Month: November 2023

DEAR GOD: YOUR LOVE IS REFRESHING~

by // // No Comments

I will refresh those who are weary and will satisfy with food everyone who is weak from hunger.
Jeremiah 31:25 (GNT)

Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
Proverbs 1:23 (KJV)

 His love is reviving and refreshing and is a banquet of joy in and of itself.  And it’s fully satisfying having knowledge of such things in our hearts.  When a soul realized the depths of His love and realizes His pardoning grace and providence in our lives, it is well within and without in all we do.

With Christ, there is an abundance of life. He offers us unmerited favor and grace in His love and sacrifice, which provided our salvation, as we can rest in Him, with peace, joy and hope.

Our day-to-day struggles may vary, and like the tides, invariably will ebb and flow, and so it goes. But Christ’s love is ever steady. A powerful presence in our life. His resurrection an ever-constant reminder of the promise of eternal rewards, and our redemption in which He gave willingly on the cross.

The battle of good versus evil has been going on since the beginning of time, and rages on this very moment all across the world.  But rest easy in Christ, take His yoke because it is easy and light. Shake off the yoke of the “world” as it is treacherous, suffocating, and hard.

When we rest in Christ and follow His footsteps of love we are qualifying for a higher promotion in our spiritual growth and depositing dividends into our eternal rewards.

Have you made a deposit today in His name?

“Father God, thank You for Your love that is never ending, and love which is ever faithful, may I praise You in all I do, this day and always, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For The Bridge To You~

by // // No Comments

See the source image

 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

 

Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

When we read Joshua, there are key elements that are glaringly apparent throughout the book.  We become aware of God’s presence that energizes our work. We become critically and keenly aware of how we must TRUST GOD, and by so doing, it means trusting Him fully because He can see beyond what we can see.

We must remember that God doesn’t require us to understand His will, but in fact…simply obey it, even it is seeming unreasonable to “our mind” which is far inferior to that of our Father’s mind.

He instructs Joshua to stay in the “Word” and not to depart from His “law.”

In Joshua 1:8; the Lord states with undeniably clarity and tenacity, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.”

He is reinforcing the importance of staying with His Word and Law, and doing what is required in order to fulfill His Will.  And, assuring us that when we do, we will be prosperous and have good success!

This was the same command He issued to future Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:19–he was to meditate on the Word of God everyday knowledge of God’s will is crucial to doing so.  And this is so to this day.

God didn’t change.

His Word didn’t change.

His Will and Law didn’t change-(Sacrificial blood ordinance changed…Jesus Blood took care of that).

His plans for our success and purpose didn’t change.

And, most especially…His love didn’t expire or change…He still loves all of His children.

He declared in Joshua 1:9: “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.”

It is so easy to focus on “our problems” which we can see, and not on God, whom we can’t see.  As Joshua discovered, “God is with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are going through, and He is with us no matter how big or how small our problem is…He is with us ALWAYS.

He will never leave us nor forsake us.

He will never stop loving us.

He is a faithful and merciful God.

He will forgive us, over and over again.

Remember that Joshua knew all about adversity. He wandered in the wilderness for forty years. He was “way qualified” in the adversity department.  But He never lost sight of the fact that God was with Him throughout it all. And when it was time for the people of God to cross the Jordan River, Joshua was named by God to take over.

When we go to Him in prayer, we are trusting Him and surrendering to Him.  Understanding that God’s way is far different than ours is a vital and critical component in connecting with Him on so many levels.

For although He is with us, He is far above us in all aspects, and so this is why we must surrender to His will. Trust Him fully in order for Him to provide a deeper realm and open up to Him and expose yourself entirely to His hands of mercy and will.

Obedience is a “must” and a high priority in every believer’s life. The Holy Spirit enables us to walk obediently before God, in His strength, and His power. Amen.

Choose to obey Him, even if you don’t understand why. He is asking you to do something…when we do, we can fully expect to become the person God is molding us to be, and to bear fruit that is highly favorable with the Lord almighty.

When we do all of this according to His will and purpose, you can expect to receive rewards that will overwhelm you with joy and love.

So, at times, we need to be still and know that He is God… in order to fulfill our purpose according to the Master.

He is God.  We are His.  His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Be prepared and prepare to do all that He wills in your life.

“Thank You Father, for leading, guiding and directing me all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen!”

