Month: April 2016

Dear God: We’ll Be Still~

by // // 14 Comments

path

 

Be Still and Know that I am God...

(Psalms 46:10)

Be still.

 Trust in Him and know that He is doing all things for our purpose and our good.

Surrender to Him knowing His hands of grace are upon those who seek Him.

Meditate on His word and know He is the Sovereign God and provider of all our provisions.

Be Still.

Sit back and let God take over.

When we’re tired, forlorn, or in trouble. He will work for us.

He will go before us.

Be Still.

Our redeemer is our Rock and the solid foundation in which we stand.

Be Still.

Wait…wait upon the LORD.

Then, watch, and witness how your life will change.

To God be the glory power and dominion, now and always…Amen!

***

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.  

Psalms 46:11

DEAR GOD: Thank You for Holding Us Up~

by // // 4 Comments

Let-God-Hold-Your-Hand

The entire Bible is pretty powerful and a life source to those of faith.  However, we all have favorite passages from each book of the Bible, or favorite stories.

Isaiah is magnificent in its entirety and so significant to us even today.  The LORD’s promises and His blessings are there for us to grasp and absorb.

There are so many verses of reassurance in this book that it’s difficult to name just a few, but I’ll try by starting with the 41:13.

When I read the above verse I’m immediately filled with awe and peace.  To realize that our Father, our LORD is holding my hand no matter what, is balm for the soul, and makes my heart smile.

He wants us to put Him  in remembrance of His promises too.

Put me in remembrance:

let us plead together: declare thou,

that thou mayest be justified.

Isaiah 43:26 KJV

God wants to protect us with His mercy, His love and His promises.  He is anxious to please us.  But, when we disobey and ignore Him, although He’ll still love us, He will wait until we’re ready to approach Him.

Or, He may “shake us up” so that we fall to our knees to get our attention.

Either way…God loves us.  And the realization is, He’ll neither leave us, nor forsake us. He is the Great I AM I AM…and will be with us forever.

He will protect us from the “enemy” — we’re the apple of His eye.

He will continue to hold us up….even when we’re down.

He’ll pick up us and carry us to safety in His arms and in His care.

Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee; yea,

I will help thee; yea,

I will uphold thee

with the right hand

of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

If you don’t know Him…you’re missing out of the greatest love you’ll ever know in this lifetime.  Take the time and read His Word.  Sit down and speak with Him. He is a loving Father whose mercy endures forever. His love is incomprehensible to the mere mortal, but supersedes all that we’ve ever known.

Open His book. Speak to Him and let Him into your heart.

Then let His promises embrace your life and guide your path.

 

“Father, thank You for holding me, loving me, and guiding me, as You do all of Your children, I love You…all the glory, honor, power, victory and dominion belong to You and You alone, always…in Jesus name,  Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Wonderful Works Are Thine~

by // // 2 Comments

 

 

lordsworks

 

Many, O LORD my God are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than they can be numbered. (Psalms 40:5 KJV)

 

If we were to sit and ponder or meditate each day upon the LORD’s wonderful works we could be enlightened and filled with His peace more and more.

All we have to do is truly “look around” and see His work in everything and anything around us.  Let’s think about the obvious examples like–the skies; the green grass; the beautiful flowers–and exquisite rainbows.

God surrounds us all day long, how about the furniture in your home?  Before it was fashioned into a couch, or coffee table, or a lamp, it was created by God…and then “man” put it together by hand.  But, the materials?  From God.

And, what about our souls?  God created them.  God created us.  His hands brought us into being.  He placed us in our mother’s wombs.  We are who we are because of God.  He, the Master and Creator of the Universe, who made all things, and all things were made by Him, our loving God. Yes, think about   His wonderful works…His wonderful ways…His wonderful love.

When we’re sitting alone sometime during this day, think about all that surrounds you.  The air that swirls about you each day, the aroma of tantalizing food, the birds in the sky…all of it.  Then, think about His love, and why He created us.  His purpose for us in all of this…His plans for us.

He wants us to reinforce His Word each day.  How? By meditating on all He is, by reading, and finally, in living through His Word.

He loves when His children “grow” and bear the fruits of their labor.  We’re able to do this by His grace, His love, and His wonderful works that live on through and in us. The Holy Spirit is within, and He is our supreme comforter for all things, and our guiding force every single day.

Sending us the “Comforter” — it doesn’t get any better than that, does it? That is considered to be one of the most “wonderful works” of all, at least I think so!

“So, Father, we thank You for all of Your wonderful works, and Your hands of grace, and most important, Your love.  We pray that those who know You begin an even deeper walk in their spirituality, and for those who are in the “dark” that they might come to know You and feel Your love and share in eternal rewards, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Psalms 107:21
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

DEAR GOD: The Light & His Love~

by // // No Comments

 

 

beautifulsunsetbychristiane

The light of His love is rewarding and overwhelming, when you lend voice to His word, it brings purpose and meaning to your life. I know it does mine.

