Month: September 2018

DEAR GOD: The Power of Your Love~

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The Power of Your Love~

Lord You hear me and know my heart,
You guide me and show me where to start.
Lord You answer according to Your will,
I wait, watch and listen while I am still.

Lord Your Hands are always ready to hold me,
Your purpose and magnificence my eyes see.
Lord this child loves and worships You,
I seek You always that much is true.

Lord You watch us and keep us from harm,
We can walk through fires without alarm.
Lord You brought us through the Red Sea,
Away from Egyptians and set free.

Lord you sent a Prince and Savior to rescue me,
I am so sorry that the world could not see.
Lord I pray that Your children will bow and proclaim,
That Jesus is coming back again to forever reign.

Lord all glory and honor and praise You are due,
I feel renewed and filled with life something I never knew.
Lord You came into my heart and You ignite my soul,
Your fire consumes me, being Your servant is my role.

Lord I stand by You and love learning all,
You lift me and hold me and make me stand tall.
Lord with You I can walk into Your courts so bold,
And shout “I love you” like so many times I have told.

Lord I will be waiting and listening for You,
I wait and watch and look up at the sky so blue.
You are the King, the master of everything,
Your mercy endureth forever this I sing.

by C D Swanson~

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Mark 10:27 KJV
“…With men it is impossible, but not with God: with God all things are possible.”

DEAR GOD: Follow Your Plans & Path Even When Outside of Comfort Zone~

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Jeremiah 29:11-13 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 

 

The Lord is faithful and good and He wants what’s best for all of us., and the question then becomes;   “How does He show us that He wants the best?”  The answer— by and through His Word.  He has given us His love and instructions in the Holy Bible…an informative and comprehensive guide for each of us, His children.

Book after book, verse after verse, describes in detail through individuals chosen by God to do His will, and be vessels for His purpose, establishing His commandments and the outcome for doing His will, as well as the outcome for “not” following His will.  The Old testament is obviously before Christ, but is important to this day, establishing a continuity that ties all the way up to Christ’s death and resurrection, and finishing with Revelation, of times that had happened, and will happen at the end times, and also for eternity.

When we get to know our Father through His powerful Word, and meditate on Him, and spend time with Him daily, we are able to ascertain His plans for us.  Sometimes those plans are clear and undeniably precise, at times they can be cloudy and seem hard to understand, and still other times, we can feel “outside of our comfort zone” with where God is placing us.  This is when we need to trust Him fully, and know that where He leads us, and the path in which He puts us on is the absolute best possible scenario for us, His children.  He wants us to be with Him for eternity, and sent His Son to establish that covenant with us, that “those who choose to believe and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior shall spend eternity” with our Father in Heaven.

Reach out to the Father, ask Him to do His will and He will oblige and be only too glad to show you.

Read His Word, and learn of the sacrifices and trials that chosen individuals went through.

Meditate on His love and experience the assurance and peace that stems from this knowledge.

And go forward in applying His will and purpose for Your life, and if it is outside your comfort zone, so be it, it is for your benefit and for His glory.

“Father God, thank You for Your love and guidance in our life, and for Your faithfulness in all of Your children since the beginning of time, You alone are in control, and You alone are the sole purpose of our existence, shine Your light into the darkness Lord, and wash us clean with Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

 

DEAR GOD: Sowing Seeds While Rooted in Your Love~

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Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew 13:18-23 18 (KJV)

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Producing Spiritual fruit and sowing  seeds all comes down to love.

If we love God, and sow good seed in rich soil…we will preserve.  When we are rooted in Christ, we are rooted in truth so we can stand firm in the temptations of the world, and lure of riches and empty visions dancing before us in terms of darkness, as we look toward the ultimate light. When we are tapping into the soil of God, we can stand firm.  We can make better decisions, we are gilded in the light and protected by the armor of the Gospel.

When we are tapped into the “soil of the world” we will be overrun with temptations and the seductive cries of the world. But when we stand firm, and sow where we can, continuing the work of the LORD and offer the seeds to those who haven’t any idea, we are growing in spirit, and becoming grafted in the vine,  while doing what the LORD orders.

When we have firm faith we are tapping into the good soil, we are persevering and continuing to the end.  This is the road map to eternal happiness. This is the soil that we should always be cultivating and using our spiritual fertilizer, which is God’s grace unto all that we aspire.

God will provide the water for growth to the seeds we sow….and open eyes and open ears, but some will not benefit, and they will grasp the word for a little while before the “enemy” will take it away, long before they’re firmly rooted in Christ. The world can choke the word, the enemy is of the world, and so it is.

