You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Hebrews 1:9 (NKJV)

The gift of God anointing us with the “oil of joy” brings with it a strong sense of authority. Why?  Because we don’t need to ask, “what can I do to help or be a vessel for the Lord?”  Instead, we have been commissioned by the Holy Spirit, and inasmuch, we then act as one of Jesus Christ’ ambassadors of good will.  We are able to bring joy, and gladness to others, for those individuals who need it most of all.

The other great blessing, and gift of “the oil of joy” is we have anointing upon us, as we pass through turbulent times. And we can draw upon it to ease our pain.  With the sweet smelling fragrance of our Lord and Savior, and the anointing of the “oil of joy,” is we not only have it for our own lives—but that we bless others with it as well.

Meditate of His Holy Word in this powerful verse…ask God how it applies to us today.

And…give thanks for the blessings and the “oil of joy” that the LORD brings to those who are in complete alignment with His Word, doctrine, and commandments.

Bow your head in compliance, and love…then accept the sweet “oil of joy” and then get ready for your cup to run over.

And as your cup runs over, it will invariably spill over unto others, so their cup shall be filled too.

Have you blessed someone today with the “oil of joy?”

“Father God, thank You for Your promises, and Your blessings, my cup truly runneth over with joy, and love for You, may I serve You each day all the days of my life, by serving others in Jesus name, Amen.”

Observing and doing the works in which Jesus taught us, is fulfilling the law of Christ, which is to say…His doctrine of loving one another.  Observing acts of kindness, can be understood fully, when we look to Jesus for an example.

Taking the time to hear, or pray for someone, who is hurting, emotionally or physically…is one way to cohesively work through the body of Christ.  Helping someone in need, bringing food to a local shelter, volunteering/shopping for someone in your town, who can no longer get around, praying for someone going through a crisis.  The list goes on and on, but it all amounts to “helping each other” and while we do, we are glorifying, and honoring God, in the process.

Praying for someone, might help them find their spirituality if it’s God’s will.  Or it may help them find a restoration, or affirmation in Christ, and his love.  Or it may simply mean, God laid it upon our hearts, for reasons only He is aware of which may or may not be revealed later on.

Whenever we are called to help, we are called as one body in Christ.  We are also fulfilling our roles as followers of Christ, while offering our fruits, in a labor of love.

Help where you can.

Call when you can.

Offer your services when you can.

Pray daily while offering to pray for those who need it.

Honor Christ in all you do.

These few ways of connecting with others, can galvanize the meaning of love, in the body of Christ.

“Father God, may I be of service to those you send, may I be a light and example to others in Your name, and may I help those with burdens as I pray in Your precious and powerful name, Amen.”

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness, keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.  Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ that is, the law of Christian love.

Galatians 6:1-2

Matthew 7:14-15 14 (KJV)

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

The narrow gate that Jesus speaks of, can also be called the “narrow door.” (Matthew 7:13)   The narrow gate,  Jesus explains, (Luke 13:23)  is what you should be walking upon, instead of the”broad road” which can lead to our destruction/hell. Sadly, many individuals are currently on that road.

That wide and frequently used path, leads to destruction.

Jesus, refers to that wide path, as the one most will take.

As followers of the LORD, we’re called to be faithful. We are  to pay heed of commandments, while being mindfully aware of what we engage in, (narrow or wide path) so as to observe the way of life, befitting a Christian.

Observing a narrow path in reality, is rather simple to grasp the meaning thereof.

Walking a narrow path will only accommodate a small amount of individuals. Only one, or two, can walk through it at any given time. Think about a narrow road, with people coming from two directions. Often times, one group will have to stand to the side, to allow others to walk by, because there isn’t enough room to oblige everyone at once.

So, spiritually speaking, Christians, will observe and adhere to the enormous challenges that pass our way.  Living in this world, one only has to turn on the news of how true that statement is in terms of hardship and challenges. There are constant reminders of strife, stress, adversity, and persecution that can swallow us whole, if we slip off that narrow path, or narrow gate. Meaning, “slipping away from the principles and practices” of our faith. Or to the point…slipping away from Jesus.

