Month: November 2018

DEAR GOD: I Love You and all that You Are~

by // // 2 Comments

He is Mighty!

He is Awesome!

He is Glorious!

He is Sovereign!

He is Omnipotent!

He is the Great I AM I AM!

He is Love!

He is Glorious!

 

When we are in the depths of despair…”look up” and He’s there.

When we are in the throws of loneliness…”look up” and He’s there.

When we are looking for answers…”look up” and He’s there.

When we are trying to gain strength for which we are weak…”look up and “He’s there.”

Whatever we are in need of, “look up and He’s there.”

And, He’s right beside us…in front of us…behind us…and “IN US.”

This time of the year can be hectic to most families, after all the Holidays can be stressful to those juggling “life” as it were. So many responsibilities, so little time in which to accomplish what we need to get done. Family, friends, co-workers…all in a whirl of activity designed around the “holiday.”  Things to buy, things to do…

Now, if the holiday can be stressful to those “with family” and a “roof over their head” — what is life like for those without family, children, or a home over their head?

What is life like for the “newly widowed” lady down the street?

What is life like for the parents who just lost a child to a hideous crime?

What is life like for the individuals in a nursing home without any friends or family to visit?

What is life like for those without faith?

 

Spread the LOVE this year in ways that are outside your comfort zone.

Do something for someone in need in the name of Jesus.

Donate to that food shelter, or go visit someone who has no family in an nursing home.

Visit the newly widowed lady down the street from you.

Bring some food to homeless shelter.

And smile more.  Those muscles in your face will thank you for the exercise!    You’d be surprised what a smile can do for someone.

This holiday, which is the LORD’s Season…proclaim His Glory through “His love” by extending and sharing “His love.”

 

“Father God, Master and Creator of the Universe, we give You all the Glory and Honor and Dominion, and we exalt You, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

 

1 John 4:19

“We love him, because he first loved us.”

DEAR GOD: Under Your Watchful Eyes~

by // // 2 Comments

 

 

1 Peter 3:12

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

 

As we rush through life and take on everyday tasks we are always being watched by the LORD; there isn’t anywhere we can go, or anything we do that He doesn’t see, or hear.

That to most Christians, or those of faith, a very reassuring promise from God.  Throughout the Bible His promises are there, and He is a faithful God and always with us.  So…that in itself is a comfort and like a love letter from the LORD. Amen.

But what of those who don’t know Him?  How can we help?

Well, we can ask the LORD for assistance in being His vessel and sending those to us who don’t know Him, and for His guidance in how to approach them, and how to plant the seeds of which they need to hear.  But, we must always remember, that it isn’t US that is doing the “watering.”  It is in fact God who does the watering and allows the growth.  We are merely messengers and can only do so much, again…it bears repeating, it is God who does the watering of the seeds we drop in the soil, and it is God that allows the growth.

Of course, there will be those who listen for a little while, and then the world will take them away before the seeds take root.

Or those that will hear, and be interested, but the seed will not get planted at all.  It will fall on stony ground.

These examples, or parables…were all explained by Jesus.  And, the one who takes it away…is the enemy.

Those who pray, and give their hearts to the LORD, and listen to His Word, are doing all they can to bear good fruit, while seeking His face, and His Kingdom.

The promises are overwhelming in the LORD’s word.

In Ephesians 1:13, we are told about the Holy Spirit of promise. That is elocution that really means “the promised Holy Spirit.” He ‘s the One who has been promised in the Old Testament and has come in all  fullness of the expectation under the terms of the new covenant.

Similar language is used in John 7:37–39. And in the entire farewell discourse (John 14–16), where the Holy Spirit — sometimes called the Comforter, (Parkletos in Greek) the Helper, the one alongside who succeeds Jesus — He comes and is with the disciples and will be with them. And the Christians after the resurrection are told to wait for the promised Holy Spirit who will come upon them on the day of Pentecost (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; 2:1–4).

So these promises, are just a few…but important to note that the Holy Spirit is with us always.  That is our Comforter, and that is a promise fulfilled from that day, to this day, and until our last day on earth…at which time we will be given our rewards in Heaven for Eternity. Amen.

But, for now…pray and know that God is watching, He is listening, and He loves us with every fiber of His Magnificent Being. And what a “comfort” that is.”

“Thank You Father for Your promises of Old and New, and for Your watchful eyes over me, I thank You for Your love, and Your guidance with the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Thankful Everyday for YOU~

by // // No Comments

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 5:20

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ.

Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and are grateful for company, good food, and securing traditional practices of which they’re families are accustomed to.   Laughter, good cheer, and love, go hand-in-hand at the table of thanksgiving.

However, the practice of giving “thanks” should be in our daily acumen.  We should be grateful to God for all things, big and small, no matter the circumstances, no matter the outcome.  Because God, our incredible Father, loves us and wants us to be happy and prosper and have an abundance of love surrounding us, every single day of our lives.

Love.  Isn’t that the definitive message from God?  His love?

After all, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and save us from our sins in order to secure a seat at His banquet table in Eternity.

