Month: June 2023

DEAR GOD: LORD’s Light vs Darkness~

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Old versus new light bulbs stock image. Image of recommending - 36537229

 

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 6:5 (KJV)

 

Evil is apparent wherever you look these days. The reality of light versus darkness is not an unfamiliar theme. In fact, it’s been going on since the beginning of time. However, it seems out of control…and it’s certainly proliferating exponentially more so than usual.

It’s everywhere. It’s on the computer, on our television screens, in news articles, all over the place. Sadly, the enemy’s influence and images are all relentless… in words, in images, in graphic videos, in music/songs.

It’s even around while shopping. Just have a look around while you are in stores. You’ll surely find the “darkness” and the suffocation of evil right there in the midst of crowds.

Don’t misunderstand. We are not to fear anything. There is no fear in perfect love as it casts out all fear. (John 4:18)

What I’m trying to convey is as children of the light (Ephesians 5:8) we are highly aware of the saturation of Satan’s influence. We are able to thwart the fiery darts and overcome any temptation we may face through the power and grace of God Almighty. (Ephesians 6:16) (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

As we meander through life we just need to be on par with God and His Word.  We need to see the light at all times, no matter how dark the hour is. When things seem hopeless that’ precisely when we as children of the God, rise up in His name and stand firm in our beliefs.  (1 Corinthians 16:13)

The enemy loses. We know that. God will always win!

Amen!

But while we’re here and undergoing the trials and tribulations of life, we’re all getting ready for a far better place. We are withstanding the slings and arrows of life to graduate into the heavenly realms when we are called to our Eternal home.

In a sense this is our “Boot Camp” 101…and we have to fight and stand secure in His light, and in His Word.  The battle is the LORD’s, but we are a huge part of His Army.  We are told to be as wise as serpents yet as gentle as the doves by Jesus. (Matthew 10:16)  And as Soldiers we need to prepare, be alert, stand guard, and aim to do all we can to thwart the enemy in Jesus’ powerful name! Amen!

“And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.” 

2 Timothy 2:4 (TLB)

 

Are you prepared for this battle? Do you have the weapons to do so? Are you standing in the light? Have you consulted with the One and Only LORD today?

 

“LORD thank You for Your protection, light and love in a dark world Your light is ever shining and always present, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Rejoicing in You~

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Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12 (KJV)

 

 

Sometimes, I wish to fully rejoice while devoting the entire day consciously, to the LORD.

What do I mean by that? I read scripture daily, pray daily of course. But to what I refer to by “rejoicing and devoting” the whole day to the LORD, is just that. I go throughout my day mindful of His Presence and think about Him in all aspects in everything I do. Which of course I do anyhow. However, in this case it is a constant pursuit in everything I encounter, all individuals I speak with, and all tasks I endeavor to take on. I put Him and His Word into perspective and incorporate it into all situations.

So, a lot more emphasis on who is actually behind my motivation, and the reasons for being able to accomplish anything in my life. Which naturally is my Abba Father, who makes all things possible.

Through Him, and for Him, and by Him, we have access and the innate ability to undergo trials and tribulations, as well as the good times.

Rejoicing and acknowledging Him, brings hope, peace and a confidence that can only come from loving and trusting Him completely, and fully.

Today, all day long, I will consciously and effortlessly glorify the LORD, in all I do. In all I say, in all my thoughts.  All day long. Amen.

When was the last time you glorified Him non-stop?  Have you ever dedicated your entire day to Him alone? Notice anything different when you make a conscious effort to give Him honor throughout the day?

 

“Father, all glory and honor and power and dominion belong to You, today…tomorrow…and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Cup Runs Over Where I Shall Dwell Forever~

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23:6 (KJV)

 

I love the Bible and its contents, OT and NT, and have countless favorite stories, passages, and scriptures.  Of which I’m sure, most people have who are faithful followers. One of my favorites, in the beautiful book of Psalms would have to be Psalm 23.  The second is Psalm 91. But for this post, we will stay with Psalm 23.

Psalm 23 is prolific in its message, powerful in its content, and it sends a blanket of protection and peace, to those who read, and receive it as truth, and fully accept it as a sign of His unwavering Love, for His children.

The scripture is overwhelmingly encouraging, as we take time to read passage by passage, precept upon precept, and then fully meditate on it. Digesting the meaning and comprehending the levels of grace that is extended to each of us, from our Father of lights.

It’s beyond the mind to grasp the enormity of what this Psalm is saying, because it illustrates and depicts a God that is both merciful and loving. In fact, it engages our souls to ignite with a fiery type of love, because He loves us so very much.

This is a Psalm most individuals would associate with “funerals.”  And quite frankly, it is read at most funerals, families have the preacher recite it because they think of it as the death knell Psalm.  It couldn’t be farther from the truth.

It is showing, and telling us, that God will show us the way. He will always protect us; He will give us safe passage while here on earth.  Then it continues unto the hereafter where we “shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

It gives us hope for now, with restoration of our souls, and paths of righteousness for this very moment, and time.  And gives us hope in all things to come, when we shall return to the LORD’s arms, safely. Where we will sit and have supper with the King of kings, and where we will rejoice and be exceedingly glad, our cup runs over with love.

See what your own answers and thoughts are for the questions below.

How amazing is Psalm 23?

How amazing are His promises?

How amazing is His love?

How amazing is our LORD?

I’ve included the entire Psalm 23 for your delight. If you haven’t read it recently, why not take some time, right now, and embrace His Words. I can tell you when you do, you will undoubtedly find great comfort and anticipation for what is to come, and for what is happening right this very moment.

Listen, do you hear His voice?

 

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

DEAR GOD: Temporary Home~

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For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

                                                 2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV)

 

 

That scripture, 2 Cor 5:1, is vitally important, especially in today’s times, as we look around at the world and its chaotic climate. To realize that our “earthly home” is not permanent, and that our rewards will instead be an “Eternal home” with the Father in Heaven, should bring comfort, confidence, and an immense sigh of relief to all those of faith.

Jesus assures us in John 14:2 that “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” is a promise that gives us unwavering hope and assured that we will be with Him.  He continues to solidify that promise in the next verse John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” 

Wow! Absorb that for just a brief moment. Then think about for another moment if you will…He is telling us that He is in His Father’s house, and there He is preparing a place for us. For us! Are you jumping for joy yet?

John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father but through me.”   And so He will…and so He is…and so He does.

My seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years on earth, are all going to be accounted for. Whatever actions I do, or do not do. Whatever I say, or didn’t say, are all accounted for, and will follow me to the hereafter. As it will all of us.

Are we prepared? Have we done all we can according to His will and purpose in our lives?  Do we hear His voice, and follow Him unconditionally, and acknowledge Him in all we do?

The LORD’s promises are a balm of palpable assurance to those who believe. The scriptures bring a self-awareness to our world as it exists today. What I mean is, when havoc and darkness seem to engulf us on every angle, or our brains are riddled with thoughts with doom and gloom, we should always think of the promises in the Bible. We should seek His face and embrace His love, and walk in the light, while standing on the Rock. Things have a way of “falling away” from us when we pull into His voice and meditate on His Word and promises.

Are you troubled by the world today? Do you feel unsettled?   His promises are waiting for those who believe. He is the way, the only way. He is the truth, and truth is medicine to our souls. And He is the LIFE that we can LIVE when we truly accept Him and Know Him fully and completely, while surrendering to His love.

“Father, thank You for Your unwavering promises, and for the beautiful assurance of knowing you are preparing a place for me, this temporary home of mine is fine for the moment, but I know I will be with You one day in my permanent home for all Eternity, in Jesus’ name, thank You, Amen.”