I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.

Psalm 86:12 (KJV)

How many times during any given day should the LORD receive praise and glory? 

The answer? —– As many times that we can possibly get in and then some more after that!

I know that most people of faith will pray, especially when in need of something for us, or family.  But how many truly give complete and full thanks without “asking” for anything in return?

How many just go all day long giving thanks for “the moment” in time, or for the food they’re eating, or the clothes they’re wearing, or family, friends, or health?  How about a plain “Thank You LORD” I love You with all my heart and soul and mind and strength.

Remember the story of the 10 lepers? Of the ten lepers Jesus healed only one came back, and of all the lepers, he wouldn’t be anybody who could be expected to do it. For the person that thanked Him was a “foreigner.”

“This is ETERNAL LIFE, that they may KNOW YOU, the only true GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”                                                   John 17:3

Knowing God starts by us believing and receiving His love for us: “We have known and believed the love that God has for us…We love Him because He first loved us.”  (1 John 4:16, 19)

The deeper we get to know God and worship Him in intimacy, the more we obey His Word and His Spirit, the more we become entrenched in Him, which means He gets into our hearts even further, and we love Him more and more. His Spirit leads us and guides us and essentially provides all that we need in our life, for all the days here on earth, and beyond.

As we lead our lives, we are being honed to become more like unto Him, which is Perfection and Holiness…both of which we can never be, while here on earth.  So, we strive to walk in the Spirit and become more and more like Him.  In order to do so, we must first “decrease” in order for Him to “increase.”  (John 3:30)

God is Beautiful, possessing the sum of all desirable attributes in perfect unity, symmetry and harmony.  He is a great and Sovereign Being, a force of supernatural and monumental capabilities.  He is our Eternal gift and our Eternal love.

Seeking Him all the days here is all we should aspire as we do His will. “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

The Holy Spirit reveals God to us and inspires us to worship God in spirit and truth. He turns our hearts to seek God. The more we surrender to God, and dedicate ourselves to Him, the more the Holy Spirit leads us, and changes us, and makes us more like Him, transforming us daily.

When we have the ultimate joy of knowing Him from heart to His heart, and share His presence, the dynamics of fellowshipping with the LORD is happening. We received blessings and they overflow in abundance.

This process doesn’t transpire overnight, it is a growing connection that intermingles and interlaces our breath with His and our heart with His. When we are humble, loving and contrite we can share in a growth within the nature of the Spirit and produce fruit.

And when we are humble with a contrite heart, God will bring us up closer and higher to Him. “I dwell in the HIGH and HOLY Place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”(Isaiah 57:15)

We can only “live” when we “live for Christ.  Without Christ, there is no LIFE and therefore we don’t “live.”

Seek Him, know Him, love Him, trust Him.

When we do all these things and serve Him passively and unconditionally and humbly and lovingly, we are able to stay in the parameters of Christianity, which will set us apart and therefore be able to “grow and become transformed” and grow closer to God, each step of the way.

Do you know Him?

And do you know what He has done for us? (John 3:16)

“Father God, thank You for Your Spirit, Your love and the ability to do all things through Your Son, I realize I live because of You, and I thank You for the breath of life which You gifted me, may I always serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

When we are formulating our “thoughts” —hang on to God’s Word and promises and think about the mind of Christ.  Thoughts can become a “battleground” for those without wisdom, and that wisdom comes from knowing the LORD.

Thoughts can be explosive and grow into a volcanic eruption, bringing about iniquities which can careen out of control, should we “allow it.”

Thoughts are just that“thoughts.”  When we submit and acquiesce to the LORD and His ways, we are able to sustain and withstand any and all intrusive thoughts, which is to say, “we are protected.”

Our thoughts can make or break us. And that is exactly want the enemy seeks to do, break us.  He is waiting to devour us, all of us who aren’t savvy in the word, or clothed in our Gospel armor.

Don’t let negative thoughts saturate your brain which invariably destroy all aspects pertaining to your health, but especially your spiritual health.  Instead, push them out and douse them with the “consuming fires” of God’s word and presence.

Wear the helmet of salvation and gird yourself with the truth, hold up the sword and shod your feet with peace as you gird yourself against the evils of the world.

When you do all of this you will be in better shape, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, which is essential to our time here on earth. For if we are going to do God’s will, and serve Him fully, so too must our mind be “stayed upon Him” as we seek His Kingdom and face daily.

Do you have on your gospel armor today?

Protect your mind and all thoughts with the Helmet of Salvation, Amen!

“Father God, may I be ever mindful of Your presence, may I never start my day without my Gospel armor, and may I always be prepped to block negative thoughts and fiery darts, as I keep my mind on You, Your word, and Your promises, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:5

“They are of the world” – This is one of the marks by which those who have the spirit of the antichrist may be known. They belong not to the church of God, but of the world instead.  These individuals act on movements of the “world” and revel in it.

Ostensibly, those who “are not of the world” act according to the Spirit and shun “worldly” themes.  Instead, those of faith concentrate on the path of righteousness, and doing the will of the One that matters, our Father.

