Christ’s love

DEAR GOD: Your Love Transforms & Offers Salvation~

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PPT - Wonderful Love of Jesus PowerPoint Presentation - ID:2447255

 

 LOVE of CHRIST

The verse from 1 John 4:16, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him,” is a profound declaration of the nature of God and the relationship between God and believers.

This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian faith, emphasizing the centrality of love in the life of a believer.

Understanding God’s Love

The first part of the verse speaks to the experiential and intellectual acknowledgment of God’s love. This love is not just a concept but a reality that believers have experienced and come to trust.

The Bible is replete with examples of God’s love, from the creation of the world to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 states, “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.” This verse underscores the magnitude of God’s love, which is both sacrificial and redemptive.

God is Love

The declaration “God is love” is one of the most profound theological statements in the Bible. It means that love is not just an attribute of God but the very essence of His being. Everything God does is motivated by love.

This is further supported by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which describes the characteristics of love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” These attributes reflect the nature of God Himself.

Dwelling in Love

The latter part of the verse, “he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him,” speaks to the intimate relationship between God and the believer. To dwell in love means to live a life characterized by love. This is not merely an emotional feeling but a deliberate choice to act in love towards others.

Jesus emphasized this in John 13:34-35, where He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  This love is the hallmark of a true disciple of Christ.

Moral Takeaways

  1. Love as a Reflection of God: Our love for others is a reflection of God’s love in us. When we love others, we are manifesting God’s presence in our lives.
  2. Love as a Commandment: Loving others is not optional for believers; it is a commandment from Jesus Himself.
  3. Love as a Witness: Our love for others serves as a testimony to the world of our relationship with God.

Reflective Personal Questions

  1. How have I experienced God’s love in my life?
  2. In what ways can I better reflect God’s love to those around me?
  3. Are there areas in my life where I struggle to show love? How can I address these challenges?

Christianity Today

In today’s world, the message of love is more relevant than ever. With so much division, hatred, and strife, the call to love one another stands as a beacon of hope. Christians are called to be ambassadors of God’s love, showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in a world that desperately needs it. The church must lead by example, demonstrating love in action through service, advocacy, and community building.

Personal Prayer

“LORD thank You for Your boundless love that You have lavished upon us. Help us to truly know and believe in this love, and to reflect it in our daily lives. Teach us to dwell in love, so that we may dwell in You and You in us. Give us the strength to love others as You have loved us, and to be a light in this world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7

May this verse guide you throughout the day, reminding you of the profound love that God has for you and the call to share that love with others.

God Bless~

Love Like Jesus - Christ's Commission Fellowship

 

DEAR GOD: Losing Myself & Finding You In All I Do~

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“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” –Matthew 16:25

This verse from Matthew 16:25 -encapsulates a powerful paradox—one that challenges our understanding of life, sacrifice, and purpose. Let’s delve into its layers of meaning and see if we can embrace the true purpose and overall reason for Christ’s Powerful Word!

1. The Paradox of Self-Preservation and Self-Sacrifice

At first glance, it seems counterintuitive: saving one’s life leads to loss, while losing it for Christ’s sake results in finding it. But this paradox invites us to consider deeper truths. It’s a way of following Christ. It is an inherent part of who we are as Christians, and what we are called to do in this lifetime, according to His will and purpose for us. “Losing our life” means to leave behind our former self – and to experience a “new spiritual birth” and to become one with Christ! In other words, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” as it so eloquently states in John 3:30.  Meaning “loss of our former selves” to decrease and the LORD increases in us.

Moral Reflections:

  • How do we balance self-preservation with selflessness?
  • Are there moments when we cling to safety at the expense of greater purpose?
  • Do we do things out of an obligatory reasoning?
  • Or do we do things with our heart while honoring the LORD always?

