Month: March 2019

DEAR GOD: The Wonder of YOU~

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Image result for psalm 139

 

The night closes the day and the new day begins before we even know it…for God ordained it so.

We are filled with wonder at the Wonder of Him and His works.

His magnificent hands of grace and compassion that lead us to green pastures, and bring us to the still waters.(Psalm 23)

We have no fear or wants for our Shepherd is always there gathering us under His wings of safety…Our Rock, our everything.

 

Although the lifespan of individuals may differ, as do our upbringing and families,  the one thing that bonds us together as “brothers and sisters”  God...and that we were all formed by His wonderful hands. 

Some may have faith, some may not have a belief in anything, and some might be on the “fence” filled with endless questions of “why do we have to do this?”  Or, “it doesn’t fully state that in the Bible” — and still others, “That Bible is merely created by men…so how can I believe it…besides it’s open to interpretation of the individuals reading it.”

My response is; “These  questions can only be answered by the person’s heart, will, and their souls.”

These questions may loom large for many, while others seemingly glide through life with the innate sense of belief, and reap the inherent rewards of “never doubting” God and His wonderful works.

Life is convoluted in its changing cycles over the days, minutes or seconds…but our God is ever present, and never changing.

He is all around us, in the wind, in the air, in the clouds, in the rain, in the flowers, in the trees.  He is everywhere.

But, most especially, He is in us.

His Holy Spirit guides, leads, and touches us.

Can you see Him?

Do you feel Him?

Can you hear Him?

Experience the Wonder of God with all that surrounds you.

Experience His love by His Word.

You haven’t read it?

Well, I invite you to open it and experience His perfect and wonderful love.

Because no one, anywhere on this earth, can even come close to loving you, as our Father in Heaven does!

 

“Father, thank You for Your Wonderful works, for Your magnificent miracles, and for your endless glory in all that we see and do, we love You LORD, now and always, in Jesus name…Amen!”

 

 

 

Image result for psalm 139 KJV picture

DEAR GOD: You Are All and Know All and Love All~

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“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said,

Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel,

I AM hath sent me unto you.”       

Exodus 3:14 (KJV)

 

 

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All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 

2 Timothy 3:16

 

 

Throughout our lives we all have something in common, one banality in which we share a single thread of connection…and that is that we were “all created” by His hands.

No matter what we do in life, no matter our status, no matter where we live, what we drive, what we look like, we were ALL created by Him. And, He loves ALL of us equally.

Having said that, we all are here for a purpose, and that is what we seek to fulfill according to His will. Amen.

 

He is the Great I AM…  He knows all—and He sees all, and He loves all.  When we acknowledge that He is the GREAT I AM we begin to transform our lives and walk accordingly, that is to say, “we strive to become Holy” as “our Father in Heaven is Holy.”   

Leviticus 11:44 (NIV)
I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.

Recognizing Him as the Great I AM and as our Father a Sovereign and Mighty Being, we become aware of His presence and we then strive to do things to please Him.  We blossom into Christianity as the truth unfolds in our minds, hearts, and souls.  We attain that which we ought, and ought what He wishes.

Jesus told us to be “Perfect just like our Father in Heaven is Perfect”  (Matthew 5:48)

Although we fall short of perfection, for there is but ONE that is perfect…we still walk in hope and walk the narrow path of righteousness, wishing to please Him, wanting to receive Him, and of course… LOVING HIM.

I’d like to say to everyone reading this now, that no matter what is happening in your life at this very God given second, realize that He is with you always.  And realize that He will never leave you (Matthew 28:20)

So, when things get rough, and the road becomes filled and strewn with hurdles and debris, Look up…and have courage, be of good cheer, for God is with you.  He is holding you up. He will provide the strength through your weakest moments, and provide the answers when there seems to be none.

He will lead you out of whatever it is you’re facing.  He will slay your Goliath, your giant…and you will be victorious through the LORD Jesus Christ.

(Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. – 1 Samuel 17:45)

And, remember…if there is someone needing healing, or an operation, or peace…God is the Great I AM and the Great Physician, and the Great Healer, and the Author of Peace.   That is all you will ever need, or could ever want. And His love…oh how He loves us…yes, that is the single Greatest Love Story of all times!

 

“Father God, thank You for Your great love and wonders since the beginning of time, we know You are in control and are over all things of this Universe big and small, grant us Your perfect peace, Your wisdom and Your guidance this day and always, and Father, thank You for Your love and compassion and grace in Jesus Christ precious name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Our Refuge & Fortress~

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gates of GodI will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust.

