Month: September 2012

Dear God: Your Love & Light & Truth Lives On~

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In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:4-5 NKJV

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“And, the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14 NKJV
 
Whatever our Savior Jesus did, it was always said with grace, love, and always in truth.  He only spoke the truth.  His words touched those within His sight when He walked among us.  His words, and ways, continue touching and healing hearts to this very moment.
 
Jesus was not gracious for just a moment in time, but every second of His time was loving, kind and filled with truth.  Truth is a “painful thing” for some. Sometimes we don’t want to face the truth, or hear the truth.  But, as it is said, “the truth will set you free.”  And, Jesus has set us free by coming, and defeating death.  Our very author of salvation cleansed us with His purity and His blood that was shed for all mankind.
 
The world is in chaos, and the enemy seems to be having a field day…especially these past several weeks. Confusion is” knocking” on many people’s doors.  And, the advice Jesus would probably offer is “don’t open the door”  God is not the creator of confusion, pain, or jarring images.  He is the creator of peace with love  and powerful  tranquility.
 
The images on television, and in our news is quite disturbing.  But, Jesus warned us over and over, that it would get really bad before it gets any better.  These things, war, famine, earthquakes in diverse places all mark the prophecy of those expressed and shared in the Bible.  And, Jesus tells us don’t worry…but beware of the signs so we won’t be deceived.  “For many will come in My name, saying I am He, and will deceive many.  But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is no yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdowm against kingdom.  And there will be earthquakes in various palcs, and there will be famines and troubles.  These are the beginnings of sorrows.” John 13:6-8 NKJV
 
 
God is still on the throne. So, take heed and be reassured He is in control.  Feel His love, and His protection, as we go forth in His name.  People are always throwing around words like: “the end of the world is near.”    Don’t panic by listening to “man” but rather, listen to the calming and loving tones of Jesus Christ.
 
There will be many signs around.  It is our job to “listen” and “see” and be in the “Word” of God in order to advance without feeling anxious or fearful.   Careful not to listen to the “false voices” claiming to know the future…or “man’s doctrine.”    “Then if anyone say to you, Look here is the Christ! or, look, He is there! do not believe it.  For false christs and false prophets will rise adn show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  But take heed, see, I have told you all things beforehand.” John 13-21-23 NKJV  
 
 
So although there are perilous and baffling issues that float about today…those of us who know His voice, and His Words, and His promises, can rest assured that HE IS IN CONTROL.  That He will allow only so much to transpire, and He is always watching.  We are never alone.
 
As we go forward and delve into His Word and meditate on His word, we discover so much more each time.  There are so many facets of God.  His magnitude and prolific presence is all around us.  We feel His love in all aspects of our daily life. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning, we realize He has graced us with another day.  To the moment we arrive safely to our given destinations during the day, He has protected us.  To the moment we encounter friends, family…people we offer Godly counsel to, or a smile and touch of the hand. This is all thanks to God.  To the moment we get ready for another night of sleep, as He watches over us.  We sleep, but God NEVER DOES.  He watches us, protects us constantly.  Again, how reassuring is that?
 
So to those who are facing issues, personal or otherwise…those of you who are lonely and fearful, or those in need of a caring voice, or kind word, it’s okay.  Because God hears, sees, and knows.  He is with you each step of the way from the moment you are born, to the moment you leave this earth.  You are NEVER ALONE.  He is ALWAYS THERE.  
 
 So, open your arms and walk into His loving embrace, and offer your love in return.  There is no one anywhere in this entire Universe who loves you like He does.   Now, seriously… don’t you feel better just knowing that?
 
“…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”  John 28:20 NKJV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Picture is courtesy of Scott Birge – “Continue to shine your Light Scott, you’re making God smile. Thank you~.”

Dear God: We Stand Strong In Your Love & Light~

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But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” 2John 3:21 NKJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  2 John 4:4 NKJV

We are strong because of who is in us. We can face any adversity that is thrust upon our path as long as we have God in our life. No matter what we are currently going through.

A dear friend of mine has received some unsettling news.  After months of experiencing weakness in her legs, and a general malaise…it was discovered through an MRI that she has a mass on her spine. 

This news comes after losing her husband of 19 years this past March, and her mom the year before. And no matter how much she has endured, losing the love of her life, and her precious mother, she NEVER lost faith.  She always has a good outlook.  She never says “why me?”  Nor does she ever get angry. She is fastened in her love of God and her trust is impregnable.  She is steadfast and never doubts God or His love and perfect will.  A true woman of God as she stands under the wings of protection of our Lord.

