Month: July 2019

DEAR GOD: Your Word my Heart~

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Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

(Psalm 119:105 KJV)

It has become glaringly apparent in these “end times” that stagnation in our Father’s Word is increasing. The Word is not being taught in the way it should be; most individuals are “flitting” from church to church, hungering for the Word.

Our Father’s words should be the foundation on which we set our feet upon-and one that elicits a productive barometer to base our lives and behave accordingly. His word is simplistic for those who have an “ear to hear,” and obscure and convoluted to those “who do not have the ear to hear” – or inclination to learn.

In many pulpits throughout the land, we’re seeing an increase of “prosperity preachers” and those who are sorely lacking in their roles as “Pastors.” Their role is to lead the flock-and to bring the lost sheep into the fold. To open the Book and teach by example, to bring forth a continuous wave of understanding, by solidifying the Word, passage by passage, verse by verse. Not two lines from the Bible, while the rest of the sermon is about what “Uncle Charley did on his boat” – or what “Aunt Nancy said at Sunday’s dinner.”

Ultimately, and for our great benefit, it is our own personal responsibility to study God’s Word. It’s the food all believers need and the church fills to capacity when the message becomes all about God and His Word. A church doesn’t need to worry about money when the Word is taught, God provides, and His light shines into our souls.

“Dear Lord, I pray that Your Word fills the hearts of Your Children, throughout the world, may Your Light shine and scatter the darkness into oblivion. Help us understand your Word as we each fulfill our responsibility to read, study, and grow in your Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: A Season For Everything~

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To Everything There is a Season

1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

 

 

I reconnected with a friend from college after many years,  and when we started speaking, it was as if we had never lost touch from all those years ago!  And, this friend, whom I am blessed to know, came back into my life for a reason.  Whether it’s for a season, or until we take our last breath is to be determined, as most of us cannot and do not have the propensity or gift of a prognosticator…but, I will say this, the LORD has used me as a bridge and vessel to lead His little lamb “back home.”

It’s been about two years now and she has blossomed unto the path of which she was called for.  I see it, I feel it, and most important…God willed it!  And she has truly been born again…and it’s been such a joy to witness this.

Today, my husband lost his cousin Debbie to that ugly monster called “cancer.”  She was sixty-one. And, like me with my college friend, he had lost touch with her throughout the years, but just recently, they reconnected through social media.

They had a wonderful reunion talking about their respective childhood, and summers with their families in upstate New York.  It was a lovely reunion of sorts.

Debbie had lost her daughter, Christina, five years earlier, to Cystic Fibrosis, which she fought her whole life, before she succumbed to it.  She spoke of how she missed her daughter, and cried for her daily.  It was during this conversation, that she told my husband, she had cancer.  That was about one month ago.

Today, at 5 am, Debbie, was called home to her Father, where she no doubt had a joyful reunion with her daughter, Christina.  She is with the LORD, out of pain, where she will live forever.

The connection was notable in that, they had a chance to talk, and speak in peace and love.

God brought them together again,  because He knew she’d be gone soon, and it was important to “connect” again.  It was bittersweet…yet there was a reason for this season.  And, all things come to an end here on earth….but LIVE forever…beyond.

God is wise, God is kind, God is good, all the time He is good.

So, when you meet up with someone from the past.  It could very well be for a “reason.”

God doesn’t do things accidently.  No, in fact…He does things purposely.

NEVER doubt the LORD, and embrace what He brings your way.

It might be the last chance, or opportunity for something, or someone.

Or it might be the “beginning of an opportunity.”  Either way, His will, not ours.

And as for Debbie,  you did a great job here on earth, you loyal servant of the LORD…rest in the Father’s presence, and bask in His love, as you reunite with your parents, and your precious  beautiful, sweet, Christina.

 

“Dear Lord, thank You for Your “hidden” and “Obvious” opportunities that come our way, may we always recognize and adhere to Your will, and purpose for our lives, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Thanks for Being at the Helm of our Life~

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 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:5-6 (KJV)

 

Self control can be a beneficial characteristic in terms of life and all that entails.  When we are “in control” in can mean many things, such as being on schedule with certain aspects of our “everyday tasks.”  Getting up, eating breakfast, going to work, doing chores, etc., all point to “control” in what we undertake during our day.

But, one thing is clear and important to remember, “God is in control” at ALL times.  What does this mean for us?  It means He is on the throne to this very day, as He was since the beginning of time, and always shall be. And, although we have “free choice” in all that we do…it is God who ultimately is in control at the helm of our ship, and in steering us full throttle unto the path of righteousness.  It is up to us to stay on board and not “jump ship” into stormy seas.   He is always in control.