It’s exceedingly easy to distinguish the Christians who are “heavenly” in their conversations, and those that are influenced by the spirit of the “world” versus those who are relying on and walking in the Spirit.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” And from that observance it will show exactly what “spirit in within.”

The world hears those who are from the world, the proud, ruthless, sensual, selfish, disengaged, heartless ones received their instructions from the “one in the world.”

The ones that are compassionate, obedient to the laws, both civil and Godly, kind, patient, loving is those who have surrendered to the “Spirit within” and the One who is greater than the one in the world.  We recognize “each other” by fruits that have grown and developed by the Spirit.  And these individuals have views and beliefs that correspond to Jesus Christ doctrine. Amen!

 Do you hear the voice of the “world?” 

Of do you “hear the voice of the One within?”

Who do you want to serve?

Pay heed the Shepherd is speaking…do you hear Him?

“Father God, I thank You for coming to live within, and I honor and obey You and only You, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, I praise You and pray, Amen.”

But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

1 John 4:6

*****”Read entire chapter 4 of 1 John”

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.  Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.  By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 

1 John 2:3-6

With each new day comes an exciting opportunity to interact and to grow deeper Spiritually, while entrenching our roots further into the foundation of Christ.

Adhering to His Word by reading is important in that “faith comes by hearing the Word” but also “applying the applications of Christianity” wherever we can.

In the flesh inherently we will slip and fall short, and God knows this.  Because we’re not perfection, (not yet) but we are growing daily, and aspiring to walk by His commandments, and be obedient to His will.

Sometimes we say something and as the words come forth, we immediately cringe for we know instinctually it was not the wise way to go. Inwardly the Spirit will alert us; “nope, not the way to go…those words were not acceptable to me.”  And then we will have to try and “undo” the damage.  With Christ, we are able to do that, and He will forgive us as He gently chides us and brings us back to the correct path.

Christianity on paper is quite different from Christianity in reality.  It can be daunting and challenging to say the least.  It’s a constant battle in the mind, as the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.  And that is where being drenched in the Word is the best tool we can have as our arsenal.

It is a natural deterrent in times of adversity, and it can provide the balm needed when we are in pain.  It is an advantage when we are faced with hindrances, and it is a barrier from evil. It is the strength we garner in times of weakness, and it is the escape from the suffocating world as we concentrate of what really matters.

Knowing we are children of the One and only LORD God almighty, is the biggest blessing we can possibly have.  The joy of His love and unconditional and unwavering promises in His Word, is beyond human understanding.  But it is a feeling of peace, confidence and knowledge that will sustain us all the days of our lives while here on earth.

And when we have accomplished all our LORD has ordained us to do and lovingly brings us home, we will then be rewarded for Eternity.

Have you interacted with Christ today? 

Have you told Him how very much you love Him?

Have you thanked Him for all blessings? 

If not, what are you waiting for? 

His arms are open wide to bring you in for a hug whether or not we deserve it. 

That’s the kind of God we serve. 

How great is that?

How great is He?

How blessed are we?

“Father, thank You for the continuous opportunities to serve You, and for all my blessings, and for never deserting me, I love You for all You are, do and say, now, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

John 14:26 CEB

 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.

Ever feel instinctual vibes? The kind that either “whisper” about a circumstance, place or person?  Or the kind that “screams” about a prospective move concerning your finances, residence, or position in life overall?  Not surprising if you answered “yes” to any of those questions above, especially if you’re a Christian.

Christians know that “instinctual vibe” that is more commonly called the “wisdom and unction” of the Holy Spirit that lives in Christians, who’ve accepted Christ, as their LORD and Savior.

I can’t speak for those reading this entry, but I can say confidently without an iota or inkling of doubt, that I’m able to “live” only because of Him.  Without His constant direction, guidance, and loving advice, I couldn’t handle any aspect of daily activities without Him being my constant, and faithful, and loving companion.

We are instructed to “call upon” Him, pray without ceasing and acquiesce to Him in all we do.  1 Thessalonians 5:17

We are informed of His promises, in particular, that He will never leave us, or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

When we love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and lean not on our “own understanding” He will in fact, guide our path.  When we realize we are not wise in and of ourselves, but through Him only, we will have health and prosper and grow spiritually. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

His Word and promises will never end, they will never fade away, (Isaiah 40:8) and they are the essential life tools in which we are to obey, and inasmuch, we will survive and do all we are called to do.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of the LORD. (Romans 10:17)

Life undoubtedly can get tough, but it will be a lot easier to handle with Him leading and guiding us through it all. What we each go through isn’t uncommon, in fact it has happened to others as well, but suffice it to say, God will never give us more than we can handle, and He will bring us through it and show us the way out, Amen! (1 Corinthians 10:13)

So, we have a choice. Either we walk this earth with blinders on, haphazardly strolling down wide paths, that can ultimately lead to difficulty and emotional upheavals.  Or we have faith, and let the Holy Spirit guide us, and lead us onto the “narrow path” of righteousness, for His namesake (Psalm 23).

Clearly the choice is obvious to those of faith. For those who haven’t gone this route before, I ask you…what are you all waiting for? 

