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DEAR GOD: In Your Commandments I Stand~

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Ecclesiastes 12:13- “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

In the heart of every believer dwells a profound love for the LORD. While humans often judge by outward appearances, the LORD delves deeper, searching the hearts of His children. Spiritual growth is an intricate process marked by discipline, patience, and unwavering faith in His Word. It is through persistent seeking of His face and focusing on His kingdom that true spiritual growth occurs.

When navigating the valleys of life, we are faced with a choice: to sink lower in doubt or to stand firm as a soldier of the LORD. True overcomers process their circumstances while placing unwavering trust in the LORD and His promises. By following His commandments, we are fortified, secure, and assured of His constant presence through all the days of our lives.

John 14:21 -“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

The LORD leads us, goes before us, and will never forsake us. His promises are as potent and vital today as they were at the beginning of time. Each tribulation and trial is an opportunity for spiritual growth. We can ask the LORD to speak to our hearts, seeking wisdom and understanding for the reasons behind our trials. While we may not always comprehend why things happen, we can trust that God is working for our good. Sometimes, clarity comes swiftly, bringing beauty from ashes.

God remains a Divine mystery, accessible to us at all times. By seeking Him, we gain understanding and spiritual maturity. Thank Him for all things, and love Him with all your heart.

Reflective Questions

  • How can I better cultivate discipline, patience, and faith in my spiritual growth journey?
  • In what ways can I ensure my actions align with God’s commandments?
  • How can I maintain my trust in the LORD during times of trial and uncertainty?
  • What steps can I take to deepen my relationship with God and seek His wisdom daily?
  • How can I foster a heart of gratitude and love for the LORD in all circumstances?

Moral Takeaways

  • Discipline and Patience: Spiritual growth requires dedication and a patient heart.
  • Faith and Trust: Trusting in God’s promises and His presence provides strength and security.
  • Obedience: Following God’s commandments is a reflection of our love for Him.
  • Gratitude: A heart filled with gratitude enhances our relationship with God and helps us recognize His blessings.

Thoughts on Today’s Times vs. Biblical Times

In Biblical times, the emphasis on fearing God and keeping His commandments was paramount. Today, amidst a fast-paced and often chaotic world, these principles remain essential. Modern believers face unique challenges, but the core message of Ecclesiastes 12:13 is timeless. Our duty to fear God and keep His commandments transcends cultural and historical contexts, guiding us toward a life of spiritual fulfillment and divine connection.

 “LORD-We come before You with hearts open and yearning for Your wisdom. Help us to embrace discipline, patience, and faith as we grow spiritually. Grant us the strength to follow Your commandments and to trust in Your unwavering promises. Lord, lead us through the valleys of life, fortifying our hearts with Your love and presence. May we always seek Your face, finding understanding and peace in Your Divine mystery. Fill our hearts with gratitude for all things and let our love for You shine brightly in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

Proverbs 3:5-6- “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.”

Blessing for the Readers

May the LORD bless you with a heart full of love, gratitude, and unwavering faith. Trust in His promises, follow His commandments, and seek His wisdom daily. May your spiritual journey be enriched with His presence, guiding you through all the days of your life.

God Bless You All~

 

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DEAR GOD: You Love Me!-Thank You!-With Love, Me~

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Jesus answered and said unto him, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” – John 14:23

This verse from the Gospel of John is a profound declaration of the intimate relationship between Jesus, His followers, and God the Father. It encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship and the promise of divine fellowship.

Heartfelt Reflection

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love and obedience. To love Jesus is to keep His words, to live according to His teachings, and to embody His commandments in our daily lives. This love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to follow His path, even when it is challenging. It is a love that transforms us, aligning our hearts with His divine will.

The promise that follows is extraordinary. Jesus assures us that if we love Him and keep His words, both He and the Father will come to us and make their home with us. This is not a temporary visit but a permanent dwelling. It signifies a deep, abiding presence of God in our lives, offering us comfort, guidance, and peace.

Moral Thoughts

This verse calls us to examine our lives and our relationship with Jesus. Are we truly keeping His words? Are we living in a way that reflects His love and teachings? It is a reminder that our faith is not just about belief but about action. Our love for Jesus should be evident in the way we live, the choices we make, and the way we treat others.

Meditative Views

As we meditate on this verse, let us imagine the profound peace and joy of having God make His abode with us. Picture the warmth and light of His presence filling our hearts and homes. Let this image inspire us to deepen our love for Jesus and our commitment to His teachings.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I better keep Jesus’ words in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I show my love for Jesus through my actions?
  3. How does the promise of God’s abiding presence bring comfort and strength to me?

Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible promise of Your Presence in our lives. Help us to love Jesus with all our hearts and to keep His words faithfully. May Your Holy Spirit guide us and strengthen us in our journey of faith. Let Your presence fill our heart and home, bringing us peace, joy, and comfort. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thoughts and Scripture to Ponder

Thought: Let us strive to live in a way that reflects our love for Jesus, knowing that His presence is with us always.

 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15

 

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DEAR GOD: Why Wonder, You Will Reveal All In Your Time~

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Habakkuk 2:3 – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

When I start to say, “I wonder, if—” I have to pull those words back, step back, and know God is God, and He has it all under control, and according to His timing and will. It’s not for me to “wonder” or think about things that seem to scurry about in my mind, rambling around and around…nope, God has it all taken care of.  (Be still and know I’m God…Psalm 49:10)

 

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we wait with conviction in our heart and soul, we become stronger in our faith as we let God be God. As we go forward we can rest in Him, and be comforted by the promises in His Word, and hold on tight to His love and protection…and His wisdom in all things concerning His children.

