DEAR GOD: Each Day Rejoicing in You~

 

Psalms 5:11 – But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalms 118:24 – This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again, I say, Rejoice.

 

So, another day, and another way to rejoice, praise, thank, and love the LORD!

Life can feel surreal at times during the course of our day.  We, all more or less, have a “routine” we follow, and/or adhere to…and go about it either in ease, or under duress.

But, nonetheless, we go through it, and while we are doing just that, we should be keenly aware of His Presence, and His love…then Praise Him accordingly.

Although we are all part of His creation, we differ vastly in our backgrounds, and the way we ensue issues, or circumstances. But we should all be in agreement, that we are all part of the body of Christ, and in obedience to His Word and in our exaltation of Him.

Some of us, might be impervious to change, and enjoy being the hamster on the wheel in any given scenario.  And still, some are gracious to change, and sharing new things each day.

Personally, I am somewhere in between.  I could be considered the “hamster on a wheel” in routine-based chores, actions, and specific schedule in terms of eating and sleeping.  However, I do enjoy change in small, yet significant ways, that can impact others, specifically in Christian content.

I enjoy trying to “reach someone” while planting seeds of Christ, to those who may not know Him, or to those who are “luke-warm” in their love of Him.

Another day, another way to proclaim His glory!

Another day another way to Praise Him!

Another day is another way to download His Word in Your heart!

Another day, to Rejoice in who He is!

Hallelujah!

Have you celebrated this day that the LORD has made?

 

“Dear God, I rejoice in this day You have made, I give You all glory and honor, I am in awe of Your magnificence, I adore You, and wish to please You and You alone, may I always be in accordance to Your will and Your plans for my life, in this day, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Stagnant Points in Our Seasons of Life~

 

 

 

See the source image

 

 

 

All of us go through seasons and times of growth, times of conflict, times of sorrow, and times of joy.  And many of us go through a “season of stagnation,” which is to say, a time when one wonders, “what’s next?”

There are milestones for each of us, if we’re fortunate enough to experience, or undergo as life progresses.  For examples; “our initial first year of life, our 13th  and 16th birthday, and the big one, 21st!  And the rest of the milestones, which can include, college graduation, marriage, children, etc., etc.

But what happens when we aren’t certain of our “next season” or milestone? What happens to us when we are “baffled and thwarted” by what come next? Or if we are invariably “stagnating in a pool of now what?“‘

Well, there are many ways to handle “doubts and questions in our mind.” One of which might be to sit around and wonder, “can I possibly do anything further at this stage in my life?”

Or we can open up to God, even more than we previously had, and ask His help, guidance, and reassurance, for “what do I do next Father?”

When we attempt to handle uncertainty on our own, it can only exacerbate an already confusing moment as we face the crossroads in our lives, which may invariably lead to an inherent lapse of growth spiritually, emotionally and physically, thereby allowing us to sink in our “stagnant pool” of “what now?”

Becoming ensnared in a non-growth path doesn’t just pertain to any particular age group or gender.  Although it is a frequent pattern with retirees, and empty nesters, I assure you that it happens across the boards no matter your age.

Being patient, and waiting on God, is essential to being Christian, and inherently a crucial component of our “growth in spiritual practice” and life overall.

As long as we have breath, we are vitally important and a part of the body of Christ, we still have jobs to do, until we draw our last breath, and He calls us home.

Until then, “ask, wait, and obey” and He will guide, lead, direct and provide…and continue to show us what, where and how to respond at each stage, or journey in our lives. And that my sisters and brothers is what it is all about.

Wherever you go today, or whatever it is you do, and whomever you encounter, be an encouraging witness for the LORD. And whatever it is you accomplish, no matter how big or small, give Him the credit for allowing you to achieve those goals, both big and small. In everything you do give glory to GOD.

And finally, where you are right now, is where you are supposed to be, until He says otherwise!

“Father God, may I continue to follow Your Word, and listen and adhere to Your will for my life, now and always, I understand that I am viable no matter my physical condition, or age, and I am an important vessel in producing fruit, according to Your will, and purpose in my life, today, tomorrow and always, until You call me home, I am Yours almighty Father, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Your Word Above All~

 

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the W0rd was God (John 1-1)

 

The Word is a powerful tool to have and a protective shield in Spiritual warfare.  Downloading the Word in one’s heart and being able to shine the light from within is a gift from above.

Knowing scripture and applying it into all we do on a daily basis, is a formula for success and a peace filled existence, which in turn will be a witness to those who might not know the LORD.  Spreading the Word and igniting hearts for the love of Jesus, are the main components of being Christian.

The indelible Word of the LORD is synonymous with authority, in which Jesus demonstrated in His mission on earth, and since the beginning of time when the LORD created the world.

When the Word makes a home in our hearts, we bring His light to others. Taking the Word and using it whether by our actions, or through examples or meditating, we are incorporating a strong foundation, built on the Rock. When we do, there isn’t anything we can’t do through Christ our Savior!

