Commandments

DEAR GOD: How Can Your Children Work Through Troubles?~

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Psalms 34:17-18 – The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

There are times when we as faithful followers will face issues that are difficult and troublesome. This is when our Christianity should “kick into high gear” even more. This is when we surrender more so to the LORD and know that He is in full control of our circumstances and situations.

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord never said that we would NEVER face adversity in all forms, but He does promise that we will have “peace” through Him. Christ came to give us many things, and His peace is one we can embrace and feel secure about. And knowing He told us, “…Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” is a verse we should embrace in our hearts on a daily basis.

Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

No matter what issues, troubles, circumstances we are facing it is nothing compared to what will emerge from within us when we go to our eternal home. It will be beyond what our human minds can comprehend at this particular moment in time. However, it is a promise that will be fulfilled in the future. That in itself is a verse that should resonate within us all. And while we’re going through our tribulations, God is with us and will never leave us. (Matthew 28:20)

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

There truly isn’t anything we can’t do with Christ. His Presence provides the guidance and sustenance to lift us and spur us on to do what needs to do. His Spirit, along with His promises to strengthen us will give us the endurance to see it all through. No mountain is too high for the LORD, no ocean is too wide for the LORD. In essence and therefore “the same is true for us” when we have Christ in us.

Matthew 19:26 – But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

When anyone tells you “No” in terms of anything…be it a goal, whether it be financial, physical, a disease, a destination…remember it is God who has the last Word. And it is HIM and HIM alone that will provide and override and veto anything “mortals” has to say!

Rejoice and know God is with us. God loves us. And God wants us to thrive while we are here on earth, and then into Eternity. Each adversity we undergo is in fact another reason to “rejoice” because of His promises to help us, lead us, guide us, and never leave us.

Remember and never forget–“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”-     Psalm 46:1

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“Father, my LORD, thank You for Your strength, and giving me the endurance to undergo and oversee all matters of adversity and tribulations in and around my life, may I always embrace Your promises, and Your Spirit in all I do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Gift Connecting Souls Across the Oceans Is Appreciated~

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Being A Friend Of God | Free Life Church | Listen To Our Sermon Now

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel.”

Proverbs 27:9:

 

The soundest advice comes from His Word- therefore, friends who remind us of helpful Scriptures are wise counselors. They keep us on the right path, they rejoice in the LORD and give Him glory and refer to Him during times of tribulation, and in times of joy.

 

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)  

A friend is there to sit and talk, or to listen. They are sent to us as a genuine gift from God. Friends are important parts of our lives, and segments of our connection to God Himself. We are all His children, therefore…we are all one body in Christ.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

A true friend doesn’t even have to be in the same vicinity geographically.  I’ve some pretty close friends that I rely on, and trust implicitly who are in different States in the USA. And, I have four good friends who are across the globe, across the continents and oceans away!  Yet, I am close to them, spiritually, emotionally, and consider them my brothers and sisters.

 

Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25, NLT)

Ostensibly, a bad-tempered foul-mouthed individual is not one I’d encourage to be a friend, in the sense of the word. We are to be courteous, and not hinder hate or hostility towards another individual. However, it could be detrimental to us in terms of festering in that kind of negativity, which can promote a stronghold of anti-Christian behavior overall.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

We all need checks and balances in life. And friends help each other and remind each other about the goodness of God. Pointing out His promises, helping to forge forward in support and inspiring us to keep on the up and up. And Vice-Versa.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:9, NLT)

True altruistic love for a friend is sweeter than honey and more valuable than gems. It is the standard on which Jesus’ speaks about concerning love. Godly counsel from a friend is a veritable treasure in which there are no words.

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 27:5-6, NLT)

At the same time truth can be painfully unmoving. It can be tough to deal with, but better to come from a friend than an enemy. We owe it to ourselves as children of Christ to offer only truth, and love when dealing with friends and loved ones.

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. (1 Samuel 18:1-3, NLT) 

We are ultimately drawn to a person of integrity, compassion, and love for Christ. We know them by their fruits, as Jesus said to His followers. We instinctually want to be around this type of individual. As David and Jonathan’s deep bond of love and friendship illustrates. They depended on each other and loved each other deeply. So too, are our friends of today.

This is why I am so blessed to have friends close by, and across the oceans and continents. We are all connected by the Blood of Christ. We are all bonded in His love, and all have been redeemed by His sacrifice for us. We share the same love of God, the same values, and follow the same commandments. Some more openly than others. Some more inwardly. But both loving God and each other.

Are you grateful for your friends? Have you thanked God for them lately?

 

“Father, thank You for the friends You’ve sent into my life, so many have come through the years, some for a season, some longer, some have been called home to You, I thank You for the gift of friendship, those of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and in the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name,  Amen.”

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do not be boastful or exalt yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

Amen!

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

DEAR GOD: Apple of Your Eye~

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

For thus saith the LORD of hosts;

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

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

 Zechariah 2:8 KJV

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

Psalm 42:2 KJV