2. The Call to Radical Discipleship

Jesus often called His followers to radical commitment. He didn’t promise an easy path; instead, He invited them to lay down their lives for His cause. He tells us that we are to emulate Him in the best way we can. Given that we are mortals and nothing more – we will experience difficult paths and moments in our lives. When we do – we know that we have a “higher authority” and Divine LORD who guides us through each moments in our lives.

Ethical Consideration:

  • What does it mean to be a disciple today?
  • How can we live out this radical commitment in our daily choices?

3. Christianity Today: A Journey of Surrender

In our contemporary context, the paradox remains relevant. Christianity isn’t about mere survival; it’s about surrendering to God’s will. It’s about giving yourself fully and openly accepting Him as LORD and Savior over your life.

It is an acknowledgment of acquiescing to Him and His Word-and His voice- and His commandments- and His doctrine – every single day of our lives, here and now and to come – for all eternity!

Christian Reflection:

  • How can we embrace surrender without fear?
  • What areas of our lives need a deeper surrender to Christ?

4.   Meditative Takeaways

  •  When have you experienced the tension between self-preservation and self-sacrifice?
  •   What does losing your life for Christ’s sake look like in practical terms?
  •   Seek moments of surrender—whether in small acts of kindness or significant life choices. Trust that in losing, you’ll find true life, with Christ as the sole purpose of such life.

We as brothers and sisters are one, bound by faith and love. In this moment, we set aside our differences, our worries, and our burdens. We stand together, recognizing that we are part of a greater whole. The LORD unites us with a commonality which is to say, “His Spirit” and “His blood” which washed us clean. Let’s navigate the world together as Christ intended His followers to do. Let’s ask the LORD for His Presence in all things we endeavor to take on.

LORD we ask that You help us in our daily walks in life, especially the following:

  • May we be united in compassion, that we may see the pain of others as our own.
  • In forgiveness, that we may release grudges and embrace reconciliation. In hope, that we may find strength even in adversity.
  • In love, that we may extend grace to those around us.
  • May our hearts beat in rhythm with Yours, O God.
  • May our prayers rise like incense, weaving a tapestry of unity across time and space.
  • We pray for our world: for healing, for peace, for justice.
  • May Your light pierce the darkness, and may our actions reflect Your love.

Unity Prayer

 “Lord, help us navigate this paradox. May we willingly lose our lives for Your sake, knowing that true fulfillment lies in surrendering to Your purpose. That we lose our former selves and commit to the new Creature we became through your blood that washed us clean, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

May these reflections deepen your faith and heartfelt journey…

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DEAR GOD: Trusting In The Stillness~

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Waiting on God - YouTube~God’s Perfect Timing~ 

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10).

This powerful command invites us to pause, reflect, and acknowledge God’s Sovereignty over our lives. In a world that prizes speed and efficiency, waiting on God’s timing is always a profound act of faith. It requires us to relinquish control and trust in His will and His plans, even when it unfolds at a pace that challenges our human patience.

The Divine Schedule

The Bible is replete with verses that affirm God’s perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1- “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This verse reassures us that our lives are not a series of random events. Instead, they are perfectly planned and ordered by our Father above- and interwoven into our paths and life overall- where every thread has its appointed time to shine.

Similarly, Isaiah 40:31 encourages those who wait on the Lord to renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. Waiting is not a passive state but an active engagement with faith, where we draw closer to God and gain new perspectives.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can embracing stillness enhance your relationship with God?
  • In what ways have you experienced the benefits of God’s timing in your life?

The Assurance of God’s Faithfulness

God’s promises are unwavering, and His faithfulness is timeless.  2 Peter 3:8 – “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Our perception of time pales in comparison to God’s eternal viewpoint. He orchestrates events with precision, ensuring that His promises come to fruition at the perfect moment.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does understanding God’s view of time change your approach to waiting?
  • Can you recall a time when God’s timing differed from yours, yet the outcome was better than expected?