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Love~

by // // No Comments

 

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.
Song of Solomon 6:3 (NKJV)

Every single day, we walk under the canopy of God’s amazing love. His love which is totally perfect, as He is perfection personified. His love remains intact, it never changes, even if we wander away from Him, or His will for our lives, and disobey. He still will love us, fully and completely.

His banner over me was love (Song 2:4). God continuously demonstrates His love toward us. Apostle Paul writes, “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He did it willingly, openly, lovingly, selflessly, and yet some of us can scarce believe it or grasp the notion or the reality of the magnitude of this act.

We try to understand, and yet we can’t comprehend that His love for us is different than the love we feel for others. Our love is real, yes…but it pales in comparison to His love for us.

His gift is love. We may not believe that we are worthy of this great love. But we cannot earn it, or give anything in return for it, God instead, offers it freely to us, as a gift. Furthermore, the love of our LORD will bless us forever. It stands forever, and it never decreases…it is always readily available, and it is one of His many characteristics.

God will always love us, so rejoice and embrace His love, a love that is like no other. A love that is beyond the scope of our understanding.

How deep is your love for the LORD?

“Father, thank You for loving me no matter what, I thank You and adore You, and will forever more, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: THANKS BE TO YOU ALWAYS~

by // // No Comments

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 (NKJV)

Today and everyday, we should give thanks unto the LORD!  For He is worthy to be praised, honored, and adored. For He and He alone is the Master and Creator of the Universe and all souls!

Each day is a new day to love Him, to walk in His righteousness, and accept His unwavering love!

Each moment is another moment to fall in love with Him more and more!

Each time we rise in the morning, give Him thanks!

Pause during the day in the middle of whatever you are doing, and give Him thanks!

Surrender to His love.

Surrender to His ways.

And embrace His Word.

As most Americans celebrate this traditional holiday of “Thanksgiving” please give pause, and enormous praise to the One who makes it all happen!

THANK YOU LORD!!!

“Lord, today and everyday of my life, I lift You up, exalt You name, and give You all honor and glory, today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

DEAR GOD: Why Wonder, You Will Reveal All In Your Time~

by // // No Comments

Pin by Jenna Woodburn on Life's truths | Gods timing, Bible quotes, Faith

 

Habakkuk 2:3 – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

When I start to say, “I wonder, if—” I have to pull those words back, step back, and know God is God, and He has it all under control, and according to His timing and will. It’s not for me to “wonder” or think about things that seem to scurry about in my mind, rambling around and around…nope, God has it all taken care of.  (Be still and know I’m God…Psalm 49:10)

 

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we wait with conviction in our heart and soul, we become stronger in our faith as we let God be God. As we go forward we can rest in Him, and be comforted by the promises in His Word, and hold on tight to His love and protection…and His wisdom in all things concerning His children.

Romans 5:6 – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ came to this earth to “save us” and to give us the foundation and unilateral way to get to Heaven and His Father, our God. He brings us strength, resolve, and conditioning in which we exercise our inner spirit, as He dwells within all those who believe in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

My husband and I have been feeling that we need to move within the next several months. However, we haven’t received the full “message” of His timing and His will…so we are waiting for the right season…according to the LORD… to move.

Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

When it is the perfect time, it will open up. That is to say, doors of opportunity, all things will be clear. There will not be any disparaging lines in the sand, instead they will be boldly outlined for us to move forward. When things are right, and according to His plans, everything goes smoothly. Sometimes, out of nowhere—it happens, and suddenly—wham, you know it’s God’s voice speaking and leading you and directing and guiding you.

Don’t worry, don’t fret, don’t be anxious…The LORD is with you, and will working behind the scenes, when you follow Him, and trust Him, and recognize His Son, Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior—life becomes easier to navigate with Him as your GPS.

“Father, may I always recognize that You are in control of all things, that Your plans, and Your timing, and Your will are perfect, and You want what’s best for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Me Help Those Who Are Broken~

by // // No Comments

7 Ways Grieving Affects Your Health

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

What do you do when a 97-year-old is crying that she lost her husband? How do you comfort a woman who has been married to this man who died, since she was 18 years old? How do you deal with that as a Christian while being compassionate and supportive of her needs and feelings? How can I encourage her in validating her pain, while knowing how blessed they were to have had such a long fruitful and happy life that produced, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren? How do I shield her from the “well meaning” though clueless ones who offer words like “why are you crying, he lived a long time” while she sobs out of control?