God allows us to make decisions, but He will guide us, yes,  even giving answers, should be ask for them.  Also, the answers come readily when we listen, and obey His commandments.  Finally, place all of our TRUST in Him, and LOVE Him, fully, totally and unconditionally, with all your heart, soul, mind and might! Amen.

Being an “heir” of Christ in terms of redemption, as He is our rightful redeemer and Savior, is an inherent joy that is beyond comprehension.  But, it is a proud status in which faithful followers can rest in. Ask God and you shall receive, trust in Him…and He will guide your paths, and hold fast to your faith, let it be unwavering no matter the circumstances, and you will glide on tranquil waters.

So, although we are in control, it is our LORD who ultimately is in control of everything.  So, the next time you say, “I’m in control” think about it.  Yes, you are, but ARE YOU?

Pick up His book and learn all about His love and commitment to us.  And, remember this, “We NEED HIM, He doesn’t “need” us.  Yes, He loves us, but He isn’t dependent upon us.  We on the other hand NEED HIM and are dependent on Him.  For He is the Vine, and we are the branches.  Without the Vine, the branches will perish!

 

“Father my Lord and Savior, thank You, for being at the helm, controlling my ship, I give myself to You fully, I pray that others jump onto Your ship, and experience the joy of smooth sailing over stormy seas, I love You, and I thank You, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: My Protection, my Help and my Hope~

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I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm 121:1-8 (KJV)

 

 

Did you ever feel tense about a situation, or circumstance that pounded into your mind, lending way to “fear” or “anxiety?”  I’m sure the answer is a resounding “YES” — because, we are, after all merely flesh…and all that flesh entails.

Yes,  even those of us who are part of the “faith-filled” society are prone to it.

Anxiety, frustration, or becoming tense about something in our lives, that drives the anxiety even higher ,is all part of being human.  But, it is these times in particular, that we need to clamp down on God’s promises, and His love, that is ever present, and lives within us, His Holy Spirit.

We are our own worst enemies when we get “mad” at ourselves for not being the “good Christian” for a way we might have acted, or a foolish thing we might have said.  That’s when we have to realize that the LORD loves us no matter what, and will always be there…even during tenuous times, or times of trials and tribulations.

When we are at our weakest, that is when God is the strongest. (2 Corinthians 13:9 KJV)

When we are at our lowest, that is when God will lift us higher. (Job 5:11 KJV)

When we are walking through darkness, that is when God’s light will be the brightest. (John 1:5 KJV)

It’s so important to never give up on His love, irrespective of our circumstances.  Don’t let the world and it’s ugliness pull you in, pummeling you with self doubt, and denial of God’s presence.  He is all around us, He is in us.  And He never will give up on us.

To those going through a rough patch right now, and who are feeling lost in the wilderness and frustrated, look to the heavens for you help, that’s where your help is.

For those struggling and hurting,  look to the LORD as He will protect you during times of adversity.

For those feeling alone and abandoned, the LORD is with you always. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

And, finally…for those who are looking for the answers to what is happening in your life, or about to happen in your life…meditate on His Word. Let His perfect peace engulf you and surround you inside and out.  Ask for His help in times of woe, and for His perfect peace and wisdom in all you undertake.

Remember, He is our refuge in times of trouble, He is our sanctuary where we can hide, and He is our everything in all things, today, tomorrow and always. 

We can do all things through Christ which gives us strength to do so. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

Trust in Him, fully, completely. (Proverbs 3:4-8 KJV)

Give yourself to Him freely, and wait on the LORD (Psalm 46:10 KJV)

He promises that He will never ever let you down…

 

“Father, I love You so much, and I acknowledge You are my Hope, my Help, my One and Only that can make all things right, I pray for those in the darkness that they see Your light, Your salvation, and Your love,  My Lord, may I always seek You in all I do, this day and always, in Jesus Christ precious name I pray, Amen…”

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Psalm 62 (KJV)

Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

DEAR GOD: Your Word is My All and All~

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I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy Word.

Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word.

Psalm 119:147-148 (KJV)

 

Whom do you run to when you’re in need of help or comfort? 

Where do you immediately want to go? 

Is it your spouse?

A significant other?

A trusted friend?

A colleague?

Your mom or dad?

A sibling?