Holding firm to beliefs, and walking with a contrite heart through each storm is our platitude of peace through faith.  Ostensibly, that is what separates those of faith, from those who don’t believe. Unwavering love and trust in the LORD.

Knowing God is with us, through it all, while holding on to Christian values, is when we get to really see the difference between the “sheep” versus the “goats.“ (Matthew 25:31-46)

Are you a sheep?

Are you a goat?

What path are you walking upon?

“Father, may I consciously follow the narrow path, while proclaiming Your glory in all I do, may Your light continuously shine as a reminder of Your promises and love, You are my Shepherd, I am Your sheep,  I choose Your pastures to graze in forever more, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 91:14-15

“Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.”

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the cataclysmic events that seemingly engulf the news these days. Pandemic woes, civil unrest, anxiety, illnesses, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, storms…on and on they go, and where they stop, only God knows.  However the reality, no matter how grim, or ominous global news may be…God is with us, always.   

When our eyes are focused on the LORD we can be assured our troubles will be a lot easier to handle and face head on. With the LORD as our driving force, and His Spirit of peace, we can ascertain what and how we will proceed in any given situation.

In Matthew 14:29, Peter walked on water due to his faith in Jesus. He knew that Jesus was stronger than the water. As long as Peter kept his eyes, that is to say “focus” on Jesus, his faith held him up. When he no longer focused upon Jesus, but instead turned his attention to look at the waves, his faith failed. Therefore, as a result of redirecting his focus from Jesus to the waves, he immediately sank.

As we face turbulent waves, we must stay in the word and focused on God and His phenomenal sovereign power. His ability to shield us, and guide us, is evident not only in the Bible, but in fact reality right here, and right now.

In fact, so many of us have been blessed by His omnipotence through the years. I’m sure, many have stories to tell of miraculous events, that touched lives, both personally, and through witness of others.

Keep your faith honed and sharp by your focus on Him, and His word. 

Keep your faith no matter the circumstances, by your focus on His Kingdom.

Keep your faith by meditating on Him, and His word.

Don’t allow yourself to “drown” in the mighty waves of the world.

When we focus upon Christ, we can scale any mountain, climb out of any valley, and surf any tidal wave that looms in our path with confidence and ease.

Can we really do all of this?  

Yes.  Why?

Simple. Because through Christ all things are possible.  

Remember that next time you face any adversity that comes calling.

“Father, thank You for allowing me to walk on water through my faith, and in Your name, nothing is impossible with You, and may my eyes always be focused on You, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)

I need time alone with God.

I love to sit and talk with Him and read His word.

I love to hear His voice.

Time spent with Him is the most valuable time I have.

Being with Him is crucial to my well-being.

Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Each of these components that comprise who I am are all dependent on time with Him. And the time “He gives me” to do so.

Last evening an individual needed to speak and so I listened.  The conversation was one-sided, and this individual, although speaking, was kind of hovering on “gossiping” which I’m not into at all.  So…it was making it  extra hard to listen…but I didn’t want to hurt the person’s feeling.  But what was making it exceedingly difficult to linger was I had a very important appointment!  I was on my way to read and pray, and spend valuable time with my LORD. The place is a room in our home dedicated to my prayer time.

Alone time with Him is precious time.

It’s how I refresh my soul and preserve my inner sanctity.

It’s how I survive and breathe.

Some might say I’m fanatical in my quest to seek out God in such a fervent and urgent fashion. But to me, it’s the only way of life I know.  I love Him, and enjoy being with Him.  And it’s such a necessary part of my life.

I can breathe when I’m alone with Him.

I know He loves me for who I am, regardless of status.

He loves me.

He sees me.

And, He gets me! He totally gets me! Amen!

He even has a sense of humor, as so many times He has placed me in a position that was the antithesis of my comfort zone.  Yet, He does it with undaunting ease, that allows me to do the same.  He is spectacular at all He does, and all He does for me….and all of you!

The mornings are splendid. The birds singing in the yard, along with the sunrise is ultimately satisfying and peaceful.  And truly overwhelming, to know; “He loves me.” 

