Month: July 2023

DEAR GOD: How Do We Stay Focused on You?~

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Stay Focused on Jesus - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cobourg

Hebrews 12:2 –

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith

How can we stay focused on God? There are many reasons to want to do so and all are beneficial to us, spiritually, physically mentally.

When we engage daily in prayer, meditation and reading verses in the Bible, we are activating a closer bond with the LORD in many ways. First of all, we are showing Him reverence by being in His Word, and when we obey His commandments, we are doing according to His Word.

Staying focused on God and His Word is relevant to all we endeavor to do or hope to do. Being in the Word brings wisdom and insight and it equips us with the ability to ascertain things we normally would not be able to do without His guidance.

So, how do we stay focused on Him?

  1. By being in the Word.
  2. By being faithful to His commandments.
  3. By spending time with Him alone in prayer.
  4. By showing His love to others.
  5. By being an example of His light and truth.
  6. By doing all things that are right and aligning with His Word.
  7. Seeking His face in all we do and attempt to do.
  8. Loving Him totally with all our hearts, minds, body, and soul.
  9. Putting Him first before anything or anyone else.
  10. And by asking for His will to be done in your life. 

As we focus on His love, His Word, His will we are inherently drawing closer to Him. When we ask for His will to be done in our life, we are placing our trust in Him, knowing He wants what is best for all of us.

Spending time with the LORD is probably the most valuable and important thing you can possibly do in this lifetime. Loving Him is probably the most pleasant thing you can do in this lifetime. And obeying Him is the most rewarding thing you can do in this lifetime, and the life to come in Eternity.

Colossians 3:2 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

 

“Father, may I stay focused on You and Your commandments, love and Word today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Can We Be More Like Your Son, Jesus?

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Pin on Jesus... Lord, Savior, Everything

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16 (KJV)

 

Being more like Jesus sounds like an enormous Herculean task!  After all, He was the perfect unblemished Lamb and was horrifically tortured and crucified for us! Jesus? No one can accomplish that which He did in terms of what He accomplished. No way! He is the One and only true Son of God!

However, we can show love! We have the ability to do that, as Jesus commanded us to do. He didn’t ask us to do it. He commanded us to do it!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34)

Being like Jesus, means putting others before self.  All the while seeking God’s Wisdom to care about all those you come into contact with during your journey on Earth.

It’s also crucial to become fully acquainted with who Jesus really is. We need to know the Agape love of God in order to demonstrate it.

We have to be as humble as Jesus and treat others with respect. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples; it doesn’t get humbler than that! Jesus said this is an example I’ve given to you, do likewise. (John 13:15)

Do not be boastful or exalt yourself.

Also, to treat those as you would expect to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)

Be considerate of others, and be patient and kind. For Love is just that, patient and kind. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Be mindful of the sound and tone of your voice, your way of speaking, and type of language. Don’t curse, blaspheme, etc. Speak kindly of others. Put yourself in place of others to fully understand their circumstances, and overall perspective.

As you draw closer to God in His ways, He will draw closer to you. (James 4:8)

Show your love, that’s the closest we will ever get to being like Jesus!

Amen!

 

“Father, thank You for Your love and Your Son, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Do I Protect Myself Against Evil People?

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The Holy Spirit Leads Us Through the Valley of Circumstances - Hallelujah

We can’t protect “ourselves” it is God that does it for us. He reassures us that He goes before us on all levels and mentions it throughout the Bible. We can be careful while following His Word and the practicality of life in general. But it is God that goes before us. It is He that gives us the strength and the ability to sustain and maintain our morality and vitality in all things.

He is with us. No matter what. He goes before us at all times. We are to have no fear. That includes those who hate and despise us or are jealous of us.

Jeremiah 1:8 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

He commands us in many places not to fear, and to trust Him above all else. When we put our trust in God, he guides us, shows us, supplies us with wisdom. All these things fall under the auspices of His Sovereign supernatural power. He guides our paths. He brings us health.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

There is no fear in humans or what they can do to us. They can’t kill our souls. Only God can. He created our souls only He can destroy our souls. He alone can do ALL things.

 

“Father God, thank You for protecting me in all matters of my life, day in and day out, You are my source of strength, I receive You and Your promises today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How May I Please You?~

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Colossians 1:10 

“…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

 

Pleasing our Father should be the goal of all believers, and all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation.

For all those who want to please God walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Meaning, walk with the spiritual frame of mind and not by the body mind.

Walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh summed up means, “walking worthy of our calling and surrendering to God’s will. And being obedient in His commandments.

It may seem utterly unattainable and truly impossible to do. But God wants us to please Him, and He will supply the strength to do so, when we are contrite in heart and sincere in our desire to do so.