This day, enjoy your family, friends and each other…but don’t forget to give thanks to the HOLY ONE, the One who started it all.  The One who is with us through thick and thin.  The One who loves us beyond measure.

For those who find themselves alone this Thanksgiving…Remember, physically you may be alone…but spiritually, God is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you…ever!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

May God’s blessings shine on you this day and always, in Jesus Christ’ precious name Amen!

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 16:34 34Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1 1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

DEAR GOD: Adversity is a Bridge to You~

by // // No Comments

See the source image

 

 

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

When we read Joshua, there are key elements that are glaringly apparent throughout the book.  We become aware of God’s presence that energizes our work.

We become critically and keenly aware of how we must TRUST GOD, and by so doing, it means trusting Him fully because He can see beyond what we can see.  We must remember that God doesn’t require us to understand His will, but in fact…simply obey it, even it is seems unreasonable to “our mind” which is far inferior to that of our Father’s mind.

He instructs Joshua to stay in the “Word” and not to depart from His “law.”

In Joshua 1:8; the Lord states with undeniably clarity and tenacity, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.”

He is reinforcing the importance of staying with His Word and Law, and doing what is required in order to fulfill His Will.  And, assuring us that when we do, we will be prosperous and have good success!

This was the same command He issued to future Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:19–he was to meditate on the Word of God every day knowledge of God’s will is crucial to doing so.  And this is so to this day.

God didn’t change.

His Word didn’t change.

His Will and Law didn’t change. (Sacrificial blood ordinance changed…Jesus Blood took care of that.)

His plans for our success and purpose didn’t change.

And, most especially…His love didn’t expire or change…He still loves all of His children.

He declared in Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

It is so easy to focus on “our problems” which we can see, and not on God, whom we can’t see.  As Joshua discovered, “God is with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, and He is with us no matter how big or how small our problem are…He is with us ALWAYS.

He will never leave us nor forsake us.

He will never stop loving us.

He is a faithful and merciful God.

He will forgive us, over and over again.

Remember that Joshua knew all about adversity. He wandered in the wilderness for forty years. He was “way qualified” in the adversity department.  But, He never lost sight of the fact that God was with Him throughout it all. And when it was time for the people of God to cross the Jordan River, Joshua was named by God to take over.

When we go to Him in prayer we are trusting Him and surrendering to Him.  Understanding that God’s way is far different than ours is a vital proponent in connecting with Him on so many levels.  For although He is with us, He is far above us in all aspects, and so this is why we must surrender to His will and trust Him fully in order for Him to provide in a deeper realm, open up to Him and expose yourself entirely to His hands of mercy and Will.

Obedience is a “must” and a high priority in every believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enable us to walk obediently before God, in His strength, and His power. Amen.

Choose to obey Him, even if you don’t understand why He is asking you to do something…when we do, we can fully expect to become the person God is molding us to be, and to bear fruit that is highly favorable with the Lord almighty.

When we do all of this according to His will and purpose, you can expect to receive rewards that will overwhelm you with joy and love.

So  at times, we need to be still and know that He is God… in order to fulfill our purpose according to the Master. 

He is God.  We are His.  His will be done on earth as it is in heaven…

Be prepared, and prepare to do all that He wills in your life. Amen and Amen!

 

DEAR GOD: Your Path be Glorious as Your Love~

by // // No Comments

 

 

Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at:

Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

(Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

 

The narrow path is difficult at times to walk upon but it is a path that is worth the effort and our time to pursue and adhere to.

The world is filled with iniquities that are far removed from God, and it’s becoming pronounced more so with each passing day.

Destruction, vulgarity, perversion, turning away from God, it’s all so painfully obvious, and those that choose the path of God will be rewarded openly by God, now and for all eternity.

So look around today…take a close look and examine what is happening.

There are miracles that are still happening today.  It could come in a small saving grace such as being early in a supermarket and getting a $25 gift certificate–or something as extraordinary as my husband’s friend’s mother who was given only hours to live.  Her daughter and son went to her ICU room in the hospital and started reading Psalms by her “death bed” –within a little while of reading the Bible, and after prayers, her vitals improved, doctors were shocked, and she is currently doing extremely well! Praise God!  He is good all the time, God is good.  Thank you Lord!

There is no Rock, and no God like ours.  His mercy endureth forever and ever!  Amen and Amen.

Let everything that has breath proclaim He is Lord and give Him praise.  He is so worthy.  Thank Him everyday, no matter what.  And, prostrate yourself in His presence, for His love endures and His promises unending. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.  (Psalm 150:6 KJV)  He is faithful to ALL GENERATIONS throughout the ages, and He still is here, on the throne…always.

There is something so powerful and moving about praising His name through our actions, and our words, and in song!

In 2 Chronicles 20, there is an account of how the nation of Judah experienced an overwhelming victory against an attacking enemy because they sent the musicians and singers out before the army, praising the Lord and declaring His enduring love.