The most important thing that anyone of faith can do is “find precious time” to spend with the Father. It is truly an investment in spirituality that keeps on growing.  The spiritual bank of dependency, upon the Father, has an return rate that is exponentially beyond measure.

So tell me…Have you been alone with God today?

If not…may I invite you to start banking on the growth of your spirituality by doing so?

Go on…make a deposit!

“Father God, I love spending time with You alone, and I love how You love me, thank You for leading me, guiding me, and directing me all the days of my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”

I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.

Psalm 18:1 (NLT)

Even in the darkness, I see His light, for He is with me always.

I hear Him.

I feel Him.

I sense Him.

I know Him.

I love Him…I am paying attention.

My Lord is a fortress every moment of my life. Whether its while doing chores, sleeping, eating, walking, talking…he is with me all the time. Shining His brilliance and love on me and through me.  He is the barometer in which I measure all things, today, tomorrow and always. His temperance is solid and never wanes no matter what circumstances swirl about. I know He’s here… I’m paying attention.

Psalm 18 speaks to my heart, as it depicts a very active God, and a man—David— with a heart for God.  It is laid out in informative fashion, and is abundantly clear in its message… I’m paying attention.

To sum it up easily, “it’s about loving and active God in heaven, and a man—King David— here on earth, who is filled with love for Him, and wants to carry out God’s will, and work, all the days of his life.”  This man—King David— in Psalm 18, knows and fulfills God’s will… He is paying attention.

The presence of God is everywhere, if we pay attention, we might see it more readily than before.

It is transparent in all we endeavor to do each day. If we pay attention. 

He surrounds us in 3-D.  He upholds us as we walk through the tunnel of adversity.  And, He is relentless in His protection. It’s obvious to see, feel, and hear.  If we pay attention.

David loved the LORD, and beckoned to Him, and cried out to Him. He listened and paid attention, all the days of His life. The LORD was His light and lamp and refuge and fortress.  All of which He is for us, today, here and now.

Love Him, with all of your heart, and soul, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes, LOVE HIM, and keep from evil, it’ll be health to your navel, and marrow for your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

He will never let you down.

That’s His promise.

And, God’s promise is a promise that will NEVER be broken. 

Listen.  Are you paying attention?

“Father, I love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and might, to You be the glory and honor, now and always, in Jesus precious and mighty name, Amen.”

Psalm 28 (NLT)

You light a lamp for me.
The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.

Psalm 28 (KJV)

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

“Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”

(John 8:12).

At 6am this morning, as my little fur baby Mickey went about his business, I stood staring up at the sky. It was dark, and ominous in appearance, clouded over as a thunder storm loomed close.  However, there was a shimmer of beautiful brightness, that couldn’t be hidden or contained.  The bright light reached out to me, and offered a grand sense of comfort, and security.  Brilliant hues of orange, and pink, sprinkled through allowing a prism, to appear as a rainbow across my window.  God’s peace.

Peace and security might seem far in the distance during these shifting sands of time given the pandemic, and now the protests of a horrific heinous tragedy of Mr. Floyd which shattered hearts across the globe.

That rainbow brought more than a semblance of peace my way. It brought an inner joy that engulfed my spirit and reaffirms my faith, and belief in His presence, even in a time of darkness.

God is my peace.

God is our peace.

God is your peace.

I notice more, and more as of late, that my God moments come just in time.

Because God, is never late.

Because God, is always on time.

God, brings what He has to bring, when He needs to bring it, and when we aren’t aware that we need it, He still brings it. 

The reality of faith, can be heightened by circumstances, or a keen awareness of “moments” during our lifetime.

Tune into God, and let His presence be balm for your soul, as you graft onto the vine which is Christ.

Christ is LIFE.

Christ is LIGHT.

So in your quiet moments, and not so quiet moments, look for the “light.”

Through the dark…know that the light, will always come shining through.

Just in time.

Because God is never late…

“Father God, thank You for Your light that is always on time, all the time, every time, Your light is my joy and I thank You, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground” (Isaiah 42:16).

“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).