Waking up, I immediately give thanks for His protection, and love throughout the night.  I say a prayer of thanks, and ask for His help in the day ahead. I pray for wisdom and insight and the ability to be His vessel.

Then I partake of His “daily bread”—His Word.  It’s so delicious and the perfect way to wake up.  The light, His love, His Word, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Partake of His Word and experience His love and Sovereign power.

 

Feast at His table of Mercy.

Drink from the cup of His love.

Dwell in His infinite goodness.

Live in His healing embrace.

God’s endless flowing  fountain.

God’s Love for me.

…Let the Light in…

 ****

(John 6:35 NKJV)   And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

(John 8:12 NKJV)   Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

DEAR GOD: Our Father’s Business~

by // // 2 Comments

with-jesus-in-heaven-650x433.jpg (650×433)

 

 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”  (Luke 2:49 NKJV)

 

The first words we hear from Christ in the Gospel according to Luke in chapter two, verse forty-nine is  “did you  not know that  I must be about my Father’s business?”   

 

Jesus Christ was always about on His Father’s business, or to say, His Father’s will and doctrine.  He had a purpose coming to earth as the “Son of man” — and walking among the people.  The Word became flesh and walked among us with a plan of salvation and saving the world from sin. ” And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 KJV)

 

Jesus throughout His life as “Son of man” came to serve and save, and to obey His Father’s wishes and will.  His last words on the cross were, “It is finished.”  When he accomplished all that He set out to do for humanity, which is to say mankind… He  saved souls in the process.  Jesus finished that which was His Father’s plan and purpose. But up to the His last breath…He was following and doing His Father’s business/plans/purpose.

We too are part of our Father’s plan, and He has a purpose for us  as well.  We, being one with Christ, should adhere to His example by following the Father’s will, and doctrine.

We also should walk the narrow path of righteousness.  Everyday we should be “about our Father’s business” in all things.

The Father’s business could mean smiling at someone, encouraging someone going through a rough time, or comforting someone who’s grieving and lost a loved one, or a friend that needs to talk because they’re lonely, or just needs a caring ear.

It could be so many things, but most important, it means following God and His ways—which includes kindness and love.   We all should be on a path of building each other up in the Word, and His love for all of us.

Following our King of kings, and LORD of lords,  isn’t always easy.  Jesus said it Himself— many of His followers will suffer certain things along the way—however, with Him in our corner, providing His strength, and wisdom, and love, it’ll be easier to get through it all.  And from this, we will ultimately grow in Christianity, humility, and purpose of which He intended for each of us.

So, when our life, and all that we were supposed to accomplish here on earth is through, and we take our last breath going over into eternity…we’ll be able to say, “It is finished…” as the LORD opens up His loving arms to welcome us into Paradise saying, “Well done my child, well done…”

Amen.

 

 

*******

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

James 1:17 – 25 (KJV)

DEAR GOD: Talking in Prayer~

by // // 2 Comments

 

 

hands praying

 

 

The Bible talks a lot about communication with God. In fact, a good portion of it speaks about our relationship and communication to God.  Our relationship with Him, and His relationship to us.  Prayer is a huge form of communication for those of faith, and the LORD wants us to seek Him with all of our hearts.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

So many prophets and great people of the Bible sought God in prayer. Moses cried out to Him many times during his 40 year walk in the desert.

“And Moses cried unto the Eternal One, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” (Numbers 12:13)

Praying is powerful mind, body, and soul experience.  When you have a relationship with the LORD,  it’s so rewarding no matter the outcome.  What I mean by that is this. We pray and have important alone time with the Father.  And even when  prayers aren’t answered…the connection to Him is rewarding in itself.

Praying can produce instant results—as I’ve been  witness to many times—or it might take a long time before He answers.  Sometimes, the answer might not come because He has other plans for us.    God knows what’s best, and He sees things that we don’t, therefore, we might not understand “why.”

What I can say is this. When we pray with a contrite heart and with complete faith in Him and His Word, we’re conforming and connecting with Him on an intimate level. We need to be sincere in our approach. We can’t fool Him, He knows if we’re sincere and He knows if we have or display great faith. If we simply “act” or have a “lack of faith” — He’ll know.

“If one turns away his ear from hearing My teachings, even his prayer is not heard.” (Proverbs 28:9)

 

As with our regular “daddy” on earth.  So many of us had/have a great relationship with their dad, we know what it’s like to sit and talk from the heart.  It’s easy, light, and comforting.  I know I did, I was able to sit for hours with my dad and speak about anything.  We should be able to do that with our Father in heaven.