The Call to Action

While waiting on God, we are not called to mindless idleness. Galatians 6:9 exhorts us to not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Our waiting period is an opportunity to serve, grow, and prepare for the blessings that lie ahead. It is a time to embrace the LORD and His will and His love for us, knowing His plans for us to prosper are all part of the Divine outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11).

Reflection Questions:

  • What actions can you take during your waiting period to align with God’s will?
  • How can you encourage others who are struggling with waiting on God’s timing?

 

“My Father, in the stillness of Your presence, I seek understanding and patience. Teach me and Your children to trust in Your timing, for it is flawless and just. Help me and Your children to embrace the seasons of waiting as periods of growth and deepening faith. May I and all of Your children find strength in Your promises and joy in the journey towards Your plans for all of us,  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

I invite you all to consider the beauty and wisdom in God’s timing, encouraging us to wait with faith and hope. May it inspire reflection and a deeper trust in the One who holds time in His hands, especially this day before “His resurrection and victory over death” Amen.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Protection~

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Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit ...Christ’s Protection of His Children

In the Christian faith, the protection of Christ over His children is a fundamental belief that offers comfort and assurance to believers. The Bible is replete with passages that affirm this divine safeguarding, portraying Christ as a shepherd who watches over His flock with unwavering vigilance and care. He is the constant source of comfort and His promises and love cover us all with an assurance that brings an inner peace.

When we aspire to do all according to His will and purpose in our lives, we are able to navigate life and the highways of both good and bad, all the days we are here on earth.

We are able to find the wisdom in cirucmstances that we ordinarily wouldn’t find if we didn’t have Christ as our foundation.

When we follow Him, and all that entails – such as being in the Word daily, praying, meditating on His Word, reflecting on His will, and displaying a Christian countenance from within allowing His Spirit to shine, we are assured safe passage in our lives here, and into the eternity!

The Nature of Christ’s Protection

Christ’s protection is not merely a physical safeguard but encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological dimensions. It is a holistic shield that guards the soul from the perils of sin and the despair of life’s tribulations. This protection is vividly illustrated in Psalm 23, where David acknowledges the Lord as his shepherd, leading him beside still waters and restoring his soul, even as he walks through the valley of the shadow of death. This is such a comforting Psalm.

Most people associate Psalm 23 with death, when in fact it is an affirmation of LIFE and the promises of Christ and His love for His children!

The Assurance of Safety

Believers find solace in the promise that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). This assurance is not a guarantee against hardship but a testament to the enduring presence of Christ in the midst of life’s storms. It is the conviction that, come what may, Christ’s love remains a bulwark against the forces that seek to harm His children.

That Christ is with us at the helm of the ship in the battered storms at sea. That He is with us through the fires of tribulations and battles in life. That He will guide us and bring us through it all without fail!

Reflection Questions:

  1. How have you experienced Christ’s protection in your own life?
  2. In what ways can we become more aware of Christ’s presence during difficult times?
  3. What role does faith play in feeling protected by Christ?

 “Heavenly Father, we thank You for the protection that Your Son, Christ, extends over us. May we always feel the comfort of His watchful eye and the strength of His loving arms. Help us to trust in His guidance and to rest in the assurance of His care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Show Us Our Purpose & Love~

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Christ's Amazing Love (Rewards Me) - YouTube

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful- Colossians 3:15 

As children of God, we are to reflect His light to those in darkness, and in so doing, we’re called to a higher purpose in fulfilling His commandments. By living as an example to those who might otherwise be “lost,” we’re walking the path in which we’re called. Saving even the “one sheep” is cause for a celebration, to which the angels sing and rejoice…but most especially, to our Father, who shall be well pleased with us.

Christ’ goodness inherently is in within those who believes.  He dwells in us.  Should we not then be compelled and honored at once to subsidize His love and purity from within?  His love is beyond the scope of all understanding, His pure love is a welcome balm to our very souls.