Romans 5:6 – For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ came to this earth to “save us” and to give us the foundation and unilateral way to get to Heaven and His Father, our God. He brings us strength, resolve, and conditioning in which we exercise our inner spirit, as He dwells within all those who believe in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

My husband and I have been feeling that we need to move within the next several months. However, we haven’t received the full “message” of His timing and His will…so we are waiting for the right season…according to the LORD… to move.

Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

When it is the perfect time, it will open up. That is to say, doors of opportunity, all things will be clear. There will not be any disparaging lines in the sand, instead they will be boldly outlined for us to move forward. When things are right, and according to His plans, everything goes smoothly. Sometimes, out of nowhere—it happens, and suddenly—wham, you know it’s God’s voice speaking and leading you and directing and guiding you.

Don’t worry, don’t fret, don’t be anxious…The LORD is with you, and will working behind the scenes, when you follow Him, and trust Him, and recognize His Son, Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior—life becomes easier to navigate with Him as your GPS.

“Father, may I always recognize that You are in control of all things, that Your plans, and Your timing, and Your will are perfect, and You want what’s best for Your children, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: What Can I Do For You Today?~

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And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.    Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Are you serving the LORD? Or are you serving some other “image or idol?” Are you walking in His commandments? Or are you walking adrift on your own?

Serving the LORD is important in so many ways, the most important one being, our salvation and eternity. Acceptance of the LORD, Jesus Christ is a crucial and vital aspect of obedience and faith. When we trust in the LORD, and accept Him as our LORD and Savior, we are assured of our salvation and getting to God.  In John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

There is “NO” other way, and this is from Jesus’ own lips, so we know it’s true. serving Him is a big factor in the overall equation of being Christian. Serving Him requires so many obligations and duties in our job right here on earth.

  • Helping others, unselfishly. (Meaning without motive, just pure servitude).
  • Giving to others through actions. (Examples could be, offering someone a lift who doesn’t have transportation, accompanying them to the doctor’s office, taking them to church, etc.).
  • Supplying food or clothing. (Food pantry volunteering, or bringing food items or both, dropping off clothing for the homeless, or shelter, etc.)
  • Visiting someone. (In a nursing home, hospital).
  • Going to a widow/widower’s home. (Just going over to spread some cheer, take away some loneliness).
  • Sharing the Gospel. (Planting seeds or introducing someone to Christ).

These are just some ways of serving others through Christ. We can serve Him by doing all of the above, and more. There is nothing too small, or too big when it is done with all of your heart, and by being the servant of the LORD Jesus Christ with a pure heart, makes it complete.

Have you done anything today that Christ would be happy with? Have you planned anything today that will make Christ smile?  And most important, have you accepted Him as your LORD and Savior?

“Father, God how may I serve You today, show me the way, may I be pleasing in Your loving eyes in all I do and say, each day of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: What Should I Do At This Stage In My Life?~

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I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Isaiah 464 (NLT)

 

Some of us as we age do what is called a “life review” in our mind. That’s a time log of events and things that transpired in your lifetime, both good and bad, and all the in between times. Some people are filled with many regrets, some have little regrets. And still others, who have “no regrets whatsoever.” Those are the fortunate ones.

I thought about the steps in my life, and God was ultimately behind them all. Of course, there were a few in my youth that dictated my “teenage” years thinking I had all the answers. But I wasn’t the average rebellious type of individual in the teenage years, I was a timid and quiet type, and had the blessings of great godly parents, who taught me right from wrong. And God was always in the center of our lives. I never really went against authority, or the law.  Nonetheless, given youth and lack of maturity, there were decisions that were made along the way, that was less than favorable in terms of outcome. But through each experience, I gained wisdom.

Proverbs 2:6  (NLT)-For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.  

My 4o’s were the most productive in terms of career, and accomplishments in terms of doing “God’s work” and what He called me to do. That of course, as many of you who follow me know, it was my career in nursing home industry. I loved every moment of it. That is because God chose that profession for me. He ordained me to do so, and I followed. It was a spectacular time, and it fulfilled my purpose in life as God’s will and plans, thus the jubilation I felt, because it was God who did the planning. I merely followed course. When we do God’s will and follow our purpose, we invariably will be happy, because it was chosen by God.

Psalm 37:23 (NLT)-The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Now in my senior years I wonder what’s next? I wonder when and how I will be used for His purpose. So let’s see, I’m an author and writer that stays within the parameters of my beliefs. I don’t wander outside the lines of what God expects to be in my writing. And most important, I mainly use it to glorify my LORD and to share the Word with my brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Mark 16:15 (KJV) – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

There are times when I’ll be wondering, if through my web ministry if I’m reaching enough, doing enough, or expecting too much; but then I realize I’m right where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m called to be doing.

Each decade of my life brought another dimension to my years. Each decade brought another aspect or clarity of the Word to my heart and soul. And each day is another day to learn, to share the Word, and to most especially, obey and love God with all my heart, mind, strength and soul.

Matthew 22:37 (NLT)- Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’

What came to me was very profound and yet perfectly simple. We are existing to serve God, no matter our age or circumstance. When we follow Him, we are surrendering to His will and His purpose in life. And when we “listen” to His voice, we know Him, and follow Him gladly and commit to Him in all things. Hearing Him and following Him is quite different from “hearing and doing nothing” —We MUST follow Him when we hear His voice.

John 10:27 (KJV)-“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Are you doing all you can to serve Him daily? Have you expressed Your love in actions towards others?  Have you shared the Word?

“Father, thank You for guiding me since birth, showing me, leading me, and directing me to do Your will, may I continue to listen to Your voice and commandments all the days of my life, I am Yours, and I know You are my LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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.”