This lady has been jumping over hurdles and walking in the valley for some time, and although the ground literally and figuratively has at times become “shaky” for my friend.  Her unwavering faith has kept her grounded throughout this tenuous course. God is strong in her, and with her, and holding her up, every conceivable step of the way.

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you[a] from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3 NKJV.

God and his love and his mercy has sustained her, and will continue to do so. His love, and the peace of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will help her through this current crisis in her life. It is without a doubt that no matter what happens in the next little while, I do know my friend will be enveloped in His abiding love and care.  He will uphold her with His righteous and strong hands.  He will touch her and heal her emotionally, and if it is His will….physically as well.

Our course of execution in behavior is all about our belief  system in God. The rigorous terrain of life can be rocky, and we will undergo transformations in our lifetime.  But, the one defining moment of acceptance and peace shines down from heaven as His light brings warmth and love to our souls.  The very soul He created. The very soul He owns.  The very soul he loves with conviction and purity.

I pray my friend will have a “good prognosis” when she goes to the doctor this upcoming Tuesday.  That it isn’t as scary as it sounds.  Please keep my friend, “Dee” in prayer.  As she goes through the biggest battle of her life at this time. 

We will keep positive thoughts as we trust God with this  I know God is in control and He knows the outcome as I type, but we all know prayer is powerful and intercessory prayer is potent…So we lift you up in prayer Dee in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

I know the Lord in His grace and love, will be with you every step of the way, holding your hand and bringing you peace, no matter what the outcome is. Amen & Amen.

 Lord, we love you and your mercy will endure forever~

 

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.  2 John 1:6 NKJV

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth  3 John 1:2-4 NKJV

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life Jude 1:20 NKJV

 

Pic Courtesy of Scott Birge~

Dear God: All Pathways of Life Connect to You~

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"...the truth of the Lord endures forever." Psalm 117:2 NKJV

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  Psalm 118:8

A squirrel suddenly ran out into the middle of the road and nearly collided with one of my car tires…I was so happy the little fellow made it safely to the other side of the road. I was so relieved I didn’t put an end to the life of that “little guy.” 

The little squirrel that the Lord created.  All things big and small, by His great hands.A living creature. A living and breathing thing.  All pathways of life connect to God. Reasons and purposes connect to God.  God’s truth does not change form year to year, or decade to decade, or century to century.  It does not vary with changing times, or styles.  His truth remains constant, at all times. And we live therefore, because of Him. Literally and figuratively, in every sense of the word, we LIVE.

“Christ…is  not weak toward you, but mighty in you.” Corinthians 13:3  –  We  need to understand and recognize that Christ is strong in us…and not weak.  His love and unaltered compassion is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of acceptance and patience.  And, He is mighty powerful.

The connections to God are continuous. The source of evidence exists  surging forward everyday.  From the squirrel in the road, to birds flying overhead, to the dog sitting in the truck waiting for its owner to return.  To the individuals in church.  To our family and friends.  To the food we eat.  The places we go…so on and so forth. All things belong to God, and all things come from Him. He is our sole provider…our everything for anything.

We live in a world where some individuals tend to value their own insight and their own wisdom above all else. They labor under a misapprehension that “they do it all  on their own. ” –  Some do not believe it is God’s Sovereign power or loving hands that solely provides necessary ingredients for this recipe called “life.”

We cannot do anything without God.  Keeping God out of the equation is akin to “sinking our boat.”   We will not and cannot stay afloat without God.  I don’t know about anyone else, I want God to be in my boat. 

He is the connection to ALL PATHWAYS of Life.  Think of that next time you see a squirrel dart out into the road… 

 

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 NKJV

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 NKJV

 

 

 

 

Picture Courtesy of Scott Birge – Fantastic photographer & friend~

Dear God: Walking Through The Meadows Unchanged In Spirit~

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For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3 KJV

  
 Lord….We Love Walking through your Fields of Grace in the Spirit.
 
Over the last several months we have had to say “goodbye” to a couple of friends. Two of our friends perished with cancer. This hideous disease that ravages the body rendering the formerly healthy and vibrant individuals unrecognizable. While in the flesh due to the illness it becomes hard to recognize the person… but their spirit remains unchanged. Their spirit filled with an abundance of vitality contradicts their outward appearance.
 
Plus, there have been others who’ve lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, the mind ravaging disease. Their minds robbed due to the insidious machinations of this disease. The victims leaving their families helpless as they watch loved ones spiral downward into a pit of “fog and vapid emptiness.” With fleeting moments of clarity at best…yet their spirit remains untouched, and unscathed by this disease.
 
