Month: January 2019

DEAR GOD: Time is Fleeting on Earth—But, an Eternity in Paradise~

by // // No Comments

 

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,

than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

 Psalm 84:10 (KJV)

 

A good friend of mine recalled our days of when we worked in the nursing home together, and we laughed until we cried.  She was my employee and I had hired her back in 1992.  And although I was her boss…we worked together as one body.  There were no comments about ranking power, or about my being her superior, because essentially…I was not.  We were one in accord unto one purpose taking care of the residents in the facility.  Even though our roles were vastly different, we still had one goal, to ensure that the residents were treated with due respect, while promoting their well-being in all facets of their daily lives.

Just so as we are all “one body unto Christ” and have different roles in our daily lives, we still have one purpose promoting the LORD and His Word according to His will.  We are called to do all things for His glory and for His purpose as we walk in obedience, willingly and lovingly.

You know 1992 seems so long ago, and yet it feels as if it were only last week that I was working with such a loving bunch of co-workers of mine who gave their all in their varying capacities at the facility.  Each one holding a significant role and purpose in making sure that the facility ran smoothly, and keeping the residents comfortable and safe.   Some of the best years of my life were spent working at that fabulous place, and some of the most extraordinary friendships came from my association with that nursing home.  Not to mention, the deeply rewarding, and meaningful connections to the residents, of whom I still recall, with love and regard.

What I’m trying to say here is, the time was fleeting, as is all our time here on earth.

But, here’s the great news!  Our time spent here is for a purpose, HIS PURPOSE, and when we are through with that purpose, and we are called home, how glorious to know we will spend Eternity in Paradise, with our Father!  Amen!

Being with Him forever, with no end…and seeing all past loved ones, and friends, as we celebrate together in God’s house, filled with many rooms for all of us…for Eternity!

And, for those who have lost their pets…oh yes…. I really believe they’ll be there too!  I can’t imagine God creating such special little creatures that brought so much joy on earth to be absent from our reunion.  I’m sure in my heart they’ll be there too!  In fact,  I can just see my handsome, sweet baby boy, Max, and my precocious, gorgeous, baby girl Misty, running toward me! Yes! For Eternity!

No more goodbyes, no more tears, and no more sickness or sadness.

Just, love, light, truth…and a whole lot of celebrating and worshiping going on.

Now, isn’t that something to look forward to? 

But for today..keep on doing what you’re doing, and do it all unto the LORD.

Trust Him.

Love Him,

and obey Him……for your rewards will be plentiful and cups will be overflowing with joy, and love.

 

“Dear Father God, thank You for Your light, Your unwavering and unconditional love, and for Your hands of grace and power, I give You my all, and I exalt You now and always, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

 

 

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (KJV)

 

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84:12 (KJV)

 

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Psalm 37:3 (KJV)

DEAR GOD: Doubt Not for You are With Me, Always~

by // // 2 Comments

 

 

 

 

Jesus Tells Us Not To Doubt

 

 So He said, “Come.” 

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid;

and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:29-31  (NKJV)

 

Peter was  doing just fine while looking at Jesus while walking toward Him.  But, the moment he looked away, what happened?  He began to “fear” and started to “sink.”

What’s the message here?   Simple, “Never take your eyes off of Jesus, and all of which He is,and stands for.”  When we keep our eyes on Jesus we will never “sink“because Jesus saves!

There are many verses that deal with doubt in the Bible…but the big message is; “never doubt” and “have faith” and stay true to the Word of Christ.

Walk the narrow path, and trust in Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul.

And love Him with all of your heart, mind, strength and soul.

Trust.

Believe.

Walk in faith.  

When Jesus says something, we know it’s true, and we know we can trust in His Word.

He already fulfilled the biggest promise of all…He died for us in fulfillment of the scriptures , to save us from our sins so that we might live forever, doesn’t get bigger than that!

God will never let us down, and the passages in the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament all have one continuous theme.

What’s that theme?   God’s love and mercy for His children, and the miracle that His hands ordained.

His power, love, and mercy for us, is a valid and continuous process from the moment we are born, to the moment we die, and beyond.

And for those who are blessed to have believed in Him, and have accepted Him in their heart before leaving this earth,  are guaranteed a place at His table along with our own crown in heaven for eternity.

Life can become “unraveled” at a  moments notice.

Life can change in a blink of the eye as we know it.

Storms will come, and storms will go.

And, things never stay the same throughout this cycle called “life.”

But one thing that never changes and one thing that is certain...God will never leave us, forsake us, or desert us in times of woe.  In fact, He’s there in times of joy and when the weather is sunny and warm. 