After all it’s His Spirit who lives in our hearts, and that is how we can manage to live by the Spirit.  In Romans 8:8

Paul reminds us that, “whoever walks in the flesh cannot possibly please God.” That alone is reason enough to want to walk worthy and put on the Spirit of God. We do this by our faith, because without it, we are not going to please God.

We must truly believe in Christ, as our Savior. We must believe He exists. He also will reward those who earnestly seek Him. ((Hebrews 11:6).

Those who are still in their sin have their minds sent on sinful desires. Whereas those who have been transformed and regenerated by Christ, are new creatures in Him. The old self is gone, and in its place a new one.2 Corinthians 5:17

Meaning we have a completely new mind that is fully controlled by the Spirit. And when we have that mind-set, we have a desire to live in accordance with Him in all we do and speak.

The mind of a sinful person is death. Ostensibly, the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and peace. But the sinful mind is hostile and unmoving and set in their ways, not wanting to please God. The flesh does not want to acquiesce to God’s law or submit to it. Nor can it do so, without Christ’ Spirit and strength.(Romans 8:6-7).

Finally, pleasing God truly comes down to this: “Living according to His commandments, living according to His precepts, and doing it with reverence and complete submission and unconditional love.

We always want to please those we love right?

The Bible is full of exhortations to righteous living and loving Christ. Jesus says it quite clearly, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15). 

The Epistles are God’s plan for believers. This book shows and tells what to display throughout our lives, concerning our behavior that is most pleasing and satisfying to God:

“For the rest, then, my brothers, we beseech you and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more” (1Thessalonians 4:1).

 

“Father, may I always be pleasing in Your eyes, may I walk in the Spirit and follow your precepts, commandments, and laws, and may I glorify You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Walking In The Spirit - Part 1 - CrossBridge Community Church

 

DEAR GOD: Apple of Your Eye~

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You Are The Apple Of God’s Eyes – Becoming the Oil and the Wine

For thus saith the LORD of hosts;

After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you:

for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

 Zechariah 2:8 KJV

 

Ask someone what he/she thinks is precious. Some might say, an heirloom handed down for generations.  Or others may say their brand-new house.  The majority of individuals probably will answer, “My children.”  All except the latter is of little significance. It’s entirely materialistic gain…nothing more.

As children of God…we’re precious in His sight. We’re special, and He loves us as evidenced by His promises in His Word. To this day, God continues to love and guide us, as He has throughout the ages.

His presence is felt by those of faith. His voice can be heard above a crowd, and His Spirit corroborates with our spirit in every aspect of our lives.

He’s there in a business meeting and in the living room while we’re watching TV.

He’s at our dinner table, and He’s watching over us at bedtime.

God never leaves us, nor would we want Him to. As stipulated in Zechariah 2:8- apple of His eye-refers to the pupil, a valuable and vulnerable part of the body. This metaphor functions to express God’s deepest feelings for His children.

God, King of the Universe, is our biggest treasure, and the most precious part of our lives and heart.

Return His love unconditionally, and then be still and watch God work. (Psalm 46:10)

 

“Lord, thank You for everything in my life, past, present, and to come. I am Yours, and place my trust in You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 

Psalm 42:2 KJV

DEAR GOD: So Good to Make New Friends~

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Image result for free pictures of two girlfriends with god

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Being reserved and quietly “introverted” my entire life, it isn’t unusual that I’ve been labeled unfairly from individuals who didn’t know me personally.

I’ve been called a “snob” at various times in my life. Especially while in school. I not only was shy but couldn’t see two feet ahead of me. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until fourth grade I learned I needed glasses.  So not only was I unable to see two feet ahead of me I was shy, so it was a natural assumption that I was standoffish and snobby.  Nothing was further than the truth!

God always had my back, my front and center. He was the go-to for all of my miseries, and all of my jubilations. He is the center of my Universe; He is MY Universe!

He designed me with His hands of grace. He knows I’m quiet. He knows what I need, what I can tolerate, and what I cannot. He has always provided and guided me through it all.

I’ve made a new friend in Christ, and we connected right away. Christ said, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16-23) and I knew this new friend was bearing fruits of Christ. So, to that end we clicked.

When two souls for Christ meet there is an instant connection, it is by the vine of Christ we are entangled. When we are in Christ, we share the same connection. Also, important to note is that Christ will bring others in and out of our lives for reasons. Sometimes it is for a moment, a season, or forever planted in your life.

Romans 12:4–5 — New Living Translation (NLT) Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

For me to reach out to someone I don’t “know” is outside of my comfort zone. I believe Christ is showing me a new world of “openness” in Him. That it is perfectly okay to seek others and share with them whatever He gives me to share. So, the Spirit placed a “need” for me to reach out to this new friend, and it was instant and a mutual road of ease, comfort and the beginning of a friendship.