Nothing could change the “spirit” because it is housed within “flesh” bodies, but it’s always thriving. It’s the essence of our Lord…the Holy Spirit which resides in us forever. That’s what has allowed me to feel comfort, knowing loved ones, and friends are merely changing outwardly. The fact that their spiritual selves remain the same removed an enormous burden from my heart. And nothing could change that beautiful fact. “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:39
 
When we are called home and our bodies take its last breath…instantly the silver cord is broken and immediately we are with the Father. The flesh body that housed our spirit is no longer needed. We change into our perfect bodies, our eternal bodies. Free of pain, anguish, fear, hurt…and it is replaced with a beautiful strong healthy countenance. We can RUN through the meadows that we barely walked through at the end of our lives on earth. We become whole and are slated to live in peace for eternity. For those of us that believe and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.
 
 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”. 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV
 
Our comforter is within, and He is there for every nuance of our lives. He is our protector, our wisdom, our teacher, our discerning guide, and His presence assures us that we are never alone. He made a promise that He would NEVER leave us. That He would be with us always until the end of time. Isn’t that refreshingly comforting?
 
So, if any of you have lost a loved one recently, or are comforting someone who has. It is always an enormous degree of satisfaction and solace to realize, that at this very moment…that person is “whole and thriving” with our Father. Their bodies transformed into pure perfection. Their minds intact. Completely filled with a newfound understanding in their new realm. Each one looking beautiful, young and reunited with their loved ones. And, most especially with their Creator.
 
As we go forward in our lives, embrace the magnificence of the Holy Spirit within. The Comforter that our Almighty God sent through His Son…our Savior. And, thank God for His enduring mercy and formidable splendor of Glory and His love.
 
But, most especially for the opportunity to thrive after we depart from these “flesh bodies” that our spirit is housed in. How wonderful, how glorious is our Father who provides and preordains our footsteps our entire life? And how marvelous and comforting to know that within these bodies are our spirits which will live forever with God.
 
So, when a loved one is called home…rejoice at their independence of being set free as they emerge from the cocoon of their temporary flesh body. And, smile knowing you will see them again and celebrate together in the presence of the Lord.
 
 
“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5 KJV
 
 
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 KJV
 
 
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11  KJV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Picture – Once again courtesy of Scott Birge – Thank you my Friend~
 
 
 
 

Dear God: I Stand For You~

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"...Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9 KJV

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:..” Joshua 1:5 KJV

God is everywhere, within us around us…beside us.  The lines and paths of life exist for everyone with no exceptions. The choice of Life with God or without God is ours.

When we are faithful and completely invested in our commitment toward God our paths will be lined with flowers as opposed to weeds. God doesn’t promise we will never be without hardships, but He will never desert us when we are in the valley.  He will lift with the intensity of His ways and  His love bringing us through it. 

When we look up for answers, we will be able to sustain the weather…whether it is raining or sunny. He is our shield in all aspects. When we follow His commandments and look to Him for all things we thrive.  When we feel helpless and weak, that is when we will be the strongest in His love solidifying our faith. “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest propser whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:8 KJV.

When we stand strong in God’s law and His Words, we are planted firmly.  We are able to withstand all things. We are able to be upright in decisions due to His guidance, and intimate applications concerning life are evident everywhere.  We just need to “look, listen, and be aware.”  We need to focus on Him, because when we do…Life becomes sparkling clear.  No ambiguity, no clouded minds, no chaos, no confusion…just clarity. God’s truth and simplicity.

Moses stood firm, He was obedient and focused.  And, he put His trust in God.  He brought His people through the desert only by the Hand of God guiding Him. He withstood all the elements thanks to God.  An example that is still alive today. When we obey God and listen to His voice, we are able to be successful at anything. We are able to persevere.  We are able to walk through stormy seas.  Because, with  God in our life all things are possible, nothing is impossible.

So today be courageous and make a stand…God’s hand is on you.  Meditate on His word, bring His word up into your mind.  Think it over, use God’s wisdom, turn to God.  Don’t turn “right or left” stand straight in God’s word.  Don’t be a reed in the wind…be firm and stand strong in God.  He will uphold you with His righteous Hand. 

And whenever you start to doubt, or get anxious.  Just recall the faith Joshua had prior to the walls tumbling down.  He put his trust in God and stood firm in the belief that God would fulfill His promises…that God would let Joshua be successful in accomplishing his task.  And God did all that He promised, and to God be the victory.

 So it was then, so it is today…so it is forever~

 

“So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the People heard the sound of the trumpet, and the People shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the People went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” Joshua 6:20 KJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pic courtesy of Scott Birge – Thank-you!