His love is the love that withstands all time and adheres to our souls and sustains us in all kinds of storms. He is the umbrella to the harsh elements, He is the Captain of our ship, He is the light shining in the darkness, He is the One that holds our hearts in His hands with a gentle kindness and sincerity that eclipses all else.

He is the one constant source in which we seek reinforcement on a daily basis that borders on redundancy…in a good way…it is fresh, and new, with each breath we take. With each day the formation of His love and Daily Bread transforms us to another level of understanding.  So, although a passage is well known, one never knows when it will “quicken” our spirit and bring forth a “new meaning” to absorb and share with others.

Breathe deep and aspire to His Word and His commandments. Follow Him, the Spotless Lamb of God as we go through our life here on earth. Each act of love is another solidification of our obedience, in which we strive together, in this race toward our inherent goals and promises spoken by our LORD- that is to say -eternal rewards!

“Blessed Father, King of the Universe, and Creator of all things, give us the ability, share Your insight and bring us to where we should be according to Your purpose, help us daily, and keep us from evil O’ Lord, in Jesus’ beautiful name, Amen…”

 

DEAR GOD: I Trust You & Will Never Leave You

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Trust in God in the Midst of Everything Going On | AirMaria.com

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” –Romans 8:35-37

Firmly holding on to the LORD in all we do or say is a sign of a “mature Christian.” It is the dedication and introspect of His Word and knowing Christ intimately that gives us our forbearance and strength to endure all things, and still cling to our faith.

  • Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him

When turbulence threatens to upset your way of life or an untimely incident appears on your doorway – that is when the roots of our Christian faith are put to the “test” as we express our believe and trust in God.

  • Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Knowing He is there for us at all times is comforting and is one of the best things of accepting Jesus as our LORD and Savior. Knowing we are covered by His blood and that He ransomed us and redeemed us, and we are His, and He is ours!

No matter what circumstances you may be facing today, tomorrow or any day thereafter, have courage and be at peace – for the LORD God is with You. He will never leave you, or disappoint you. He is there for all the days of your life, and thereafter into the eternity.

  • Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever

Trust Him. Love Him. Talk to Him. Read His Word. It will make all the difference in your life. His promises are real, and so too is His love for you!

  • 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!”.

“Father, thank You for being with me all the days of my life, may I be pleasing in Your eyes as I do all things unto You and give You all the glory now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Maestro In Life~

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Piano Tuning in Hanwood Shropshire. Serviced an 'Alison' Grand Piano ...

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)-

  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

The Maestro of my life is the Creator Himself! 

The ivory and ebony keys sit waiting for hands to bring it to life. Without hands to tickle the ivory keys it doesn’t to anything but sit and wait. It sits in dead silence…

So too we wait as the keys do.  We wait to come to LIFE. Just as the keys for the hands of the LORD bring us to LIFE. For it is the LORD who is the Creator of all things. We sit and wait, until His hands of grace bring all creation to LIFE.

He is the Maestro for my symphony that plays in my heart and soul which is created only by the LORD. It is He alone who brings me to LIFE.  He brings all to LIFE!

When we do all things, anything at all- we need to do it for the LORD. Not humans…but GOD!  He alone is the reason for all things. He is the reason for the piano itself!

Colossians 3:24 –Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

The rewards and promises that come from knowing the LORD and His Word and His love are beyond all human comprehension but suffice to say – it is a worthwhile way of LIFE. But then again there is NO LIFE without Him. AND for me- He is my LIFE. He is my delight and joy!

Psalms 37:4 (KJV) – Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

The LORD is my joy, and it is my desire to please Him and all that He is. When we do all things for Him and seek Him – He will bring you the desires of your heart. He is faithful, He is precious, and His hands of grace are unlimited in extending it to His children who follow Him.

Do you do all things for the LORD? Do you realize He is the Maestro of Your life, and only through Him do you come to LIFE?

