love of Christ

DEAR GOD: YES-I TRUST YOU!

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Proverbs 3:5-6 #17 'Trust in the Lord with all your Heart' Bible Verse

Trusting in God is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to rely on God’s promises, power, and love. Herewith are just some of the verses that I find inspiring, along with my own comments.

Proverbs 3:5-61: “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.”

This verse reminds me that God knows better than I do what is best for me. He has a plan for my life, and I can trust Him to guide me in the right direction. He knows what I need and how much I can stand in any given situation. So, He will lead me on the correct path each and every time. TRUST HIM!

Romans 8:281: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

This verse assures me that God is in control of everything that happens in my life. He can use even the most difficult situations for my good and His glory. He has a purpose for me, and I can trust Him to fulfill it. He is always on a level that far exceeds our understanding with unimpeded vision. TRUST HIM!

1 Peter 5:72: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

This verse invites me to release all my worries and fears to God. He cares about me and my problems. He is able to handle them and help me through them. There isn’t anything He can’t do or will do for me. He loves me with a love that is all consuming and powerful. He wants me to trust Him with all my concerns. TRUST HIM!

Philippians 4:6-72: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse teaches me how to trust God in every single possible situation and beyond. I can pray to Him and tell Him what I need. I can also thank Him for what He has done and what He will do. He will give me His peace, which is beyond my what my mortal brain can completely absorb or comprehend. He will protect my heart and mind from doubt and fear. TRUST HIM!

Psalm 18:21: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

This verse describes God as my ultimate source of security and strength. He is my Rock, which means He is stable and reliable. He is my Fortress, which means He is my protection and Defense. He is my Deliverer, which means He is my Rescuer and Liberator. He is my Refuge, Shield, Horn, and Stronghold, which means He is my Shelter, Support, Power, and Safety. I can trust Him in any situation, because He is always there for me. TRUST HIM!

When you read the Bible are you fully engaged with the LORD? Do you feel His love and trust Him fully, and surrender yourself to Him, openly and completely?

I hope these verses and comments help you to trust God more and more. He is faithful and trustworthy, and He loves you very much.

“Father, I trust You with all of my heart and soul and mind and strength, I am Yours now and always, and I fully trust You in all I do, and know that You are my Rock and Protector and My Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Shine Your Light~

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Isaiah 60:1 KJV- Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

 

LORD, shine Your light from high above in the world that seems to be under darkness as of late. Help those in anguish, and those in ill health, help those trapped in situations that seem hopeless, help those who are experiencing loss of a loved one, or those who are trapped in a bad marriage, or those who are tempted to ignore God’s Word and commandments, help those who haven’t yet come to You, or those who have turned their backs on You, help these individuals, help those who are addicted by something in their lives that are keeping them from experiencing life through You and Your Word, help those who go against Your Word, and help the World that is in such disarray my LORD, only YOU can change things with a wave of Your hand, or by Your Word, all those reading this right now, may their prayers be heard, and if it is Your will, may it be done, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

I felt it in my heart, God laid it upon me to write that prayer, someone out there is in need of prayers this very moment, so turn to the One who can help You, never give up, or lose faith, cause God’s timing and Will is perfect. Hang in there, hold on, and know that He hears You, and is there with You.

God is like oxygen. You can’t see it, but we NEED IT TO BREATHE. So, breathe!  Take in the LORD, follow Him and His Word, and know that He will never leave or forsake You.

Accept Him as LORD and Savior. Jesus said, “no one goes to the Father, but through Me”(John 14:6) — He also says, “Whatever you ask in my name to the Father, it shall be done” (John 14:13) Those two verses meditate upon them, realize the depth of what that means, and accept Him as LORD.

  • Jesus is LORD, and LORD above all.
  • Praise His name, Amen!

“Father, may I do all I can to please You, may I always walk in obedience to You, may I turn from all temptations, and may I share You Word and be Your servant all the days of my life, and I pray for all those reading this message, I pray for all issues to be resolved in their lives, and that they are obedient to You and Your Son, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

John 8:12 KJV- Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 

Ephesians 5:8- KJV For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

 

John 3:16 KJV -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.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Comfort & Word~

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Isaiah 40:1 (ESV)
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”

One thing we all need at times is comfort. We all need comfort at one time or another. We can expect comfort from the LORD in His Word and in His promises. That is a considerable amount of comfort to all those who follow Him.

We can have intense sadness at any given point in our lives, in many ways. Death, financial ruins, sickness, loss of family, friends due to misunderstandings, etc.  Then there is the elderly that seems to be a population that gets lost in the crevices of life. As those who are aging, they sense the loss of “youth” as it slips by in a subtle manner, yet reality adds up and we start to realize our limitations. We have to recognize that certain aspects of our functioning start waning.

But we adapt to our circumstances and go according to what we can accept for what our body and condition allows us at each passing point in time. We need to realize that time cannot work in “reverse” nor can the “aging process.” Those who are aging are aging no doubt about it. But we of faith have something “new” each day…the promises and His Word that brings life to our spirit and soul. The spirit remains young, and it is that spirit we need to hold onto as we navigate the world from whatever our age is.

All human life is temporary. All flesh is grass and flowers of the field. The grass will wither and the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). 

