For God so loved the world that he sent His only begotten Son…(John 3:16)

People throw around the L-word quite frequently throughout the day. So frequently in fact that the true meaning of the word gets lost. For example, “I love this ice cream flavor…I love chocolate…I love baseball” so on and forth. Of course there is no harm in those comments, and just about everyone is guilty of such playful “descriptions” of their strong likes and desires. 

The meaning of LOVE between husband and wife, is essentially what I think of in terms of LOVE. Also, the love of your children. These are deep and higher meanings of love, and usually selfless and unconditional.

Websters dictionary has many meanings, but the number one meaning is: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person…  It’s also a tennis score. And, as I’ve stated above in my post, it can pertain to really enjoying and liking something: to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: to love music.

In the World History Dictionary LOVE has many meanings, but the one that popped out to me was number nine….Christianity. And, the meaning was as follows:   God’s benevolent attitude towards man…man’s attitude of reverent devotion towards God.

And still again, in the BIBLE DICTIONARY when you look up LOVE it gets closer to another meaning/explanation with this particular description, though there are many others.

                       “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”  (John 7:38 KJV)   Some people  go through life thinking that they’re doing all they can to stand in His way of truth and righteousness. I’ve heard many people stating, “I’m doing all I can and yet I don’t see Him anywhere!”  

Years ago, while employed at a nursing home, there were many wicked tongues that stayed busy during the day.  It was slander, gossip and malicious inane nonsense that dripped from their deceitful mouths. One of the individuals that was the “target” of their gossip used to visit my office and cry, “I’ve done nothing of which they are accusing me.  I feel like God has deserted me, where is He in all of this?”  I would listen, and offer counsel…and try to encourage this person in the word. I would employ this person to pray and realize that everything was in God’s hands. That God was in control at all times. In my counseling, I’d bring about words from the Father, such as:”No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, said the LORD.”(Isaiah 54:17)  And although this person would listen and it would witness in her heart, she wasn’t completely sure. There was a semblance of doubt.  I also pointed out that “God protects us in everything.”

When Jesus went to raise the “little girl from the dead” – He made sure that ALL of the unbelievers and doubters were removed prior to His miraculous deed.  Jesus didn’t  want anyone there that didn’t believe fully, one hundred percent. And, so is the case today. We need to believe fully and completely, knowing that GOD is in FULL CONTROL.  He is the master of life.

This individual was truly hurting.  Gossip is a destroyer, and truly doesn’t come from God…in fact, quite from the antithesis of such. And many of these people were pretending to be her friend. The hypocrites would spread slander daily. But, I told her to hang-in there, be still and let God do His work that ultimately will prevail setting things right.

“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” (Proverbs 11:9 KJV) 

You see, although the hypocrite spreads slander, the just are delivered through their own knowledge and that of their acquaintances. Those who know them realize the slander is untrue.

People who spread vicious lies do not go unnoticed by the LORD,  He watches and sees the seeds of the destroyer…Deceitful work will give way to insubstantial, and deceptive wages. 

People empty of GOD spread such lies. The word for empty in Hebrew is “sheqer”.  But, those will rejoice in the LORD shall have their reward, the Hebrew word for reward, “Seker.” And rewards are plenty for the righteous.

Eventually, within the year that person was vindicated by the LORD. The people spreading the vicious lies were fired.  Interestingly enough, it wasn’t due to their outrageous and outwardly disgraceful actions, but due to “poor performance” of duties overall.  It was determined they lacked the necessary experience that went with their job descriptions. Accident?  NO.   God’s hands…yes!

It turned out as expected for those who believe.  The righteous, as was the case with this individual was good. Her desire in her role at work, was to do good to others, and it turns out well for those she touched, due to her “inner light.”

The wicked, intended to “destroy” and harm others, and their only expectation for the future was ultimately “wrath upon themselves” due to their behavior. And, the seeds in which they spread came back in abundance. That which they sowed they had reaped, and an abrupt dismissal was their “reward.”

As for the person, with the vicious lies, she received a promotion, and thrived there for many years until her retirement. Once again, God is ALIVE and in control.  Faith, perseverance, and HIS WORD are our weapons of defense, and our ultimate reward (seker).  After a person accomplishes good things threough his words, good in turn will provide a reward for him.  A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. (Proverbs 13:2)

Let your light go forth to all those in your path. The light of the just will shine, as it was intended, “The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” (Proverbs 13:2 KJV).

God is watching, keeping score in His book of life. He knows all, sees all, and loves His children beyond our scope of understanding. So, remember…if we exchange in idle “gossip” chit-chat, although we might not be “saying” it, if we are “listening” we are just as guilty. And, God is witnessing that exchange.