“LORD, thank You for being the Maestro over my LIFE, and bringing me to LIFE with Your hands of grace, I am at Your service, and at Your feet in worship, may I do all I can to honor You with my existence all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Perfect Peace~

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And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

My pastor did a play on words while speaking of “Peace” of God.  He equated it to a puzzle.  You know, the type of puzzle put together on the table, a former family favorite of days gone by of which some of you may recall.

Well, many a time having worked so diligently on the puzzle only to find there is “one piece missing.”  Did that ever happen to you?   Well, it’s like our presence, it’s not complete without that final piece of the puzzle.  That would be GOD.

He is the missing piece of the puzzle which ostensibly brings about PEACE.

Throughout the Bible there are references relating to knowing “peace” and having secured it only through the “Spiritual” aligning of His word and His Spirit.  Without it there is no peace. It’s simple and complex.  Simple to those who know and have an intimate relationship with Christ. Yet complex to those who haven’t yet accepted Him into their lives.

You’ll recall the famous sign that many churches display: NO GOD – NO PEACE.  KNOW GOD–KNOW PEACE.   Well, that is precisely what He is all about.  That is what His Presence, His light, His love, and His word accomplish within us.  We know perfect peace when we’re one with Him.

The world can literally tumble and fall around us (which these days it seems it is happening as such) …but knowing God will keep us free from anxiety and worry.

As Jesus said in Matthew 7:31 :34 (KJV)— “Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow:  for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof…”

God loves us and He creates us with that love and there is no fear in love.

As stated in 1 John 4:18 (KJV) – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

And by knowing He loves us…we have peace.  In peace, there is no fear. So, it goes…

When we exhibit and therefore take on the behavior of Christ in what we do… we eventually lose sight of “the world” and take up the Spiritual aspect of living. Things that mattered before, no longer have a place in our life. When people push us to the limits the Spirit will guide and give us the wisdom as to the handling of such circumstances. At times, we might not even be aware of such folly. It’s difficult to describe walking in the Spirit and wearing the gospel armor other than to say, it brings peace.

The pastor also gave another good example of “love and peace.”  It was like describing a certain food to someone who’s never had it.  You can describe it, but you cannot really know until you’ve tasted of it.  Such is the love and the peace and the rewards of knowing God and participating in His banquet which all of us can partake of.

Stop, drink and eat of His presence and His love.  I promise, but most especially and most important—HE promises the rewards are boundless.  Amen.

“Father, God, thank You for Your peace and Your protection and providence over my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

 

“The pastures of His love go beyond explanation. It is to graze endlessly and be fulfilled, refreshed, and thirsty no more. The peace and the love that lives within is the ultimate freedom and expression of eternal rewards…”
My response in an article I was interviewed for in 2015 when asked about God’s love…

DEAR GOD: I LOVE YOU & TRUST YOU~

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Be still and know that I am God…
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

It’s natural for issues to crop up during one’s lifetime, to be fair it wouldn’t be life without spending time in the valley. It’s all part of growing in the Lord and being a faithful follower of Christ. Not that the Lord wants His children to suffer, half the time we are the problem, and we build our OWN circumstances from lack of obedience to the Lord. No, that isn’t what I meant. What I mean to say is…we can grow in adversity and get closer to God in the meantime. It’s how we handle the cards that are in our hand that is key to our optimal health and overall growth.

It’s easy to get up and pull the “woe is me…what will I do? Nobody knows my pain…nobody knows what I’m going through. Oh…nobody understands…” So on and so forth. This is commonplace for many individuals for sure. However, it’s how you get out of it that sets us apart from the world. How do we brace ourselves in the face of a crisis? How do we pull out from the damage all around us? How do we soothe a broken heart? We CANNOT…but GOD CAN. The Lord CAN and DOES all things for all those who believe and ask.

It’s how we purpose our lives in accordance with HIS will NOT ours. It’s how we handle the stresses that crop up that will ultimately decide our fate and course of action. That is through God. We wait upon the Lord.

Don’t think He isn’t doing the same for you?  He is waiting for you too!

