entire day consciously, to the LORD.

What do I mean by that? I read scripture daily, pray daily of course. But to what I refer to by “rejoicing and devoting” the whole day to the LORD, is just that. I go throughout my day mindful of His Presence and think about Him in all aspects in everything I do. Which of course I do anyhow. However, in this case it is a constant pursuit in everything I encounter, all individuals I speak with, and all tasks I endeavor to take on. I put Him and His Word into perspective and incorporate it into all situations.

So, a lot more emphasis on who is actually behind my motivation, and the reasons for being able to accomplish anything in my life. Which naturally is my Abba Father, who makes all things possible.

Through Him, and for Him, and by Him, we have access and the innate ability to undergo trials and tribulations, as well as the good times.

Rejoicing and acknowledging Him, brings hope, peace and a confidence that can only come from loving and trusting Him completely, and fully.

Today, all day long, I will consciously and effortlessly glorify the LORD, in all I do. In all I say, in all my thoughts.  All day long. Amen.

When was the last time you glorified Him non-stop?  Have you ever dedicated your entire day to Him alone? Notice anything different when you make a conscious effort to give Him honor throughout the day?

 

“Father, all glory and honor and power and dominion belong to You, today…tomorrow…and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Cup Runs Over Where I Shall Dwell Forever~

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23:6 (KJV)

 

I love the Bible and its contents, OT and NT, and have countless favorite stories, passages, and scriptures.  Of which I’m sure, most people have who are faithful followers. One of my favorites, in the beautiful book of Psalms would have to be Psalm 23.  The second is Psalm 91. But for this post, we will stay with Psalm 23.

Psalm 23 is prolific in its message, powerful in its content, and it sends a blanket of protection and peace, to those who read, and receive it as truth, and fully accept it as a sign of His unwavering Love, for His children.

The scripture is overwhelmingly encouraging, as we take time to read passage by passage, precept upon precept, and then fully meditate on it. Digesting the meaning and comprehending the levels of grace that is extended to each of us, from our Father of lights.

It’s beyond the mind to grasp the enormity of what this Psalm is saying, because it illustrates and depicts a God that is both merciful and loving. In fact, it engages our souls to ignite with a fiery type of love, because He loves us so very much.

This is a Psalm most individuals would associate with “funerals.”  And quite frankly, it is read at most funerals, families have the preacher recite it because they think of it as the death knell Psalm.  It couldn’t be farther from the truth.

It is showing, and telling us, that God will show us the way. He will always protect us; He will give us safe passage while here on earth.  Then it continues unto the hereafter where we “shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

It gives us hope for now, with restoration of our souls, and paths of righteousness for this very moment, and time.  And gives us hope in all things to come, when we shall return to the LORD’s arms, safely. Where we will sit and have supper with the King of kings, and where we will rejoice and be exceedingly glad, our cup runs over with love.

See what your own answers and thoughts are for the questions below.

How amazing is Psalm 23?

How amazing are His promises?

How amazing is His love?

How amazing is our LORD?

I’ve included the entire Psalm 23 for your delight. If you haven’t read it recently, why not take some time, right now, and embrace His Words. I can tell you when you do, you will undoubtedly find great comfort and anticipation for what is to come, and for what is happening right this very moment.

Listen, do you hear His voice?

 

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

DEAR GOD: Honoring Him Every Single Day~

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 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to [God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:17 (NKJV)

Wherever I go, and whomever I’m speaking with, be it a family member, friend or stranger, I invariably reference the LORD, in the pursuit of whatever it is I’m doing at that particular moment.

What do I mean by that?  Well, I was speaking with my neighbor last week, and we were discussing the world as it is, and a vast array of other issues, including health, politics, groceries, inflation, all kinds of stuff that is on the minds of almost everyone today.  And while engaged in this friendly banter, I said, “It doesn’t matter what’s happening, because with God in my corner, I will get through it all. Without Him, I can’t do anything, and with Him I can get through everything. Amen.”

This particular neighbor is a Christian, and so she said an emphatic “Amen” herself. However, there are times where people who hear my praise and just sigh.  Or some may say, “must be nice to have that much faith…I wish I had some.”

Well, hang on a minute right there!  Wishing?  Wishing doesn’t bring on faith. Well then, you ask, what does?

Honoring the LORD and giving Him the respect, admiration, adoration, awe, praise and submission and obedience that He alone is worthy of is a good way to begin. We honor our parents, and respect authority, and value them greatly, do we not? However, honoring the LORD supersedes all else.

Reading the Word and becoming fully acquainted with the One who loves you far greater than any other being in this entire world and has loved you way before you were even formed in your mother’s womb, is the single most satisfying deed or action we can adhere to, concerning our LORD.