(Psalm 91:2 KJV)

 

 

 

God offers us peace in all that we do.  He is our refuge throughout our daily activities of life.  As we go through life it’s His hands and His strength that enables us to go through it with an inner peace.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.  (Psalm 55:22)
Jesus is our eternal Friend and Savior and as such will always protect us.  We can seek shelter in His arms.  He will ease our burdens when we lay them at His feet.  His yoke is easy and light, and He will help us in all aspects of our lives.
As humans we will ALL eventually experience “tough times“–however, it’s when the walls of adversity hits us and how we handle it that will separate those of faith to those without.  Jesus is the one that tells us to “lay our burdens at His feet” and to accept “His yoke” –and when we do…Praise God, it’s so much easier to maintain an inner sanctuary of strength and determination through Christ our Lord.
Life is a series of ups & downs.  Life is as a kaleidoscope, ever changing, fascinating, colorful, spectacular, and intricate. Life is a mountain one moment…you’re high atop it, and the next moment you’re at the bottom of the valley.  But, with each changing moment it’s so much easier with God in your corner.  God never vacillates, He is a pillar of strength, our rock, and our refuge, in terms of our fate, and His promises. He is our sanctuary, and His gates are open to provide all that we need.

A believer who trusts in the Lord will receive the peace that Isaiah 26:3 promises. But unshakable peace doesn’t happen instantaneously;  it is procured through a consistent relationship with God. A lifestyle of dependence upon Him is the key to weathering storms with supernatural calm. A relationship with God through prayer, meditation, trust, and total surrender, while seeking His face through every area of your life, is the very components in which to maintain, and build upon, in order to reach the spectrum of His refuge within His Sanctuary of peace.  It is the optimum promise in which we all should seek to receive. The full obedience and love to our Father which will bring about rewards that are undeniable, until your cup runneth over in love, peace.

How wonderful to know that we’re in His mighty, capable, and loving hands.  So,be happy and of good cheer, and most especially… have no fear for the Lord is with you…Amen~

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Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord   (Jeremiah 1:8 KJV)

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Heavenly gates and landscape by our Magnificent Creator and loving God Almighty:
***Picture captured by Scott Birge

DEAR GOD: Your Word Your Will Your Love~

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All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,

for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect,thoroughly furnished onto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

 

 

 

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KEY POINTS TO PONDER:

The Word is divine inspiration by GOD, and therefore ours to follow, should we wish to walk in favor in God’s eyes, and experience love, and eternal life and rewards.

 

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When I read the Bible I hear God’s voice.

It is His and His Word that centers and grounds me in all that I do.  I know that I wouldn’t survive a minute in this world, or in my life without knowing He is with me always.  And, His Word tells me so.   “…And, lo I am with you always, even until the end  of the world.” – Matthew 28:20

The Bible is written by individuals instructed and guided by the Lord, it is the divine inspiration of those He chose to bring it to fruition.  It is the Word of the LORD by those who adhered to His voice, His ways, and His will.  And, it was fulfilled by Jesus Christ of all that told of the Messiah coming from the Old Testament, and the continuance of the Messiah into the New Testament, as it was told in detail by the disciples in the four gospels.

As I read the passages and grasp the meaning behind the Words, it comes alive, and it grows deeper within my heart.  I love to say that the Word is “pregnant” because it never stops growing… and as I nurture it…it blossoms, and bounds to life within, stirring MY spirit to higher heights, and realms,  thus bringing me closer to God and His love.

Staying in His Word protects and garners feelings of security knowing that His promises are true.  That He is there no matter what the circumstances may be, and that He will uphold and guide and love unconditionally.

What do you feel and hear when you read His Word?

If you haven’t been in His Word, what’s holding you back?

If you’d like peace, and security and love like you’ve never known…

…may I suggest the Gospel of John for starters?

Now, there is a love story for the heart.

For never in the history of time, has there ever been a greater, or bigger love story, than the story of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen!

 

“Father God, thank You for Your Word, guidance, protection, and Your unsurpassed love, may I aspire to all things according to Your will, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Eternal Rewards Living Forever~

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We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

          (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)  

 

We know it happens, people are admitted into hospitals all the time, and terrific things can happen. Or, on the opposite side of the coin, fatal errors can occur resulting in a horrific outcome. The first reaction is, “we want someone held accountable.” Then, we might revisit the scenario over and over, followed by the “what ifs?” or “if only” which begin to plague your mind.