Spread seeds of joy, ones that will bear good fruit. And, keep your light on, twenty-four-seven…

“Your light is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…” Psalms 119:105 (KJV)

Many thanks to Scott Birge for his picture~

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and good…(Proverbs 15:3 NKJV)

 This morning was busier than normal, and although I went through scriptures, as I always do, it wasn’t long enough, or deep enough for my satisfaction. You see, when it comes to the word, I tend to slow down, read with diligence and scrutiny as to what the Father is telling me in that particular passage. I pray for awareness, and a new understanding with each trip into His illustrious word…and then with reverence, I give thanks for His outstanding book of wisdom, and love that protects and prepares me as I go throughout my day.

The approach in which we go through scriptures varies from one individual to the other.  Some may think of it as a “ritual” or a “duty” that is tedious, or some may think of it as an “obligation.” Some may feel as I do, that it’s an honor and privilege to get to know Him.

David had a heart for our Father, as he so often exclaimed throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms… and he wished to do everything to please the Lord. He delighted in His ways, and respected His laws. “Oh how I love Your law!” (Psalms 119:97) 

David took sheer delight in getting to know our Father, he took it as an opportunity to grow closer to Him, a keen insight into His character, and wanted God to know just how dedicated he was to His laws, and His wishes. David, may have strayed a bit, but he repented and never stopped loving God or His ways and His laws.

Since the beginning of time, there has always been a malcontent amongst the ranks. Someone who’s willing to try and change the face of spirituality with man’s own concepts and beliefs.  These dissidents feel obligated and driven by their sheer force of selfish motives ultimately trying to bring others toward their unconventional way of thinking, or feeling. 

To give an example, today while at the opthalmologist, I was engaged in a light conversation with the doctor and his assistant.  My vision had been a little blurry lately and they were trying to ascertain reasons why that might be happening. The following dialogue took place as follows:

Doc: “Are you in the computer for long periods of time?”

Me: “Yes”

Doc: “What do you do?”

Me: “Well mostly write.”

Doc: “Oh…write about what?”

Me: “Many things.”

Doc: “Such as?”

Me: “I write for Christian magazines, I have a Christian website, I write for a Christian website with several other authors, and I write Christian books.”

After my admission of being a Christian writer, a pin dropped and it was heard!  Okay, well there really wasn’t a pin, but you get my drift. What really happened? Nothing. Yes, that’s right…there was a momentary uncomfortable cease of conversation.  After blinding drops were put in my eyes, the young assistant said, “I go to church and try to read a passage really quickly before going to sleep every night.” End of subject let’s move on…wham! I didn’t ask for a confession, and I certainly didn’t want the young lady to get overly defensive in her Christianity.  But, yet…many people get uncomfortable about Christianity when someone is really INTO Christianity.

I’m not a preachy individual…however, I won’t back down on how I feel about God. There isn’t anything that gives me greater pleasure than speaking with someone about the Bible, or hearing a testimony, or someone’s witness of coming to the Lord. It’s an amazing and overpowering feeling hearing how God touches someone’s life. To hear about His love, past, present and future.

There was an individual who prior to coming to the Lord, did a lot of bad things.  And he harbored evil in his heart for a long time.  After a life changing event, he got on his knees and came to the Lord.  He was a changed person, a new creature in Christ. He was baptized and turned his whole life around, and now does missionary work in Africa. 

What happened to that young man was God’s doing.  His hands changed the landscape of his heart and soul.  He helped him realize his purpose in life. As this young man grew spiritually, he stopped doing evil things, and started hating evil instead.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13 NKJV)

Interestingly, this young man began by studying the Bible, and feeling and hearing the words of our Father.  The longer he read, the more he wanted to know. The more he learned, the more he wanted to change, the more he changed, the more he wanted to live out his purpose according to God’s will. It’s a domino effect, if you will.  God’s plans, purpose, and will for the canvas of our soul, He is the artist of which we are created, solely by His hand.

God really doesn’t require us to fully understand His will, just to obey it, even if it seems unreasonable to us.  The flesh cannot absorb the reality or altitudes in which the spiritual realm exists, so therefore we need to trust God, as He always knows what’s best for His children.

So, listening to God really becomes vital to walking with Him, and co-existing with Him 24/7.  He is the wise one, He is the one who reigns, He is the one who is the Master of all things, big and small.  He is the one who warrants our servitude, and love…and our reverence to His holy and great ways.

So, when you pick up your Bible… go through it as if you were taking a long walk with God. Get to know Him, converse with Him, walk in His ways.

Enjoy the time spent with your Father, slow down and listen to Him. Really listen to Him. It’ll be the greatest feeling you will ever know walking in His ways.  For those who dont’s you’ll be missing out on the biggest thing in your life.