When we connect to the LORD,  we’re able to go to Him for anything and everything. He is waiting with open arms, open ears, and a caring heart.  He wants us to lean on Him and trust Him. Don’t wait to run to Him when you’re broken, or need help.   Talk to Him always… in good times…and in bad.  Talk to Him for decisions in life.  Talk to Him to declare your “love for Him.”

He’s our Father, He loves us, talk to Him in prayer, in song, out loud, or quietly in your private room.  The point is…just “talk” to Him.  I can tell you this, He is an amazing listener, and He really loves you unconditionally.

Don’t take my word for it…try it for yourself and watch what happens.

 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV)

 

Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest–a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.  (Psalms 39:12 NLT)

 

DEAR GOD: Your Eyes not Ours~

by // // 2 Comments

animatedflyingdoveJEWISH~2animatedflyingdove

(Deuteronomy 13:18 KJV)   God says: “When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all His commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.”

 

 

We might not see things clearly through our “own eyes.” There are plenty of things that can distort or warp our own eyesight. For example, sin can make us see things differently than what they actually are. That is to say, the fruits of the “flesh.”  If we’re not careful, enjoying fruits of “flesh”  will stop us from  enjoying  beautiful fruits of the “Spirit.” Fleshy acts will prevent the growth of the spirit.  Flesh can be lustful, and demanding,  bringing great anguish, because the flesh and spirit war against each other, as stated so eloquently in Galatians 5:17:

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

When individuals engage in “fleshy” aspects we’re starving our spirit within.  The fruits of  “flesh” can cloud up our spiritual eyesight, and we might not know right from wrong through our own eyes.  Of course, the “fruits” of the “flesh are not good fruits.”  They are not going to grow or prosper the way the true “fruit of the spirit” will.  The spiritual fruit will continue to grow and bring forth more fruit!  The flesh fruit will not produce good fruits.  It will not produce growth in the spirit.

God doesn’t see things the way we do, nor is His ways anywhere close to our ways.  He is above all else, but He is there to guide us with His Word, and His love. He is long suffering, and will be there for us to help us through temptations in life, and will always show us a way out.  ( 1Corinthians 10:13)

How then do we begin to know what’s right in the eyes of the LORD? We listen to His Word, we keep His commandments.  That’s a good way to improve your spiritual vision.

In Joshua, chapter 6 the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. It was an easy victory for Israel, because God had a vision, and Joshua followed what was right in God’s eyes, not his own.

God placed a ban on everything in Jericho, meaning all was to be destroyed except the gold and silver which was to be placed in the tabernacle.  That was what was “right in God’s eyes.”  But, there was a man amongst Joshua’s army who thought he knew better than God concerning the gold and silver.  He didn’t listen to God…nor did he obey by God’s vision.  He went with His own vision, and from there, they had trouble and no more victories. The LORD ceased in His blessings to them.  Until the “accursed thing” was taken from their midst and placed in the tabernacle, God was not in their corner, nor did He go before them.

God states and outlines what He expects of His children throughout the Bible. From the beginning, in Genesis, concerning “Adam and Eve” with which tree to eat from.  To the end of the book in Revelation, stating what His children should do, the outcome is revealed in the last book of the Bible, showing the rewards of “obeying and walking with spiritual eye”  in other words, God’s vision not ours, in God’s eyes, not our own eyes.

 

The LORD is so patient with His children, and will always forgive us, and reward us for our efforts. We’re not perfect, and we all fall short sometimes during this lifetime, God still loves us and is there to help us. We’re weak, He’s strong.  We’re human, He’s a Sovereign being.   We will sin, He forgives.

 

Do that what is right in the Father’s eyes and be blessed!

 

 

 

 

(Deuteronomy 13:18  KJV)

“When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all His commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.”

 

DEAR GOD: Faithful & Precise~

by // // 2 Comments

cropped-gettyimagedeargod.jpg

 

 

Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)

9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

How many times have we sought to understand a situation or event in which we can’t wrap our minds around, stumbling in confusion during the process?   It happens, to all of us.  Eventually, a scenario, or occurrence, will thwart the progression of our comprehension, thereby bringing about an unsettled state of mind in the interim.

In simpler terms, when things occur in our life concerning loved ones, or us as a whole, our mind can become clogged with uncertainties.  We can stumble into a web of confusion and chaotic scenarios that go in circles.  That’s when we run to the One who is “ever faithful” and can help. The One who is precise in His direction, and guidance, and the One who will never leave us, good times or bad…the One who cares for us like none other, the LORD our God.

His covenant, and His promises, fold out so clearly in His Word. The precise message pours over the buds in our mind like golden honey.  Sweet, how sweet is thy Word LORD.

Consider this, the Creator of the Universe is wise beyond all measure, and surpasses anything that our human minds can truly begin to absorb.  So…isn’t it natural to turn to the Creator since He not only made everything, but loves us as well?  Doesn’t He want us to be in peace as He so firmly states in Jeremiah 29:11:   “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

The LORD is slow to anger, and so loving, and protective of us. His compassion is everlasting and peaceful. He is the fine tuning we need in order to be effective in life. His precision and determination in promoting us is evident in all of His promises and quotes…if only we take the time to embrace and establish them within our hearts.