Trusting in God to provide and show the pathways in life that are best to walk on is essential to our prowess as Christians. God is the counterbalance to my inert shyness; He is the extrovert behind the scenes in my journey.

Proverbs 3:4-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  

He is showing me how to become more trusting, more open, and more adventurous in all I do, within reason. I guess the real message is, “trusting in Him even more than I ever have before in my entire life. ”

 “Dear God, I trust You; I love You; I will follow You, guide my paths, bring me fully into Your fold of love and kindness, may I show Your reflection to those I encounter, today and all the days of my life, and thank You for new friends in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Sermon Categories Gospel of John - Hope Christian Church

To My Greatest Friend of All — My LORD and Savior—Jesus Christ!

DEAR GOD: Dreary Outside – Joyful Inside~

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God is Faithful Forever - Chino Valley Bible Church

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 9:13

 

 

Yikes!  It seems it hasn’t stopped raining for months!  I almost expect Noah’s Ark to sail by at this point in time.

Since spring began, the Northeast has been hit hard with rain. Yes, we need rain to replenish and irrigate, and fill our reservoirs, etc. However, there is a limit before “flooding” begins to unravel creating havoc, and dangerous situations for those in the vicinity in which the rain has fallen! And on the news, this is the case right now. So many people have encountered dangerous waters rising. Flooding is rampant, and there is still rain in the forecast.

Even though it’s dreary outside, I always have a reason to be cheery inside. Because that’s where my spirit and the Spirit of Christ live side by side!

You know the flooding and havoc is akin to the enemy.  He “floods” God’s children with lies and misery.  That’s his job, and he excels at it. Making people unsure, grappling at their insecurities, tampering with their very lives. He tries to create havoc until it overflows!

Isaiah 59:19 —So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

This is what we have to be diligent about, watching and sensing the enemy’s next move.  He seeks to destroy us all!

1 Peter 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We are under the protection of the Highest Royal God, and the enemy has nothing on us!  When we follow God, and know Christ gave us the authority in His name to send that old serpent packing, slithering away like the rotten snake he is!

Luke 10:19-–Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

As I gaze outside it is getting extremely dark. An ominous cloud is hanging over my home, set to unleash another round of pelting rain. But all I see is the cloud with the silver lining. Christ!  And I know that at the end of this storm…a beautiful rainbow is set to come out full force.

With Christ giving me the authority in His name over the enemy, and the silver lining being my LORD and Savior, do you get why I’m cheerful inside?

How do you handle the dark days of your life?

Do you handle it like a child of Royalty?

You better!

 

 

“Father thank You for giving me the authority in Your name to handle the enemy, and for recognizing that with You, the sun and rainbow are never far from your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Fear & Hell vs Love & Heaven?

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Heaven Vs Hell Wallpapers (60+ background pictures)

LUKE 23:24 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 

Which road are you on?  Are you on Heaven’s roadway? Or are you sliding down a slippery highway straight to Hell?

A random survey about religion revealed many different points of view, and beliefs. The answers varied across the board. Many believed in a higher power, some believed but then something happened, and they turned from God. However, the majority didn’t believe at all.  When asked further details about why they weren’t interested in hearing about religion, or God, it was astonishing that most of them said, “because all these preachers do is talk about sinners and going to Hell.”

Unfortunately, that is correct. There are a lot of churches that do hold their congregation’s hostage with the paralyzing fear of going to hell. A lot of them preach strictly about Hell, fire and brimstone. Of course, there is a Hell. We are told and forewarned of that in the Bible. And we do realize we have to repent and turn from sin; at which time we will be forgiven.

But bear in mind that we have an amazingly patient and merciful Father. So those who minister strictly on fear to their congregations, they are falling short, and sadly not being forthright, well at least not all the way. There is a Hell.  But thank the LORD above, there is a HEAVEN too! God is loving and kind and wants us with Him.

Exodus 34:5 states, “the LORD, the LORD GOD, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin…”

It states it right there! He is merciful and gracious, patient and good!  He forgives.  That should be preached along when trying to save sinners. Keep in mind that we are ALL sinners. Christ died for US.  We have been forgiven.

Sinners that don’t repent, or have the heart to change their way, WILL be held accountable. Of course, if they should continue in their wicked ways, there will be serious consequences.

Again, keep it in your heart, God is merciful. He forgives. He gives oodles of chances. He holds out His arms and rejoices when we love and surrender to Him.  He forgives.

The LORD performed awesome miracles. When His children in the Bible repented and had a change of heart…God was quick to show compassion and impart mercy. He forgave them of their sins.

The LORD is not looking to “zap” His children into Hell. He doesn’t take great pleasure in punishing us. He wants us to LIVE with Him forever!  He sent Christ in order that those who believe on Him, shall find life everlasting and living waters shall flow endlessly. We never will thirst again!

