DEAR GOD: My Milestones Have All Been With You~

Milestones in Life - The Fit Club Network

 From the first breath of life God was there.
He is our Creator…and the Creator of all things.
But, getting back to our first breath of life…God was there.  With each breath thereafter, He was and is there.
As we went through all of the major milestones in life…He was and is there.
Our first step.
Our first word.
Our first day of school.
Our graduation.
Our engagement.
Our marriage.
Our First-born child.
Our first job.
Our first encounter with “death” of a loved one.
And so it goes – so on and so forth…

If we’re fortunate we will be blessed from above to be afforded the opportunities to go through all of the major milestones in our life. In so doing, we should embrace the chance to do so, and fully appreciate and comprehend that we’re loved by the LORD above.

He guides us and leads us on paths of righteousness if we seek Him with all of our heart, and acknowledge Him in all things, and lean not on our own understanding.   When we do these things, not through our own accord, but Him and love Him and keep from evil it will be health to our navel and marrow for our bones (Proverbs 3:5-8). 

In other words, we’ll be prosperous, and well-being in soul, and spirit, through Him and Him alone.

As we age-we sometimes will find ourselves in a hamster wheel or “rut” wondering, “what else is there for me to do?”  We might think, well, we’ve hit all the milestones, and we’ve done -A—thru—Z” now what?  Then we perhaps begin to ponder and ruminate in a redundant manner asking “Are we done here?  What else is there to look forward to?”

Well, as long as we’re here on earth, it means our time is not “done” and that we still have work to do for Him. We are to continue on the path of righteousness, even though it might not be abundantly clear, we still need to persevere and continue on.  The race isn’t over until God says it is. His timing. His way. His plans.

As we age, (if we are blessed to do so) we will see a lot of heartaches, people coming into our lives-and ostensibly, people going OUT of our lives. Including-but not limited to- the significant loss of special family members, friends- and YES, I will even include heartache from the loss of fur-babies along the way.  But, through this all- what is the common denominator for us? – That’s easy- God is there through it all!

We might hold on tighter in times of trouble and reach out to Him more so when the clouds loom large overhead. We may be in many situations where we feel as if we’re sitting under the sword of Damocles, as it hangs precariously overhead, just waiting to drop!

But He is there protecting us through it all. His hands of grace shielding and blocking us from being penetrated by harm. The storms of life will abate-and His rainbow will break through every single time.  You’ve got to know that and believe it.

Somehow, the Lord led me to write this.  He obviously feels someone out there needs to hear this.  So, whomever this is for, please know that God loves you, and you WILL get through this phase in your life. He is with you and will never forsake you. Ever! That His promise. And His truth and Word will endure forever.

The valley you’re currently in may be deep and dark – but with His hands of love, He will pull you out, and bring you to the mountain tops, and protect you under His precious wings of joy.

Know that God doesn’t tempt us above that which we can’t handle, and He never gives us more than we can handle, and He will always– ALWAYS–show you a way out of whatever it is you’re going through (1 Corinthians 10:13).

So, remember that we have a very significant role in life. We are all different in our own way-but we are all God’s children, and we each have a purpose in this lifetime. And, although we might be stumped- or in a “holding pattern” as we wait to see what He has in store for us-remember this: “God will always have another milestone for us, no matter our age, no matter our circumstance, and He will never leave nor forsake us. His word and His promises are everlasting, so too is His love.

And, when we take our “final breath” in our flesh bodies on this earth- then immediately take our “first breath” in our spiritual bodies as we enter Heaven– God will there- and at that time- for eternity! Hallelujah! Praise His Holy name! Amen!

“Father thank You for being there to hold me up through all of the moments and milestones in my life, for offering me Your love, Your hands of grace, and for Your promises that endure forever, you are my Lord, and I am Yours, in Jesus’ name, Amen.” 

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it- Isaiah 55:11

For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands –Isaiah 55:12

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us-Hebrews 12:1

There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it –1 Corinthians 10:13

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

DEAR GOD: Keep Talking To Me-I Hear You

When God Speaks, Do We Listen? - P.I.C.C., Inc. - People In Charge of ...

The Bible is filled with captivating narratives, all depicting God’s unchanging faithfulness in upholding His promises. Let’s explore some of these comforting reassurances. I thought today I’d share some beautiful scripture and God’s Word to help those in need of encouragement in some situation they might be facing, or fighting – or for someone who needs to help a loved one who is in need of God’s love and promises at this very moment.  I know that whenever I open His Word, I hear His voice speaking to me.