And, He doesn’t just show up for storms and despair.  He cares for us twenty-four hours a day seven days a week for all the days of our life!

He makes it easier for us to get through the dark moments of our life and brings us through everything we face during our days here on earth.

Plus, He is there celebrating with us when we have joyous occasions. He is smiling and cheering right alongside of us, rest assured He is always with us.

He is faithful, He is loyal, He is amazing!

So, never doubt, never worry, and know this like the back of your hand…

GOD IS LOVE.

GOD IS REAL. 

GOD IS HERE. 

GOD IS THERE.

GOD IS EVERYWHERE we are. 

LOVE HIM.

Wait for HIM.

Because, we are who we are because of HIM.

“Father God, thank You for Your love and for being with me since the beginning of time, and since the beginning of my life, thank You for never giving up on me, thank You for loving me no matter what, and thank You, for listening to me, even when I go on and on, You’re an amazing listener, I love You LORD, forever and always, my heart belongs to YOU, praise You now and forever, all the glory and honor belong to You, no matter what, and the victory is Yours, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

 

****************************

Isaiah 49:23  NKJV)

23 Kings shall be your foster fathers,
And their queens your nursing mothers;
They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth,
And lick up the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord,
For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.

*****************************

Isaiah 50:10 (NKJV)

10 “Who among you fears the Lord?
Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
Who walks in darkness
And has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the Lord
And rely upon his God.

DEAR GOD: Written in Red — I LOVE YOU~

by // // 2 Comments

 

 “who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…”

                                                                  Galatians 1:4

 

 

Does He love us? — He hung on a cross for us.

Does He want us with Him? — He died for our sins so that we might share in eternal life with Him.

Does He forgive us?  —  He forgave those who crucified Him,

“Father forgive them for them know not what they do…” (Luke 23:24)

 

The Father, sent His Son,  so long ago, to redeem us, and His Son paid a horrific price for our souls.

He was tortured, scourged, beaten, spat upon, arms ripped from their sockets, mocked, nailed to a cross.  For us.  For our souls.

This beautiful sinless perfect “Lamb of God” was sacrificed for us.

Without complaint, without murmuring…He went willingly to His death for us.

God, our Father, loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son for us. (John 3:16)

THANK YOU LORD!

 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.   Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

We who are baptized and accept the LORD as our Savior, we know He lives in us.  He defeated death, He defeated the word.

 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 (KJV)

THANK YOU LORD!

The most important thing here is, “love God, with all your heart,  mind, soul and strength…revere Him and honor Him daily. Do all things unto Him and seek His Kingdom, for all which you do shall we added unto you.

Love Him.  Because there is no other that loves you the way He does.

THANK YOU LORD!

For, His love for us was written in “red” 

His blood speaks volumes 

His blood says, “I LOVE YOU.”

THANK YOU LORD!

AMEN!

DEAR GOD: I Long to Please You my Abba Father~

by // // No Comments

 

 

 

 

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.

LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14 ( NIV)

 

Someone said, “I’m so concerned if I  go against the majority I will not be liked.”  My response was, “So what?”

To elaborate further, we should be pleasant and polite and loving to each other, however, invariably we are all different and have different views and beliefs at times.  When someone or something is going against the grain of God’s Word…we naturally go in the path of God, no matter what the majority may believe.  This is called unwavering faith.  This is called trusting in God.  This is called loving the Father.

Why should be care what “individuals think of us?”  As long as we are pleasing to God and doing all unto Him and His Word and His commandments, that is the most vitally important of all, is it not?

People can and will disappoint us, God will never fail us.

People can “literally kill us”  but God is the One who has our soul.

King James Bible —Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Look to God, please Him and follow His ways as best we can while in this flesh body, walk with the Spirit.  But, don’t be down on yourself if you mess up, or fall short, we all do at some point in our life, maybe many times in our life...but how amazing is this?  God will ultimately forgive you as long as we repent and move forward. Amen.

Remember, peace comes from within…that  peace is the Holy Spirit who is there to comfort you at every turn, help with decisions, and guide you along the way.

Peace…yes, peace…in this chaotic world we still have peace from within.

Thank you LORD, in Jesus precious name, Amen!

 

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)

DEAR GOD: We Revere Your Name–and Trust You Fully~

by // // 2 Comments

 

 

 

  But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.  

Malachi 4:2 (KJV)

 

A sure sense of peace and confidence comes to us from that verse in Malachi.  The LORD is assuring us in no uncertain terms, in fact, it’s a declaration of truth, and a promise to fulfill us in all of our needs; it is He that brings it, and secures it. Amen.

When we fear/revere the LORD in all that we are, and all that we do, we are claiming, proclaiming, and showing Him, that we are His, and we trust Him, in all that we undertake, no matter what.