Be blessed, be loved, choose Christ and get ready to live like you have never lived before. Amen!

“Father, I thank You for Your continuous guidance, I am so grateful and blessed to have You as my constant Companion, I trust in You fully this day, tomorrow and always, may I be ever mindful of Your Presence, and Your Word, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Wishing we were like “others” or feeling inadequate next to another individual’s accomplishment is not only a defeatist type of view, but did you know that it can defy all we know as Christians? The answer is yes, it most certainly can when you consider that God made each of us, and put us together precisely, and exactly as we should be, ready to do what He created us to do! Amen!

Going beyond our physical characteristics of eye color, hair color, height, race, so on and so forth…we are all created by one God, and one God alone, who made us exactly as we should be.

So, guess what? When I attempt to sing a song, I may carry a tune. However, I assure you that I’m also going to clear the room and send dogs and cats running as far away from my voice as their little legs can carry them.  While another individual will bring people into the room listening to a voice that can only come from God Himself.

What’s my point? We need to be happy and satisfied with who we are, and with what gifts the Father has given us.  After all, He spent an incredible amount of time choosing our parents, our conception, and our birth.  And we are who we are because of who He is, and we are all the same in His eyes, irrespective of our background, our singing voice, or in my case lack of singing voice.  It is in preparation for what we do, how we live, who we are.

I’m an introvert. My sister is an over-the-top extrovert!  My brother is in between. Same parents, upbringing, but different personalities, all from God.  My brother can play various instruments, my sister is a phenomenal public speaker. Whereas I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of an audience, let alone to speak.

I’d rather write a thousand-word essay in college; my sister would rather stand in class and speak her answers.  My brother could do both.  I am horrible with numbers, my brother excels at that, my sister too.  Again, all siblings, yet all different in gifts.

Nursing homes depress my sister and brother. I felt alive and useful tending to those in need, caring for the infirmed and disabled.  My gift from above.  My sister’s gift was being a nurse in pediatrics, my brother was being an accountant.  All different, all useful, but again different gifts.

So, the next time you say, “Oh I wish I had blue eyes” Remember, God made yours brown for a reason.   Or I wish I was an extrovert, well God made you an introvert for reasons that you may never know, or eventually know…but accept it graciously and know who created you.

Being an introvert worked beautifully for me as I tended one-on-one to the residents/patients.  Or working with individual family members concerning their loved ones.  So, my personality was geared towards my career, and I thank God for it.

Have you thanked God for your gifts today? 

Do you recognize that you are who you are because of Him? 

And do you realize that He never makes mistakes?  

Aren’t you happy that there is only one “you?”

And aren’t you even happier there is only one God?  

“Father God, thank You for my gifts, for creating me to fulfill a purpose in Your plans concerning my path and life, I thank You for all You do, all You are, and all You have blessed me with, may I continue to give You all the praise, glory and honor You are so worthy of, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 

Hebrews 4:9-10

We all need a goodnight sleep in order to rest our bodies in order to optimize our health.

But did you know that we also need to rest our souls?  I’m sure most of us of faith know how crucial resting in the LORD can be to our overall foundation of Christianity.

Jesus went off to pray and “rest” with His Father during His time on earth. He often went away from the distractions, noise and people to pray, thereby gathering strength, rest and solitude with the LORD, allowing Him to take on each day fully replenished.

We all need time away from the “world” to listen to His voice, to meditate, and be guided by His will.  Meeting God all alone on a daily basis, solidifies our spiritual relationship further. It grows exponentially, and becomes more profound in love, respect and trust, thereby enhancing and permitting our roots to grow deeper and deeper still.

Spending daily time alone with God, also prepares us for life overall. It helps us to handle things or situations that would otherwise be too difficult to take on by ourselves.

The next time you get into bed to rest your body, ask yourself; “did I rest my soul today?”  And if not, why didn’t you?

“Father thank You for spending time with me every day, and for listening to all of my complaints, and handling all of my problems with the ease of only which You can do, I love You and may I be ever mindful of Your presence, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

This scripture basically serves as Christian marching orders in the “Army of God.”  Seeking His face, Kingdom and His righteousness is somewhat of a template in how we should live according to His will and purpose; without getting entangled in the snares of the “world.” Which is to say, things of no significance in the overall grand plan of salvation, and our inherent eternal rewards.

This verse is one of His great promises that represents God’s love and meeting the needs of all His children.  He knows what our needs are, spiritually and physically, and therefore He provides a powerful “Book of scriptures” solidifying His love and confirming we can truly TRUST HIM and Him alone for all our daily interactions.

Our merciful Father gives us His devout Word that if we look to Him and His doctrine as the first and foremost part of our life, then all we need in terms of thriving shall be provided, by Him and His never-ending love for us.

No matter the circumstances, no matter the tides in which you swim, realize that God and He alone is the One for the answers, and the One to rely on totally, completely, unequivocally, and without one iota of doubt!

Are you aware of just how truly amazing our God is?

“Dear Father, may I be ever mindful, aware of all Your promises today, tomorrow and always, and may I glorify You in all I do, turn to Your path of righteousness, and never waver in my trust, love or obedience to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”