Their secret weapon was to proclaim and give THANKS TO THE LORD, for his loving kindness is everlasting. So, there is something to be said about praising Him!  The Bible says so, and that’s enough for me!

So to those who already know about Him and His glory…Hallelujah!

For those wo haven’t experienced it…I pray you find Him and seek His face. You might want to start with John 3:16–and go from there. He loves all of us, no matter what. 

What path will you walk on? 

The lord reigns and He is a mighty God.

Amen & Amen. 

Thanks be to Him, now and always.

Amen & Amen. 

DEAR GOD: Your Will and Insight Shall Prevail Over all Else~

by // // No Comments

“Father Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”

That is a powerful statement of faith and spiritual compliance with our Father.

When we say those words, aloud within a group, or alone, or quietly in our room, or wherever it might be…it all comes to mean the same thing…”We believe in the LORD and His will and we trust in Him fully to preserve and perform according to His purpose, now and always.”

When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane,  He spoke to His Father about “removing the cup” –but after a moment, He said, “nevertheless not My will but Your will be done. (Mark 14:36 Luke 22:42).” 

Even Jesus…our Lord and Savior, King of kings, and our Kinsman Redeemer sought to do the Father’s will at all times. Several times throughout His mission, He sought to do the Father’s will, and plans according to the scriptures.

In one case, when Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, He sought the Father’s will and looked to “glorify Him” as He prayed before calling Lazarus out of the cave.  The miracle that occurred was through Jesus by His Father in Heaven, and Jesus made sure to ask Him to help so that He, the Father would receive the glory and the praise…and according to His will in fulfillment of the scriptures.  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  John 17:1

In all that we do, we should give glory unto the LORD.

Praise Him.

Glorify Him.

Adore Him.

Follow His lead and commandments.

LOVE HIM.

When we commit to the LORD and accept our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are not only surrendering to His will and presence in our lives, but we are example to all of those we encounter during our journey here on earth.

So, today…as you go through your travels, seeing people, speaking with people…or just praying alone quietly…give Him all the glory and praise, and do all things according to His will.  By doing so…you are reaffirming your faith and investing in your spiritual growth.

Amen.

 

DEAR GOD: You are Near and You Call~

by // // No Comments

Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.

(Psalm 119:151 KJV)

 

 

It’s apparent the Lord is with me all day long.  Sometimes, it’s stronger than other times, but the truth is, He is always there. When I get that overwhelming urge in myheart to do what’s right, or feel compelled to go the extra nine yards, He’s there. When I feel something is askew in the scales of life, He’s there to bring it back to order. When there are moments of fog and a situation is difficult to “see” He’s there to lift the “fog” and bring a crystal clear view of a prior distortion.

 

Sometimes God will place someone in your path to help ease a burden.  That could go either way. The person may b e there to ease your burden, or you’re there to ease theirs. Whatever the circumstances are…the Lord will place it in your heart to do according to His will.  And something happens when you conspire to do His will…an inordinate amount of peace embraces your heart and soul. Your inner self is revitalized and filled to capacity and your cup will overflow with blessings. It could be that person sitting next to you in the restaurant that looks lost and in need of a smile. You might feel God place it in your heart to do something for that individual. You’ll know what it is when you’re in the situation. And, it depends on your intimate relationship with God and His word.

God used so many different people throughout the ages to do His will. Rahab, an alleged “harlot” was used to help Joshua as she hid the men/spies  on her rooftop in Jericho.  When the king of Jericho learned the men had been to Rahab’s house, he sent orders for her to turn them over. She lied to the king’s soldiers concerning the whereabouts of the spies, and sent them off in the opposite direction. She was spared her life and that of her family because she hid them and asked for “immunity” for her family. She was spared as was her family.  (Joshua 2:1 -24 KJV)

She felt it in her heart and was lead by the Lord to provide the temporary sanctuary for Joshua’s men, and was rewarded for her loyalty.  She recognized the true God and accepted Him as her own from that point on.  She was loyal and steadfast and good in an emergency, and she had a son called Boaz who had a son named Obed,  who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David…King David. When God wants to use someone He’ll use it for His purpose and will bring us to where He wants us to be. Just as in the case of Rehab.

God sees our heart, and only He can change our heart if so inclined. One will feel it in their hearts when God wants a certain task or action to be followed through. God sees us differently than “man” does. Man sees the outside, God sees the inside.    He sees our potential in ways that no one can, He sees what we can accomplish and ultimately see that we have no limits when it comes to the things we can do through God.

So when  a situation comes to mind that you have to attend to, and you don’t know why…God is most likely the one that placed it in your heart. He is always at work, for ALL of His children…and consequently and never stops inspiring and doing the things in which to help His children.

Stop…look…listen, and heed His messages.  You’ll realize your potential worth as a Christian…and your heart will be consumed with blessings in ways that only a person who adheres to God’s will will understand.

Do you feel a tug in your heart? 

Or a sense of urgency calling you? 

That’s God and He needs you, will you answer the call?

 

 

 

+++++++++++

119 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. 

 Psalm 119:1 – 32 (KJV)