We are giving Him, all the glory, and know without a doubt, that we have no need to be filled with fear, or anxiety, because of His promise(s) to all of His children…His followers…His sheep…you and me.

Praising the LORD, and exalting Him,  as we acclaim and declare His Sovereign and mighty power, we are ultimately aligning ourselves with His Word, and practicing our Faith, as we walk the narrow path towards His glory.

He is stating that “healing in His wings” is our reward for loving Him, and telling us that “we shall grow up as calves of the stall“ that is to say, we will be housed, shielded,  and cared for, with provisions to meet our daily needs.

Be bold in choice…follow the LORD.

Be strong…Absorb His Word.

Be confident…You are a child of God.

Be at peace…God is with you always.

Be prepared…Put on the whole Gospel of the LORD.

Be at peace…For the LORD thy God is always watching and observing in all that we do.

Finally, do not worry for God will see to all of our needs and add unto them as we seek His face and His Kingdom diligently and daily.

The rewards will be plentiful here on earth, and overflowing in Eternity.

 

“Thank You Father for Your love, devotion and promises from Your heart to Your children, You get all the glory, all the honor, all the victory, now and always, no matter what, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

DEAR GOD: Judge and Jury?

by // // 2 Comments

 

So when you a mere human pass judgement on them

and yet do the same things

do you think you will escape God’s judgement?

Romans 2:3

 

We have all been guilty of it one time or another, judging someone.

Some people have had a proclivity towards judging and dared defy the hours of the day by speaking “gossip” or maligning someone with an intensity to fulfill an empty existence?

Some may have done this before “coming to Jesus” and didn’t realize it was a sin to judge.

Some may have done this, even though they are of faith… not knowing it was a sin to judge, perhaps justifying it by finding excuses, “well I only say this because I feel bad for this person…”

Still others may indulge to “fit in” with the majority of the crowd wanting to be a part of the sorority so to speak.

Whatever the reason, whatever the excuse, remember Jesus’ words, “Judge not, lest ye be judged…”

And, remember this too…whatever the reason, there is no reason. 

And whatever the excuse…there is no excuse.

This post may sound silly or “preachy” to some, but that’s okay…it if helps someone along the way, even one person…then I’m happy, and most important…I’ve made God my Master and King of kings happy, and that to me is the most important aspiration of my life. Making Him happy, that’s what I live for, and He is whom I live. For He is the One that gave me life and the One that promises Eternal life. Amen.

We are all brothers and sisters of Christ and all made by our Father’s incredible hands of design and power.  So, if someone is doing something a little bit off base from which you are accustomed, don’t sit in judgement, instead…bring out your spirituality of the Holy Spirit and empathize in ways you have never done before.  There are reasons for behavior, and reasons for actions, and repercussions for all these things, whether good or bad.

Someone is overweight and about to eat a piece of chocolate cake…don’t judge.

Someone is struggling with an addiction…don’t judge.

Someone is having anger issues…don’t judge.

Someone just got a divorce…don’t judge.

Someone doesn’t agree with a certain political party…don’t judge.

Someone just cheated on their spouse…although it makes us uncomfortable…don’t judge.

All of these scenarios and millions more…are for God to judge and God alone.

All we can do is “pray” and offer our help in the form in which Christ would want…by introducing Christ into their lives, if they are interested, or listen to their woes unconditionally as Jesus would want us to.

The rest is up to God, for He is the Creator of the Universe and He is the One who designed us all.

For those of you going through something at this time…may God’s comfort and love embrace you and bring you peace.

And may His  light shine away your darkness as only He can.

Next time you get an urge to “judge” pray for God to intercede in Jesus name…and say a prayer for the person (s) going through whatever it is they’re going through.

Amen.

 

 

DEAR GOD: Faith & Rewards of those that Seek You~

by // // No Comments

 

 

 

 

But without faith it is impossible to please Him:

for he that cometh to God must believe that He is

and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. 

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

 

 

Humans are often limited in their abilities, because, quite frankly, there are things that is impossible for humans to accomplish on their own. However, be it known that there is one thing that we can possess that makes all things possible…God’s Word.

God’s precious Word tells us that all things are possible, because with God “all things are possible.” Amen.

In Mark 10:13-14 (KJV), it was written:

And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them:  and His disciplies rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased and said unto them, “suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not: for such is the Kingdom of God.”

Children are malleable and true to form, they are virtual sponges, for they absorb teaching readily, and usually will be eager to learn more. Jesus is suggesting here in that verse, that we should be like children, and absorb God’s Word in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

Simplistic in meaning, yet powerful in context overall, “absorb the Word and learn” as we continue to seek our Father’s face in all that we do.