Again, successfully aging is fully accepting limitations, not giving up on life and doing what we can to keep our spiritual connection with the LORD and His Word. Following Him in obedience and compliance. And honoring Him all the days of our lives.

God comforts us through the good news of His Gospel and His saving Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ.  And that is this is the best kind of comfort that we could every received. His grace and His love are boundless and a veritable treasure that goes beyond anything we sustain or obtain here on earth. Amen!

Psalms 119:76: (KJV)
“Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.”

“LORD, may I always find comfort in Your Word, in Your love and in Your grace that sustain and maintains me all the days of my life, and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Help Me Help Those Who Are Broken~

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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?

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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~

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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: Your Words Of Comfort Are As Balm~

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But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Jude 1:17-20

As time marches on today in a world of darkness with evil demonic behavior being exhibited and increasing exponentially, it would do us well to concentrate on the Holy Word.

In Jude we are being earnestly forewarned of what will happen in the ‘end times’ and a vision of how and what will be transpiring. We are already witnessing ‘ungodly’ behavior on every level possible. We are seeing people ‘loving themselves’ and openly indulging in selfish acts of gratification. We are seeing a dismantling of common beliefs held for years unraveling before our very eyes. And families are being divided.

We are advised to then pray in the Spirit and uphold our beliefs and our inherent values that are earmarked by our faith, and behave accordingly. To stand on the Rock and the foundation of truth. To walk in the light and shun and rebuke all darkness and evil in Jesus’ name. We are to look to the mountains, from whence our help comes. And we are to stand in unity against aberrant behavior and applying the Word to all we do and say.

In this sense we are assured the viable and loving promises of the Word, and the protection of our Rock, and Holy One.

Hold on to your values and never lose sight that Christ is victorious, and He defeated death, gave us life, light and salvation to those of us who freely accept it.

I’ve read the end of the Bible, have you?

Christ wins!

Hallelujah!

He always does.

Amen!

“Father, may I continue to seek Your face and Word daily, in all I do and say, and may I walk in Your light, turn from the darkness, and applaud and praise You today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Snapping People?

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How To Stop Gossiping About People: 7 No Nonsense Tips!

Ephesians 4:29“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

I saw a snapping turtle on the road while driving through the woods. My husband and I smiled at the huge fellow!  This ancient reptile turned to look at us and snapped in the air, as if to say, “get moving there if you know what’s good for you all.”  Well, needless to say we respect nature and wildlife, and we were on our way in seconds. “Snap.”  It reminded me of some individuals I’ve encountered in my lifetime.

You may know some of these mortals yourselves. The type that loves to “snip” and “snap” about others. Or are apt to “snap “at someone with a veracity that can only be described as “vicious.” Just downright mean! Mindless cruel gossiping is how I’d describe it.

As children of God…How do we handle these situations? How do we handle mortals with such an immoral standard of ethics? What do we do? What does God want us to do?

Well, God wants us to gently guide and admonish in a way that is constructive, without being critically impertinent. We are to be humble about it. Think fairly and go to the Word for advice, and where you will always find “sage wisdom” and full written out instructions.

Humility –Along with humility correct Biblical knowledge must ensue. We need to admonish others based solely on God’s Word. Encourage one another based on God’s Word. If something is said without Biblical truths, it will be worthless. An exercise in fertility.  Because when we know the Word, if someone tries to say or do something that is not aligned with His Word, standards, or truths; we will automatically know it’s “wrong.”

2 Tim 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…

Patience- is an important virtue of the Spirit. We need to instruct others with respect and a manner of peace. No fighting, nor divisions. It is impossible to teach while convincing anyone of mistakes. They won’t know any better and thing that the dialogue they’re using, and the “snapping” they’re doing in natural in their minds eye.

Also do be mindful and overly cautious about not having an “ego” and using it in a way that is bragging about “how much you know” and “how little” they know!

Approach in meekness and endurance of a Christian on a mission. Not an ego stating loudly, “I’m better than you!”

Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

It bears mentioned here that we shouldn’t force anyone to “believe” or to do as “we say.”  It is not about us. It’s about God and His mission, His reasons for using us as His servants. We can only gently guide through the Spirit and pave the way. It’s not our job to mold the individual, that is up to God. He is the potter; we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)

Respecting others and having an appropriate demeanor when addressing an issue, especially a nasty tongue or a gossiping intruder that speaks of controversial subjects.  It is important to come from an area of repose and respect and honor in the LORD’s name. But if after a time the individual is not responsive, then it’s wise to take leave and move on.

Titus 3:9- But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (10) Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (11) You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Based on all this. We understand that a good friend, or Christian admonishes and helps to adjust Christ’s body. We hope to lead them to understand that if they only would align themselves with the Word and God’s will, life could be very different.  This can only be done with love, humility peace, meekness, and a vast amount of Biblical wisdom.

Proverbs 15:31-33- Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (32) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. (33) Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Whatever we do we must adhere to a manner in which we assume Christ’s position and commandments. We are human and of course we will all fall short, no one is perfect. Only ONE is perfect, and that is our Heavenly Father who is pure and Holy.

 Matthew 5:48-Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We can try our best, help to shine His light where we can. And apply corrective measures in a way that can at times, be uncomfortable, but when it is done in the spirit and in a manner of Biblical standards, it will be easier to uphold.

Father, God – I thank You for Your Word, Your truth, and Your guidance, may I follow all that You purpose for my life, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.