While we are loving God and offering ourselves as a vessel, while surrendering to Him fully, we are able to withstand the temperaments of the world, and exhibit a sense of confidence that only comes from being a devout Christian in the Army of the LORD! Amen!

Spread your seeds of love and hasten someone’s life from an abysmal existence while bringing them, with God’s grace, into the light.  Help them see and hear and breathe an entirely new way of living, because without God, let’s face it…there is NO living!

“Father God, help us to sow seeds to those who are without the “soil of Your love” and are sinking in the soil of the world, help us to be an example of Your light, and Your ways, and bring them out of the darkness into the light of Your love, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.” 

 

DEAR GOD: Fill Your Children with Joy~

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1 Thessalonians 1:6

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

 

No matter where we are, or what we may be doing, we should be thrilled and rejoice knowing we have the Spirit within to guide us and take us to depths of love of which we only could know through having Him dwell within. Our amazing and loving Father who gifted us with the Comforter, who will never leave us nor forsake us.

The indelible mark of love is left on our heart by His generosity in giving up His life for us, and by the Father who sacrificed His Son for us. We are therefore filled with Joy, which is LOVE which is His Spirit.

The Apostles waited longingly for the Comforter to come, and were granted the gift as He came over all of those in the upper room after He was resurrected, as told in Acts.  It was a beautiful moment then, and equally beautiful now when an individual accepts Christ and invites Him into His heart as their Lord and Savoir.  No matter how many times it’s been done throughout time…it is as beautiful as it was way back then, as it is today.  When even one soul is saved it’s powerful and moving…and the angels in heaven rejoice and sing.

When we become “imitators of the Lord” through the joy of the Holy Spirit and transform into a realm of receiving Him daily and being a witness to others by speaking the truth and sharing the Word, we are basking in the glory of His love.  The joy is complete and overwhelmingly obvious.

So many people are hurting and walking around in a virtual abyss of blackness never coming to the light or giving light a chance.  These are the ones that the Lord calls us to sow seeds and share the Word.  It’ll be up to the LORD whether it takes root or not.  We are called to sprinkle seeds where we can…but ultimately it’s the LORD who provides the water and the growth.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad as we are called to be vessels of the LORD in His word and ways, even when there are those who will ridicule us and make fun of our faith.  There will be those who will seemingly take delight in mocking us in a fiendish way, but as Jesus said, “when you are ridiculed or mocked be exceedingly glad for great is the reward in heaven.”

As we attempt to go through this life our journey will be filled with many different kinds of paths. Some will be gravelly, some will be smooth, some will be stony, some will be dirt filled…and some will have a fork in the road…it’s the Spirit that will offer guidance and help through all of our paths, and the Father who holds us up in the process.

Be glad and be of good cheer…God is here today, tomorrow…always!

 

“Father God, Creator of the Universe, Master of all things, thank You for the gift of the Comforter, for the joy that fills my heart due to Your love and guidance, and thank You for all that You do since the beginning of time, may I bring You joy through my diligence in Your Word, and in my love for You, I pray all that I do will be a witness for You and Your amazing love, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

 

 

1 Peter 4:13-14

….But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

DEAR GOD: My Eyes Forever on You~

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Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. (Psalm 25:15 KJV)

While driving a song came on the Christian radio that said, “Keep your eyes on God, stay in the moment with Him.” And I thought, of course…I already do. However, upon further reflection I realize that there are times that all Christians will focus on something other than God.

It may be a selfish “me” moment, or it might be an “oh, that’ll happen next week” thought. It’s normal of course, the world can come crashing into our Christian “space” and deliver conflicting moments that deter our thoughts from focusing on what is right and what is real. To be in the moment with God is to truly enjoy the sanctity of His presence and to allow His Spirit to fully encompass our being, ultimately surrendering to His will while basking in His glory.

To be in the moment, is concentrating on Him and all that He requires of us, and walking in His light of righteousness. To be in the moment, is to focus on Him and not worrying about tomorrow, as Jesus so eloquently states in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

To be in the moment is to fully entrust His Omnipotence and His Sovereign power to guide us and bring us to our full purpose in life. To be in the moment is to not look at things superficially and worry about “ourselves” or sitting on a pot of “woe is me”– but instead to meditate and be one with His being.