God loves you more than anyone ever could.  Isn’t that revelation enough to make you slow down in His book of love?

Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them, for the ways of the Lord are right: The righteous walk in them. But transgressors stumble in them… (Hosea 14:9)

Jesus not only saved us from sin, but His grace enables us to walk in His righteous ways…Amen.

Isn’t it time to take a walk?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Mark 4:9)  God will not force us to hear His words, nor force us to listen to His wise counsel. He may implement a series of events that are less than comfortable in order to get our attention, but whether we adhere to His words or His will, is entirely up to us.

Thanks to Scott Birge for another gorgeous picture…You have a gift from God my friend and I’m glad you’re allowing me to use it to His advantage.  Thanks be to God for giving you this gift, and for providing us as the vessels to exalt His name.  Amen!

 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand. (Psalms 73:23 NKJV)

While watching the news with my hubby,we were overwhelmed by how many shows pertained to vacationing during the summer.  I mean,it seemed to be on practically every station we switched over to view.  It was at the precise moment when we were looking at a crew of people on a cruise, who were singing ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall that made me realize, “I never want to be on a vacation from God.”

No matter where we may or may not go, I will always want God in my life.  And, while it’s certainly warranted for people having worked so hard during the year, to look forward to their family vacation…I pray they don’t take a vacation from God in the process. 

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. (Psalms 73:25 NKJV)  How amazing is God..So amazing that when faith and His glorious Spirit reside in you, you will feel the tranquility that one would get from an ordinary vacation, or a spa…only better.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1 NKJV) 

God is where ever you are, and where ever God is there is “heaven.”  A friend of mine, whom I hadn’t heard from in quite some time called recently.  We caught up with what’s been happening in our lives, and in so doing, she made a derogatory reference to “Hallelujah” people.  I winced, but let her finish her message of discontent.  After some time she’d noticed I hadn’t said one word in response to her “mocking” of one’s beliefs.  She asked, “what’s wrong? Oh, don’t tell me you’re one of those?” To which I responded with , “To what do you refer? If you’re asking, am I one who fully believes in His word, then yes I am.  If you’re asking, am I one who worships fully inwardly and outwardly, then yes I am.  And, if you’re asking, do I raise my hands in exaltation to Him?  Then, yes I am.”

She sounded off for a second or so, not wanting to hear about God, and choosing to say, “well as long as you’re a good person God will love you no matter what.” Which is the temperance of most “non-Hallelujah” people.  That is my friend’s term, not mine by the way.  Do I consider myself wiser or better than my friend?  Absolutely not, we’re all equal in God’s eyes, but I fear the Lord and revere Him, and to that I say, “Thank you Lord, for opening my eyes and ears, and bringing forth the wisdom of Your Spirit which sustains and nurtures me on a daily basis.”

  But the Proverb  “to fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is so true. Most people don’t want to “hear” about it, because their flesh thinks it’s foolish what the Spiritual self is saying.  And, most people don’t want to be accountable for their actions, so they do what they need to do without  “accountability” or the consequences of their actions.

God is a patient and loving Father.  He has openly expressed His desire to receive our love.  He has demonstrated in so many aspects, in and out of the Bible, how much He loves us. He gives us chances, over and over and over and over, to repent, to draw close to Him, and He will draw close to us.  But, those who have their nose out of joint, who don’t want to hear, or learn of the affirmations and miracles of God, will one day realize He DOES EXIST, and He is with US every single day. And, to those who choose to ignore Him, He is waiting, watching, and loving them from a distance, and wanting to come closer.

Asking for His help, guidance, and His will, is an integral part of Christianity. The power of His love is within the landscapes of our soul…His abundant love overpowers the nuances of the world. His eyes and His perfect divine presence is with us constantly. Do you feel it? Do you reach out to Him? Do you understand the full scope of His being or the place He has in our lives?

Ask, learn, delve into His character.  Open His book, the greatest love letter of all time. His book, telling us everything we need to know, from the beginning of time, to this time, and the time to come. No surprises, it’s all there, in His powerful and beautiful book. He tells us what we need to do, and how we can be a part of an abundant lifestyle rich with His blessings and rewards, in this lifetime and the one to come. It’s all there! His love, His grace, His miracles, His warnings, His guidance…all there for us. 

Are you interested in knowing about our creator and our Father? Open His book, and then open your heart.  You’d be surprised at how magnificent TRUE LOVE really is.  Oh yes, indeed!

 28“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
²⁹ Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the Lord,
³⁰ They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
³¹ Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
³² For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
³³ But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:28-33 NKJV)

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As always a big “Thank-you” to Scott Birge for his gorgeous picture~