Amen!

 

“Lord God, thank You for the written Word, which is infallible, and undeniably created by You and You alone, since the beginning of the world, You spoke, and Your Words created the Universe, may I continue to bring Your Word to fruition by example, and dedication to You and You alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: A Savior & King of kings~

 

A Savior Is Born 

Luke 2:1-20

When the angel announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus he said: “Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

 

Hallelujah! 

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Christ, our Savior’s Light has come into the world.

Praise You LORD!

So, our Almighty Omnipotent Father, provided and appointed, as promised, from the beginning of the world, a “Savior will be born.”  The Great One, able to work out salvation, for sinners, which He has done; and was willing to save us all!

Amen!

The everlasting One, Jesus Christ, who saved us from sin, from the clutches of Satan, from hell, and from every enemy known to man, and the wrath to come. Amen!

The Holy One.

The Lamb of God.

The unblemished One, who willingly came into the world—for us!

Sing and shout praises to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!

Hail the King of kings!

Exalt the Great one!

And be exceedingly glad, for it is only through Christ, and His sacrifice, and our belief in Him, that brings us to the Father!

Amen!

“Thank You LORD, for Your glorious lamb, our Savior the King, and for Your promises, Your word, and the blood of Christ, who covers us with His mercy and peace, and love, Praise You Lord, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen”
 

DEAR GOD: All Things According to Your Will~

If we let the truth of our Father’s goodness soak in, and we love Him with all of our heart, mind and strength, we are quite essentially unstoppable, and formidable in the face of evil and hurdles of despair. In fact, evil will run from us, and the problems and adversity we invariably will go through, will be easier with Christ.

Let His promises become imprinted on your life and embrace His love, which will be truly indelible within our hearts, but only if we have unwavering faith.

Nothing is ever in vain when you trust our Almighty Father. Every second in life will bring us closer into His perfect will. Be an example of unshakable faith by being a testimony for Him and His grace and understanding.

When we do all according to His Word and purpose, and we accept His plan and blueprints for our very lives, we will honestly experience “Life” in the way it was meant to be lived!

“Father God, may I always embrace Your Word, Your Promises and Your love, may I always walk the path in which You guide me, and may I always be obedient in listening to Your voice, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Heeding and Adhering to Your Will~

 

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Tells Christians to give thanks in all circumstances because this is the will of God. God’s plan for our live includes us exercising gratitude, no matter what situation we have found ourselves in.

 

God’s will and plan are essentially synonymous. He has a will and plan for our lives. When Christians say something similar to, “I’ll be at the event tomorrow, the Lord willing,” they mean, I will be there if it’s part of God’s plan.

Think about Blessed Mother Mary, when she answered the Angel that visited her, to tell her she was “picked” to be the mother of Jesus.  Imagine if she said, “No way! That’s not part of my plans!”  Instead, she said, “Do to me as you have said.”  (Luke 1:26-38) 

This became the theme for her life going forward. She acquiesced to the LORD, and did all according to His plan, and purpose for her life.

And so should we!

When we give in to His plans, and walk according to His will, things will have specific value in all we do.

Things have a way of becoming intrinsically significant Spiritually and provides a meaningful path that is crucial to being a follower and Christian overall.

We are so grateful Mary went forward with God’s plan, Hallelujah!

And we are most important rejoicing in the fact that Jesus came forward!

For us!

To save us!

Now talk about the greatest plan of all time!  Amen!

 

“Father God, may I do all according to Your will, and walk the path of purpose for my life, and may I be dedicated in my Christian faith, and bring forth the good message, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Strength in All Things~

 

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. –

(Philippians 4:13, NLT)

Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do. –

(Philippians 4:13, ERV)

I can endure all things through the power of the One who gives me strength. –

(Philippians 4:13, CEB)

 

I’m sure many will relate to an interesting and factual aspect of being Christian. It’s the ability to look back after getting through some kind of adversity or tough situation in life and clearly knowing who it was that carried us through it all.

Carrying us through the fires and valleys that we could not bear on our own.

As it so happens, when we are undergoing the throes of hardship in that moment, we can’t see what lies ahead.  Yet more often than not, before we realize it, we are “looking back on the other side of the struggle.”  It is at that precise second in time, we know where our strength came from, and who was with us the entire time.

Each time we go through a crisis we think it might break us. But with Christ, as our refuge, our Savior, our King, we manage to sustain the hardships, and garner strength and resolve, and become stronger despite the heartache, pain, and/or troubles we’ve endured.

It is His strength that gives us one breath to the next.

Every single second, minute, hour from day to day, He breathes life and strength into us.

As we trust Him, look to Him for help and guidance, we will undoubtedly discover that we’re able to overcome whatever it is that lies before us.

Turning to the LORD in unwavering faith, irrespective of our circumstances, letting go of doubt, and in its place confidence in Him, we can do whatever we are called to do.