What immediately comes to my mind is Galatians 5:22–I willingly began listening to her, exhibited patience, supported her by being kind and showing her love, and offering comforting Words of the LORD, in Matthew 28:20, “…lo I am with you always, even until the end of the Age.”

Galatians5:22 –But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

I offered these words of comfort to my aunt, “It’s okay to cry and wish he were still here. You are not being unfaithful to the LORD because you wished you had more time. You know you were blessed, but it doesn’t matter to you at this very moment, because all you are thinking about is you love him, miss him, and want even another hour with him. It’s okay to feel that. It’s okay to miss him. And people with their comments are just well-meaning wishers that don’t know what else to say…”

And that is true for anyone today reading this and mourning the loss of someone you love. Feeling as if you have been gutted like a fish on a plate and feeling as if a huge part of you died along with your loved one. Because in fact you have.  Being Christian doesn’t mean “we don’t have feelings” It means we believe and know where our loved ones are, where we are going when we die, but we still feel, and love them, and want them here with us!

This especially to those who lose people in the late years, where most are apt to say, “well he/she lived a long life” —the people who lose them already know this. What they need, is an arm around them as they sob. A tender ear and loving touch as they mourn the loss of their loved one. They need to know God is with them, and holding them up, and will get them through it. They shouldn’t feel guilty about missing them or wanting them with them.

Missing someone and wishing they hadn’t left doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, or don’t believe in the LORD’s promises…it means that you have a heart and soul, the way God created you.

“Father, may all those that are actively mourning and grieving the loss of a loved one, no matter the age or circumstance, be comforted by Your Words and love, and Your promises, may they be filled with Your peace and wisdom, and the assurance that they will see their loved ones again one day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do I Stay Focused In A World Of Evil?

by // // No Comments

Pin on Bible Verses

 

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalm 91:11 (KJV)

 

In the world of social media platforms there is a constant rush of images coming at us from all over the world that can flood our minds and hearts with sorrow that can become overwhelming.  Evil is circling around the globe in a fast paced whirlwind that appears to be non-stop.  Deaths, wars, conflicts, political discord, families pulling away from each other due to disagreements, etc., etc., etc.  How do we stop the evil and chaotic noise of the world from invading our mind, body and soul?  What to guess the answer?  One powerful word, GOD!!! Amen!

How do we do this?

By going to Him for His Word.

By listening to His Word.

By being familiar with His Word.

By adhering to His Word.

By loving Him fully and completely with all of your heart and soul and mind.

As Christians it’s vitally important to remember that the enemy seeks “to kill, to steal, and to destroy” us (John 10:10). Most people when reading this verse will think of drastic measures and images conjure up their minds of really horrific incidents. And that can very well happen, but most times the Enemy will do it in subtle ways. All he has to do is distract us hoping to disconnect us from our Loving Creator and our Mighty God.

We need to pay attention to what we are saying, doing, and seeing in our lives. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 –Christians are called to “not be conformed to this age/world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may discern what is good, pleasing, and the perfect will of God.” As Christians we have to make absolutely sure we are spending sufficient and valuable time in God’s Word, and in meditating on the Word. Rather than listening to the “shrill ugliness of the world.” Which is to say the devil.

In order to accomplish the renewing of our minds, we have to sincerely and diligently evaluate what we are filling our heads within order to protect our hearts. And our very soul.  As you will recall in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard our hearts above all else for it is the source of life.”

Take time away from the clash and noise of social media. Turn off your computers, phones, and clear your mind from the “filthiness” of the world in order to “cleanse” your mind. Set your sights and vision on the Kingdom of God, and immerse yourself in the Word.

Praying, meditating, reflecting, going to the Father to pray in private, and giving Him our undivided attention and love and His gospel is the weapons of our defense in the world of today. (Ephesians 6)

Go to Him for everything. Seek Him for everything. Listen to His Word. And seek Him daily in prayer and meditation. And love Him exclusively with all of your heart and soul, putting him first in all things, every day. When you do all of these things we will be able to “squash the noise” which is to say the devil. And we will be able to harness a power in the name of Jesus Christ which will give us the strength to endure, forge on, and be courageous in His name!

That is how you exist in the world of today!  Can I get an Amen!?