Perhaps, at one time or another, it might be all of the above, and the Lord knows, we all need confidants, and trustworthy, and reliable individuals in our life.  However, who is the One constant in your life?  Who is the One that will be there from your first breath, to your last?  Who knows you more than anyone else on earth? Who loves you more than the intensity of a thousand suns? Who loves you more than all of the stars in the Universe? Who loves you unconditionally and freely?

The LORD, our Father, should immediately jump to mind. 

And, it is His Word that brings enormous comfort, and honorable peace to those who obey it, and meditate on it, day and night, and delights in His law, and ways.  When we do, we shall be like trees planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in due season, and the leaves won’t wither or die, but will prosper. (Psalm 1:2-5)

It is His Word, which will unravel the mysteries of what constitutes a life filled with reward, and merit, it is from His Word, and law, that will bring about a transformation of joy and delight. The joy and delight, that ultimately overflows, to all those we come in contact with.  But most especially from within our soul, where joy, and comfort take root.

His Word which shall not return void to the Father,  it does what it says its going to do.  It provides a shield, and a defense, so we can stand against the enemies of this world, and it lends way, to a perfect understanding of His will, and purpose, for our life. (Isaiah 55:11)

God, and His promises, and His peace, are there for us to grasp, embrace, claim and proclaim. If we take the time to get to know Him, and His Word, we will begin to live a life that God intended us to live, while we’re here on earth.

Each one of us has a purpose, doesn’t matter how old, what your education is, what your background is, we all have a purpose, according to HIS PLAN, and His will.  And it’s never too late to start, that’s the best part…it’s never too late to accept Him, love Him, and follow Him while here on earth.

When we get to know Him, and run to Him for answers, and realize that we are not “wise in our own eyes,” and that we need to “trust Him for all things” we will experience joy, delight, and His perfect peace, no matter what we’re going through in our life. (Proverbs 3:5-8) 

He will guide us, lead us, direct us…and we shall have health and prosperity according to His Word and will.

So the next time you feel the need to speak with someone, I invite you to “open His Book of love” and read His Word…then listen, truly listen to what He has to say, Amen!

 

“Father God, I delight in Your Word, I delight in Your ways, may I be a delight to You in all I do, each and everyday of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Comfort~

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The Lord and His Word is a constant in the life of the faithful. We can be assured that He will guide us and show us the path upon which we should walk, and provide light in the darkness, and comfort, during our trials. He is forever, and never will “fade away” as the grass or flowers.  He will never disappear, as the snow does when it melts.  He will never let us down, as “individuals in our life, might at times.”  He is constant. He is forever. And, He is love, and our source of nourishment, and enjoyment. The following verses are just some which tell of His constant unwavering comfort, in which we can take refuge in, as well as in Him, each and everyday of our life.  Amen.

 

 

Isaiah 40:8

 

Things change…but the WORD of God stands forever!  Amen.

It stands forever.

How comforting is that?

 

40:11-13 

He will carry us through it all.  Lay us upon His bosom.  He is there for us.

How comforting is that?

 

40:21-23

It is He that sits upon the center of the Earth.  He is there always.

How comforting is that?

 

40:29-31

Strength to the weary, and to the tired.  But, wait for the LORD and gain strength.

How comforting is that?

 

As it states, the grass withers, the flower fades, but the WORD of the LORD lasts forever.

How comforting is that?

 

 

John 14:16

I will ask the Father and He will give you another helper… a Comforter…the Holy Spirit.

How comforting is that?

 

 

“Father thank You for comforting us each and every moment of our life, here and now, and for all Eternity, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: Breathe Your Breath of Life~

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But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)

Jesus tells us in John 10:10—The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Christians need to latch onto His words and the true meaning of His statement. He wants to give us peace and joy that extends from His promise and experience it fully. Most Christians understand the concept on “paper” but in reality don’t live the promises of Christ. When we attach and align ourselves with Christ—comfort, peace, security and joy overflows.

 

When the Holy Spirit—also known as the Spirit of Christ—came to live with us He was offering us His continual presence and salvation. The Spirit comes to manifest the presence of Christ, if we accept Him. We develop a relationship with Him that grows in depth on every level and every aspect concerning our lives.

 

When we let Jesus work through us, and let Him in and become dependent on Him, we will begin to live a purposeful life according to His will. His works will begin to assimilate into our daily life, and the temporal findings of routines become visual tangible promises of our ultimate goal, His kingdom, and eternity.

 

The more pronounced our belief and submission to Christ, the more likely we are to understand the concept and apply it into practice by being “pro-active” Christians.

 

“Lord Help your children embrace the Spirit within and go forth for Your glory, in Jesus name. Amen.”