The weeks that followed my dad’s death were spent in a “fog” of emptiness and longing. I’ve never missed anyone so much nor felt such a hollowness deep within. I found myself picking up the phone to call him, or to ask his guidance in a situation. I wanted to hear his voice, “one more time.” I went to sleep praying that I’d dream about him, just to see him again, alive and thriving. I just missed him…so much.

We got through it as a family, united by our grief and comforted by memories of an incredible man, husband, father, and grandfather. Many came to talk about his amazing ways, and his gift of humor and wisdom.

Somewhere along the way the suffocating grief lifted so that we could “catch our breath again”—but the searing hot emotional pain remained, for the longest time.

It’s been over 19 years since his death and I still “miss him” but the open wounds have closed and a small scar remains. However, the love, and the memories are alive, and well in my heart and mind.

Then the same thing happened with my Mom’s passing almost 4 years ago this May. It was suffocating, I missed her more than I can say, and I wanted to call her about every five minutes of any given day. We got through it again as a family, and spoke about her meek and gentle ways, her loving and compassionate nature.  And how fortunate to have had her as long as we did.

Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted…”(Matthew 5:4 KJV)

The Beatitudes have always been a comfort to me and during the dark days of grieving, it was what sustained me. It was God nourishing me and holding me up that got me through it.    And of course, we know that Dad and Mom are with God right this moment, and that is what made all the difference in how we viewed their deaths overall.

I praise God for showing me that the way my father died was a gift and blessing. How? Well, the fact that he didn’t know what hit him for starters, he was given anesthesia went to sleep and awakened in God’s presence, in his spiritual body, completely alive and full of life.  Although the doctor made a fatal error, my Dad woke up in Jesus’ arms.

My Mom, never wanted to be in a hospital, and she almost made it happen.  She was admitted into the hospital a day before my birthday, and died on my birthday.  She wasn’t in a hospital since my birth…so she was given a miracle too. She was blessed as we were knowing God heard her prayers.

Yes, all of their children are blessed to have had them as parents, but we are also blessed knowing where they both are and that we will see them again, and at that time…in the presence of God!

And, we all will never have to say goodbye again!

That’s the greatest part of being believers and accepting Christ, knowing we will live forever because He loved us so much.

How amazing is that?

Amen.

 

 

 

 

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

          (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)  

           

 

 

 

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“Note: To those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, I pray that God brings you comfort and that you find solace in knowing they’re with the LORD and that you will see them again.  Sorry for your loss and may God’s love and compassion be a salve for your hear and soul until you see the LORD and your loved ones again, amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I am Alert Through Your Word~

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Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

1 Peter 5:8

 

 

Jesus warns us to be aware and diligent in our pursuit of daily life and our activities.  We are to walk on a path of righteous behavior in accordance to His will and plans for us, however, we are to be “watching” and aware of things in direct conflict of His Word and gospel.

 

In other words, there are so many things that can try to “strangle us” in attempts of daily life.  What I mean to say is…innocent things can pull us in, like engaging in “gossip” with an old friend.  The enemy loves us to gossip and malign our sisters and brothers, and loves when we bear false witness against them.

Or when we sit down to a quiet night of television viewing.  I immediately sense if the program is not of interest to me or my “spirit within.”  I feel uneasy and long to change the channel quickly.  I often ask, and I am serious, this is not a lark, —“Would Jesus want to watch this program?  Is there anything in it that would offend Him or my Father in heaven?”   That truly puts the kabosh on several things that many people would think “ah, it’s only a show…we have got to live and not be so zealous”  — Fine.  If that’s what you choose to do, it’s not what I choose to do.

It’s best to be with those of similar interests that we have.  Yes, we are called upon to “help those in darkness” and bring them the “Word” –but to mingle with “friends” who do things in a way that is offensive or in contrary to what I believe in…I just don’t go there anymore.

When someone comes to the LORD there is a “pulling away” a “coming out” if you will…that speaks to our hearts.  Things we liked in the past is no longer interesting.  Shows we watched prior are now offensive to us.  Even certain foods I no longer enjoy (that’s my choice)

Be aware.  Jesus wants us to go out but be aware.  Be diligent.  Be loving, but wary.  Be kind, but firm.   Most important, Be wise, and nobody’s fool, as you walk through life in terms of Christ.

In other words, “feed”  be kind.

Love and be wise.

Watch and be wary.

And, be an example to all you come in contact with.