Who loves us deeply, fully, completely and openly? Who has given promises that are impregnable, unbreakable, and never ending? The LORD of lords who is LORD above all. Amen!

Let’s face facts.

We can’t coerce someone to believe or love the LORD, anymore that someone can convince me “NOT” to believe or love my LORD.

Nope that isn’t how faith works. Faith is also a gift from the Father of lights, He comes knocking at our hearts, it’s up to us to let Him in.

Remember in Acts 8:9-25, when Simon thought he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit?

Faith and belief can’t be bought. God’s love can’t be bought.  Nor can our passage to Heaven be bought.

Belief is a manifestation of awareness of the LORD and a keen insight to the Spirit within. It’s the innate plausibility of understanding spirituality, versus the ornate flesh.

It’s the acceptance of knowing that the LORD is Sovereign, and no one else surpasses Him, and embraces His Omnipotence, and Gospels and commandments as reverent and all consuming.

And most important, accepting God’s only begotten Son as our LORD and Savior, affirming and confirming His death and resurrection…and looking forward to our Eternal rewards.

I want to give Him glory, and praise His name, and give Him credit all day long, each day of my life.

He is love. He is peace. He is LORD. LORD above all.

Have you given recognition to Him during any conversation today? Have you witnessed His glory in and around you this week? Do you trust Him? Do you believe in Him? Do you want peace?  If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are truly blessed indeed.  If you answered yes to some or even one, that’s a blessing as well.  Maybe tomorrow or next week, you will answer “yes” to all of these questions, and more.

But here’s the best question of all.   “Do you know and love the LORD?”

Did you hear my reply?  I think you all know what my response is.

What’s your reply?

“LORD, thank You for Your love, promises, and forever guiding me through all the issues, circumstances and ordeals of life and whatever that entails, You are with me, morning, noon, night, and never take a day off from loving me, may I always reflect on Your love, promises, Presence, and Word, and give you Glory, today, tomorrow and Forever in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: All One Body of Christ~

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One Body in Christ | Romans 12:4-5 - Tricia Goyer

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:34 (KJV)

 

Christians should never argue with one another for their particular “church” of choice. I’ve been party to so many disparaging comments being hurled among people of faith, each side accusing the other of “the wrong way of worshipping” or “interpreting” the Father’s Word.

Most recently, I was inadvertently pulled into a “heated discussion” by two friends. I listened to both and found myself within the circle of both voices shouting, to the point of escalating into an all-out adversarial camping ground of viperous like behavior towards each other!

It was awful, contentious, and highly uncomfortable to be witness to such outlandish behavior by “two supposedly Christian” people.

They eventually insisted on pulling me in, “What do you think? Who is right? Isn’t it ridiculous what she/he believes? What do you say? 

I always ask for guidance from the Spirit before responding to any given situation, especially one in which there seemingly didn’t appear to be any way they would acquiesce or back down, holding their stance like two bulls circling each other.

After a long pause I answered, “Yes, I have something to say…and the answer is Jesus. And Jesus no doubt might say something like, Ye of little faith…have you any thoughts of what I feel, say, or think? Don’t you realize we are all one body? And one church?”  

The two squawkers grew silent, waiting for more.  So, I obliged.

Jesus is the head of all of us, and we are part of a many membered bodies in Christ.  So, fighting one another for incidentals, or maligning each other’s churches is not the solution. The solution is our love of Christ. And being born again and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. When we recompense and align with our “inner belief” with the Word, we are all one, and on the same team. Don’t you see that?”

Ears, eyes, mouths, lips, legs, arms, all are part of our bodies. One doesn’t necessarily work without the other, it’s all part of the body.  So, believing in Christ, and doing His work, following His Gospel and commandments, we are part of the body of Christ.  We become a cohesive orchestra demonstrating and solidifying Christ’s purpose for all of us. The orchestra becomes a smooth flowing and beautiful crescendo of His Word, ways, and love.

Yelling at each other with a “spirit of condemnation” and trying to “guilt” someone into accepting terms of another “so called religion” is not Christ like at all.

If someone is against Christ and doesn’t believe, that is an entirely different story. And there are many who are “anti-Christ” in and around each of us.  We my friends are believers who attend different physical buildings/churches. But the Church of Christ is within, and we are all one.

The Light of the LORD is prolific and shines into darkness of the world.

Is the world not “dark enough” without our condescending and lambasting of each other’s churches?  Are we not all believers?  Are we not all lovers of Christ? Why then do we fight and exhort one another when we are all of one body?

My friends agreed and actually offered each other their mutual abject apologies, and then hugged.