Trials will come our way–all of us will and have faced these difficult moments–but when we focus on Him and stay in the moment with Him, an inner peace will transcend the mounting pressures and worries allowing the fire to purify and bring us closer to that mirror image of Christ. Diverse actions will abound and multiple scenarios will creep into our lives, no matter how careful or meticulous or faithful we are, but God will always be there with us to guide us through. And, when we focus on Him and drink in His vitality and His essence of the true living waters…we’ll be able to get through any desert and He’ll nurture us in the process as He brings us through the valleys of decline, and before long we’ll be on the incline.

His eyes are on us at all times, His hands is outstretched and His heart filled with love never ending for His children. With His promises, and His sacrifices, and His depth of compassion and knowledge, shouldn’t we concentrate on the “Great I am?” instead of focusing on worthless worrying that’ll do us no good.

Worrying, as Jesus teaches, will not amount to any good. All the worrying will not change a thing. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25)

God is in control at all times…we don’t have to worry, He has our back!

Faith is in itself a gift from God. He opens ears and opens eyes to those who have a heart for Him. However, be it known, that He can turn a heart of stone into a veritable loving and compassionate one. His divine will, and His plans according to our purpose, for our good, always for our good.

For those going through difficult times at this moment, take solace, He’s with you. He’ll not forsake you, nor will He ever abandon you. He will lead you through your adversity, whether it’s grief, physical illness, despair over finances, a troubling relationship, or whatever the case may be…He’s there for you. He loves you, and He will always be your Father forevermore.

To those who are suffering through a crisis, please concentrate on Him, and allow Him to be in control while entrusting Him with your path and your pain. Stay in the moment, embrace His presence and bask in His glory. The pain will eventually subside and the situation will undoubtedly leave. However, God will always be with you. As our amazing Lord and Savior Jesus Christ promised and said– “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

 

Thank You my LORD God, Father how I love You, I give You my heart and know You own my soul, keep me alive and pulsating in Your Word, as I do all according to Your will, now and always, in Jesus precious and loving name, Amen.”

 

 

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 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble…”

(Matthew 26:34 )

DEAR GOD: You Care for All Your Sparrows~

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For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD
(Proverbs 8:35 KJV)

The Lord is constantly watching over His children no matter the circumstances…which includes background, finances, race, creed, age, so on an so forth. Yesterday was a prime example of God protecting and caring for all of His children.

My husband and I had finished an errand and upon reaching our car our hearts were drawn to a homeless man. He was in tattered clothes with a heaping shopping cart filled with his treasures, everything he owned was in that cart. He had a look that I’ve seen many times during my career as a counselor in nursing homes, the look of desperation through a vapid stare. I told my husband he probably was one of the countless many that were “mentally ill” on the streets. We both wanted to “help” him, but I knew he’d probably not be accepting of assistance.

My husband approached him gently with food and money…the individual started moving backward with flailing arms as he fervently sought to run from my husband, while shouting, “Not me, not me!” I called my husband warning him not to go any further. The wisdom of the Spirit began warning me from the beginning, and so it came to pass that the Spirit once again was undeniably correct.

My husband was a little stunned, and disappointed that he couldn’t help him. I assured him that God was pleased with him for trying– however, He protected not only us, but the “homeless man” as well. This homeless man had food in his cart, clothes, and other items that were somehow presented to him, in a way, and an environment that he accepted. God is the sole provider of such provisions. He knows how to care for all of His creation. As Jesus told lovingly told His followers, God takes care of everything and not to worry for anything.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26 KJV)

There is never a reason to worry or be anxious for anything. The Lord is in control, His wisdom and His protection and His love abound, forever and always. He is the same as He was at the beginning as He is today and always…
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

We walked away with mixed feelings, sorry for that individual’s circumstances as we said a prayer aloud. However, we realized that God will always provide for His needs. He sees and knows what we as His children need.
We are all His children, yet different areas in terms of what we need. We may have different levels of education, different upbringing, and a different ways of getting through what we term LIFE. For me, I am alive because of HIM, and He alone gave me LIFE. Because without God, there is no LIFE.

That man yesterday, “our brother” through Christ, may have an unconventional way of existing, while getting through his time on earth. His cart was filled by our Father, again…the sole provider for all of His creation.
I thank the Lord for protecting us and telling us to “move along” quickly as it could have been a tricky situation to say the least. The Holy Spirit prompted me, and we obeyed readily. So thank you my God…I love you.

In closing, although there are some situations that cannot be “changed” by man…we know with confidence through God—and only through God– can it turn around. And although that homeless individual may or may not realize it, God has been providing for him all along and will continue to do so.

Regardless of our circumstances, we have one common denominator…we ALL NEED GOD. Amen & Amen~

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

(Matthew 6:27-30 KJV)

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live: and go in the way of understanding.