II Peter 3:9 “The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, that that all should come to repentance.”

When we act according to the LORD’s will, and purpose, and believe in Him solely, and recognize His power and Omnipotence, and follow His commandments, we can be assured that we will reap the rewards in which we sow and be part of His Kingdom.

There is a place called Hell. And it’s not a very comfortable or good place to wind up. In fact, it’s torture.

However, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for there is also a spectacular and beautiful peaceful loving place called Heaven.

Yes!

“LORD, may I be mindful and aware of Your promises and the rewards of eternal life, my honor and joy is to serve You and do all according to Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

DEAR GOD: No Need to Fear You Are Near~

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Do Not Be Afraid - Kristen WelchJeremiah 1:8–Be not afraid of their faces for I am with thee to deliver thee; saith the LORD.

 

 

The saying 'Be afraid, be very afraid' - meaning and origin.Fear? With God nearby?  How is that even possible?

Well, it does happen because it is a human physiological response. It’s a part of being mortal.  Our spirits are encased by this thing we call “flesh” and therefore subject to those emotions.

What about those of us who are Christians and feeling a sense of guilt when such feelings arise? Are we not Christians? Are we not believers in the LORD and His Presence?

NO!  It doesn’t mean that at all. Simply put, God made us and crafted us with His brilliance, and we are fine pieces of “machinery” so to speak.  God knew what He was doing when giving us life.

From eyelashes that keep our eyes safe, a heart that beats and supplies blood to our bodies, with blood cells that are complex each one taking care of issues, like our immune system, liver to cleanse toxins, and vital organs carrying oxygen throughout our bodies, a woman having a womb carrying a baby until birth, etc., etc., etc.

So too did He supply us with emotions. Love, anger, and fear are emotions that come and go. They wade through us much like the tides at the shoreline. Sometimes the tide is high, sometimes it’s low. So too our emotions.

Fear has its place. It can stop us from catastrophic type behavior. Saving us from situations that would otherwise be life threatening.  It can hold us in place to a point where we fall to our knees and look to God for His help.  And on our knees is where we put our best emotions into play surrendering to Him in prayer.

So NO, you are not sinning if you experience fear!  We need to pray harder and look to God and His wisdom at this time in particular. Where we have to trust in Him fully and know that He will help us in good times and bad.

The promises of God are our reassurance and undoubtedly brings comfort to our heart and soul. In Jeremiah chapter one, God is speaking to Jeremiah and reminding him of how He is with him. No matter what.  He instructs Jeremiah, guides him, and continuously encourages him not to fear.

Guess what? His words and promises have never expired. In fact, He extends His grace and love to all of us this very day and very moment! So, all of those words of comfort and encouragement are for us as well.

Amazing!

Thank you, LORD!

 

“Father, thank You for Your provisions, protection, love and grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Jeremiah 1:19

“And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.”

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Not What We Do- but What You Do Through Us~

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GOD Use Me As You Vessel Wall Decal | Zazzle.com in 2022 | Wall decals ...

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

(2 Corinthians 4:7)

 

The showmanship of bragging was something that always irked my soul. I was never a fan of individuals bloviating/boasting/bragging/loving themselves to the point of ad nauseum, is something I could never tolerate!

Having been blessed to grow up in a family that held strong morals and Christian beliefs, I found it odd when people gave themselves credit for overcoming things, issues, or circumstances, it was just wrong in my eyes!

Can’t they see what we do we do is only because of God and His gifts from above. That we in fact gain wisdom and knowledge through Him and His word? We are not the doers but the vessels in which we do!

Can’t people realize when something of importance is accomplished through our words or actions, that it is in fact, “GOD WHO USED US” for that purpose?

And incidentally, He uses ALL His Children. He doesn’t pick only those with the proper education and experience. Nor does he pick strictly those graduates of the most prestigious theological institutions in the world.  NOPE!

He uses us all for HIS purpose and HIS will for HIS glory.

When we are tuned into the LORD and are ready to serve Him, He will use us according to His plan and purpose for our lives.

We were made by His hands and only He can “fill us to capacity” the likes of which we can be poured out and utilized.

You are His possession—for His purposes—and for His honor.

In His hands, we were fully made and designed. We are completely repaired and highly maintained. We are washed and cleansed (by His most precious Blood) Keep your eyes on the King! Trust Him fully in the process.  Believe in Him without any doubt.

And finally, remember this:

“It’s not what YOU do.

Instead, it is what GOD does through you!

 

 

 

 

 

 “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and fit for the master’s use, and prepared uno every good work.”

Timothy 2:21

“Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, what makest thou?”

Isaiah 45:9