He is watching and knowing our situation. Every single one of us, He knows what we are going through. And He is watching and waiting for our growth in Him. He wants us to learn before He brings a solution, sometimes delays are part of God’s overall plan. Part of His agenda on a larger scale. The delays that come about in our lives do not destroy us, they fulfill God’s purpose by making us stronger thereby making us better people, in Christ.

We need GOD. ALL of us do.

When we leave God out of the equation by trying to take matters into our own hands, that’s when we can get into trouble. It can be frustrating for sure.   The Bible maintains in 2 Peter 3:8  “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

So, remember God is not in a hurry, all things on His timetable, not ours. His timing is perfect, not ours. His way is superior, ours is inferior. Our thoughts are not His thoughts, and His actions are not our actions. We need to be patient and go with His flow and wait. We will gain the insight and the fortitude in which to grow as we listen, wait and heed His ways and timing. We will reap the rewards of such diligence in time. HIS TIME. Don’t lose heart. Trust. Wait. Love Him.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

It is written that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings, as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. God promises this. His promises are real, eternal, and all part of His plan to prosper us and do good things for us. We need to figure Him in the equation of our lives. All things point to Him, and Him. We need to go into conference with HIM for all the answers. For all of our issues. For it all…Nothing is too small or too big for God. Nothing. He knows WHEN and He knows how it will come. But our faith should be relentless and unwavering, as should our trust in God. For with all of that, and with His hands of grace and love…we will get through anything.

We need to keep our eyes on the Lord and absorb His word and His essence. To all things do it by prayer and obedience in the Lord. In supplication, in joyful meditation of the Lord. And wait and trust and know He will provide the answers to your dilemmas. To all things, He will lead us out of the wilderness, and into certainty. He will turn our world upright again…His light thus shines so brightly. Follow His light, turn from the darkness. Absorb His goodness. And, above all be patient and know that He is going to supply You with provisions that will overflow and bring you into eternal rewards, Amen!

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry-Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)                                                           

DEAR GOD: You Are The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me~

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The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

I was taking a reflective journey yesterday, or more commonly known as a “life review” in some circles.  I evaluated circumstances, issues of both good and bad, and although some instances made me grimace with pain upon the introspective thoughts, they all had one common denominator, “God was there every single step of the way.” Amen!

He was with me during tough times, good times. Easy times, difficult times. Happy times, sad times. And during my self-isolation periods of “youth” when I was being bullied over and over again. My LORD is the One who gave me the strength to carry out His plans and purpose for my life. He is the One who instilled the very nature and character and depth of my personality that led to my calling.

It is He who held my hand during my first loss of a family member, my grandfather when I was a teenager. My beloved “Papa” who lived with us in our house since I was a baby. I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but I did. Along with my parents who guided me from my first breath, and siblings. However the main source of “strength” was from the LORD. Only He generated the substance in which I could go on. It was traumatic for me as a youth, this was the first time I faced death. It became peaceful in the end. As I knew where Papa was, in Heaven. And that right there was the quintessential reason of comfort, my faith in God. He was with me, holding me and guiding me every single step of the way.

Proverbs 16:9: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”

This verse is a reminder that God is always with us, guiding us through life’s journey. Even when we stumble, He is there to help us get back on our feet. He never leaves us and is with us always, just as Jesus’ promised in Matthew 28:20. 

When we ascribe to the commandments and trust in the LORD, we are filled with confidence that we can do it through Christ. We are strong through Christ (Philippians 4:13).

The LORD is the most important aspect of my life. Because without Him, I basically would have “no life.”  It is His light, and His guidance, and His love is why I breathe, why I can be who I am. Only because of Him.

Have you ever “reflected” upon your life?  If so, can you see how the LORD was with you in both good times and bad? Especially in bad times, lifting you and bringing you through it?

“Father, thank You for all You’ve been and continue to be in my life, from day one of bringing me into the world, and this very moment, I live because of You, and I love because of You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”