 

Father God, thank You for never leaving me, and guiding me through the good times and the bad times, for showing me the path in which I need to walk, and loving me unconditionally, I trust You implicitly, I love You, may I do all according to Your will and purpose all the days of my life, Amen.”

 

 

 

  

DEAR GOD: Growth in Your Love & Wisdom~

 

 

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.   

Psalm 1:3 (KJV)

Being in sync with God and His Word, is crucial to our well-being, and success in life overall. The Bible is a practical and handy guide, to all that we encounter all the days here on earth.

When we pray, meditate, read and “hear” His voice/His Word, we will invariably acquire all coping mechanisms necessary to all of the circumstances and Giants we face every single day.

We will grow, prosper, and give glory to God, as our roots become deeply entrenched in Him, and in turn we will bear fruit.

Allow God to increase by decreasing your “own” ways and thoughts. Surrender to His ways, His will and His love. When you do, get ready to experience growth of spirit exponentially. Amen!

Have you chatted to God today? Did you start off this morning by seeking His face?  Have you read His Word and acquiesced to His Will?

 

“Dear Father God, may I always seek Your face, Your word, and Your love, in all that I endeavor to do, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Gifts & Callings From Above~

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)

 

People of faith know essentially that each child of God has acquired and received different “gifts” from above.  We each have significance in the overall production of presenting them through Christ, all the days of our lives here on earth.

We mustn’t feel inadequate when we lack that which another may have. For example, a beautiful “singing” voice comes to mind immediately.  I actually get chills from hearing operatic voices singing hymns.  Sadly, when opening my mouth in song, I’m met with “sympathetic eyes” or people fleeing to get out of range of my pathetic attempt at what might pass as singing!  Well, okay, a little exaggeration for comedic effect. However, you get the idea.

Each with different gifts, callings, and abilities to serve the LORD, and be an example while helping to continue His work. Each one significant and purposeful to being “one body in Christ.”

My calling was “helping the elderly population” my entire career, in Nursing Homes.  Also, being an avid “listener” to those in distress, or in need of a comfort.”  Sometimes it can be “draining” but overall, it is so rewarding knowing God put this in my heart and adorned me with these particular gifts.

Others are called to teach, preach, speak to audiences, encourage, be first responders, serve in the military, so on and so forth.  The point is we are “all His” and we are to represent that which He gives us based on the platform He gives us.  If we turn from those gifts, I don’t believe He will be pleased…but He will still love us, unconditionally.

So, for those without “singing voices” or artistic talents, we are still God’s children, and we have purpose as long as we are here on earth.

The thing is recognizing our gifts and utilizing them full force.

And when we do, we are exalting Him in the highest purest form, because it is He who is control of handing out “the gifts”—Amen!

“God my Father, thank You for the gifts that You have given me, and for the opportunity to fulfill them, may I do all according to Your will and purpose, today, tomorrow and all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Acts of Kindness Originate by You~

 

 

Common snapping turtle walking on dirt road Stock Picture

 

 

 

 

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Philippians 3:17
 

 

Just as things get crazier by the minute in the World, something happens to reaffirm that God is still with us, no matter how harsh the reality is all around us.

My husband and I were on a busy throughway when we spotted a Snapping Turtle in the middle of road, with cars approaching from both sides.  My husband asked me to pull over so he could help it to safety.

He jumped out of our car and proceeded to hold up traffic. I was concerned, because cars were doing 50mph on both sides.  Within seconds, two pick-up trucks pulled alongside my car, on the right and the left of me.

They ran to over my husband and said, “We have a Snapper huh?” One of the men, a USA Marine held his hands up, and helped with directing the traffic, which now came to a full halt.  And the other man, a firefighter, ran to his truck and pulled out a huge shovel.

The firefighter picked up the huge turtle with the shovel, and asked, “Which side was he coming from?”  My husband told him, and he proceeded to bring it to the other side, and placed it down, ever so gently, by the hill by the lake, where he clearly came from.

When those in the cars saw what had transpired, there was a thunderous round of applause, along with whistles, coming from the passengers, which were all waiting patiently for the turtle to be rescued.

The firefighter saluted the Marine, and then they saluted my husband, who returned the salute!  It was surreal.

My eyes filled with tears, to see such kindness, and a genuine team effort to save this huge guy/omnivore from what would most assuredly have been a devastating outcome.

I thanked God for witnessing such altruistic behavior, thereby reinforcing in my heart that “goodness still exists” no matter how much evil swirls around us.

Amazing day, amazing witness to God, His children and His creatures.

If we’re careful to fully observe, we will see reflections of God in all things, we just have to “look closer” and “listen more intently” and be willing to follow God’s lead!

God saved His turtle by using my husband, and the Marine, and Firefighter, and to that I say, Praise God!

“Father God, thank You for Your creatures, big and small, for the opportunity to have been there to witness such kindness, and for Your love of all things both big and small, but most especially Your love for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”