Sometimes it takes a “voice of reason” guided solely by the Holy Spirit to bring unity to opposing parties. It takes disciples of Christ to bring order and love into what can be a “hateful” gathering of individuals, who unknowingly bring a separation of power in His name, into what becomes a glorifying of the enemy. And that is not something we should aspire to do. In fact, we are to glorify Christ and set the enemy running due to our unity and love and His Word!

Because when Christians and those of Christ fight each other, are they not bringing joy to the very “darkness” and the “enemy?”

Voices and bodies unite as one in Christ, and glory His Word in actions, in thoughts of heart.

“Love one another as I have loved you…”  is this not a familiar commandment?

Remember it the next time a blatant disparity of Spirit shows up to try and destroy unity.

Listen to His commandment and rejoice!

 

 

Time to Sing for Joy! | Exodus 15:1-10 Living Family devotion – Living ...

“Father, guide me and lead me all the days of my life, may I do all according to Your will and commandments, may the Spirit teach and direct me through all kinds of scenarios, predicaments, and situations, and to remember that we are all one body in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Listening in His Name~

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Matthew 7:24

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

 

Family is precious, a jewel to behold, a gift from above…and a joy to embrace. In between the “love” there may be intense times that may conflict with our ties and bonds, such as disagreements or ideologies that just don’t meld. Kind of like vinegar and water so to speak.

There also may be individuals, other than family members, who invariably will call with their problems, issues of malcontent, or reports of alleged scenarios that border of ‘gossiping.’ Of course, there are group that will want to complain endlessly about their lives, or situations that seemingly never change. Most of which they bring on themselves!  No judgement here, I promise. We are all human, and all imperfect beings.

But what do we do with all of this info cascading into our world? For me it’s a no-brainer…I look to the Holy Spirit for help and guidance in these circumstances. No matter how big, or how small, or how petty, or how mundane…I search for wisdom and the ability to mediate on what I’m being presented with, no matter what, who, why, or where.

Since Christ is our main Mediator, and sits alongside our Father, it’s only natural that I run to Him. And there have been times I have literally ran into my space of “grace” and prayed fervently for His help.  He never fails to provide, Amen!

I look to His Word, and listen to His voice of reason, to quell, help, or ease any situations, or diffuse any malcontent individual, or individuals, by His strength, and His ability to direct me in all aspects of what’s happening.

Does this help me?  Oh yes it does! By placing my trust and complete confidence in the LORD, His love strengthens me, and gives me the innate ability to discern what to say, how to say it, and most importantly, “how to listen.”  His provisions are endlessly there each and every time.

Family members both near and far call me. I realized early on in life, that this was one of my gifts from God the spirit of listening.  No doubt the reason for the success I’ve had in my career in the nursing home industry. I listened, counseled, and tried to readily apply the tenets of Christianity into all I did, and do.

Are you listening to those around you?

Do you answer them by listening to God and His word?

The answers are there for you, all you have to do is “look, ask, believe.”

 

“Father, thank You for providing all the answers I need, and never letting me down, You are my Rock and Tower of strength, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

*Picture courtesy of Daily Verses.net

DEAR GOD: Gathering Peace in a Noisy World~

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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)

 

Noise and unsettling views can catapult us into a seemingly endless spiral of chaos and uneasiness, if we let it.

Speaking personally, I’d rather embrace the word of God, and His promises because I choose to, and I love Him. And quite honestly… to offset the ugliness of the world.  I fully immerse myself in His voice and aspire to live by the very tenets of Christianity and all it entails.

When I “hear” Jesus’ words in John 14:27, I feel He is speaking directly to “me” and I hold and receive that promise, and engage in all that it means to be loved by Him.

The rewards of being redeemed by Christ and knowing we are safely ensconced under His protective wings of mercy and love is enough to “silence the harsh ugly realities” of the world’s voice.

The merit of being a follower and being unwavering in faith is difficult to put into words, but it is a feeling that fulfills me in ways I’ve never been before. His Word to me is a spoken guarantee of His love, and His provisions over my life.

It’s like Christ gives us the power in His name to “squash” the darkness and flood it with light.  And the quell the uneasiness within to a balm for my soul. His word, and His name is power, and at the same time it is like a mewing kitten, as it settles over me time and time again. The realization that He is giving me and leaving me His peace, is an actualization that brings me to my knees in thanksgiving.

Whom am I to fear when He is with me always?

Why should I listen to “noise” of the world, when I have His peace?

When you hear the screeching sounds of the world, do you listen for His voice instead?

Tuning in to the Spirit and trusting in Him at all times while accepting His voice and promises in the Word is the only way to go while here in the flesh. Only He can show us the way, bring truth, and give us life. (John 14:6)

“Father, thank You for Your Son, Christ, thank You for the promises of the word, and showing and leading us with truth, and ultimately giving us life, the noise of the world is silenced because of You, in Jesus name, Amen.”