We are powerless in substance while standing “alone.”  Yet, with God as our guide and vital source of “life” we are able to do things in Jesus name, and perform things that would ordinarily be impossible without God as our refuge, guide, and sanctuary.  He is our potpourri of knowledge and a continuous fountain of wisdom and water in which we will never thirst again.

Many people who are without faith are laboring under a false security curtain believing they are in control of their “own salvation.”  That if they do certain things, or say certain things, they are saved.

Wrong!  It isn’t possible for anyone to “purchase” or “design” their own salvation.

Mark 10:27 (KJV)   

And Jesus looking upon them saith, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible.”

Humans just aren’t able to create their own salvation, and this misconception goes all the way back to the Babylon days in Genesis Chapter 11, which was two hundred years after the flood of Noah’s time. The people tried to build a tower tall enough to survive another flood should one come along.  They really thought they could save themselves.  It is impossible to create our own eternal life.  However, with GOD all things are possible.  Jesus Christ, our redeemer, saved us… we are covered by His precious blood.  He offered Himself as a living sacrifice to fulfill God’s scriptures, and to offer redemption and save us.   We cannot do that…but GOD DID!

When we have faith, and trust in Him, and know that we are in His very capable hands while surrendering to Him, we are accomplishing our goals in life, according to His will,  as we prepare the way to eternity.  But, that is only possible through God.

By the very Word of God the world ages were framed.

God spoke the Word and the Universe became a reality.

So…faith and believing in God go hand-in-hand with salvation and eternity.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Seek the Father…and He will be found.

Please the Father…and be blessed.

Believe the Father, and that all things are possible… but only through Him and Him alone.

Amen.

 

“Father God, thank You for Your sacrifice, for Your love ,and Your plan for my life, I believe in You, and Your Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: God You Reign –You are my Strength~

by // // 16 Comments

 

 

 

 

God You Reign!

God You Reign!

Forever and Always!

God You Reign!

 

Dear LORD,

A New Year, a new day to renew or proclaim Your glory. 

How joyous are we who have been graced with another year to grow closer to the LORD in all that we do.

How wonderful are we who are blessed to know the power of the LORD and all that He is.

How blessed are we to realize that He will “never leave us nor forsake us.”

We are all miracles of God, He made us all for purposes of His will and we are all able to make decisions regarding our path, and most of us will ultimately choose the LORD.  Sadly, some will not choose His path and will wander  unto the “wide and open spaces/paths” of rebellious choices contrary to His plan for us.

But, here’s the best news of all.  God is every faithful and ready to forgive those who come to Him with a repentant and contrite heart. His mercy is overwhelmingly present to all who are accepting of it.

New Year’s resolutions.  The biggest on the list for most is “I have to lose weight” and the others follow with, “I will change my ways, I will eat eat and make better choices in food;  I will find  better job; I will get rid of this addiction; I will…I will…I will, so on an so forth.  The list is varied but the lists from those with New Year’s Resolutions are usually about choices.

This New Year how about choosing God?

How about finding the One Being that loves you beyond all matters of comprehension, the One Entity that unconditionally will forgive us over and over again, and then forgive some more?

How about embracing the “narrow” path in which He will guide You should you accept Him and open your heart to His ways, His voice, and His will?

Imagine this if you would.  A Father’s love so intrinsically and deeply rooted in each of us that He gave His only begotten Son for us.

Imagine this if you would.   Jesus came to serve,  was crucified and died and was resurrected in order to “save us.”

Imagine this if you would.   A place that is peaceful, where the light shines all the time there is no need for the sun.

Imagine this is you would.  Eternity with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and all of our loved ones that have gone before us.

Now…do you want to experience all of what was just mentioned?

Are you ready for it?

Well, there’s a catch…You have to “accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and you have to get to know Him, and hear His voice.

How can you do this you ask?

Easy…Read His Word.  Meditate upon it precept by precept, chapter by chapter.  Get to know the story from beginning to end.  And, most of all get to know GOD, our loving amazing Father.  And when you do…life will get easier for you.

No matter what you’re going through.  It will get easier.  Each adversity you face, each trial on life’s highway will be better knowing He is with you no matter what.

Conversely, each “joyful occasion” will be that much greater to celebrate knowing He is with you.

But remember this, “Joy is within each of us, Joy is the Holy Spirit.  He is our Joy…”

For those of you that know Him…Hallelujah!

For those of you that don’t…it’s never too late, and what better New Year’s Resolution than to “come to the LORD?”

 

Happy New Year my brothers and sisters, may God bless you all with His peace, joy and love, Amen!

 

=============================================

1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 
2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 
5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.

Psalm 99:1-5