“Father God, thank You for loving me and protecting me in Your wings of safety, for Your promises and for Your wisdom and discerning spirit, may I follow You all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Priceless Treasure~

by // // No Comments

Philippians 3:7-11 (NLT)

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

When I meditate on the Apostle Paul’s words, I sense the joy of a “free man, a joyful man. He is saying things he once treasured became his garbage. Old things of insignificance that once had his all-consuming attention, no longer interested Paul.  Spending more time with Jesus was worth all the currency in the world, Jesus was his treasure, nothing else.

Likewise, it is with those of faith. We have found a veritable treasure in Christ, and it is invaluable, nothing surpasses the love of Christ. There is joy in knowing He loves us. There is peace in knowing He is with us always. There is happiness knowing He redeemed us with His blood. There is a comfortable assurance knowing He saved us from sin, and our salvation is promised. And we know complete joy as we enter Eternity.

Jesus is our Treasure. Not only our treasure but the One Superior Omnipotent King of kings and LORD of lords that will never leave us. This reality of Christianity is beyond our comprehension, and He is worthy of our love, now and always.

“Father, thank You for Your promises and joy of loving You, You are my Treasure, and my reason for living, thank You for all the days of my life and for the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Teach Me & Guide Me~

by // // No Comments

Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5

********

LORD my King, I beseech Thee,
Guide, lead and direct me.

LORD, my King, I implore Thee,
Mold, purify and help me.

LORD, my King, my everything,
Keep me safe from Satan’s sting.

LORD, my King, my true love,
My eyes always look to You high above.

LORD, my King, I adore,
I want to be in Your courts forevermore.

LORD, my King, I await on you all day,
I pay attention and listen to what you say.

LORD, my King, I want to walk on Your path,
I love You, and hope I never see Your wrath.

LORD, my King, to you I sing a song praise,
Forever more my hands to You I raise.

Amen!

********

“Father may I always look to You in all I do, say, and act upon, may I always seek Your face, and walk Your paths, I love You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For My Eternal Rewards~

by // // No Comments

 

psalm-1211_3022_1024x768.jpg – at the foot of mountains

 

Psalm 121 (NKJV)

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?

Truly the only One that can help and make a difference in the outcome, whatever it may be, is the LORD. He is the One that is in ultimate control. He is the One that fully can decide an alternate course of action, irrespective of the one that we think is right. He knows what is best for us, always!

 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He is available 24/7 and is never on vacation. He is there with us through all the good times and bad times. He is unmovable in His strength and determination when it comes to helping His children. He is the One that will “help” and He is the One who remains faithful. He knows what is best for us, always!

 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

He will guide us through rough terrain and will not let us fall or be left clueless. He will not let us falter at the fork in the road. He will prevent us from the fires of hell when we adhere to His Word, and commandments, and accept His Son as our Savior.  He knows what is best for us, always!

 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

He is in full control of all. He is in full control of what will happen, and what He “ALLOWS” to happen. It is in His plan, His Word. He is at the helm, and He is in the driver’s seat. No one else. Just Him. He knows what is best for us, always!

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

He keeps us safe, and He is our Rock! He is the One that thinks of us as the “Apple of His eye” and won’t have any enemy destroy you. He allows things to transpire, but He can change anything whenever He wants, whenever He wants, and wherever He wants. He knows what is best for us, always!

The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

He watches over us throughout the 24 hours of the day. He guides us in the daylight, and in the nighttime. He doesn’t lapse in His feelings, or His Word. It is solid, strong, and He thwarts our enemy at every turn. He knows what is best for us, always!

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.

He wraps His arms around us as any loving Father would to His children. He is the Omnipotent and Powerful Being that formed us and created our souls. He defeated death, He is victorious over the grave, He is our Savior. He alone is in charge and owns our souls.  He loves us! He knows what is best for us, always!

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Finally, as He watches, guides, directs, leads us each day of our lives, every step of the way. So too shall He protect us in the Eternity, forevermore. He is the keeper of our souls! He knows what is best for us, always!

Our rewards are waiting for us in the eternity. Christ our Redeemer promises such joy in Heaven, that anything here on earth cannot even come begin to come close to in comparison. We cannot possibly conceive or grasp what the reality will be when we are called home. Trust Him, knowing we will be called home one day, and He surely will welcome us with open arms. Until then, be comforted knowing that the LORD is with us always, and He will never leave us, nor forsake us. How’s that for an amazing God?

“Father, thank You for Your promises, Your eternal and faithful Word,  and Your love and protection, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”