Finally, give all the Victory and Glory and Honor and Power to the One and Only King of kings and Lord of Lords.  Amen!

 

“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

DEAR GOD: White as Snow – I wait and Hear Your Heart~

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Image result for PICTURES OF FRESH FALLEN SNOW IN WOODS

 

 

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. 

PSALM 27:14

 

 

Last night, here in the Northeast, we had a soft snowfall that although significant in inches, it was the gentlest, and most beautiful snow storm I’ve witnessed in awhile.

I awoke at 3 am as my puppy was “circling” wishing to do his business, not wanting to disturb my husband who was clearly into his REM sleep,  I brought him out into our backyard area.  Both my dog and I were mesmerized by the snow falling majestically unto the trees and ground.  My puppy because he’s fascinated with romping in the snow…but I was connected to the storm for an entirely different reason. It was perfect, and stunning, and took my breath away. The moonlight and snow combined made it seem like mid-afternoon  instead of early morning hours before dawn.

It wasn’t cold, in fact, it was almost a “balmy” type atmosphere.  As Mickey rushed around trying to decide on a “spot” in which to potty I was transfixed at how “still” it was.  The quiet was in fact, as they say, “deafening” — so much so, that I heard the rhythm of  my heart beating.  As I was drawn into that moment in time… I said in a soft voice, “Hello God.”

Yes, this is God.

Snow, beauty, light…and peace.

Heart beating for His heart.

Quiet, and peace are His  trademarks and characteristics along with an all consuming love.

The peace and love I felt  was a “God moment.”

We all have them, and have experienced them throughout our lifetime.

And, if you haven’t you will, eventually.  God is always with us.

He is there as you gaze upon His landscape of beauty.

His masterpiece calls out to us saying, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

His heart apparent and His love apparent.

This is GOD.  This is our Father.  This is our LORD.

Love. Peace. Joy. Tranquility.

 

 

 “Dear Father God, we love You, and Your ways, we thank You for who You are, and what  You do and what You’ve done since the beginning of time, shine Your light and cover us with Your truth, wisdom, strength, and love, You alone are the Holy One, and You alone are worthy of all praise, thank You for the Victory in Christ, and for all of Your masterpieces in this lifetime and beyond, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm 27:1 -14   (KJV)

 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Nothing Will Separate Me From Your Love~

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For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8: 38 – 39 – (King James Version)

 

I was in attendance at a mandatory meeting when I witnessed certain individuals  who had started topics that escalated into a war of words.  I felt in my heart of hearts that the conversation would take a turn into stormy waters, as the group were clearly divided in political views, along with religious ones.

The comments were jarring at times and I held my tongue and wasn’t about to become embroiled in a volley of invectives  that could lead to stellar proportions of separation.

I began to walk away slowly, when one of the individuals called to me, “What’s wrong? Afraid you can’t defend your views?  Or afraid you can’t defend your God?  Which one is it?”

I paused and prayed silently for wisdom and guidance from the Spirit and simply answered, “Neither.”

The people seemed intrigued by my response as they stopped speaking and watched me, intently in fact.

Then someone said, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I responded, “Just that.  I don’t have to defend my beliefs or my God.  I merely have to live my life according to my beliefs and my God and all else will fall into place. He’s in control.  Not me, nor you. Simple.  Nothing more, nothing less. God is in control. He even knew this conversation was going to take place before you did, or I did.”

One woman a confirmed atheist said, “If he’s in control, how come so many people are always arguing?”

I answered, “That’s not God’s voice one of chaos and disarray. God’s voice is soft, peaceful and unified in love. God is the Author of peace.”

The atheist said, “And you believe this because?  Where is there proof of God?”

My response, “In the air, in the water, in the flowers, in a child’s laugh, in a new born baby puppy, in the green meadows, He’s everywhere, and all that was created is by Him and for Him things were made.”

She looked at me and said, “Where’s proof in that?”

My reply, “My Dear young lady, where’s your proof that there’s not?”

No one answered…it got very silent.  And I made my exit gracefully and slipped away to the other side of the room where it was a lot less contentious.

I will never be separated from God ever!

It’s my choice to follow Him, love Him, honor Him, obey Him and His commandments, and be a watch person for others.

He wants us to warn others, to watch for signs of things to come, to be aware.  But, to know, we have nothing to worry about, for He is in control. Always.

Separate myself from God?

A preposterous notion.

The answer is Never.

And the best part of all—

He is never separated from us!

Amen and Praise you LORD!

 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV