DEAR GOD: Thank You For Handling The Evil In The World~

God's protection -Franz Hasel and Nicholai Panchuk (Part 2 of 2) - YouTube

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:1-4 (ESV)

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm that teaches us how to trust in God and live righteously in a world where the wicked seem to prosper and flourish without repercussions. Suffice to say, the LORD has eyes and ears over all in the Universe, and He knows what and who is accountable for evildoings, and He will hold them to judgement eventually.

The main theme of the psalm is to not fret or be envious of the evildoers, but to delight in the Lord and commit our ways to Him. The psalmist assures us that God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked in His time and His way. And everything is in His control. No matter how “out of control” the world seems to be at any given time. The LORD is watching and weighing in on all circumstances and reprehensible acts of violence, iniquities, debauchery, evil lusts and deeds, and all else that are an abominable in His righteous eyes and ways.

Some verses to bring encouragement to those who are in despair at this moment will follow. May they enlighten you, fill you with hope and build your confidence in the LORD, knowing He goes before us, and the battle is the LORDS. Amen.

Here is a breakdown of some of the verses in Psalm 37.

  • Verse 1: Do not fret because of evildoers, Do not be envious of wrongdoers. This verse tells us to avoid anxiety and jealousy when we see the wicked prospering. Fretting and envying only leads to anger, bitterness, and sin. Instead, we should focus on God and His promises.
  • Verse 4: Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. This verse tells us to find our joy and satisfaction in God, not in the things of the world. When we delight in God, He will align our desires with His will and grant them according to His wisdom and love.
  • Verse 5: Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. This verse tells us to surrender our plans and actions to God, and to rely on Him to accomplish His purposes. When we commit our way to God, He will guide our steps and bless our endeavors.
  • Verse 7: Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. This verse tells us to be still and trust in God’s sovereignty and justice. We should not worry or be impatient when we see the wicked succeeding, because God will eventually bring them to account.
  • Verse 23: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. This verse tells us that God ordains and directs the path of the righteous, and He takes pleasure in their obedience. God is not indifferent or distant from His people, but He is intimately involved and interested in their lives.
  • Verse 39: But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble. This verse tells us that God is the source and protector of the righteous. He delivers them from their enemies and supports them in their difficulties. God is faithful and powerful to save those who trust in Him.

Some other scriptures that relate to the message of Psalm 37 that are there for our eyes and for us to grow strong in the fact of God’s Omnipotence are the following:

  • Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
  • Matthew 6:33: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
  • Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.Hebrews 10:36-37: For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.
  • 1 Peter 5:6-7: Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Do these verses bring immediate comfort to your souls? Are you trusting God in the way He wants you to? Do you love Him fully? What are some of the ways these verses help you and your loved ones in troubled times?

“Father, I am filled with confidence knowing You are over me in all I do, I am humbly and securely filled with peace and assurance that You alone are the One in complete control. Not me, or anyone else, but You, may I submit to Your hands of mercy, and may I be guided by Your voice alone, may I always realize that no matter how the evil seem to be getting ahead, that You have the victory, and we are victorious in You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Harsh Words?

 

You have always put a wall of protection around him…take away ...

 

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord – Isaiah 54:17 (KJV).

When a friend or loved one tosses harsh words your way it could send a piercing dart through your heart. It might also “anger” you, or stupefy you totally into oblivion, leaving you confused and wondering how someone who supposedly cares for you might say such words!

It can bring an array of emotions that cascade through your being. Although the enemy may be whispering to you, “react, and answer and get angry” – don’t!  Stop and ask for peace of Christ, ask the Spirit to guide you and hold you up. And take comfort in the words of the LORD.  His promises to protect you from those who mean you harm or spill vitriolic sewage your way cannot penetrate their caustic words into your soul.

Isaiah 41:10 -“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

These words are not just mere words as mortals usually espouse. No, in fact this is directly from His mouth to His children. He promises to uphold us in all matters pertaining to our protection and our lives.

Psalm 27:1 -“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”

The light of my salvation— whom shall I fear? No one! Is the answer each and every time. I will state that emphatically and without recourse.  Words are just that- words. When words from mortals spew harsh and cruel, remember they’re not from our Father above, and it shouldn’t penetrate our souls. In fact, those who use “verbal attacks” usually aren’t standing in the light. It can come from the “opposite” side of Christ. So, take that into consideration as well.

Psalm 138:7 -“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”

This verse in particular helped me this very morning as I am facing a situation that came out of left field. I have no clue about where or why this circumstance surfaced in the first place. However, I run to the Bible and the LORD for His protection and His light to overcome the darkness and to replenish my soul with His love. That’s all I need.

Ephesians 6:11-12 -“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I never leave home with my armor of protection. I never get nervous about anything because I am fully clothed in His Gospel. It requires a great deal of faith, dedication and trust in the LORD at all times in order to “glide” over the bumpy, rocky road of trials and tribulations. Which includes but not limited to harsh words, harsh actions, and the evil in the world overall.

In times of trouble, we can find refuge in God’s protection. This is what we should think of when we hear harsh words.  These verses remind us of His provision and care for us:

  • Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.”
  • Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”Psalm 71:3 “Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.”
  • Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”

Has someone or something thrown you a curve today in terms of harshness or seemingly out of nowhere? Is there something troubling you right this moment that has you upset, nervous, angry or sad? Take comfort in His promises and His Word, and in His love, it will reinforce your heart, mind body and soul.

“Father, thank You for Your Words and promises, I answer to You alone, and find refuge in Your love and light, may I always refer to Your Word in all things, and recognize that You are there holding me up through all things, and all circumstances, you are guiding me fully at all times, and my provisions and soul are fulfilled by Your love, Word and promises, in Christ’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Show Me Your Paths~

Path Wallpapers High Quality | Download Free

Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.

Psalm 25:4 (KJV)

When you view a path whether in a picture or in person what do you think or? For me the verse from Psalm 25:4 jumps to mind immediately. And then I visualize how many times the LORD has literally stopped me from turning down a path during my childhood and into my adulthood. So many times, I felt the “pull” that gently guided me in another direction, and that gentle little “gnawing” inside my spirit was God telling me, “Nope! Don’t go there! Turn down that way.” And I knew it was God’s Presence alerting me to do the opposite of what I was going to do.

I’m referring to things like, buying our first home, or going on a highway to take another road, or not attending a function, etc. Things of that nature. That is to what I am referring, little things that could have turned out to be big disasters.

Our first home, had we gone with our original choice would have been a huge mistake! It turns out that house had all kinds of issues, “hidden” issues that cropped up that cost the new owner an additional $25,000 to fix!  So saved there! Thank You my LORD!

Another time we were on a highway and driving at the normal speed limit, and felt the car “literally” come to a full stop and slide over to the shoulder of the road!  It turns out had we continued on that road we would have been involved with a six car accident!  That was divine intervention!  Praise God and His hands of grace.

And there was the time we were supposed to attend a function, and at that last minute my husband developed “diarrhea” and we had to turn around and go back home. Well, at that very same function we were supposed to be in attendance for, the roof of the building collapsed!  Several people were critically injured.  So, once again – Thank You my LORD and God!

We are blessed to have a God who is so caring and loves us with the intensity of no other. When we are in tune with His Spirit and pay attention to the “gentle nudging” and guidance of the LORD we can’t ever go wrong!

The next time you see a path whether in a picture like the one above this article, or in person – think of the verse above. And give thanks to the One and Only Being that loves you, cares for you, protects you, and guides you every step of the way, all the days of your life, and eventually in eternity!

May the LORD continue to guide all your paths, today and always —

“Father, thank You for guiding my paths, and for showing me the way, I am Yours today and always, 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: How Do I Stay Focused In A World Of Evil?

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: THANK YOU FOR PSALM 91 & MORE~

Open Heaven for Today 22 December 2019 – Divine Protection

I’d just like to put the entire Psalm 91 on the site today as a reminder for all of us in just how spectacularly special and amazing our LORD is! It is the quintessential character of who He is, with His provisions, actions, and promises. It reinforces His Omnipotence and His unsurpassable love for all of His children. We are His children and we’ve been redeemed by His blood and His love, and it is not retractable but reinforced by who He is and what He does each day of our life here on earth. And it will continue to be throughout eternity.

So here is Psalm 91 in its entirety, and I’ve chosen King James Version, should any of you prefer another version, please go to it.  I only suggest as you read this beautiful comforting Psalm, you take in the enormous scope of what it truly represents. And know and trust and believe in His Word as you proclaim His great glory and magnificence.

Have a Blessed day in the LORD, Amen.

 

Psalm 91 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

“Father, we thank You for Your providence over our lives, and for Your promises and Presence in our lives, we are under Your wings and safe within the confines of Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Rose Of Sharon~

 

Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and When to Prune | HGTV

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;

 

It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice; Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.

Isaiah 35:1-2 (NKJV)

 

The Rose of Sharon has been associated through the generations with the Glory of God. It is a sort of representation of His amazing Omnipotence and divinity. And of course, with His love which is unparalleled, and His grace that brings us through adversity and trials with ease.

It represents a blossom of reality that God’s light shines through even in the darkest of moments or circumstances.

You will recall in the Old Testament, flower references like roses and lilies, when speaking to God’s providence and provisions, is as He cares for His people. Isaiah 35:1-3 solidifies and is an affirmation that “the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” What does this verse then mean? It is an ultimate testimony of God”s ability to bring us hope even in the most desolate of places.

The Rose of Sharon should still hold deep meaning for those of faith to this very day, and it should prompt us to realize that it is a constant reminder of God’s love, the beauty of His creation, and the everlasting trust and hope in our LORD, Jesus Christ.

It would serve us well to remember this when we are facing challenges in life, knowing that Christ through our faith can and will bloom like a radiant flower in a barren land. Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your reminders of Your love, and Your grace in the beauty of the Rose, and all creation, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”