D.L. Moody said – “When I pray, I talk to God. When I read the Bible, God talks to me…”  That is the truth, because I do Hear His voice speaking to me as I read. So – when reading the verses I’ve put here today – Listen to His Words – because He is speaking to you!

Promises of Salvation:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Promises of Eternal Life:

1 John 5:11: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

John 6:47: “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Promises of Peace and Comfort:

Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”

Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Promises of Guidance and Wisdom:

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Promises of God’s Presence:

Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Matthew 28:20: “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Hebrews 13:5: “…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

May these verses remind you of God’s unwavering commitment and love, and that He is still speaking to you this very moment in time – Are you listening?

“Father, thank You for talking to me through Your Word, may I adhere to Your commandments, may I ease into Your way of direction and purpose, and may I always acknowledge You in all I do and say, each day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Command- I Gladly Listen~

Seventy Commandments of Jesus - faithworks

There are many verses in the Bible that talk about the importance and benefits of listening to God’s commandments and being blessed. Here are some prime examples in the importance and relevance in listening, obeying and loving the LORD. There are always consequences to one’s behavior. Repercussions that can be devastating to our “soul and salvation” should we cross lines and alter our lifestyle to that which is polar opposite of God and His Word.  So let’s look at the following verses to see some of the components of being in His Word at all times, and why we should stay there!

These verses and others teach us that listening to God’s commandments is a sign of reverence, love, and faithfulness to God, and that it leads to blessings in this life and the next. Herewith is my conclusion that summarizes this idea.

Listening to God’s commandments is more than just hearing His words, it is opening our hearts and minds to His truth and grace. It is a way of honoring Him, loving Him, and serving Him. It is a way of aligning our lives with His purpose and plan. It is a way of receiving His blessings and sharing them with others. Listening to God’s commandments should be the main source of our joy and peace. It should be the very reason we exist; in many ways it is the ONLY reason we exist. We live and breathe because of Him. He gave us LIFE– and Eternal LIFE, when we subscribe to His commandments and His love, it is an obvious choice.

Have you listened to His commandments today? Are you following His Word and precepts and applying it to your life today? His grace and love invite you all to open His book and get acquainted with His Word. But not only is His book “open” so are His “arms.”  So the question is, “what are you waiting for?”

“Father, thank You for Your Word, may I always avail myself to You as Your humble servant, and oblige You in all I do, may I cover myself with Your precepts and apply them to my life and therefore infuse my soul with Your love, which shall sustain me all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Protecting Me~

GOD’S PROMISES OF PROTECTION, HEALING AND DELIVERANCE - HOREMOWNA.ORG

“I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” –Psalm 118:5-6 

The passage is from Psalm 118, which is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for his steadfast love and salvation. The psalmist recounts how God delivered him from his enemies and troubles, and how he trusts in God’s protection and power.

The passage begins with the psalmist calling upon the LORD in distress. This implies that he was in a situation of danger, suffering, or hardship, and that he had no other source of help or hope. He turned to God in prayer, seeking his intervention and mercy.

The passage then says that the LORD answered him and set him in a large place. This means that God responded to his prayer and rescued him from his distress. He gave him a spacious and secure place to dwell, free from the threats and pressures of his enemies. He also gave him room to grow and flourish in his relationship with God and others.

The passage continues with the psalmist declaring that the LORD is on his side, and that he will not fear. This shows that he has a strong confidence and trust in God’s presence and favor. He knows that God is his ally and defender, and that nothing can harm him as long as God is with him.

The passage ends with the psalmist asking rhetorically, what can man do unto me? This implies that he has no fear of human opposition or hostility, because he knows that God is greater and more powerful than any human force. He also knows that God has a good plan and purpose for his life, and that no one can thwart or hinder God’s will.

The passage, therefore, expresses a faithful and joyful attitude towards God, who is the source of deliverance, security, and peace. It also invites the reader to share in the same trust and praise of God, who is faithful and loving to those who call upon him.

When we are followers and faithful to the LORD, we can always count on His protection, provisions, and nearness. He is a steady and constant source of energy. We are infused with His Spirit, and thereby led, and guided on paths of righteousness.

When we study and meditate on His Word and understand His ways, we can then endeavor to be good followers and Christians in all we are and do.

Have you read His Word recently?

“Father, my LORD and Shepherd thank You for Your Presence and Your love, may I be an obedient servant today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: YOUR WORD IS BALM TO MY SOUL~

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there. But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater. So shall My word not return to Me void, But, it shall accomplish what I please, And, it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it .”
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV)

God and His promises are many, throughout the Bible, since the beginning of the earth age, and before the earth age…He is, and always was…and will always be.