(Proverbs 9:5-6 KJV)

DEAR GOD: Guide our Paths and our Order~

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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Do you have all of your ducks in a row? Do you know where you’re going when you die?

I had a dream recently in which I was a game show contestant. It was a Christian show, and the host was a big tall man in white, with a booming voice. He kept asking, “Do you have all of your ducks in a row? Do you know where you’re going when you die?”

That question shouldn’t cause any kind of fear to the average Christian. No, instead, an overwhelming assurance should envelop one’s soul. The answer should be a resounding, “YES.”

Jesus Christ tells us: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) The words of Christ assure us that “we have our ducks in a row,” so to speak. And, as we walk in His commandments we can be certain of His promises, and His love. To know that we are going to be with Him for all eternity.

Jesus is the foundation of our being, in which we were born, when He redeemed all of us, through His blood, crucifixion, death, and his resurrection. By accepting Him, as our Lord and Savior, we’re essentially “born” of the Spirit. And, by accepting Him as the only begotten Son of God, we will live forever. It is through Jesus that we may know our Father. It is by seeking and submitting to His Son that we are accepted in our Father’s eyes. Jesus is the way, and those who know Him although they are dead, shall live…

Do you have your ducks in a row?

Thank you LORD , for saving us, loving us, and for being our FRIEND, all glory and honor are yours now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.

 

 

 

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This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

(John 15:12-15 KJV)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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)

 

DEAR GOD: The New Tabernacle~

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“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 NKJV

 

 

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV)

When we love and serve Him, we do not face the trouble of the world alone. We have an Arbitrator. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum; we have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens…” (Hebrews 8:1 KJV)

We can be at peace knowing that our Arbitrator is seated at the right hand of God. What a comfort! When we stay focused on the word, we have nothing to fear. When we are hurting, He’s there…never far, but near.

The Mediator is there to step in between us and the world.

Talk to Him.

We need our Arbitrator, especially in these chaotic times.

Our Father is so amazing, so good. He is the best Arbitrator we can hope for. In the Greek language, it means a “go between.” It can also mean intercessor. The Greek word comes from the prime “MESO” which means in the “middle.” We have that Arbitrator to help us ALWAYS.
The tabernacle and everything within the tabernacle was intended to show man how to worship and communicate with God. The tabernacle was where man could atone for his sins. The new tabernacle is Jesus Christ—Our Mediator and Arbitrator.

But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. (Hebrews 8:6 KJV)

The latter is a better tabernacle, because it is heavenly not earthly. The tabernacle of Moses served a purpose, but the tabernacle of Christ is different…deeper, more personal. The new covenant is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

So, when we are downcast, lonely, frustrated, upset…know we have the greatest Arbitrator and Mediator and Friend on our side. He binds the broken hearted and provides the bandages, unconditionally. His only request—OUR LOVE—and for us to know and observe His ways.

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after thos days, saith the LORD; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and evey man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest.” (Hebrews 8:10 KJV)

Get to know the one and only GOD and LORD of lords. Our Savior, Jesus Christ. And, when you need a bandage, He’ll provide. Take comfort in His love…

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord.

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 KJV)

DEAR GOD: Undeniable Love For You~

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As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42-2 (KJV)

Thirsting for our one and only Living God is a feeling that most believers experience and most have trouble expressing into words.  It is an undeniable “thirst” that can only be quenched by the LORD and His love.  It is an inner longing that can only be filled by the joy of loving Him.

Can we be loved by anyone as God loves us?

Can anyone sacrifice their child for us?

Can anyone continuously forgive our transgressions and iniquities as God has?

Of course the answer is a resounding and unmitigated NO!

God and God alone is the One and only Being that is capable of a love toward us that is indefinable and beyond the scope of our understanding while in this human body.

But what we do know and understand is that HE LOVE US.

As we feel His love and get to know Him we become engaged to the point of “desire” in getting to know Him on deeper levels and yearn to know Him fully and completely.  How can we do this?

By opening His book and reading His Word.  Hearing His voice. Following His commandments, and loving Him as we surrender to Him fully. Going to Him while boldly proclaiming and declaring our love and dedication is pleasing to Him as well as to our own heart and soul.

Panting and longing for His love?

You can find it in His Word, and within your own heart.

He is there, inside of all of us…waiting for us to love Him, while gently leading us into His green pastures and living water.

Love Him, openly and willingly…make that choice and rest in His love while He tends to you in His pasture.

Amen!