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15 KJV)

The steps, or paths, in front of us, may not always be “smooth” — in fact,  they could be broken, making it difficult to walk upon— but God in His infinite Wisdom, compassion, mercy, faithfulness, and love, is the compass of  which we should seek direction.

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. (Psalm 119:90 KJV)

He is open for “talks” and “prayer meetings” 24 hours a day. He is never on vacation, nor does He take His eyes from us for even one second of His day. His love extends from the heavens to the earth, protecting and guiding us, when we seek, and ask, and knock.

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 36:5 KJV)

So where ever we are in life, or whatever is happening around us, that covers both “good times” and “bad” — remember, there is the ever constant One that loves us, who will never leave us, never forsake us, and is with us always: God, our amazing LORD, our Father, the Rock of ages, and the King of kings, and LORD of lords.

 He is amazing and a true blessing.  By His grace we are who we are, and by His hands of love, we stand in peace and are comforted, should we know how to access His throne.

As it’s stated in His holy Word:

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

(Hebrews 4:16 KJV)

Think about that scripture above for one moment okay? We have  a loving God, ready, willing and able to be at our assistance, any time of  day or night.  Now take it in, and take a deep breath.    Can we  find anything more comforting than that?  Hmmmm?

“Father, thank You for Your faithfulness,  Your precision, and love concerning our well being, we love You, and are blessed to be loved by You, we exalt Your name on high, and careful to give You all the glory, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen…” 

*****

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Psalms 40:10 KJV

DEAR GOD: Our Refuge & Defense~

by // // 11 Comments

 

butterfly-Gods-hands.jpg

 

 

“For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.”                  

(Psalms 89:18 KJV)

 

Something wonderful happens to a believer when they choose God for their protection…for with that mind-set we shall find in Him all that we need when we surrender to Him.  He becomes our refuge and we’re protected from the snares of the fowler, and from contagion of sin, and we’re able to sustain temptations through His grace and guidance.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.                    (1 Corinthians 10:13  KJV)

****

The believer, although trouble and affliction may touch their lives God will be their shield.  When we look to the LORD we find encouragement and comfort that no mortal can give.  It is the significance of His sovereignty and omnipotent nature that inherently keeps us “safe” and in His pasture of peace.

****

How amazing that we have the LORD in our corner, right?  The One will never leave us, never forsake us.  The One true Being that loves us unconditionally, and who provides for us. When we pray he hears us. When we cry…he cries with us, and when we laugh,  surely He laughs with us. When we rejoice, He rejoices with us.

****

The thing is…He is with us all the time. 

****

LORD, thank You for being You and loving us the way only You can do, we give You all the glory and honor always, with love forever more, in Jesus name, Amen.

****

 

 

 

 

(Psalm 91:2 KJV)

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

 

 (Psalm 91:9 KJV)

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

 

 

DEAR GOD: Our Eyes Are Fixed On You~

by // // 10 Comments

jesus walks on water

 

 

Matthew 14:29-31King James Version (KJV)

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst doubt?

 

 

This lesson is one of crucial essence for those of faith.  When Peter stepped out of the boat he was looking at Jesus. What happened when he took his eyes off Jesus?  He began to “sink” into the huge ocean.  That was Peter’s mistake taking his eyes from Jesus, because he was doing just fine until he “saw” the commotion going on around him.

In today’s times, it’s no different than it was then. The ocean “sought to engulf” Peter and swallow him up into the murky deep dark depths. The enemy seeks to devour us and pull us into the “deep dark murky” world of sin.

When we keep our eyes fixed on the LORD we are able to sustain and prevail with His help and His guidance. How does this happen?  Faith. Pure and simple…faith.  And, eyes on the LORD. Our faces as flint pointed toward the Holy City and the LORD.

The LORD was a little disappointed in Peter saying, “oh thou of little faith” — for He wanted Peter to be bold in his faith and belief. He wanted him to “rely” on Him and be assured that with His help and guidance no one will sink. We are protected through His mercy and love.

When times get rough…that is when we need to “walk on water” all the more.  With eyes on Jesus, we can stay afloat amidst the turmoil and most horrendous of times.  Sure, the word can become “choked” in the happenings of circumstances, but it’s up to us to embrace His promises and stand on His word, and we will stand strong as His right hand holds us up.

It’s through His love that we stand tall, and it’s by His strength that sustains the weak, and it’s by His mercy that we are forgiven and protected.

Stormy weather?  Calm seas?  Keep your eyes on the LORD and know that He is captain of our ship and is in complete control, always.  Amen…

 

 

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  (Matthew 16:27)