His word in the beginning, in the book of Genesis, which means; “origin” or “generation” or “beginning” — God SPOKE the Word and it happened.  His Word went forth from His mouth and accomplished that which He wanted.

God defined the Word, bringing things into existence, by naming things, and giving them a purpose, finally God established and blessed that which He had made, sealing the truth of His creation, through His very Word.  Let there be light;” and there was light”- Genesis 1:3.

Nothing has changed today.  All things remain the same. God’s Word and promises and His peace still reigns and always shall.  His Word is His Word to this day, He is on the throne and still in control.  So, when we “speak His Word” it doesn’t return to Him void, He listens, and blesses those who believe, those who trust, and those who depend on Him for all of our provisions.  Amen.

In His amazing Word is TRUTH, and LOVE and PEACE, and we have access to Him anytime we wish…we walk boldly into His presence, thanks to His Son, Jesus Christ who sacrificed for us.  Through His death and resurrection, the “veil was rent/ripped” from top to bottom, allowing us full entry into the presence of the LORD (Matt 27:50-51). Amen.

Speak the Word and believe the Word and trust the Word, for it is the very voice of God and His Character.  He loves us, every single one of us, no matter what, where, how or why.  He loves us unconditionally.  Amen.

  • Speak the Word.
  • Learn the Word.
  • Love the Word.
  • Love the truth.
  • Love the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. 
  • Amen.

The closer we grow to Him the more positive our lives and existence become.  When we’re here on earth, we have things to accomplish and do.  Speak His Word, truth and promises, and follow Him without fail, and watch the impact it will have on your life here.  But, more important, the impact it will have on your “eternity.”

“Father, thank You for Your Word and for Your love, truth, peace and compassion, may we always speak the truth and absorb Your Word, and share it with others so they might see the light, and share in eternity, with those who believe, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Priceless Treasure~

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: Time After Time –You Are You~

I heard an atheist speaking during a live show conference alongside a person of deep faith. The startling contrast in their views, modes of behavior and overall ideology were the veritable antithesis of each other.

Each one spoke about their perspective and most intimate belief systems, and how each one grappled with life, circumstances, and adversity in the highest form culminating into a tragic scenario, and how each one coped in the aftermath. The one of faith eased through the difficulty time, while the atheist had trouble and spiraled into a deep depression.

While I was enthralled with the side-by-side analysis of the minds of both individuals, I found myself way after the show concluded thinking about the “one who was an atheist.”  And I tried to understand how someone can have or hold that belief when there is so many things that can cancel out that “benign” wave pattern or illogical misapprehension.

Now, hang on. I am for “free thinking” and “choice” and that is what this country represents. Freedom!  Freedom to think what they want. Believe what they want. And ascribe to what they want.  And now that being said, I started to think, for me and countless others with great faith, it is incomprehensible to ever deny God or His commandments and His Omnipotent power and control over the entire Universe.

Time after time, He’s there. He’s there is the birth of a newborn. He’s there in the midst of a storm. He’s there in the calm of morning. He’s there in mourning. He’s there in marriage. He’s there in love. He’s there, time after time after time.

  • He’s there in the Word.
  • He is the Word.
  • He’s there in His love.
  • He’s there and here and everywhere.
  • Time after time after time.

The energy they spend on trying to convince others there is no God, seems to me to be a “religion” of sorts. Their own religion of non-belief. But who made them? Oh, the big bang theory?  So, if that were the case, that kind of reproducing would still be happening today each time a person is born. You don’t ‘evolve’ into something else. Nope. It would be a consistent process of birth renewal each time IF that were true.

Nope, instead it is still the same process for bringing a child into the world. A woman conceives when her egg is fertilized by male sperm. After nine months in the woman’s womb, or sooner an infant is born. And so it goes, and so it goes. Until the end of time, such process is reproduced, the same way over and over again. And in that process, He is there, time after time after time.

I know I’ve been redundant here in this post, but I’m passionate about my God and His amazing ways. And again, although every one has a right to their own opinion or belief, or “disbelief” –there are those who still choose God over all else. And find it intensely satisfying and comforting to know that “time after time” He is there!  Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your Presence in my life, time after time, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: PRAISING YOU DAILY!!!!~

 

Psalm 107:8-9 (NLT)
 
“Let them praise the Lord for his great love
    and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
 For he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things…”                                                                                               We do not need to look for things that we might praise God for. We can always thank God for His marvelous kindness, His faithfulness, His love, His miracles of mercy, for filling our lives with all that is good.   God is awesome in all He does. He loves us in all we do. And He is with us from our first breath to our last, and then we are home for all eternity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               “Father, we give you thanks, and Glory, and honor and we thank You for who You are, what You are, and what You’ve done, and continue to do, we just want to give you PRAISE this day and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Life Here Renewed Daily By You There~

 

1 John 5:13: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

I have always known the existence of God, since a little child. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian environment, with church going parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. In fact, Sunday was a fine time to worship, meet and greet…and have others over for family dinners. It was special from sunrise to sunset. The foundation for my life was built upon the Rock, with my parents setting a fine example.

Today, as a senior citizen I look back and realize that God has ALWAYS been with me, through thick and thin. Through rough times and good times. And all the in between times.

As Christians we recognize God’s Word and surrender to His commandments and try to stay within the parameters of His Wishes. Being human, we sometimes fall short, and of course we repent and with contrite hearts we are forgiven.

We learn things from our falls, and we gain insight and wisdom because of them. I think that’s what defines humanity. Our ability to gain strength and depth with each transgression or tribulation.

I don’t know about anyone else, but being Bible savvy doesn’t mean I don’t learn something new each time I pick it up and read. There is a new thought or understanding and room for growth every time.

Living is living while here on earth, but when we are called home, that will be ETERNAL LIFE and all the rewards that come from that. I live daily because of Him living “there.”  And one day, I look forward to my future eternal home.

Until such time, I live for Him and Him alone.

“Father, God, thank You for the Word and Your guidance yesterday, today, tomorrow and all the days of my life here on earth, I embrace You and Your promises of the rewards to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Want to Serve You Even on Quiet Days ~

Google images of quiet voices clipart 2 - WikiClipArt

Psalm 46:10 -Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

In moments of quiet solitude, I seem to seek the LORD more. During the chaotic moments, which encompasses things happening in my siblings’ lives, friends’ lives and the world overall, I do seek the LORD as well.  However, it is especially during the quiet seconds that I fully envelop my being with His Being; and become overlapped in His Presence in a way I normally wouldn’t in chaos.

Now, this may be true for all those of faith. Or not.  But I do know we all have different ways of reaching out to Him. And of course, different ways of honoring Him while persistently glorifying Him.  Consequently, the end result is more or less, “we love the LORD” and are following Him the best we can. Doing all we can to assure our inherent rights as a child of God and a child of light.

There are times where I will just sit and don’t move, due to physical pain or emotional issues I’ve encountered. I wonder if others feel the same way when sitting. Do they hear the verse, from Psalm 40:6?  Do they feel the subtle nudging of the Holy Spirit pulling guiding them? Do they hear His booming voice in the quietest fashion? His whisper is deafening in terms of realization and comprehension.

Through the course of the day, every second, minute, hour and moment that has gone by, doesn’t go unnoticed by God. For it is He alone that hears my thoughts, and I subsist on His love and His grace. He alone is the tower of strength, that unfolds in my weakest hour. He alone is the ladder I climb, when I’m on the last rung.  He is the mountain I scale when I am crawling in a valley. And He alone is the One that carries me through all of my darkest times, all the while shining His light unto the path in front of me.  Psalm 119:105 – “His Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

It is unfathomable to think that right this moment, there are those who don’t know the immense joy and pleasure of His love. There are those who don’t hear or read the sweet Words in His book. There are those who are enshrouded by a cover of darkness, not realizing there is a brilliant light waiting to shine, if they’d only accept Him.

To deny Christ, is to deny breath. To deny Christ, is to deny life. To deny Christ, is to deny eternity. And to deny Christ is to deny a path of assurance in His promises and His gift of salvation.

For those of you wondering who our LORD is. Open His book and read all about Him!  I guarantee you that an enrichment, coupled with jubilation and peace will burst forth, when you accept Him as LORD and Savior.

The Spirit of Christ will dwell in you, and your existence will become a life worth living, irrespective of your financial situation, health, emotional upheavals, or broken hearts.  He is the healer of all things. The One who is capable of binding you up, healing you while offering His unconditional and unsurpassable love.

Living Water will be with you, and you shall never thirst again.  It will flow from you the waters of life. ( John 7:38)

Do you want a life that is filled by His Peace and Presence? Do you long for love that will never let you down? Seek Him while He can be found. Then sit down with Him and pour out your heart, He listens and understands, everything!  And He will love you no matter what. Now, I ask you this— isn’t that the kind of relationship we all want? Amen!

“Father God, thank You for the moments in my life, thank You for holding me in the good times and bad, and thanks for loving me no matter what, I am Yours and Yours alone, and I surrender to You in all I do, may I follow You will and plan for my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”